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Shoulder Osteoarthritis × Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Comprehensive guide to using physical therapy for treating shoulder osteoarthritis. Learn about effectiveness, what to expect, and coverage options.

Evidence: strong
Medicare: Covered
Type: physical-therapy

How Physical Therapy Helps Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Complete guide to physical therapy for arthritis and joint pain. Learn how PT helps, what to expect, insurance coverage, and how to find a qualified therapist.

For patients with shoulder osteoarthritis, physical therapy may help by addressing the underlying joint damage and providing symptom relief.

Potential Benefits

Considerations

Who May Benefit

Physical Therapy for shoulder osteoarthritis is typically considered for patients who:

  • Have tried conservative treatments (rest, OTC medications) without adequate relief
  • Have mild to moderate shoulder osteoarthritis
  • Want to delay or avoid surgical intervention
  • Have no contraindications to the treatment

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Insurance Coverage

Coverage for physical therapy when treating shoulder osteoarthritis.

Insurance Plan Covered? Prior Auth Est. Cost Requirements
aetna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
aetna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network recommended
aetna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
aetna Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral may be required
  • • In-network provider
  • +1 more
aetna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
aetna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
Aetna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Medical necessity
  • • Referral from PCP (some plans)
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider recommended
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral
  • • Documented condition
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral (varies by plan)
  • • In-network provider preferred
  • +2 more
bcbs Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Referral from treating physician
  • • In-network provider
bcbs Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider
cigna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
cigna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
cigna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider
cigna Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral may be required
  • • In-network provider
  • +1 more
cigna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
cigna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
Cigna Healthcare Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral or order
  • • Treatment at in-network facility
humana Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
humana Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
humana Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider
humana Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
humana Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
humana Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral may be required
  • • In-network provider
  • +1 more
Humana Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Medical necessity
  • • May require referral
Kaiser Permanente Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
Kaiser Permanente Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
private Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Kaiser-employed or contracted PT
  • • Referral from primary care physician
Kaiser Permanente Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
Kaiser Permanente Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • PCP referral
  • • Documented joint condition
Kaiser Permanente Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
medicaid Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Prior authorization may be required
  • • Visit limits vary by state
medicaid Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral
  • • Documented condition
medicare-advantage Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider typically required
  • • May have different visit limits than Original Medicare
medicare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral/order
  • • Medical necessity
medicare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral or order
  • • Treatment by Medicare-enrolled PT or facility
  • +2 more
medicare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral or order
  • • Treatment at Medicare-enrolled facility
guide Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
guide Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
other Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Referral from provider (TRICARE Prime)
  • • Medical necessity
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • PCM referral
  • • Documented condition
unitedhealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider preferred
  • • May require referral for HMO plans
unitedhealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
UnitedHealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Medical necessity
  • • In-network provider recommended
unitedhealthcare Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral may be required
  • • In-network provider
  • +2 more
Typically covered
Not covered / experimental
Prior authorization required

Coverage information is provided as a general guide and may vary by specific plan, location, and medical necessity. Always verify coverage directly with your insurance provider before scheduling treatment. Cost estimates assume standard Medicare rates and typical copay structures.

Other Treatments for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Cortisone Injections for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Massage Therapy for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Oral Medications for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Physical Therapy for Other Conditions

Physical Therapy for Ankle Osteoarthritis

Physical Therapy for Bursitis

Physical Therapy for Degenerative Joint Disease

Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Is This Treatment Right for You?

Take our treatment assessment to see if physical therapy might be a good option for your shoulder osteoarthritis.

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