Physical therapy virtual and telerehabilitation services involve the use of telecommunications and virtual communication technologies to deliver physical therapy services remotely. It allows physical therapists to evaluate, develop, monitor, and adjust treatment plans for patients who cannot access onsite outpatient clinical services due to factors such as long travel times or transportation difficulties. Key services offered include teleconsultation, remote monitoring of vital signs and symptoms, virtual physical therapy sessions through video conferencing, and more. The growing geriatric population in the U.S. prone to mobility issues and physical disabilities is driving significant demand for convenient physical therapy solutions.
The U.S. Physical Therapy Virtual And Telerehabilitation Services Market Size is estimated to be valued at US$ 209.55 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.4% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics:
The growing geriatric population as highlighted in the heading is one of the key drivers fueling market growth. As per the United Nations report, the U.S population aged 65 years and above is projected to grow from 56 million in 2019 to 95 million by 2060. The risk of mobility issues, chronic pain conditions and physical disabilities increases substantially with age. Virtual and remote solutions allow convenient treatment access to this vulnerable demographic group minimizing transportation difficulties. Meanwhile, the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth modalities across various outpatient clinical settings including physical therapy. The benefits demonstrated in terms of accessibility, affordability and patient satisfaction are compelling healthcare providers and payers to continue investing in virtual platforms even in the post-pandemic era.
Segment Analysis
The U.S. Physical Therapy Virtual and Telerehabilitation Services Market is dominated by the musculoskeletal (MSK) segment. MSK conditions include back and neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain and ankle injuries. These conditions are very common and recurring which makes MSK the sub-segment with the highest demand for physical therapy and telerehabilitation services. Telehealth and virtual care lowers the barriers to access physical therapy for MSK patients where in-person visits may not always be convenient or feasible.
PEST Analysis
Political: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted gaps in access to physical therapy. There is growing political will to expand coverage for virtual and telehealth services under public insurance programs to improve access to care.
Economic: Higher healthcare costs and shortage of physical therapists is driving greater adoption of virtual and telerehabilitation models which can lower costs while expanding reach. The growing geriatric population will further fuel demand for such lower cost home-based rehabilitation services.
Social: Younger patients are more comfortable with digital technologies and virtual care models. The shift towards preventive care and wellness is increasing focus on physical therapy. The stigma around virtual visits is reducing with familiarity and acceptance of telehealth.
Technological: Advancements in connected devices, wearables, digital platforms and telecommunications have enabled remote monitoring, virtual sessions and digital therapy programs. 5G network rollouts will support more robust virtual reality and real-time video capabilities.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. Physical Therapy Virtual and Telerehabilitation Services Market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. The growing preference for home-based and on-demand care is driving rapid expansion of virtual care models and telehealth in physical therapy.
Regional analysis: The western US region currently dominates the market led by states like California, Washington and Colorado with higher technology adoption rates and more progressive policies supporting telehealth. However, southern states like Texas and Florida are expected to emerge as high growth markets as broadband access and digital infrastructure strengthens in coming years.
Key players operating in the market are Inogen Inc., Invacare Corporation, OxygenToGo, LLC, Koninklijke Philips N.V., ResMed Inc., Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare LLC, Precision Medical, Inc., Besco Medical Co. Ltd., O2 Concepts, LLC, and GCE Group. These companies are focusing on partnerships, new product launches and virtual care solutions to capitalize on the surging demand for tele-rehabilitation and virtual physical therapy visits. Strategic acquisitions are also expected to feature prominently in a consolidating industry.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
