This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a physical therapy practice.
Our business plan for a physical therapy practice will help you build a profitable project
Starting a physical therapy practice is rewarding, but determining what equipment you need can feel daunting.
The challenge is knowing exactly what to purchase without overspending or missing essential therapeutic tools.
Every practice has different specialties and patient needs, and equipment costs can quickly escalate if you don't plan strategically.
Complete Physical Therapy Equipment List
Launching a successful physical therapy practice requires thoughtful planning and the right therapeutic equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your practice operational and provide quality patient care.
Exercise & Rehabilitation Equipment
- Treatment tables - Adjustable height tables for patient examinations and treatments
- Exercise mats - Cushioned surfaces for floor exercises and stretching routines
- Parallel bars - Support patients during walking and balance training
- Resistance bands - Various strengths for progressive strength training
- Free weights - Dumbbells and ankle weights for strength rehabilitation
- Exercise balls - Different sizes for core strengthening and stability work
- Balance pads/boards - Improve proprioception and balance control
- Foam rollers - Self-massage tools for muscle recovery and flexibility
- Suspension trainers - Bodyweight exercise systems for functional movement
- Pulleys/cable systems - Multi-directional resistance for range of motion
- Stationary bike - Low-impact cardiovascular and leg strengthening equipment
- Treadmill - Gait training and cardiovascular conditioning
- Elliptical machine - Full-body low-impact exercise option
Therapeutic Modalities
- Ultrasound machine - Deep tissue heating for pain relief and healing
- Electrical stimulation unit - Pain management and muscle re-education
- TENS units - Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain control
- Hot pack unit - Moist heat therapy for muscle relaxation
- Cold therapy unit - Ice and cold compression for inflammation reduction
- Paraffin bath - Heat therapy for hands and feet conditions
- Infrared lamp - Superficial heat application for targeted areas
- Traction unit - Spinal decompression for back and neck conditions
- Compression pump - Reduces swelling in extremities
Manual Therapy Tools
- Massage tools - Various instruments for soft tissue mobilization
- Goniometer - Measures joint range of motion accurately
- Measuring tape - Assesses limb circumference and functional measurements
- Reflex hammer - Tests neurological reflexes during examinations
- Tuning fork - Evaluates vibration sensation and hearing
- Pinwheel - Tests superficial sensation and nerve function
- Pressure algometer - Measures pain pressure thresholds objectively
- Posture grid - Visual assessment tool for postural analysis
Specialized Equipment
- Functional capacity evaluation tools - Assess work-related physical abilities
- Balance training system - Advanced technology for vestibular rehabilitation
- Gait analysis equipment - Computerized systems for walking pattern assessment
- Biofeedback devices - Real-time feedback for muscle activation training
- Aquatic therapy equipment - Pool-based rehabilitation tools and weights
- Sports-specific training tools - Equipment for athletic rehabilitation
- Pediatric equipment - Child-sized tools and age-appropriate therapeutic toys
- Geriatric mobility aids - Walkers, canes, and transfer boards
Furniture & Fixtures
- Reception desk - Professional front desk for patient check-in
- Waiting room chairs - Comfortable seating for patients and families
- Filing cabinets - Secure storage for patient records and documentation
- Treatment room dividers - Privacy screens or curtains between areas
- Storage cabinets - Organized storage for equipment and supplies
- Desk and office chair - Administrative workspace for documentation
- Patient education boards - Visual aids for explaining conditions and exercises
Technology & Software
- Electronic health records system - Digital patient documentation and scheduling
- Practice management software - Billing, scheduling, and administrative functions
- Computer/tablet - Device for documentation and patient education
- Printer/scanner - Document management and patient handouts
- Internet and phone system - Communication infrastructure for practice operations
- Patient portal software - Online access for patients to view information
Safety & Cleaning
- First aid kit - Emergency medical supplies for minor injuries
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator) - Life-saving equipment for cardiac emergencies
- Hand sanitizer dispensers - Infection control throughout the facility
- Disinfecting supplies - EPA-approved cleaners for equipment sanitization
- Disposable covers - Hygienic barriers for treatment tables and equipment
- Gloves and masks - Personal protective equipment for staff
- Biohazard disposal containers - Safe disposal of medical waste
- Emergency contact system - Communication tools for urgent situations
Patient Supplies
- Exercise instruction sheets - Written home exercise programs
- Hot/cold packs for home use - Take-home therapeutic modalities
- Resistance bands for patients - Equipment for home exercise programs
- Educational brochures - Information about conditions and treatments
- Measurement tools - Home monitoring devices for patient progress
Our financial plan for a physical therapy practice will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most physical therapy practice owners spend between $50,000 and $250,000 on equipment, depending on their size and specialization. You really can't go below $30,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic treatment tables, exercise equipment, and therapeutic modalities just to operate legally and effectively.
