A Budget Guide to Physical Therapy Equipment for PTs

23 Jun.,2025

 

A Budget Guide to Physical Therapy Equipment for PTs

A Budget Guide to Physical Therapy Equipment for PTs                    

Running a private physical therapy office is expensive. Initial costs include permits, insurance, and software. And, of course, the equipment. It can get a bit pricey, with parallel bars averaging around $800 to $1,300, and that's not even including other equipment needed around the clinic.

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Saving every penny is vital to having a profitable private PT clinic. So, how can PTs provide top-notch equipment to patients without breaking the bank?

This guide explains how to budget for physical therapy tools effectively.

You'll learn:

  • The physical therapy equipment checklist
  • Six ways to spend less on PT equipment for your practice
  • The importance of maintaining PT equipment supplies

Physical Therapy Equipment Checklist 

No doubt you have some idea of what kind of physical therapy supplies you need for your clinic. But if it's been a while since you've updated your equipment, consider refreshing your practice with new assets for improved patient rehabilitation.

Practice Management Software   

An efficient practice management solution will optimize all aspects of your practice, including equipment effectiveness.

Your software's features can reveal a lot about the quality of the equipment in your programs.

Tracking patient activity: If your clients struggle to complete assignments from the dashboard, review equipment compatibility with patient needs to ensure program completion.

Connecting with patients: Ask patients directly about the effectiveness of your products. Patients can conveniently respond from their phones if your software includes an app.

Reporting: Are there current trends in patient outcomes, clinic goals, and equipment effectiveness analytics that inform your equipment investment decisions? Consistently monitoring these analytics can help you make critical equipment investment decisions.

Let me know if your patient management software can give you these insights. If not, consider finding an all-in-one practice solution to handle all this and more.

Office Supplies  

That's right - equipment doesn't just apply to the ones patients use on the exercise floor. It's crucial to consider equipment for every area of your clinic, from the administrative side to the waiting room. Your staff and patients deserve the best resources to ensure efficient operations and a welcoming environment.

Here are essential physical therapy supplies to secure for your PT office:

Desk and Chairs: A comfortable desk and chairs are necessary for your administrative staff to complete their tasks. They provide a dedicated workspace for scheduling appointments and managing patient walk-ins. Additionally, comfortable seating is important for patients during consultations or while waiting for their appointments.

Furniture: Other furniture, such as cabinets, shelves, and storage units, helps keep the clinic organized and clutter-free. These provide space for storing medical supplies, exercise equipment, and therapeutic aids.

Cleaning Supplies: A clean and hygienic PT clinic is crucial. Use disinfectants, wipes, gloves, and sanitizers to prevent germ spread and ensure the safety of patients and staff. Regular cleaning routines enhance professionalism and appearance.

Computers: Computers are integral to modern healthcare practices, including PT clinics. They allow for EMR (Electronic Medical Records) management, appointment scheduling, billing, and communication with patients and insurance providers. Ideally, all of these should be easily accessible by management.

Test and Measurement Devices

 Objective data is crucial to assess, diagnose, and monitor patient progress, ensuring accurate rehabilitation programs based on individual needs.

Evaluate these clinic items to ensure they're up to date:

Goniometers: Assist in measuring joint angles, assessing range of motion (ROM), identifying limitations, and tracking therapy progress. They assist in developing treatment plans for joint ROM.

Grip Dynamometer: Measure handgrip strength, an essential indicator of upper body strength. These devices evaluate rehabilitation progress, assess muscle weakness, and guide treatment planning for hand injuries, arthritis, or neurological disorders.

Stethoscope: Aid in assessing cardiovascular and respiratory function, identifying abnormalities, and monitoring vital signs during exercise or rehabilitation sessions. Stethoscopes provide valuable information for determining exercise intensity and tolerance levels.

Reflex Hammer: Reflex hammers elicit and assess deep tendon reflexes. Physical therapists use them to evaluate nerve function, detect abnormalities in reflex responses, and diagnose conditions affecting the neuromuscular system. Reflex hammers assist in formulating treatment plans and monitoring neurological progress.

Basic P.T. Equipment    

In this case, being basic is okay! These tools are widely used in the PT industry. You probably have some (if not all) of them, but it's always good to do a self-check to see how they're holding up and if it's time to replace them with newer editions.

