An Aging Population Means More Openings and a Greater Need for Physical Therapists

This significant increase in the elderly population will not only create a need for additional physical therapists who work with elderly patients to restore mobility and improve quality of life but also strain the healthcare industry. It also means that many physical therapists currently working in the field will retire in the coming years, and the next generation of therapists will need to be trained and prepared to take their place in a rapidly changing industry.
In a March 2024 study, 60% of respondents age 55+ have used physical therapy services.1 Of those receiving physical therapy in any setting, 40-43% are 65 and older. As the population of older adults increases, so will the number seeking physical therapy services. A 2023 study reflected, “Advancing age increases the presence of disease and the risk of a fall with the potential for subsequent injuries. Therefore, prevention-focused efforts aimed at fall reduction and health promotion are warranted for older adults.”2
Why it Matters
Older populations may be referred to physical therapy for various reasons, from prevention to recovery. Practicing physical therapists should be familiar with using movement and exercise to support elderly patients, including:
- Prevent falls
- Strength
- Mobility
- Flexibility
- Pain management
- Control of disease progression
- Mental acuity
- Rehabilitation
- Mood stabilization
- Balance
As a greater percentage of the population enters their senior years, the focus on healthy aging will continue to gain momentum. Studies have shown that reducing physical inactivity by 25% could prevent one million cases of dementia annually worldwide,3 and physical therapy in a hospital setting reduces the risk of readmissions.4
The American Physical Therapy Association released a 10% total vacancy rate in its annual report in 2023. This vacancy rate is partially due to the growing demand for physical therapy services, with 51% of practices reporting vacancies due to their business growth. Leadership should also be aware that 72% of those who left the profession cited a better work-life balance as a primary motivation. This data underscores the need for proactive measures to address the workforce shortage in the physical therapy industry.
Despite therapists leaving the occupation due to burnout, seeking a higher-paying profession, or retirement, new graduates continue to enter the field. There has been a 186% increase in graduates from Doctor of Physical Therapy programs since 2010, or more than 10,000 graduates entering the workforce per year. Still, it is estimated that 26,000 open positions by 2025 cannot be filled.5 This shortage will be particularly dire in rural areas or regions with a high cost of living. DPTs graduate with an average of $142,000 in student debt that they need to be able to repay.6 In addition to creating long wait times for physical therapy services, a shortage of therapists in rural areas deprives residents of pain management services that could contribute to lower uses of medications. These areas have been affected disproportionately by the opioid crisis and could be impacted by greater access to non-medical interventions.
Prepare for the Future
Welcome new graduates into the profession by mentoring them and establishing a healthy work-life balance for employees. Try to anticipate your practice’s hiring needs, as filling vacancies may take longer than usual.
Connection to Net Health
Those entering the workforce today expect the same technological efficiencies in their workplace as they have for the rest of their lives. Entice new physical therapists with a comprehensive tech stack that includes EHRs and wound care databases. This will make their jobs easier and allow them to focus on patient care instead of paperwork.
Eco-Healing: Advancing Wound Care with Sustainable Green Practices

Why? Because today’s consumers are actively seeking ways to be more earth-friendly. Business News Daily reports that 71% of consumers have chosen a product over the last six months for its sustainability credentials. And that means that even in wound care, providers should explore wound care products that offer eco-friendly options. Whether we call this quest eco-healing, green initiatives, or some other term, the goal is the integration of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices to reduce the ecological footprint and reduce waste while promoting effective wound healing.
Our industry focus to achieve that goal is on alternative wound care practices, sustainable products, better disposal, and reduced reliance on paper. This shift reflects a broader commitment in healthcare, where environmental responsibility is becoming a key consideration in treatment choices.
Why it Matters
The healthcare industry in the United States generates approximately 5.9 million tons of medical waste annually. While the specific waste contribution from the wound care sector isn’t explicitly reported by the industry yet, anyone who has worked in the profession knows it’s significant.
Consider the daily disposal of gauze, bandages, gloves, and other dressing materials at medical facilities. Adopting sustainable practices helps reduce this waste and lowers the environmental footprint of healthcare practices.
The healthcare industry has taken notice. Practice Greenhealth, a network organization dedicated to sustainable healthcare, reports that 60% of hospitals have made formal commitments to climate action. For example, this commitment is driving the adoption of biodegradable dressings like hydrocolloids and hydrofibers as well as recyclable packaging materials to minimize medical waste. There’s also growing interest in using historically proven natural and renewable resources like honey and aloe vera, which encourage healing while supporting environmental sustainability.
