How Does Telehealth PT Work?
Telehealth physical therapy has been gaining popularity in modern times. Factors that increased telehealth physical therapy are the rise of technology as a form of communication, the COVID-19 pandemic causing decreased in-person appointments, and how busy patients are.
Telehealth for physical therapy is like telemedicine with a physician. A patient and physical therapist meet virtually over a live video for evaluation and treatment of diagnoses within the scope of physical therapist practice. The patient and PT must have a mobile device, laptop, or tablet and a reliable internet connection for the visit to be successful.
You may be wondering how physical therapy, such a hands-on profession, could be successful with telehealth. Physical therapists have tools available that measure joint angles through software they use. Also, a lot of what PTs do in evaluating and treating is through observation, which can be accomplished through a high-definition video. PTs are able to pick up on weaknesses and mobility issues through movement patterns like walking and squatting.
With technology integrated into telehealth visits, PTs are able to send exercises that often have video instructions and repetition counts built in. This allows the opportunity for patients to be even more compliant with exercises and PT recommendations. Telehealth is helpful for patients who have busy schedules or that have transportation problems as a barrier to coming to a clinic.