How are these items in your clinic looking?

Mat Table: Is this still supporting your patients during treatments and allows you to work comfortably at an appropriate height?

Treatment Tables: Do you have suitable types and sizes, including adjustable height tables and plinths?

Large Mirrors: Are your large mirrors installed on walls correctly to allow patients to observe their movements and posture during therapy sessions?

Linens: Clean linens, including sheets and towels, are essential for maintaining hygiene and providing patient comfort. Is proper laundering and replacement of linens happening frequently enough to maintain infection control standards?

Fitness / Exercise Equipment    

This piece of physical therapy equipment is what patients will use daily in your clinic and exercise programs. Ideally, this equipment should be readily available for these patients to get from their HEP.

With that in mind, here are some that should be easy for your patients to obtain:

Exercise Balls: Stability balls offer versatile tools for balance, core strengthening, and postural exercises.Mats: An essential piece of equipment in PT clinics but also can aid in other physical activities such as yoga, Pilates, and stretching routines.

Resistance Bands: Variable resistance can be adjusted to individual needs and is suitable for patients at different strength levels. Resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and versatile, allowing patients to practice exercises anywhere.

Foam Rollers: By applying pressure to specific areas, foam rollers help alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility. They can be used during warm-up routines, cool-down sessions, or targeted massage and stretching exercises.

In-House Educational Materials    

Could you look around your waiting room, exercise area, restrooms, and treatment rooms? What kind of material do you provide for your patients? Having the occasional tabloid in the reception area is fine, but your credibility is more significant in what you place around the room regarding focused care.

Consider adding these to your PT literary collection:

Anatomical Models and Posters: These tools enable physical therapists to explain complex anatomical concepts, identify affected areas, and demonstrate treatment techniques. They enhance patient engagement, facilitate discussions, and promote a better understanding of the rehabilitation process.

Health Education Posters: They educate patients about proper body mechanics, injury prevention strategies, self-care techniques, and exercise guidelines. Health education posters can empower patients to participate in their recovery actively, make informed decisions, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

Tablets or Magazines for Patient Education: Provides multimedia presentations, videos, articles, and interactive exercises to enhance patient learning. Tablets or magazines enable patients to access educational materials at their own pace, allowing for independent exploration and reinforcement of critical concepts.

Patient Handouts and Brochures: These materials serve as references for patients to review at home, ensuring they have clear instructions and guidelines to follow. Patient handouts and brochures reinforce therapy concepts, encourage compliance, and support continuity of care beyond clinic visits.

First-Aid & Medical Supplies

Having readily available first-aid and medical supplies is essential in various settings, even if they are never needed.

Make sure you always have a stocked inventory of these medical items:

Basic First Aid Supplies:

  • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
  • Sterile gauze pads and rolls
  • Medical tape
  • Disposable gloves
  • Antiseptic wipes or solution for cleaning wounds
  • Tweezers and scissors
  • Instant cold packs
  • Elastic bandages
  • CPR mask or face shield
  • Splints or immobilization devices

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Disposable gloves (latex or nitrile)
  • Face masks or respirators
  • Eye protection (safety glasses or goggles)

Documentation and Reference Materials:

  • First aid manuals or guides
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Incident report forms

6 Ways to Spend Less on PT Equipment for Your Practice    

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the last section? No worries, we totally understand. It was a lot to take in, but if you've got a good idea of what equipment you need to invest in, we've got the strategies to help you get the PT supplies you need within your budget.

Invest In PT Practice Management Software

Practice management software is crucial for budget management in physical therapy (PT) clinics. It helps streamline administrative tasks, optimize billing processes, and boost efficiency.

How does this help with physical therapy equipment? All these features in one platform save you both time and money. And guess what? You can use that extra cash for other awesome things (wink wink, new equipment!).

Not to toot our own horn, but PtEverywhere has been widely used and approved by PT professionals. These testimonials highlight the positive impact of PtEverywhere on daily operations, patient management, and budget optimization. You can find more client testimonials and feedback by visiting this link.