- Small Solo Practice
A small solo physical therapy practice with basic rehabilitation services needs around $30,000-$75,000, and most of that budget goes toward treatment tables, exercise equipment, and essential therapeutic modalities.
- Medium Multi-Therapist Practice
A medium-sized practice with multiple therapists and specialized services typically runs $75,000-$150,000, with more advanced equipment like computerized systems and specialized rehabilitation tools.
- Large Specialized Clinic
A large practice or one with extensive specializations can easily hit $150,000-$250,000, especially when you add things like aquatic therapy pools, advanced gait analysis systems, and comprehensive fitness equipment.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Solo Practice ($30,000 - $75,000)
Small practices focus on essential equipment that can handle basic rehabilitation and manual therapy. The goal is getting quality essentials without overspending on specialized features you won't use immediately.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Tables | 2-3 adjustable height treatment tables with paper roll holders, comfortable padding, sturdy construction | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Exercise Equipment | Exercise mats, resistance bands set, free weights (1-15 lbs), exercise balls, balance pads, foam rollers | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Therapeutic Modalities | Basic ultrasound unit, electrical stimulation device, hot pack unit, cold therapy supplies, TENS units | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Assessment Tools | Goniometers, measuring tapes, reflex hammer, tuning fork, basic manual therapy tools | $500 - $1,000 |
| Office & Reception | Reception desk, waiting room chairs, filing cabinet, basic computer system, phone | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Software & Technology | Basic EMR system, practice management software, printer, internet setup | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Safety & Supplies | First aid kit, cleaning supplies, disposable covers, hand sanitizers, basic safety equipment | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Setup & Installation | Equipment delivery, basic installation, software setup, initial supply inventory | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Medium Multi-Therapist Practice ($75,000 - $150,000)
Medium practices need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle diverse conditions and higher patient volume. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to offer more comprehensive rehabilitation services.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Areas | 4-6 treatment tables, parallel bars, multiple exercise mats, privacy screens, storage solutions | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Exercise Equipment | Stationary bike, small treadmill, pulley systems, comprehensive free weights, suspension trainers, balance training tools | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Advanced Modalities | High-end ultrasound, multiple E-stim units, paraffin bath, traction unit, compression pump, infrared therapy | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Specialized Tools | Manual therapy instruments, biofeedback devices, functional assessment tools, sports medicine equipment | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Office Infrastructure | Multiple workstations, enhanced reception area, conference room setup, expanded filing systems | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Technology Systems | Advanced EMR with multiple licenses, integrated billing, patient portal, networking equipment | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Safety & Compliance | AED unit, comprehensive first aid, enhanced cleaning systems, safety equipment for multiple rooms | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, staff training on equipment, compliance setup, initial marketing materials | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Large Specialized Clinic ($150,000 - $250,000)
Large practices operate with comprehensive rehabilitation capabilities and specialized departments. The focus shifts to advanced technology, specialized treatments, and the ability to handle complex cases and research.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Spaces | 8+ treatment tables, multiple parallel bars, dedicated exercise areas, private treatment rooms, group therapy spaces | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Fitness Center Equipment | Multiple cardio machines, comprehensive weight training equipment, functional training areas, aquatic therapy pool | $30,000 - $50,000 |
| Advanced Technology | Computerized gait analysis, advanced balance systems, robotic rehabilitation devices, virtual reality therapy systems | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Specialized Modalities | High-end therapeutic equipment, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, advanced electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy equipment | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Assessment & Research | Comprehensive functional testing equipment, force plates, motion analysis systems, outcome measurement tools | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Facility Infrastructure | Reception and administrative areas, multiple consultation rooms, staff facilities, patient amenities | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Technology Integration | Enterprise EMR system, advanced practice management, telehealth capabilities, data analytics platforms | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Compliance & Safety | Comprehensive safety systems, advanced infection control, emergency equipment, regulatory compliance tools | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Professional Setup | Complete installation and commissioning, comprehensive staff training, certification programs, marketing launch | $8,000 - $15,000 |