What Is Telehealth Physical Therapy and How Does It Work?

Is a visit to your physical therapist long overdue? We recommend that you opt for telehealth physical therapy to get proper consultation ASAP!

Thousands of physical therapists across the country are operating online. COVID-19 has pushed the healthcare industry to create contactless ways to treat patients remotely. These services feature everything from consultation, diagnosis, to treatment.

There are many reasons why you might need a physical therapist on speed dial. Primary causes include injuries, chronic pain management, recent fall, or prescribed post-surgery treatment. Considering the current situation, it is still not safe for you to come into proximity with crowds.

Therefore, you should choose telehealth physical therapy instead.

Here is everything you need to know about it:

How Does Telehealth Physical Therapy Work?

Telehealth physical therapy features physical therapy services provided online instead of in-person visits. They are conducted via live video calls and often follow the same format as regular appointments.

Physical therapists provide this service to provide initial evaluations, remote patient monitoring, and supervised treatment plans. They are suitable for follow-up visits too.

What Do You Need for Your Telehealth PT Session?

Your physical therapist will guide you through the process. The setup generally requires a few essentials to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Here are a few things you’ll need:

·       Digital devices (either a laptop, tablet or smartphone) with a functional camera and microphone.

·       Steady internet connection to prevent disturbances during your session.

·       Sufficient space for exercise and movement.

·       You should also wear comfortable clothing for easy movements.

·       Get a soft yoga mat if you have to perform floor exercises.

If required, your physical therapist might recommend getting some exercise equipment too.

Why Should You Opt for Telehealth Physical Therapy?

Telehealth physical therapy is an excellent way to continue treatment. It is accessible, convenient, and safe for patients of all ages. You also receive 1:1 physical health consultation without stepping outside.

This alone makes it a perfect way to stay fit and active despite the COVID challenges.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider online PT:

Accessibility & Convenience

As long as you have a strong internet connection, your physical therapy appointments will not get disrupted. You can opt for weekly or monthly assessments to get guided instructions from your physical therapist. It is a great way to schedule follow-up appointments without going to their office.  

Physical Therapy for Seniors 

Seniors often need exercise and physical therapy to retain flexibility and movements. Caregivers can provide this facility through telehealth physical therapy. That way, the elderly can stay safe and healthy at home without missing out on this service.

COVID-19 Recovery Program

Our telehealth physical therapy service features post-COVID-19 programs too. We use these appointments to expand lung capacity, improve pulmonary conditioning, and strengthen muscles. Other exercises include cardio, stretching, etc.

Fitness

Gyms are still a high-risk zone for the coronavirus. Even if health regulation departments clear your gym, partial opening might make regular visits difficult. You can use telehealth physical therapy to learn essential fitness exercise required to get back into shape.

What’s more?

You can schedule online appointments to seek consultation regarding sudden pain, chronic illness or injury. We can also create personalized treatment plans to help you recover better from a recent injury. The possibilities are endless here and your physical therapist is only one click away!

In a Nutshell

In the end, telehealth physical therapy is a practical and viable alternative in these times. It is accessible, convenient, and safer for seniors, immunocompromised individuals, people recovering from an illness or injury. It also a great way to get actionable advice on physical health while you maintain social distancing.

Are you interested in telehealth physical therapy? Get in touch to schedule your first virtual appointment.