Knowing when to choose telehealth for physical therapy can be critical to your recovery.
In today’s fast-paced world, patients often face obstacles that prevent them from attending in-person physical therapy (PT) sessions. Telehealth PT offers a convenient alternative, allowing patients to receive quality care from the comfort of their homes.
A hybrid approach blends the advantages of traditional, in-clinic physical therapy with the flexibility of digital health, offering a comprehensive and patient-centered treatment plan.
In this article, we will explore:
The Role of Telehealth in Physical Therapy
Telehealth for Common Conditions
When to Choose Telehealth for Physical Therapy
Combining Telehealth with In-Clinic Care
Telehealth and Patient Empowerment
The Future of Telehealth for Physical Therapy
The Role of Telehealth in Physical Therapy
Telehealth for physical therapy leverages digital communication tools to connect patients with physical therapists, enabling them to receive evaluations, treatment plans, and guided exercises remotely. This service, which was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to gain momentum as patients and providers recognize its benefits.
One of the key advantages of telehealth for physical therapy is increased accessibility. Whether due to geographic location, busy schedules, or transportation challenges, some patients cannot always attend in-person appointments. Telehealth bridges this gap, offering a way for individuals to receive timely care without compromising on quality.
According to Steve Kiak, CORA Physical Therapy’s Digital Health Manager, telehealth can help patients receive care quicker, which can ultimately lead to a faster recovery. “The flexibility of digital health is optimal,” Kiak explains. “Patients can get the care they need without waiting, which is essential for conditions where early intervention is key.”
Telehealth for Common Conditions
Let’s consider a specific example: frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis. This condition is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint and can severely limit a person’s range of motion. Ashley Langford, CORA’s Director of Clinical Excellence, notes that frozen shoulder is often treated with manual therapy, which involves hands-on manipulation by a physical therapist to improve mobility.
“For someone with frozen shoulder, I would typically recommend coming into the clinic for an initial evaluation,” Langford says. “There’s a lot of value in being able to physically assess a patient’s range of motion and feel for any limitations.”
However, Langford also acknowledges the benefits of telehealth for certain stages of treatment. If a patient’s condition is too painful for hands-on treatment, a digital health session might be a better option. In these cases, telehealth can provide valuable guidance on exercises to maintain mobility without exacerbating the pain.
When to Choose Telehealth for Physical Therapy
There are many scenarios when choosing telehealth for physical therapy can be particularly effective:
Post-surgical rehabilitation: After surgery, patients may not be able to travel easily. Telehealth offers a way to begin rehabilitation without delaying care.
Minor injuries or early-stage conditions: For conditions like muscle strains or early-stage joint pain, telehealth allows physical therapists to assess symptoms and guide patients through exercises remotely.
Time-sensitive conditions: In cases such as motor vehicle accidents or trauma that result in conditions like frozen shoulder, early intervention is crucial. Telehealth allows for quick evaluations and treatment plans, potentially preventing further complications.
Chronic pain management: Telehealth is also beneficial for chronic pain patients, who may require frequent, ongoing support to manage their symptoms.
“We don’t have to rely solely on in-person visits. With telehealth, patients can get started on their treatment plans immediately, and we can continue to monitor their progress remotely.”
Steve Kiak PT, DPT Digital Health Manager
The Limitations of Telehealth for Physical Therapy
Despite the many benefits, telehealth for physical therapy does have limitations. Some conditions simply require hands-on treatment, and not all patients may be suitable candidates for remote care. As Langford points out, “There are certain conditions where manual therapy, such as dry needling or specific joint manipulations, is essential for recovery.”
Additionally, conditions that involve complex diagnoses or require precise, in-person assessments may not be fully treatable via telehealth. For instance, vestibular therapy, which addresses dizziness and balance issues, often requires close examination of a patient’s eye movements and posture—tasks that are challenging to assess accurately through a screen.
Kiak also acknowledges the importance of knowing when to transition from telehealth to in-person care: “There are certain cases, such as high-level stroke recovery, where the patient’s safety requires hands-on care. Our teams are skilled at recognizing these situations and recommending the best course of action for the patient.”
Combining Telehealth with In-Clinic Care: The Hybrid Approach
The most effective model for telehealth in physical therapy is often a hybrid approach. By combining telehealth with in-clinic visits, patients can receive the best of both worlds—benefiting from the convenience of digital care while also having access to manual therapy when necessary.
Patients may start with an in-clinic evaluation to get a comprehensive understanding of their condition. From there, they can transition to telehealth for follow-up appointments, progress checks, and guided exercises, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits. This flexible model ensures that patients receive continuous care without unnecessary interruptions.
“Telehealth is great, and in-person care is great, but together they offer a more complete solution.” – Ashley Langford
Ashley Langford, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, Cert. DN, AIB-VR Director of Clinical Excellence
Telehealth and Patient Empowerment
A crucial aspect of telehealth for physical therapy is patient empowerment. Telehealth encourages patients to take an active role in their recovery by performing exercises at home and staying engaged in their treatment plans. This not only fosters greater accountability but also allows patients to work on their recovery outside of clinic hours.
As more insurance providers cover telehealth services, patients are increasingly aware of this convenient option. However, as Langford notes, “The rehab profession hasn’t done a great job of advertising what we offer. There’s still a lot of education to be done around the benefits of telehealth in physical therapy.”
The Future of Telehealth for Physical Therapy
Telehealth for physical therapy is here to stay. As digital health technologies continue to evolve, more patients will have access to high-quality care that meets their needs, regardless of location or time constraints. For patients and providers alike, this hybrid model offers flexibility, convenience, and, most importantly, better outcomes.
At CORA Physical Therapy, we’re committed to using telehealth for physical therapy to improve patient access and outcomes. Whether you’re dealing with a frozen shoulder, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic pain, our team is ready to help you explore the options that work best for your needs. Telehealth is not a replacement for in-person care but a valuable tool in delivering patient-centered, effective treatment.
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