Canada Physiotherapy Equipment Market Analysis

Canada Physiotherapy Equipment Market Executive Summary

The Canada Physiotherapy Equipment Market is at around $1,672 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $2,720.19 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period.

Physiotherapy equipment refers to the instruments that physiotherapists use to help cases recover from accidents, operations, or habitual conditions. These include exercise cycles, ultrasound machines, and resistance bands. The utilization of physiotherapy equipment can help reduce the level of care required for these patients. Musculoskeletal conditions encompass a wide range of conditions and conditions affecting the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues, leading to pain, mobility limitations, and reduced functioning. These conditions include low reverse pain, neck pain, fractures, osteoarthritis, amputations, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal issues. Musculoskeletal diseases affect limited mobility and are a significant cause of disability.

According to Health and Safety Executive, in 2022/23, an estimated 1.8 Mn workers in Canada suffered from work-related ill health, with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders accounting for 27% of those cases. Hence, the increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and arthritis is projected to drive up the demand for physiotherapy equipment, consequently propelling market expansion.

The market therefore is driven by significant factors like the aging population and the rising prevalence of cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal diseases. Hospitals and outpatient facilities are the key end users of physiotherapy equipment due to the comprehensive healthcare services they provide. However, uncertain physiotherapy reimbursement scenario, limited accessibility to specialized physiotherapists, and strict regulatory approval.

The leading pharmaceutical companies include OrthoCanada, and Physio Supplies Canada for physiotherapy equipment. Medeclo and Enraf-Nonius BV are also significant contributors to the physiotherapy equipment landscape, with continuous research and development activities.

​

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rise in Geriatric Population: Arthritis is a major concern for Canada's aging population, with 19.5% of those over 65 affected. This rise in geriatric conditions is driving the development of advanced physiotherapy equipment specifically designed for seniors with multiple health issues. As the number of people dealing with age-related physical and mental limitations increases, the market for this specialized equipment is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Increasing Technical Progress: Companies are progressively focused on technological advancements and developing new goods to provide superior and user-friendly devices. The usage of e-therapy is also gaining popularity because it is connected with numerous advantages for medical professionals and individuals requiring physiological therapies.

Sedentary Lifestyles and Increasing Incidence of Physical Injuries: Increased stress levels due to professional and personal responsibilities have ushered in lethargy in undertaking physically demanding activities, increasing orthopedic disorders. As the level of physical exertion decreases, the chances of injuries due to the brittleness of bones and frozen joints have increased. Increasing incidences of road accidents cause severe physical deformities such as herniated discs, and knee trauma, which can be corrected through physiotherapy.

Market Restraints

Uncertain Physiotherapy Reimbursement Situation: Changes in healthcare insurance policies and coverage have an impact on spending by consumers. This may result in service variations and a reduction in care quality. The disparity in coverage forces patients to pay out of cash. The accompanying expenditures can limit patients' access to treatments, leading to cases when patients do not receive treatment.

Lack of Skilled Physiotherapists: The lack of qualified physiotherapists and healthcare providers can restrict the utilization and adoption of physiotherapy equipment, as patients may not have access to skilled professionals to operate the equipment efficiently and safely. This shortage also hinders the implementation of new technologies, particularly in remote regions.

Regulatory Obstacles: Regulatory approvals for medical devices and equipment used in physiotherapy can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, potentially delaying market entry and restricting growth.

Alternative Treatment Methods: The physiotherapy equipment market faces a hurdle as patients favor simpler solutions like medications or surgery. Physiotherapy often requires active participation and commitment from patients, which might be less appealing than a quick fix. This could limit the growth of the physiotherapy equipment market

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

In Canada, regulatory requirements are overseen by Health Canada. Health Canada is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. Manufacturers and importers of physiotherapy equipment need to obtain a Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL) from Health Canada before they can legally sell their products in the country. Health Canada classifies medical devices based on their risk level (Class I - low risk; Class IV - highest risk). This classification determines the level of regulatory scrutiny required for pre-market approval.

To seek approval for a medical device in Canada depends on the classification. Class I Devices, apply for an MDEL, and demonstrate compliance with basic safety and performance requirements.

Class II, III, and IV devices involve submitting a Medical Device License Application to Health Canada. The application will require detailed information about the device, including its design, manufacturing process, clinical data demonstrating safety and effectiveness, and labeling.

The reimbursement scenario for physiotherapy in Canada varies depending on the type of service, patient, and provider. Publicly funded physiotherapy services are delivered through Community Physiotherapy Clinics (CPCs). The Ontario government funds physiotherapy care in certain situations, such as in-home physiotherapy for seniors and other patients.  

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the Canada Physiotherapy Equipment Market:

• Medelco
• EMS Physio Ltd.
• OrthoCanada
• Performance Health
• Enraf-Nonius B.V.
• Storz Medical AG
• Physio Supplies Canada
• Body Best
• DJO Global
• Zynex Medical Inc.