Telehealth, or virtual physical therapy, offers an alternative option for you to receive specialized care from a provider who may be an expert in the care you need despite living thousands of miles apart. (2) This option takes advantage of technology that’s available right at your fingertips. It refers to physical therapy sessions that are held through videoconference calls with a [licensed] therapist through a mobile device. (1)  Telehealth may also be referred to as “synchronous” format, using live interaction between two parties over video in “real-time.” 

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Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of virtual physical therapy.  Research has found that telehealth is equally as effective compared to traditional PT. The same exercises that your therapist shows you through your computer or phone screen are the same exercises that they will walk you through when they come to your home. (1) Even without hands-on techniques, physical therapists are able to provide the same guidance for therapeutic exercises to patients through a computer as they can in person. Virtual physical therapy also helps patients learn how to do the exercises and techniques on their own. That way they can continue performing them between sessions. (1) Further, studies have shown that treatment outcomes for virtual physical therapy appear to be on par with the outcomes for face-to-face physical therapy sessions. (2)​ A study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery showed that tele-rehabilitation was similarly effective as traditional care for patients recovering from total knee arthroplasty.(4) The Musculoskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery discovered that, during COVID-19, patient satisfaction with virtual physical therapy was comparable to in-person services. (5) The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) advocates for telehealth as an effective and viable method for delivering patient care.(6) Some common uses for Telehealth PT:

    •    Prevention of readmission through home safety evals and mobility screens

    •    Post-discharge checkups and safety screens

    •    Advanced intake of subjective history

    •    Wellness and preventative services to avoid hospitalizations

    •    Consulting with other practitioners (think McKenzie screens, CrossFit/yoga instructors, or pelvic floor consults)

    •    Post-surgical monitoring and rehabilitation

    •    Q and A to prevent hospital readmissions and future injuries

 

Standards of practice still hold for Telehealth PT, including:

    •    Informed consent

    •    Abiding by HIPAA

    •    Protecting patient privacy

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Let the Physical Therapist come to you in the privacy of your home or any setting. We're here for you ready to help speed recovery. If you prefer convenience, skipping the commute and waiting room, one-on-one care,  and the comfort of home, then virtual-based physical therapy would benefit you. 

Telehealth is intended to complement in-person sessions.

Physical therapy can help you regain a pain free life after an injury, and return to your previous level of functioning. We are committed to results and helping you achieve full mobility and rest easy again. 

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