More and more businesses are shutting their doors because of coronavirus. Restaurants offering carry-out or delivery only. Gyms shutting down. These measures are designed to keep people in their home and contain the spread of COVID-19
However, the shutdown of many businesses shouldn’t affect your ability to get physical therapy. Patients with a variety of issues can use virtual therapy services. These services allow people to get help from therapy specialists right in their own home, and they’re now being offered by Border Therapy Services in addition to our in-clinic sessions.
What is virtual physical therapy?
Virtual therapy uses electronic communications, like online video and audio, to provide physical therapy to patients remotely. This type of therapy is also known as telemedicine or remote physical therapy. The most common form of virtual therapy is the video session. It involves you interacting with a therapist through a secure live video and audio link.
It might not seem like virtual therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, it can provide benefits for many patients. One medical survey reports that virtual therapy patients’ overall satisfaction rating was 91.2%.
Do I need special equipment to do virtual therapy?
The average person has all the equipment they need to use virtual therapy. You’ll need a device that has a functioning microphone, speakers and camera. This means a range of devices can be used for teletherapy, including smartphones, tables, laptops and desktops. Teletherapy patients will need to ensure that the device is stable during the therapy session as well.
It’s also important that the device you choose can operate hands-free. It’s likely you’ll be performing therapeutic exercises and stretches during your virtual therapy session. You don’t want to have to hang on to your device while you do so. This will only distract you from the movements or what your therapist is saying about them.
You should also check to make sure that your internet browser is up to date.
What can virtual therapy treat?
The biggest difference between in-person and virtual therapy is the lack of manual therapy. Manual therapy is a category of techniques. These methods involve therapists using their hands to manipulate soft tissue or mobilize joints. However, your therapist won’t be able to put their hands on you during a virtual therapy session.
Fortunately, therapists can still educate you about your condition. They can also help you figure out more effective ways to do normal daily activities. In addition, therapists can demonstrate how to do therapeutic exercises and stretches through the session’s video link.
The ability to do all this and more means therapists can still help patients with issues like:
- Chronic pain in the back, neck, shoulder and other body structures
- Strains, strains and other soft tissue injuries
- Post-surgical rehab
- Pre-surgical rehab
- Car accident injuries
- Work injuries
How much will I pay for virtual therapy sessions?
Virtual physical therapy care is covered by most major insurances in the same way as an in-person visit. Our team also accepts credit and debit as well as Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) payments for Medicare, Medicaid and self-pay patients.
Border Therapy Services offers virtual therapy
At Border Therapy Services, our team is offering virtual therapy sessions in addition to in-clinic appointments to help patients get the help they need during the coronavirus outbreak.
Are you one of our current patients? Are you a patient who’s new to Border Therapy Services? We’re ready to help you get the care you need with virtual therapy. Contact our team for more information about virtual physical therapy today or to schedule an initial appointment.