Are virtual PT & at-home physical therapy as effective as in-person PT?

The world of health care is constantly changing and evolving. Many developments in the medical field stem from the need to make health care as accessible, convenient and effective as possible. There are many options to choose from these days, and each one has their own benefits.

When it comes to physical therapy, your mind probably jumps to doing stretches and weightlifting in a clinic with hands-on assistance from a therapist. But if you’re looking for physical therapy to help increase your mobility or assist with injury recovery, it’s important to explore all the available courses of action. Not only is there in-person physical therapy, but there’s also virtual and at-home physical therapy. 

We’ll discuss how they’re all effective options. Read on to learn about how virtual physical therapy is just as effective as in-person physical therapy and at-home physical therapy.

Basics of virtual, at-home and in-person physical therapy

All versions of physical therapy have the same goals. They help you with pain management from injuries and medical conditions. They can also boost your strength, flexibility and function. They usually center on exercises that target the affected area to decrease pain and increase mobility.

Let’s start with some basic definitions: 

• In-person physical therapy — This type of PT is probably what you’re most familiar with. It means that your sessions take place in a clinic with hands-on assistance from the physical therapist.

• Virtual physical therapy — This option takes advantage of technology that’s available right at your fingertips. It refers to physical therapy sessions that are held through videoconference calls with a therapist through a mobile device.

• At-home physical therapy — This type of physical therapy means that the therapist comes to do in-person physical therapy sessions in your own residence. 

The effectiveness of virtual physical therapy versus at-home physical therapy

Virtual physical therapy and at-home physical therapy are similar in several ways. The most important similarity is that they are equally effective. The same exercises that your therapist is showing you through your computer or phone screen are the same exercises that they will walk you through when they come to your home.

Their other similarity is that they both take place from your home. That makes them convenient and accessible options. These qualities are essential for individuals who don’t have the physical ability or resources to commute to an in-person clinic.

A notable difference that may cause you to lean toward virtual is comfort level. Everyone is more comfortable when they’re in their own space. When you’re comfortable, you’re more likely to engage more with exercises. But not everyone is comfortable with new people in their home. You also might not be OK with hands-on assistance from others.

Virtual physical therapy gives you the chance to get face-to-face direction from a physical therapist. And you can get it without leaving your home or inviting someone you don’t know into it.

The effectiveness of virtual physical therapy versus in-person physical therapy

In-person physical therapy has been the most common way to receive physical therapy treatment for many years. But virtual physical therapy brings that same treatment to the convenience of a camera on your mobile device.

Even without hands-on techniques, physical therapists are able to provide the same guidance for therapeutic exercises to patients through a computer as they can in person. Virtual physical therapy also helps patients learn how to do the exercises and techniques on their own. That way they can continue performing them between sessions.

Another major benefit of virtual physical therapy is that you have access to video demonstrations of exercises. You can practice them even if you don’t have an appointment scheduled. Unlike in-person physical therapy, you don’t have to wait for instructions from the physical therapist because you can get them at any time.

Agile Virtual PT will show you why virtual physical therapy is as effective as in-person or at-home physical therapy

All forms of physical therapy can be beneficial, but it’s not always easy to determine which one is right for you. The good news is that you can get treatment through your computer. It’s just as effective as the treatment that you would receive with hands-on assistance either at an in-person clinic or at home.

Agile Virtual PT makes it easy and convenient for you to get the physical therapy that you need through a webcam without sacrificing effectiveness or results. We can help with a wide variety of injuries and medical conditions, from chronic pain to repetitive strain injuries.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.