Menu
Subscribe Free
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

Quick Links

Find Providers

Search for specialists offering physical therapy for shoulder osteoarthritis.

Search Providers

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) Standard coverage
aetna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
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
bcbs Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs 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)
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
cigna 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
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) Standard coverage
humana 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
cigna 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) 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) Standard coverage
medicare-advantage Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider typically required
  • • May have different visit limits than Original Medicare
Humana Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Medical necessity
  • • May require referral
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 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 Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
guide 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) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral may be required
  • • In-network provider
  • +2 more
UnitedHealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Medical necessity
  • • In-network provider recommended
aetna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network recommended
bcbs Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider
cigna Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider
medicaid Required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Prior authorization may be required
  • • Visit limits vary by state
humana Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider
medicare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Physician referral/order
  • • Medical necessity
unitedhealthcare Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider preferred
  • • May require referral for HMO plans
bcbs Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • In-network provider recommended
private Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Kaiser-employed or contracted PT
  • • Referral from primary care physician
other Not required $75-$150 per session (before insurance)
  • • Referral from provider (TRICARE Prime)
  • • Medical necessity
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

Oral Medications for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

PRP Injections for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Physical Therapy for Other Conditions

Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

Physical Therapy for Bursitis

Physical Therapy for Degenerative Joint Disease

Physical Therapy for Hip Arthritis

Is This Treatment Right for You?

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

Take Assessment