Is Virtual Physical Therapy for me?
In the digital age (helped along by the necessities of the COVID pandemic), the scope of healthcare has expanded beyond the traditional confines of a clinic. One such advancement is virtual physical therapy, which offers patients the convenience and accessibility of receiving care from the comfort of their homes. But is virtual physical therapy the right choice for you? Let’s delve into what virtual physical therapy entails to find out.
What is Virtual Physical Therapy?
Virtual physical therapy, also known as telehealth physical therapy or remote physical therapy, involves conducting physical therapy sessions through online platforms. This method utilizes video calls, email and text follow-ups, and other digital tools to facilitate communication between therapists and patients. During these sessions, I review a thorough past medical history with the patient, screen for red flags for more serious pathologies, and provide education on injury management, all in real-time.
What is the Evidence for Virtual Physical Therapy?
For many common conditions, there is no significant change in outcomes whether the treatment is conducted in-person or online. Some conditions that have strong evidence to support the efficacy of virtual rehab include:
Non-specific low back pain
Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Other chronic conditions
Online support has been shown to increase exercise adherence and decrease fear-avoidance behavior.
Differences Between Acute and Chronic Injuries
Often, the type of injury you have may impact whether you will feel comfortable receiving online services. Acute injuries sometimes benefit more from manual therapy, which can help neuro-modulate pain, while chronic injuries often benefit from improved autonomy and lifestyle changes, which are seamlessly delivered online.
Acute Injuries:
Definition: Acute injuries are sudden and usually result from a specific incident, such as a fall, twist, or collision. Common examples include sprains, strains, and fractures.
Symptoms: These injuries often present immediate symptoms such as sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility.
Treatment Goals: The primary goals are to reduce pain and inflammation, restore function, and prevent further injury. Early intervention is key to a quick recovery.
Chronic Injuries:
Definition: Chronic injuries develop over time and are often idiopathic. Examples include tendinitis, arthritis, and chronic back pain.
Symptoms: These injuries are characterized by persistent pain, stiffness, and discomfort that can last for months or even years.
Treatment Goals: Managing chronic injuries focuses on long-term pain relief, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life. Regular, sustained therapy is often required.
Benefits of Virtual Physical Therapy
Accessibility and Convenience
Virtual physical therapy eliminates barriers such as travel time, geographical constraints, and scheduling conflicts. This increased accessibility can lead to better adherence to therapy programs, which is crucial for successful outcomes.
Patient Satisfaction
Many patients report high levels of satisfaction with virtual physical therapy. According to a survey conducted by the American Physical Therapy Association, patients appreciated the convenience and flexibility of virtual sessions, and felt that their therapists could effectively address their needs remotely.
Cost-Effectiveness
Virtual physical therapy can also be more cost-effective for both patients and providers. It reduces overhead costs associated with maintaining a physical clinic and can lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Is Virtual Physical Therapy Right for You?
While virtual physical therapy offers many benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Consider the following factors:
Nature of Injury: Virtual therapy is highly effective for chronic conditions and mild to moderate acute injuries. Severe acute injuries or conditions requiring hands-on manipulation may still necessitate in-person visits.
Technology Comfort Level: Patients need to be comfortable using digital devices and have a reliable internet connection to participate in virtual sessions.
Personal Preference: Some individuals may prefer the personal interaction and reassurance of face-to-face sessions. It's important to choose a method that aligns with your comfort and confidence levels.
Conclusion
Virtual physical therapy is a valuable and effective alternative to traditional in-person therapy for many patients. By understanding the nature of your injury and considering your personal circumstances, you can make an informed decision about whether this modern approach to physical therapy is right for you. As research continues to support its efficacy, virtual physical therapy stands as a promising option for accessible, convenient, and high-quality care.
References:
Bennell KL, Marshall CJ, Dobson F, Kasza J, Lonsdale C, Hinman RS. Does a Web-Based Exercise Programming System Improve Home Exercise Adherence for People With Musculoskeletal Conditions?: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2019;98(10):850-858. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000001204
Cottrell MA, O'Leary SP, Raymer M, Hill AJ, Comans T, Russell TG. Does telerehabilitation result in inferior clinical outcomes compared with in-person care for the management of chronic musculoskeletal spinal conditions in the tertiary hospital setting? A non-randomised pilot clinical trial. J Telemed Telecare. 2021;27(7):444-452. doi:10.1177/1357633X19887265
Hinman RS, Nelligan RK, Bennell KL, Delany C. "Sounds a Bit Crazy, But It Was Almost More Personal:" A Qualitative Study of Patient and Clinician Experiences of Physical Therapist-Prescribed Exercise For Knee Osteoarthritis Via Skype. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017;69(12):1834-1844. doi:10.1002/acr.23218
Koppenaal T, Pisters M, Kloek C, Arensman R, Ostelo R, Veenhof C. The 3-Month Effectiveness of a Stratified Blended Physiotherapy Intervention in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2022;24(2):e31675. doi:10.2196/31675
Lorig KR, Ritter PL, Laurent DD, Plant K. The internet-based arthritis self-management program: a one-year randomized trial for patients with arthritis or fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum. 2008;59(7):1009-1017. doi:10.1002/art.23817
Study: Patients give telehealth rave reviews (2020) APTA. Available at: https://www.apta.org/article/2020/08/26/patient-telehealth-survey (Accessed: 25 May 2024).