Who Has Access to PT?

By: Abigail Palmiter

Let’s talk about physical therapy and who actually gets access to it.

Across the U.S., we know PT can change lives. It can reduce pain, prevent surgeries, improve function, and promote independence. But here’s the reality: not everyone has the same chance to benefit from it.

Underrepresented communities—particularly Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and lower-income populations—face major barriers to PT access:
- Lack of insurance or high out-of-pocket costs
- Transportation gaps
- Language barriers
- Cultural disconnect between patients and providers
- Mistrust of healthcare systems from years of harm and dismissal

And when only 10% of Hispanic adults and 8% of Black adults report ever receiving physical therapy in their lifetime—despite higher rates of musculoskeletal and chronic health conditions in these communities—it becomes clear: access isn’t equitable, and the system isn’t reaching everyone it should.

This is why health equity isn’t optional. It’s why representation in PT matters. And it’s why programs like the imPacT FUND are about reshaping the future of care.

We can’t fix access without fixing the system.