If you’ve just undergone surgery or you are recovering from an injury, you may be worried about the cost of rehabilitation. After all, healthcare isn’t cheap and treatments for the specific injury have likely already cost a lot of money. Physical therapy can be expensive, but there are ways you can make it more affordable. here are some of the best:
Find a Physical Therapist That Isn’t Too Expensive
This may seem like it goes without saying, but you’d be surprised how many people think that they need to spend the most money on their treatments. Not all physical therapists are created equal and some will charge more for their services than others, but there are many equally qualified therapists who do not charge outrageous prices. Do your research ahead of time and find a therapist that is within your budget.
Ask About Payment Plans
Many physical therapy clinics will work with you to create a payment plan if you can’t afford the entire bill all at once. This allows you to pay a smaller amount every month until your balance is paid off and can help spread out payments if they are difficult for you to afford. Some physical therapy clinics do not offer this, so if you think this is something you might need, find a PT that offers this service.
Stick to Your Routine
One of the best ways to save money is by making your time in physical therapy as short as possible. You can do this by sticking to your treatment plan and not missing any sessions. Missing a session because you didn’t feel like going that day or because you got carried away with other responsibilities is one of the easiest ways to rack up additional expenses, so try your best to avoid it. If you have been having trouble making all of your physical therapy appointments, talk to your therapist about what can be done to help you stay on track.
Join an Inexpensive Gym
Depending on where you live, gym memberships may be as low as $20 per month. This is far cheaper than whatever investment you could make in at-home devices or even private physical therapy sessions. If you’re having trouble sticking to your at-home routine, consider joining a gym instead. This will also give you the opportunity to meet new people and get in some extra exercise.
Consider Telehealth
If there are certain things that you can meet with your physical therapist about that don’t require you to go into their office, consider trying telehealth instead. This is a relatively new option in which you can communicate with your therapist via phone or video chat, so they are able to guide you through the same activities that would be done during an office visit without having to take time out of your workday. It is also a great way to save money on gas since you won’t need to drive there. Not all therapists offer this service and it may not always be covered by insurance, but it can be a good alternative to physical therapy sessions.
These are just a few of the ways that you can make physical therapy more affordable. Do not let the cost of treatment keep you from getting the care you need. Talk to your therapist about what options are available to you and work out a payment plan that works for both of you.