Last Chance This Year: Use Your FSA for Physical Therapy
As the year comes to a close, you might be looking at your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balance wondering what to do with it. Maybe you’ve never considered physical therapy—or it’s been a while since your last visit. That’s perfectly normal. Many people put off therapy because life gets busy, pain feels “manageable,” or they assume it’s only for serious injuries.
The truth is, physical therapy isn’t just for recovery—it’s for anyone who wants to move more comfortably, prevent problems, and feel stronger. And if you have unused FSA funds, you already have a way to make it happen without paying extra out-of-pocket.
Why Physical Therapy Isn’t Just for Injuries
You don’t need a recent injury or surgery to benefit from therapy.
Many people find relief from issues they didn’t realize could be improved, such as:
- Nagging back or neck pain from sitting at a desk too long
- Tight hips or shoulders from daily activities or stress
- Stiff joints that make simple movements like climbing stairs uncomfortable
- Balance or posture concerns that have been ignored
Physical therapy is personalized. A therapist evaluates how your body moves and designs exercises to target exactly the areas causing discomfort or limiting mobility. You’ll learn how to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and move in ways that prevent future pain.
Benefits You Might Not Expect
Even if you haven’t thought about therapy recently, it can make a noticeable difference:
- Relieve everyday aches: Small pains that you shrug off can often be addressed in just a few sessions.
- Prevent bigger problems: Therapy helps stop minor discomfort from turning into chronic issues.
- Gain energy and confidence: Improved movement and posture can make daily activities easier.
- Learn lasting strategies: Therapists teach exercises and habits you can continue at home, giving you control over your health.
7 Key Benefits of Physical Therapy
Here’s why using your FSA for physical therapy before year-end can be one of the best investments in your health:
1) Relieve Pain and Discomfort
Physical therapy can reduce chronic pain, post-surgery soreness, and strain from repetitive activities. Addressing pain early prevents it from worsening and may reduce reliance on medications.
2) Improve Mobility and Flexibility
Therapy enhances range of motion, flexibility, and coordination, making everyday movements easier and more comfortable—especially important as we age or recover from injury.
3) Prevent Future Injuries
Therapists identify weaknesses, imbalances, or movement habits that could cause injury. Strengthening muscles and improving posture reduces long-term risks.
4) Enhance Recovery After Surgery or Injury
Therapy helps restore strength, coordination, and function safely, reducing the risk of setbacks and speeding up recovery.
5) Manage Chronic Conditions Effectively
For arthritis, fibromyalgia, or joint pain, therapy provides tailored exercises, pain management strategies, and education to maintain mobility and independence.
6) Improve Balance, Stability, and Overall Health
Physical therapy enhances balance, coordination, and body awareness, which helps prevent falls and supports an active lifestyle.
7) Gain Knowledge and Tools to Stay Healthy
Therapists teach proper movement, posture, and exercises for home practice, empowering you to reduce pain and prevent future problems.
Why Using Your FSA Now Makes Sense
With the year ending soon, unused FSA funds may disappear. Using them isn’t about spending money for the sake of it—it’s about investing in your health.
Physical therapy provides tangible, lasting benefits, and even one or two sessions before the deadline can relieve pain, improve mobility, and set you up for a healthier new year.
How to Get Started:
- Check your FSA: Confirm that physical therapy is covered.
- Schedule a visit: Even an initial evaluation can help you start addressing issues.
- Keep documentation: Receipts and notes make submitting claims simple and ensure your funds are used.
It’s About Feeling Better, Not Spending Money
You don’t need to wait until pain becomes severe. Therapy can help now, even for issues you’ve been ignoring. Your FSA makes starting easier, removing the financial barrier.
Consider giving yourself the gift of movement, comfort, and strength before the year ends. Even a few sessions can make a real difference—and you’ll start the new year feeling better than you have in months.
The Jackson Clinics serves 18 locations throughout Northern Virginia.
Find one near you: thejacksonclinics.com/locations
