Physiotherapy is an essential part of life for many people but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for them to find a physiotherapist clinic close to their homes. Some of the clinics are only seeing the urgent cases while other have closed their clinics either due to lockdown restrictions or the fear of spread of coronavirus. Virtual therapy has proven to be just as effective as an in-person physiotherapy session, thus becoming a blessing in disguise for millions of people suffering from chronic pain.
During a digital therapy session, the therapist addresses the patient’s symptoms remotely through a video chat or phone call with the help of a smartphone, tablet or PC. The therapist will ask questions related to the medical history and overall health, and advise exercises to fix mobility issues and reduce discomfort. Virtual care model for physiotherapy has proven to be extremely useful for those who cannot leave their homes or have mental health issues. Read on to know more about the benefits of virtual physiotherapy:
1. Communication between patients and therapists
In these difficult times of the pandemic, it is a major benefit to have a virtual face-to-face communication with your physiotherapist to address your symptoms and answer your health-related questions. In addition, there are many factors, such as bad weather and commuting problems, which make virtual therapy a real boon for many people. Lastly, some people are too busy and may prefer to have physiotherapy on their own terms and online sessions will help them to get the same level of treatment and care.
2. A comfortable and familiar environment
Virtual physical therapy promotes self-independence of patients by encouraging them to self-manage their symptoms in the comfortable and friendly home environment. By following an individualized care plan at home, you can monitor your progress and gain the much-needed confidence to improve your functional mobility. Digital sessions are a big advantage for people who experience day-to-day difficulties in getting around as it can help to reduce the stress associated with regular trips to the clinic.
2. A timely access to care
Digital therapy has lowered the barrier of entry for patient care by making the appointment process easier and providing care when you need it the most. The patients and practitioners need not worry about the travel time, location, traffic situation or mobility issues. The online physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, observe your mobility issues and diagnose your problems remotely, thus ensuring timeliness of care.
4. Improvement in overall health
During these tough times of lockdowns and travel restrictions, it is important to be physically active. Exercising, with the assistance of a virtual physiotherapist, will reduce stress levels, improve respiratory health and enhance overall well-being. Online physical therapy helps you to connect with a qualified healthcare professional who is genuinely concerned about your health. Since social distancing has made it hard for many people to interact with others, this face-to-face communication will be helpful in reducing the stress levels.
5. More privacy
A virtual physiotherapist is the best alternative for the people who prefer a more private setting. Thanks to the advancements in telehealth, you can obtain quality physio treatment from the confines of your cozy home without bothering about the long wait in a physiotherapist’s waiting room. Online physiotherapy sessions are usually conducted through a secure, encrypted connection, thus ensuring high levels of patient privacy.
Virtual Therapy for Mental Wellbeing
According to the World Health Organization, almost 25 percent of the global population experience mental health issues in their lifetime but only one-third seek medical assistance, mainly due to the associated social stigma. Online therapy is helping to combat this issue by providing online counselling for all sorts of mental disorders, ranging from depression to relationships to stress, through therapists, psychologists and clinical social workers.
Bottom Line
The COVID-19 crisis has forced the physiotherapy industry to devise tech-based solutions to substitute for traditional physiotherapy sessions. Using an internet connection and a smartphone or PC, a virtual physio provides practical and evidence-based treatment to those in need. Online physiotherapy provides the same degree of evaluation, patient care, health benefits and patient satisfaction that a conventional physiotherapist provides.
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