Zarek P, Ruttinger C, Armstrong D, Chakrabarti R, Hess DR, Manal TJ, Dall TM, Current and Projected Future Supply and Demand for Physical Therapists From 2022 to 2037: A New Approach Using Microsimulation. Phys Ther. 2025;105(3). doi:10.1093/ptj/pzaf014.
Available at: https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/105/3/pzaf014/8047019
Assessing the balance between the physical therapist workforce and the demand for services is essential to meeting healthcare needs and understanding the profession’s future. As one of the largest clinical healthcare occupations in the US, physical therapy plays a critical role, especially with an aging population and rising prevalence of conditions requiring care. Ensuring a well-distributed and sufficient workforce is key to providing timely, effective treatment. This article examines current supply and demand trends, projects future workforce needs, and offers insights to help policymakers address shortages, improve training programs, and optimize resource allocation.