Online Shopping for Quality Deals    

E-commerce has been a game-changer for finding the best prices without leaving your house. All you have to do is fire up your laptop.
With many brands vying for your business and promoting their physical therapy equipment as the best, consider these criteria when browsing sites:

User Reviews: Online platforms often feature user reviews and ratings for products. These reviews offer insights into the quality, durability, and value of the equipment you're considering. Remember to read reviews from other PTs! It's essential to ensure your colleagues are satisfied with the product.

Specialized Website and Trusted Platform: Specialized websites dedicated to specific industries or equipment types can provide cost-effective options. Websites like medicalsupplydepot or quickmedical focus on medical supplies and equipment, often offering competitive pricing on physical therapy tools. Platforms such as Amazon or eBay offer various affordable and discounted options.

Creativity in Equipment Procurement

Just because you are budgeting doesn't mean you can't be creative. Thinking outside the box can save you more money in the long run.

Explore Alternative Options: Explore non-traditional channels and consider alternative sources for equipment procurement. Seek lightly used or refurbished equipment for substantial cost savings without sacrificing quality.

Networking and Partnerships: Engage with other physical therapists or healthcare professionals to share information and resources. Collaborating and forming partnerships within the industry may open up opportunities for equipment sharing, exchange, or joint purchasing, further reducing costs.

Efficiency and Simplicity in Practice     

Simplifying and streamlining the day-to-day operations of your PT clinic can not only declutter your office but also save you money by avoiding the need for complex supplies and equipment.

Cost-effective Equipment Solutions: Instead of purchasing a complete machine system like ultrasound therapy, consider buying separate portable machine units. This approach can be more budget-friendly while providing the necessary functionality for any equipment in your practice.

PtEverywhere for Practice Management: Simplify admin and patient communication with PtEverywhere practice management software. Features like progress monitoring, scheduling, and a mobile app to streamline personalized exercise programs are user-friendly and require no learning curve.

Leasing or Renting Physical Therapy Equipment       

Let's be honest: committing can be challenging. If you're hesitant about buying expensive physical therapy machines, leasing or renting is always a solid option.

Maintenance and Support: Maintenance and support services are included in many leasing or rental agreements. This means you can rely on the physical therapy equipment provider for repairs, servicing, and technical support, saving you time and effort.

Trial Periods: Some equipment lease or rental agreements may offer trial periods, allowing you to assess the equipment's suitability and functionality in your practice before committing to a long-term purchase.

Tailoring Equipment Purchases to Your Practice Model

Your clinic and PT brand are unique; your purchase equipment should reflect that. Get equipment that represents the professionalism of your practice.

Here's why it matters and how budget tracking can help:

effectively addresses

Your clinic's specific services and treatments: By considering your clinic's services and ensuring you have the right tools, you can identify the necessary equipment to deliver high-quality care. Matching equipment purchases to your clinic's services effectively addresses patient needs.

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(Tip: Budget tracking with PtEverywhere can support matching equipment purchases to your clinic's services by efficiently tracking and managing expenses.)

Financing Options for Physical Therapy Equipment

While upfront costs can be a hurdle, several financing options can help PT practices acquire the equipment they need. Here's a breakdown of some popular options:

1. Small Business Loans

These loans provide a lump sum of capital that can be used for various business expenses, including equipment purchases. They can be a good option for PT practices looking to finance a larger equipment purchase, such as a new ultrasound machine or a specialized treatment table.

  • Term Loans: Term loans are repaid over a fixed period with fixed monthly payments. This predictability can be helpful for budgeting and cash flow management. They are ideal for financing larger equipment purchases with a clear repayment plan in mind.

  • Line of Credit: A line of credit provides access to a revolving line of credit for ongoing equipment needs or unexpected repairs. This flexibility can be advantageous for practices that may need to purchase additional equipment over time or address unforeseen equipment repairs.

2. Equipment Financing

This specialized financing option focuses on financing medical equipment purchases. Equipment financing companies understand the unique needs of PT practices and may offer more competitive rates and terms compared to traditional lenders.

  • Leasing: Leasing allows your practice to use the equipment for a set period with a fixed monthly payment. Ownership may or may not transfer at the end of the lease term. This can be a good option for practices that don't necessarily need to own the equipment long-term or prefer to keep their cash flow available for other needs. However, be aware that leasing typically costs more than purchasing outright in the long run.

