5 things virtual PT providers want you to know before your first session

Many people think that physical therapy can only be done in person, but virtual physical therapy is an effective option for many people. People who try virtual physical therapy for the first time don’t always know what to expect. They probably have many questions before even starting their first session. And that’s what we’re here for.

Read on to learn the basics of virtual physical therapy, what you should know before booking your first appointment and the benefits of going the online route for PT. 

What is virtual physical therapy?

Virtual physical therapy is sometimes referred to as telehealth physical therapy or telerehab. It allows you to get treatment for injuries, medical condition symptoms and pain management online. 

By using a camera on a computer, tablet or phone, virtual physical therapy allows you to work face-to-face with a licensed physical therapist at home to get the therapy you need. They can walk you through exercises needed to increase your body’s strength, flexibility and range of motion.

5 things to know before starting virtual physical therapy

Physical therapy is usually associated with hands-on techniques. So there are many questions that new patients may have about doing virtual physical therapy appointments. Before booking your first PT session, here are five things to keep in mind:

• Connectivity — Good connectivity is essential for virtual physical therapy. Having access to quality Wi-Fi can make a huge difference in the outcome of an appointment. Internet access that causes buffering, or even cuts out the connection completely, can make it difficult for both the therapist and the patient. The patient may struggle to see the demonstration, while the therapist could have trouble observing the exercises.
• Computer placement — In order for a physical therapist to ensure that you’re properly following their instructions during a PT appointment, it’s important that they can see you on their computer. This means positioning your camera at an angle and distance that puts your body in the frame that shows the part you’re working on. 
• Assistance — It’s OK to get a helping hand from someone else. There are patients who may have trouble navigating to the call, repositioning the computer during movements or understanding the therapist’s directions. People who are older, hard of hearing, or visually impaired may need assistance from a friend or family member before or during a virtual PT session.
• Ask for materials beforehand — It’s always good to come prepared! Reach out to your physical therapist a day or two before your appointment and see if they have any guides that you can review. Knowing about the types of exercises that you’ll be doing will help you know what to expect and get into the right mindset needed to complete them.
• Be motivated — Many people feel like engagement can be negatively affected through virtual appointments. That’s why motivation is essential. When your PT session starts, be ready to engage with your therapist and the exercises, so you can get the most out of every session to maximize your results.

Benefits of virtual physical therapy

Virtual physical therapy has several benefits, often making it the best route for people seeking treatment.

Some reasons why you should consider virtual physical therapy include:

• Accessibility — By offering physical therapy practice beyond the walls of a clinic, it allows more people to access the treatment they need to manage their pain and recover from injuries. Not everyone has a car or the means of transportation needed to go to an in-person physical therapy appointment. But more than 90% of people in America have access to the internet, giving most people the chance to get the physical therapy they need, even if there isn’t a practice near their home.
• Convenience — Time isn’t always on our side. Driving to and from a physical therapy practice can take up valuable time in people’s busy schedules. With virtual physical therapy, it takes just a few clicks to get the physical therapy treatment you need from the convenience of your own home.
• Comfort — Many people feel uncomfortable in new spaces. This is especially in situations where they have to move their bodies while other people are around. With virtual physical therapy, you know your own environment without feeling judged or pressured by others around you. People are much more open in their own homes, allowing them to be comfortable doing the exercises.

Agile Virtual PT provides you with accessible and effective virtual physical therapy

Virtual physical therapy is a great option for people who want a convenient and comfortable way to get the treatment they need. And by keeping the above tips in mind, you can be sure that you’re getting the best results possible while partnering with your virtual physical therapist.

When you’re ready to treat your injuries and manage your pain at home, contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.