TeleHealth Physical Therapy Sessions and its Benefits

The world has changed because of the coronavirus outbreak and it is frankly a bit scarier than before the outbreak. We want to shed some light on how TeleHealth Physical Therapy Services can benefit you during this time.

However, there is great hope and optimism in seeing most of us doing the right thing, practicing social distancing and self-quarantining.  

The healthcare service industry is adapting to the changes brought about by the outbreak of COVID-19.  

Through telehealth, physical therapists can assist you remotely.

How, you may ask? After all, a physical therapy visit, if you have had one does not fit well with the concept of social distancing while social distancing tells us to keep to ourselves as much as possible.

Physical therapy via telehealth can be an effective tool for treatment and even provide additional benefits while we practice self-quarantine and social distancing. 

Let’s take a closer look at telehealth physical therapy, and how you can use it to continue your treatments even through the midst of the coronavirus crisis.

What Is Telehealth Physical Therapy?

Telehealth physical therapy is very similar to physical therapy sessions you’ve always been familiar with.

The only real difference is that it’s done through a video conference over the internet and the therapist guides you through different exercises and offers self management techniques.

If you’ve ever used Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, Duo or any other type of video chat or conference software, it’s essentially the same thing.

Because the majority of treatment done by physical therapists is done through discussion, demonstration, and observation, it can usually be done via telehealth with almost no decrease in effectiveness.

How Does Telehealth Physical Therapy Work?

Telehealth Physical Therapy sessions work just about the same way your regular session works.

You’ll schedule your appointment with a physical therapist, at a time that works for the both of you.

Then, when the time comes, you’ll log onto the video conference.

Here at Capitol Physical Therapy, we use Google Hangouts Meet , which is user-friendly as well as secure, with end-to-end encryption to keep our session private. This platform is also HIPAA compliant.

We’ll be able to see and hear each other in real-time, interact with each other, and most importantly, work through your session like we normally would.

In fact, in some cases a telehealth physical therapy session and a traditional physical therapy session do not differ much.

Benefits Of Telehealth Physical Therapy Sessions?

Wondering how telehealth physical therapy sessions also called telerehabilitation or telerehab might look?

Are you concerned they might not be as effective as traditional sessions?

Have you been trying to figure out how to fit a physical therapy session into your schedule, and had difficulty doing so?

If so, read on to find out the benefits of telerehab.

1. It Observes Proper Social Distancing Protocols

According to current advice from the World Health Organization, it’s a good idea to maintain social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak.

That means staying at least 6 feet/2 meters away from other people at all times.

Naturally, if you’re coming to a physical therapy appointment, maintaining that social distancing can be difficult, both in the waiting room and during your session.

However, telerehab sessions can help you to continue your physical therapy and your progress in healing uninterrupted, while maintaining your safety.

Note – the above advice is accurate as of the time of this writing (March 26th, 2020), but things are changing quickly.

Make sure to get your information on the coronavirus from up-to-date sources. We’re qualified to provide advice on physical therapy, but not viral infections.

2. It’s More Flexible

We are all very busy people, not surprising since it’s a busy world. For most of us it just seems to be getting busier. 

So it can be difficult to make the time for a physical therapy session and practice self-care.

It’s cold out, you need to find a sitter for the kids, you can’t get away from work, it takes too long to drive there – there are a million different reasons to avoid a physical therapy session.

Telerehabilitation sessions avoid all that.

Rather than having to transit or drive all the way for physical therapy in Washington DC, you can enjoy your treatments from the comfort of your home, your office, or even in the middle of a park if that’s what you’d like.

That can make scheduling a physical therapy appointment a lot easier.

3. It Offers Continuity of Care

Physical Therapy is most effective when it is done routinely, and for a regular duration, but life can get in the way. 

Falling behind on regular consistent physical therapy sessions may result in taking a longer time to heal or the risk of your pain and injury getting worse.   

In other cases, like those recovering from a major neurological incident, it may be difficult to travel to a physical therapy clinic.

If for some reason you can’t make your regular physical therapy session, a telerehab session will ensure that your treatment continues uninterrupted, and you avoid paying a cancellation fee.

Plus, being in your everyday setting may make it much easier for you and your physical therapist to identify previously unidentified issues or problems.

4. It Might Actually Be More Effective In Some Situations

Telehealth, also called telerehabilitation, might seem like a new idea, but we’ve been using it for more than 20 years.

And during that time, there have been a number of studies done on whether or not it’s an effective treatment method.

The research shows that overall, it’s almost as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy at treating many issues, and in some cases it might be even more effective.

The American Physical Therapy Association fully endorses the use of telehealth or telerehab and has cited a number of studies showing the efficacy of telehealth/telerehab.

The National Institute of Health has even conducted a recent study showing that patients with severe strokes and limited mobility benefited more from telehealth physical therapy sessions. 

The key aspect of all the cited studies was that telerehab sessions ensure a continuity of care. With telehealth physical therapy sessions you can maintain your continuity of care with minimal effort.   

Book An Appointment With Capitol Physical Therapy Today

Do you have a pain or discomfort you’re hoping to deal with?

Whatever your concern, we can help with managing your pain and improving your quality of life.

Contact us today to book an online physical therapy appointment, and let’s get you feeling like your best self.

Book your tele-habilitation/rehabilitation appointment with Capitol Physical Therapy today.

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our DC therapists, feel free to schedule your appointment today.