  • Loan with Equipment as Collateral: This option allows you to secure a loan with the equipment itself serving as collateral. This can offer lower interest rates than traditional small business loans due to the reduced risk for the lender. It's a good option for practices with good credit history looking for a more affordable financing option but be prepared to potentially forfeit the equipment if you default on the loan.

3. Merchant Financing

Some medical equipment suppliers offer their own financing options directly to PT practices. These options can be convenient and may offer competitive rates and terms tailored specifically to the equipment you are purchasing.

  • Vendor Financing: Vendor financing allows you to finance the equipment directly through the supplier, often with flexible terms and competitive rates. This can simplify the financing process and potentially lead to faster approval times. However, it's important to compare rates and terms from other lenders before committing to vendor financing.

  • Point-of-Sale (POS) Financing: POS financing options are offered at the time of purchase, often with shorter terms and approval processes. This can be a good option for smaller equipment purchases where you need financing quickly and easily. However, these financing options typically have higher interest rates than other options.

Choosing the Right Financing Option:

Consider these factors when selecting a financing option:

  • Loan Amount: How much financing do you need?

  • Interest Rates: Compare rates and terms from different lenders.

  • Repayment Terms: Choose a repayment schedule that fits your cash flow.

  • Early Payment Options: See if there are any penalties for prepaying the loan.

Why Is Maintaining PT Equipment Supplies Important?                    

Whether it's software, exercise equipment, or office furniture, all these are important to maintain at your clinic. It helps ensure the safety of your patients, enables your staff to work efficiently, and gives your practice a professional and welcoming vibe.

Of course, nobody's budget is limitless, so check out the budget-friendly tips from the guide to get all the equipment you need at an affordable price.

PtEverywhere provides insights on equipment effectiveness through our PT management software. Easily track patient outcomes and receive crucial equipment feedback, all on one platform.

Happy savings!

Physical Therapy Equipment List: Tools Used in ... - CME Blog

Physical Therapy (PT), a component of rehabilitation, aims to use forms of exercise to mitigate pain, increase mobility, and restore strength to the body following illness, injury, or surgery.

Exercises are often augmented with physical therapy equipment to further develop endurance, function, flexibility, and movement.

Since no two physical therapy programs are identical, a physical therapist’s equipment list must be all encompassing. To answer the question, ‘what equipment do physical therapists use’ the list should include a variety of evaluation and treatment tools. Specialized physical therapy equipment and exercise tools for home use in between appointments are also a must.

Equipment and tools used in physical therapy range from the basic exercise ball to high tech steppers and bikes. In this article we will explore:

  • Essential Physical Therapy Equipment for Clinical Settings
  • Considerations for Choosing Physical Therapy Equipment
  • Physical Therapy Equipment List FAQs

We will also answer frequently asked questions about the physical therapy equipment list necessary for clinics to help restore patients to a healthy life.

Essential Physical Therapy Equipment for Clinical Settings

Evaluation and Assessment Tools for PT 

Before treatment can begin it is important to have an accurate picture of the physical limitations that have brought a patient to physical therapy. Interview assessments go a long way to building rapport but some patients, wary of physical therapy, may try to present themselves as stronger than they are. Therapy assessments that evaluate movement and function provide an evidence base diagnosis and by extension proper treatment plans.

Tools such as Goniometers, Dynamometers, Inclinometers, and Pinch Gauges commonly used during initial consultations establish baseline ranges of motion and muscle strength. Assessments with these tools are also taken periodically throughout treatment to measure progress.

Measurements from these protractor-like tools are the foundation upon which the proper physical therapy treatment plan is built. As therapy progresses, treatment plans may be adjusted based on information collected during a periodic assessment.

Physical therapy equipment lists should begin with a variety of evaluation and assessment tools.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Tools for PT 

Physical therapy equipment lists include a mix of exercise equipment, physical therapy furniture, ultrasound and electrotherapy devices, mobility aides, and walking aides.

Exercise Equipment

Adding weight or resistance to basic exercises makes them more challenging by engaging more muscles.  

