Physical Therapy

Common services and transparent pricing

Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.

• Initial physical therapy evaluation — $125–$275: Initial physical therapy evaluation is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Follow-up treatment session — $75–$175: Follow-up treatment session is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Dry needling session — $75–$175: Dry needling session is a procedure-oriented physical therapy service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
• Manual therapy session — $100–$200: Manual therapy session is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Aquatic therapy session — $75–$175: Aquatic therapy session is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Vestibular rehabilitation session — $100–$200: Vestibular rehabilitation session is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation — $150–$300: Pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Pelvic floor treatment session — $100–$200: Pelvic floor treatment session is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Sports performance screening (movement analysis) — $125–$250: Sports performance screening (movement analysis) is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Post-surgical rehabilitation session — $100–$200: Post-surgical rehabilitation session is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Lymphedema management session — $100–$225: Lymphedema management session is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Pediatric physical therapy evaluation — $150–$300: Pediatric physical therapy evaluation is a common physical therapy entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.

Frequently asked questions

How much does physical therapy cost without insurance?

An initial physical therapy evaluation costs $125 to $275 cash-pay. Follow-up treatment sessions range from $75 to $175 per visit. Most treatment plans involve 1-3 visits per week for 4-8 weeks. Cash-pay PT is often competitive with insurance copays ($30-$75/visit) once you factor in deductibles.

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?

In most U.S. states, you can see a physical therapist through direct access without a physician referral. On OpenDoc, patients can search directly for any physical therapist. Some states have limitations on direct access (duration or number of visits), but your PT will inform you of any state-specific requirements.

How many physical therapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on your condition, severity, and goals. Acute injuries typically require 6-12 sessions over 4-8 weeks. Post-surgical rehabilitation may require 12-24 sessions over 8-16 weeks. Your physical therapist will establish a plan of care with clear milestones at your initial evaluation.

What is dry needling and does it hurt?

Dry needling involves inserting thin monofilament needles into trigger points (muscle knots) to release tension and reduce pain. Most patients feel a brief cramping or twitch response followed by relief. It is commonly used for back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. Sessions cost $75 to $175 and are often combined with other manual therapy techniques.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy treats dysfunction of the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Conditions treated include urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, diastasis recti, and painful intercourse. Treatment may involve internal and external manual techniques, biofeedback, and therapeutic exercises. An initial evaluation costs $150 to $300.

Is physical therapy better than surgery for back pain?

For many back pain conditions, physical therapy is equally effective as surgery with fewer risks. A landmark study showed that PT was as effective as surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis at 2-year follow-up. Physical therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment before considering surgery for most non-emergency spine conditions.

What is vestibular rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation is specialized physical therapy for dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems caused by inner ear disorders. Techniques include canalith repositioning (Epley maneuver) for BPPV, gaze stabilization exercises, and balance retraining. Many patients with BPPV experience complete resolution in 1-3 sessions.

Why is cash-pay physical therapy often better than insurance-based PT?

Insurance-based PT typically limits visit counts, requires prior authorization for continued care, and often results in high-volume clinic models where therapists treat 2-4 patients simultaneously. Cash-pay physical therapists offer one-on-one treatment sessions with the treating therapist for the full duration, no visit caps, and no administrative delays — leading to faster recovery and better outcomes.