Physical Therapy Equipment Guide: Rehabilitation Supplies for PT Clinics
Essential Equipment for Physical Therapy Practices
Outfitting a physical therapy clinic requires strategic investment in exercise equipment, modalities, and treatment supplies. This guide helps PT practice owners and managers select equipment that delivers clinical outcomes while managing costs.
Treatment Tables and Surfaces
Physical Therapy Tables
- Standard treatment tables – Fixed height, upholstered. $500-$1,500.
- Hi-lo electric tables – Height adjustable for ergonomics. $2,000-$6,000.
- Traction tables – Specialized for cervical/lumbar traction. $3,000-$10,000.
- Tilt tables – Vertical positioning for orthostatic training. $2,500-$8,000.
- Mat platforms – Large, low-height exercise surfaces. $800-$3,000.
Table Accessories
- Bolsters and positioning pillows
- Paper roll dispensers and sheets
- Armrests and face cradles
- Table extenders
- Antimicrobial covers
Exercise Equipment
Resistance Training
- Resistance bands/tubing – Multiple resistance levels, color-coded
- Dumbbells – Neoprene coated sets (1-20 lbs typical range)
- Ankle/wrist weights – Adjustable weight cuffs
- Medicine balls – Various weights for core/power training
- Pulleys and weights – Wall-mounted or portable systems
Balance and Proprioception
- Balance boards – Rocker and wobble board varieties
- BOSU trainers – Balance training domes
- Foam balance pads – Unstable surface training
- Balance beams – Floor-level walking surfaces
- Swiss/therapy balls – Various sizes for core stability
Flexibility and Stretching
- Stretching straps and loops
- Foam rollers (various densities)
- Yoga mats and blocks
- Stretching tables and benches
- Cervical traction devices
Therapeutic Modalities
Electrotherapy
- TENS units – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. $100-$500.
- NMES/EMS – Neuromuscular electrical stimulation. $500-$3,000.
- Interferential current (IFC) – Deep tissue stimulation. $1,000-$5,000.
- Combination units – Multi-modality devices. $2,000-$8,000.
- Iontophoresis – Medication delivery systems. $500-$2,000.
Thermal Therapy
- Hot packs and hydrocollator – Moist heat therapy. $300-$1,500.
- Cold packs and storage – Cryotherapy supplies. $200-$800.
- Paraffin baths – Heat therapy for hands/feet. $100-$500.
- Fluidotherapy – Dry heat treatment units. $2,000-$5,000.
Ultrasound Therapy
- Therapeutic ultrasound – Deep tissue heating. $1,000-$4,000.
- Combination units – Ultrasound with electrotherapy. $2,000-$6,000.
- Accessories – Gel, applicators, replacement heads.
Laser and Light Therapy
- Cold laser/LLLT – Low-level laser therapy. $2,000-$15,000.
- LED light therapy – Photobiomodulation. $500-$5,000.
Manual Therapy Tools
Soft Tissue Mobilization
- IASTM tools (Graston, ASTYM-style)
- Massage tools and devices
- Percussion massagers
- Cupping sets
- Massage creams and lotions
Joint Mobilization
- Mobilization wedges and straps
- Treatment belts
- Manipulation tables
Cardio and Functional Equipment
Cardiovascular Training
- Treadmills – Rehabilitation-grade with handrails. $2,000-$10,000.
- Recumbent bikes – Lower extremity conditioning. $1,500-$5,000.
- Upper body ergometers – UBE for arm cycling. $1,500-$4,000.
- Nu-Step/total body – Combined arm/leg trainers. $3,000-$8,000.
- Stair climbers – Functional stair training. $2,000-$6,000.
Gait Training
- Parallel bars (wall-mounted or freestanding)
- Gait belts (various styles and widths)
- Platform walkers and specialty walkers
- Stairs and step platforms
- Unweighting/harness systems
Assessment and Documentation
Measurement Tools
- Goniometers (standard, digital, finger)
- Inclinometers
- Dynamometers (grip, pinch)
- Tape measures
- Posture grids
Functional Testing
- Balance assessment platforms
- Timed Up and Go timing systems
- 6-minute walk test equipment
- Force plates and pressure mapping
Clinic Design Considerations
Space Planning
- Treatment rooms: 80-120 sq ft per treatment area
- Gym space: 200-400 sq ft per therapist working simultaneously
- Equipment storage: Adequate space for supplies and portable equipment
- Patient flow: Clear pathways, ADA compliance
Flooring
- Rubber flooring for gym areas (impact absorption)
- Anti-fatigue mats at standing workstations
- Non-slip surfaces throughout
- Easy-to-clean materials for infection control
Startup Equipment Budget
| Category | Budget Range |
|---|---|
| Treatment tables (3-4) | $6,000 – $20,000 |
| Modalities equipment | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Exercise equipment | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Cardio equipment (2-3 pieces) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Assessment tools | $500 – $2,000 |
| Consumable supplies (initial) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Total estimate | $23,500 – $82,000 |
LAC Health Physical Therapy Solutions
LAC Health provides complete equipment and supply solutions for physical therapy practices. From startup clinics to established practices expanding services, our rehabilitation specialists can help you select the right equipment for your patient population and budget. Contact us for equipment packages and financing options.
