Telehealth Physical Therapy

What is telehealth?

Telehealth or telemedicine is when medical evaluation, and treatment is delivered over video conferencing. It is a newer medium for treatment and has been used typically for clients and patients that live in remote areas and are unable to access medical advice easily. With the advancement of technology this is an area of medicine that is expanding quickly and is being utilized by more and more healthcare practitioners.

What is Telehealth PT?

Telehealth PT is physical therapy evaluation and treatment that is delivered through the medium of video conferencing. Hands on treatment is not directly available but self release techniques and treatments are easily performed by educating and coaching clients through various movements and postures. The added benefit of this medium is that encourages more independence on the part of the client and they have to administer all of the treatments on their own or with the assistance of a family member or friend.

What do i Need for telehealth?

All you really need for a Telehealth appointment is a computer or phone with the capability to connect to the internet. It is preferable to be in a quiet area that has room to move and a chair and mat to lay down on. A tripod with a phone attachment may be helpful for changing views and ease of evaluation. A family member or friend may be used to assist with certain treatments and evaluation techniques as well. Other equipment may be recommended to help assist with some of the techniques like a tennis ball, stretch out strap or resistance bands. Equipment recommendations will be made prior to the initial evaluation. There is no pressure to buy anything but the equipment recommended are tools that will be useful years into the future.

How long is a Telehealth session?

A telehealth evaluation is 45 minutes long, the follow up sessions are 30 minutes long?

Treatment sessions typically include some combination of:client education, therapeutic exercise, self active release techniques, neuromuscular re-education techniques, functional activity training, balance activity or gait training.