The following exercise equipment is important for treatment plans that include repetitive exercises:

  • hand exercisers
  • resistance bands
  • exercise balls and balance equipment
  • hand weights
  • cuff weights
  • pulley systems

Don’t forget that children also benefit from physical therapy and include youth sized exercise equipment on your physical therapy equipment list.

Storage racks and cabinets are important to keep these brightly colored tools organized and accessible in the physical therapy gym. Give this must have housekeeping furniture a line on the physical therapy equipment checklist.

Physical Therapy Furniture

Build your physical therapy equipment list with an eye to maximizing treatment options and containing cost with multi-use gym equipment. Support cardiac, shoulder, knee, and hip rehabilitation with:

  • upright and recumbent stationary bikes
  • parallel bars,
  • stair climbers,
  • elliptical machines,
  • treadmills,
  • rowing machines, and
  • physical therapy tables.

Don’t be fooled. While this equipment may look like standard gym equipment it isn’t.

Physical therapy equipment offers broader access pointswheelchair accessibility, more handles, and sturdy grip bars to accommodate the restricted range of motion experienced by rehab patients. This equipment also features:

  • slower speeds and more program options
  • braille, or larger screen sizes for clients with vision difficulties and 
  • louder notification tones for those who are hard of hearing. 

Ultrasound and Electrotherapy Devices

Research has shown that ultrasound and electrotherapy offers the therapeutic benefit of reducing inflammation, decreasing pain, and speeding healing through increased blood flow to an area.

While not in the physical therapist equipment list category of “basic equipment”, devices such as

  • Ultrasound Machines,
  • Electrical Muscle Stimulation Units and
  • TENS Machines

are valuable for immediate patient comfort and achieving long term physical therapy goals.

Assistive Devices

Crutches, Canes, and Walkers are designed to increase the base of support of an individual so they can remain mobile while the body is healing.

In the Physical Therapy environment these aides help patients feel more secure, stable, and take weight off injured and healing lower extremities.

It is essential that assistive devices such as walkerscanes, and wheelchairs be on aphysical therapy equipment list so they are available to patients while they rebuild lost strength.

Mobility Aides

For some patients, PT may need to take place while they are using a wheelchair. Extremely limited mobility or complex medical issues may require the use of a wheelchair while strength is being reclaimed.

Transfer Boards and Gait Belts are on the Physical Therapist’s equipment list so therapists can safely transfer patients seated in a wheelchair to or from a therapy table.

Considerations for Choosing Physical Therapy Equipment

Whether purchasing physical therapy equipment to fulfill a personal physical therapist equipment list or outfitting a clinic with tools used in physical therapy, versatility is key. Choose equipment that can be used for multiple therapies and exercises.

Other considerations include:

  • How often a device or tool will need replacing due to wear?
  • What equipment and tools should be duplicated in the facility?
  • Safe storage of equipment like weights?
  • Is physical therapy equipment ADA compliant?

Finally, consider what consumable tools, resistance bands for example, will be given to patients for at home use. Will patients be charged?

Physical therapy treatment plans are as diverse as the patients being treated.

Physical therapy equipment lists must be all encompassing. From the low-tech balance ball to high-tech stationary bikes, the right physical therapy equipment is as important as the recommended exercises for positive patient outcomes.

CME Corp offers a wide and comprehensive selection of physical therapy products. Give CME your list and we will source the best equipment, at the best prices.

With Direct-To-Site delivery service your physical therapy equipment will be assembled or installed as required and delivered when it is convenient for you and your patients.

Physical Therapy Equipment List FAQs 

What are 4 types of physical therapy?

Like so much in healthcare, Physical Therapy is becoming specialized. Four common focus areas are:

  • Occupational Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy
  • Rehabilitative Physical Therapy

 What is physiotherapy equipment? 

Physiotherapy equipment is any equipment used in rehabilitation for pain relief or that enhances the blood flow to promote healing to muscles and other soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and Ultrasound Machines are two common examples.

What are examples of Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapy treatment plans may include weight and resistance exercises, exercises on equipment like bikes or treadmills, massage treatment, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or dry needling.

How do you prepare a patient for physical therapy? 

As assessment of the patient’s movement and function must be conducted before any treatment plans are implemented. Assessment may include a questionnaire, interview, and/or physical measurements of range of motion or muscle strength.