5 Benefits of Telehealth Physical Therapy

Telehealth physical therapy has been around for a few years, but has recently gained more traction as COVID-19 has limited interpersonal therapy visits. Telehealth (also known as telerehabilitation or telerehab) is an online or “virtual” form of physical therapy designed to provide patients access to their physical therapist from home. Telehealth physical therapy is especially important now, as we continue to practice social distancing and quarantine, but also offers numerous additional benefits as compared to traditional in-clinic services.

1. Convenience

Telehealth gives patients access to physical therapy from the comfort of their home or office. With a little bit of space, some common household items, internet service and a computer/phone, you can recreate most of what you would find in a clinic. Get your therapy when and where you want it.

2. One-on-one Care

Reap the benefits of having your therapist’s undivided attention with telehealth physical therapy. No more being juggled between physical therapist and physical therapy assistants/aides. Increased continuity of care with decreased distractions has been shown to improve patient’s engagement with therapy, which in turn improves outcomes. Get better faster with telerehabilitation!

3. Save Time

Eliminate the commute to your physical therapy clinic, time spent sitting in the waiting room, and never have to miss work/school/events for therapy again. Telehealth physical therapy saves you time (and time = money!)

4. Cost Effective

Without the overhead of a standard physical therapy clinic, telehealth services can typically be provided at a discounted price. And with rising co-pays and high deductibles, the gap between cash based services and copays is steadily declining. Eliminating insurance company involvement also provides you and your therapist with more autonomy to shape your plan of care. With this direct, one-on-one, and personalized care, the total number of physical therapy sessions required to achieve your goals is typically greatly reduced. Less sessions = less cost!

5. Improve Accessibility

Telerehabilitation provides direct access to those patients who live rurally, are unable to get to a clinic due to weather/time constraints, or those who have safety/health related concerns. Additionally, New Hampshire and Massachusetts are direct access states, meaning that a physician's referral is not necessary for you to proceed with a physical therapy evaluation. Your physical therapist will screen you during your initial evaluation and will refer out if he/she feels you are not appropriate for telehealth physical therapy or need to seek additional medical care.

Wondering if telehealth physical therapy might be right for you? Visit us at www.wmphysicaltherapy.com and book a free 10 minute consultation!