The Importance of Political Activism in Physical Therapy

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the role of physical therapists (PTs) has expanded significantly. Physical therapy is no longer just about providing direct care to patients; it’s about shaping the policies and systems that impact the delivery of that care. Political activism within the physical therapy field—and among those who benefit from it—is not merely an option; it is a necessity for ensuring that PTs can continue to provide high-quality, accessible care while advocating for the needs of their patients and their profession.

Political activism is the force that drives change in the policies governing healthcare. For physical therapists and their patients, engaging in political advocacy allows them to influence legislation and policy, protect and expand their scope of practice, spearhead reimbursement initiatives, and ensure patient needs are met. Without PTs and their patients actively participating in the legislative process, their voices may be overshadowed by other stakeholders with more financial power.

Physical therapists often face challenges in maintaining or expanding their scope of practice due to legislative barriers or opposition from other healthcare professions. For example, the expansion of dry needling from state to state has been a fierce battle. In California, acupuncturists have a profound presence, resulting in intense opposition. Despite being rooted in different philosophies, acupuncturists have successfully quashed physical therapists' legislative efforts to add dry needling into their scope of practice for fear of lost business. Activism ensures that PTs can perform to the fullest extent of their training and expertise.

Additionally, payment models and insurance policies directly affect a PT’s ability to deliver care. With insurance companies continually decreasing reimbursement rates, it is imperative that physical therapists and their patients advocate for the preventative nature of their field to achieve fair reimbursement rates and maintain a lucrative business. Political activism provides an avenue to advocate for policies that improve patient access to care, such as direct access to physical therapy services and equitable insurance coverage.

The importance of political advocacy is evidenced in previous legislative success stories. For example, direct access allows patients to seek care from a physical therapist without a physician’s referral. States with strong direct access laws have seen improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. However, achieving and maintaining these laws requires persistent advocacy.

Additionally, Medicare’s therapy cap, which limited the amount of therapy services a patient could receive, was a significant barrier until it was repealed in 2018. This victory was the result of relentless lobbying and grassroots efforts by PTs and their professional organizations.

Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of telehealth in delivering care. Activism was critical in ensuring that physical therapy was included in telehealth reimbursement policies during the public health emergency.

Engaging in political activism might seem daunting, but there are numerous ways physical therapists and their patients can make a difference. Professional associations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) play a vital role in advocacy. By joining or supporting such organizations, PTs gain access to resources, advocacy training, and opportunities to participate in lobbying efforts.

Many policymakers are unfamiliar with the role and value of physical therapy. PTs and their patients can schedule meetings, write letters, or provide testimony to educate legislators about their work and its impact on patients. Grassroots efforts, such as letter-writing campaigns or petition drives, amplify the collective voice of PTs. These initiatives often have a significant impact on legislative decisions.

Contributions to political action committees (PACs) or advocacy funds help support candidates and initiatives aligned with the interests of the profession. Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram can be powerful tools for raising awareness about advocacy issues and mobilizing support. Engaged citizens who vote for candidates supportive of healthcare issues can help shape a more favorable policy environment.

Despite these successes, political activism in physical therapy is not without challenges. PTs often juggle demanding clinical schedules, making it difficult to dedicate time to advocacy. Many PTs are unaware of the impact of policy on their practice or how to get involved in advocacy. Advocacy efforts require financial and human resources, which can be scarce in smaller organizations or practices.

Groups like the APTA provide tools, training, and support to make advocacy more accessible and effective. Even small actions, like sending an email to a legislator or attending a local town hall meeting, can make a difference. Working together with colleagues, patients, and other healthcare professionals can amplify advocacy efforts and share the workload.

Advocacy doesn’t have to be separate from clinical work. Educating patients about relevant policy issues and encouraging them to speak out is a form of activism.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the need for political activism in physical therapy will only grow. Emerging issues such as workforce shortages, payment reform, and the integration of digital health technologies will require the active engagement of PTs and their patients to shape the future of the profession.

In Colorado, there are many future positions that physical therapists and their patients need to rally behind. For example, there is a current bill to improve Medicare reimbursement for physical therapy, which directly impacts almost every therapist in the state of Colorado. It is ultimately negligent to assume the responsibility of advocacy falls to others in the state when its implications are so wide-reaching.

Moreover, younger generations of PTs are increasingly recognizing the importance of advocacy. Many physical therapy programs now include advocacy training as part of their curriculum, preparing students to be both skilled clinicians and effective advocates.

Political activism is a vital component of the physical therapy profession. By engaging in advocacy, PTs can influence the policies that shape their practice, protect their patients’ access to care, and advance the profession as a whole. While the challenges are real, the rewards are substantial. Through collective action and sustained effort, physical therapists can continue to drive meaningful change and ensure that their voices are heard in the halls of power.

Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or a new graduate, there’s a place for you in the advocacy efforts that will shape the future of physical therapy.

References

1. Dossier: State Bill Colorado. Dossier | State Bill Colorado. Accessed January 13, 2025. https://statebillinfo.com/SBI/index.cfm?fuseaction=Public.Dossier&id=30001&pk=149&style=pinstripe.