How does virtual physical therapy work?

When most people think of physical therapy, they picture a clinic full of patients doing exercises, sitting with hot or cold packs, and/or therapists using manual treatments like scraping, dry needling, cupping, or taping.

So what is “virtual” physical therapy and how does it work?

First, virtual or telehealth physical therapy is when a physical therapist completes a session with a patient over a HIPAA compliant video platform. During the first session, the therapist and patient will discuss the patient’s past medical history, current symptoms, and any other relevant information depending on the patient’s symptoms and goals. The therapist will then have the patient complete different movements and other tests to decide the best approach to treatment. These tests may look a little different than they would at an in person appointment, but the goal of figuring out the best treatment approach is the same. The therapist will then provide the patient with education and a home exercise program. This can include strength and mobility exercises, self mobilization techniques, and tips for things to do throughout the day to manage symptoms. At follow up sessions, the therapist and patient will discuss the patient’s progress, possibly look at more movements or review previous movement tests, and update the patient’s home exercise program and plan of care.

So is virtuaI physical therapy effective?

For many patients, virtual sessions are very effective! Just like an in person session, we are able to discuss your symptoms and nail down factors that may be contributing, provide education on ways to address symptoms throughout the day and modify activities as needed, and recommend exercises and techniques to address what we find in your assessment

For some patients, manual (hands on) therapy techniques can provide a lot of symptom relief and help you reach your goals. If you try self mobilization techniques and a home exercise program and your symptoms aren’t improving, it may be beneficial to see a therapist in person. However, for many patients they are able to reach their goals through virtual physical therapy sessions. Patients are also able to receive high quality care from the comfort of their own home, and reduce the amount of time it takes out of their busy schedule traveling to and from a clinic.

Absolute Kinetics PT offers virtual physical therapy sessions to patients located in Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi. We also offer virtual coaching options for folks anywhere. Learn more about our virtual coaching options here.

Ready to schedule your virtual visit? If you are in Ohio, Tennessee, or Mississippi, schedule here.

Blog post written by Dr. Alexis Hutchison, PT, DPT, OCS