What does a physical therapist do?
A physical therapist helps you move better and manage pain after an injury, surgery, or illness. Treatment uses exercise, hands-on care, and a program you continue at home.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find physical therapists near you
When people see one
- You are recovering from surgery or an injury.
- Back, neck, or joint pain limits what you can do.
- Your doctor refers you after a stroke or fall.
How it differs
Occupational therapist: An occupational therapist works on daily tasks such as dressing, cooking, and working. A physical therapist works on strength, movement, and pain.
Chiropractor: A chiropractor focuses on spinal adjustment. A physical therapist focuses on exercise and movement training.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? Plan filings list referral rules only for specialists. Some plans need a doctor's order or prior approval for this care, so check the plan's summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Rehabilitative Physical Therapy" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $100 to $140 a visit on 10 of 56 plans; on the other 46, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $10 to $90 a visit on 32 of 58 plans; on the other 26, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $25 to $90 a visit on 12 of 30 plans; on the other 18, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 6,258 physical therapists at 2,340 Colorado locations. Colorado shows 21,583 active licenses of this kind, including people who don't see patients or work out of state.
- El Paso County: 312 locations
- Denver County: 298 locations
- Arapahoe County: 262 locations
- Jefferson County: 256 locations
- Boulder County: 211 locations
- Douglas County: 164 locations
Counties with the fewest: Yuma (1), Washington (1), San Juan (1), Saguache (1), Prowers (1). 10 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Are you taking new patients?
- Do you bill my 2027 plan? Which plan and network name do you use?
- How many visits does my plan cover, and do I need a referral?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment?