The healthcare landscape is shifting, as more hospitals face significant surges in patient volume, driven largely by an aging population with chronic conditions. If hospital priorities are not effectively changed, this growing patient population will have a major impact on care delivery, length of stay (LOS), bed capacity and readmission rates.
To effectively manage this growth, hospitals are prioritizing operational efficiency and strategic partnerships, particularly in post-acute care, with inpatient rehabilitation leading the charge.
Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Market Poised for Substantial Growth
Hospital prioritization strategies have historically focused on key surgical services. However, future trends point towards the critical role of specialty service lines, with inpatient rehabilitation being a key player.1
The global medical rehabilitation services market is experiencing substantial growth, projected to reach $492 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.17% between 2025 and 2034.
This growth can be attributed to:2
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- Growing aging population: Increased life expectancy leads to higher incidence of age-related conditions requiring intensive inpatient rehabilitation.
- Rising incidence of chronic diseases: Conditions like cardiovascular disorders, stroke, and diabetes-related complications require long-term physical therapy (PT) intervention.
- Technological advancements: The integration of robotics and virtual reality (VR) enhances treatment efficiency and patient engagement.
- Increased awareness and preventive care: More individuals are opting for PT as a preventive measure, improving overall physical wellness.
Physical and Cognitive Therapy: Key Growth Areas
Within the rehabilitation space, PT holds a dominant position, driven by the increasing number of surgeries, sports injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. With over 350 million surgeries performed annually and over 570 million prevalent cases of musculoskeletal disorders globally, the demand for PT continues to rise across the nation.2,3
Additionally, cognitive therapy is expected to have the highest CAGR, driven by the rising incidence of stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other neurological disorders that require intensive programming in a controlled setting. With approximately 795,000 stroke cases reported each year – 610,000 of those being first-time stroke – the need for cognitive therapy is critical.2
The Power of Partnership: Meeting the Demand and Ensuring Program Success
Successfully implementing and managing these rapidly growing inpatient rehabilitation programs requires specialized expertise. Partnering with a provider who understands the nuances of post-acute care, including physical and cognitive therapy, is critical.
These partnerships can provide hospitals with:
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- Clinical and operational expertise
- Improved financial stability
- Enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction
- Regulatory compliance
- Patient-focused technological solutions
As a leading post-acute provider, Lifepoint Rehabilitation eases the burden of running an inpatient rehabilitation unit or hospital. Through a joint venture or contract management partnership, Lifepoint is dedicated to increasing patient access, improving clinical quality and elevating operational efficiency in a cost-effective manner.
Contact us today to learn how Lifepoint Rehabilitation can help your hospital meet rising volume trends while maintaining strong patient outcomes in your local community.
References:
- https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/medical-rehabilitation-services-market-sizing
- https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/global-physical-therapy-market-size-and-future-growth-forecast-2025-2035-key-insights-by-custom-market-insights
- https://www.mclaren.org/main/news/stroke-in-2024-by-the-numbers-4449