Prepare for The Future
As sustainability initiatives continue, the integration of green practices will grow. This helps healthcare providers meet regulatory requirements and appeals to environmentally conscious patients while providing quality care and outcomes. Steps to consider to join the movement include:
- Analyze your Waste Management Processes and Practices. For example, do you waste gauze or bandages by not accurately measuring the wound first?
- Implement Evidence-Based Care. Use clinically supported treatments to improve wound management, reduce waste, and enhance patient outcomes.
- Choose Sustainable Products. Select biodegradable and renewable materials like hydrofiber dressings and honey-based options when clinically appropriate.
- Enhance Staff Training. Offer training and ongoing support for sustainable practices to empower staff.
Connection to Net Health
Digital wound care technology has a leading role to play in the evolution of eco-healing. Leveraging digital tools enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of wound care management while adhering to sustainable practices. Digital documentation and assessment tools create efficiencies in wound measurement, so the right-size product is used the first time. Plus, they reduce the need for paper-based records, further cutting down on waste.
Moreover, advanced wound care technologies enable precise application and monitoring of biodegradable dressings and natural products, ensuring optimal healing conditions and minimizing resource wastage. Telemedicine and remote monitoring also play a part, as they reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint associated with transportation and resource use in healthcare.
A study out of Australia showed that the use of Net Health® Tissue Analytics, one of the leading AI-powered digital wound care platforms in the markets, helped reduce travel time and CO2 emissions for study participants. Rural wound care patients were able to see providers remotely instead of traveling – often far distances – to see their providers.
Teamwork in Healing: Collaborative Care Brings Experts Together for Comprehensive Wound Management
By working together, these teams can create personalized treatment plans that optimize healing and improve patient outcomes.
In a collaborative care model, communication and coordination are key. Each team member contributes their expertise, whether it’s a surgeon managing wound debridement for a patient with chronic venous leg ulcers, a nurse managing daily wound care, or a physical therapist aiding in mobility and rehabilitation.
Why it Matters
The collaborative, team approach to wound care is crucial for several reasons. First, it enhances the quality of care by ensuring that all healthcare providers are on the same page, reducing the risk of errors and omissions. Patients benefit from a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses not only the wound itself but also the underlying conditions and overall health. For example, patients who are experiencing stress-induced delays in wound healing might benefit from a mental health consultation.
Secondly, teamwork improves patient outcomes. An article in WoundSource reported that multi-disciplinary teams could lower amputations in patients with diabetic foot ulcers by 94%, reduce healing times, and lower recurrence rates, as well as reduce postoperative infection rates.
Moreover, collaborative care fosters a supportive environment for both patients and providers. For patients, knowing that a team of experts is working together to manage their care can be reassuring and boost their confidence in the treatment plan. For healthcare providers, collaboration reduces the burden on individual practitioners, ensures that factors that contribute or hinder wound healing are addressed, and promotes a more balanced workload, which can help prevent burnout.
Prepare for the Future
As healthcare continues to evolve, the importance of collaborative care in wound management will only grow. To prepare for this future, healthcare providers must embrace continuous education and training. Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in wound care and collaboration techniques is essential for delivering the best possible patient outcomes.
Healthcare organizations should also foster a culture of teamwork and communication. Encouraging open dialogue and regular team meetings can enhance coordination and ensure that all team members are aligned in their treatment approach. Investing in team-building activities and professional development opportunities can further strengthen the collaborative spirit among healthcare providers.
Another key aspect of preparing for the future is leveraging technology. As digital health tools and platforms become more sophisticated, they will play an increasingly vital role in facilitating collaborative care.
Embracing collaborative care and leveraging advanced technologies like EHRs and digital wound assessment tools will position healthcare providers to deliver the best possible patient outcomes. Staying informed about the latest advancements, investing in continuous education, and fostering a culture of teamwork are essential steps toward achieving comprehensive and effective wound management.
Connection to Net Health
Here’s where specialty Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and digital wound technologies like Net Health® Wound Care and Tissue Analytics play a vital role. When specialty EHRs seamlessly integrate with the primary EHR, it ensures that all team members have access to up-to-date medical records, treatment plans, and progress notes. This transparency is essential for effective communication and coordination among healthcare providers.
Digital wound technologies and assessment apps enable more accurate wound measurement, documentation, and reporting. They allow providers to track progress in real-time and make timely adjustments to treatment plans. Digital wound technologies can also facilitate virtual consultations, connecting local wound care providers with specialists. By integrating EHRs and digital wound technologies into their practice, healthcare providers can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of collaborative care. These tools improve communication and coordination as well as help to better engage patients in their care.
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