If you are looking for a “physiotherapist clinic near me,” then you may be having some trouble finding one recently due to the coronavirus pandemic. Physiotherapy is a daily part of life for many people. But the outbreak has made it difficult for many of those who need manual therapy to obtain it, as most clinics are currently only seeing the most urgent cases.
Many doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals have also closed their clinics due to the virus, so someone in chronic pain may have trouble finding a professional that can help them relieve their pain.
Some have turned to virtual physiotherapy instead, which may seem unusual on the surface, but has many of the same benefits that help patients maintain mobility and reduce their discomfort.
Virtual physiotherapy refers to therapy that clinical physiotherapists offer remotely so that they can help their patients from the comfort of their homes or anywhere in the world.
What is virtual physiotherapy?
Virtual physiotherapy involves the use of video calls so that the therapist can help guide their patient through exercises.
This is particularly helpful for those who cannot leave their homes due to physical constraints, mental health issues, or they’re simply too busy. These people would otherwise be unable to benefit from physiotherapy. Others may prefer to have physiotherapy on their terms, so they may benefit from physiotherapy that is more convenient.
A virtual appointment is quite similar to a face-to-face appointment with a physical therapist. They will ask you questions about your medical history or your overall health and suggest physical exercises, such as stretching, to help fix any mobility issues.
Benefits of Virtual Physiotherapy
The benefits of virtual physiotherapy are mainly helping patients become more independent and mobile. Virtual physiotherapy allows patients to better self-manage their health and mobility problems from within their homes.
This is possible because standard physiotherapy consists of movement assessment and exercise prescription; both elements can be tracked and performed effectively virtually. Respiratory health can also be improved via virtual physiotherapy, which can also reduce stress, anger, and anxiety, especially during these times. This is because physical exercise helps release endorphins, which are the feel-good hormones that can help reduce depression, stress, and anger.
It is also very important to stay physically fit and boost your cardio and respiratory functionality during a viral outbreak, especially when the virus involved attacks the lungs. You could even boost your immune system via virtual physio, as connecting to other human beings has been clinically shown to help boost immunological functionality.
Working with a licensed physiotherapist online allows people to connect with someone who can advise them properly on how to improve their physical health. This social interaction can also help improve their overall health; especially given how social distancing has made it hard for people to socialize with others.
Some people may also prefer a more private setting, so virtual physio is a great alternative. Any patient who does not want to have to interact with other patients in a waiting room can obtain great care from the comfort of their homes, thanks to telehealth.
Role of Virtual Physiotherapy During COVID-19
The Coronavirus pandemic has forced the medical industry to make sweeping changes, and the physio field is no exception. Innovative physiotherapy solutions have been devised that can effectively substitute what was once a hands-on industry.
The good news is that studies seem to indicate that virtual physiotherapy can provide the same degree of evaluation, as well as the same level of patient care and satisfaction that conventional physio provides.
Even treatment efficiency levels have been shown to be comparable to standard physio, so virtual physiotherapy is a great alternative to physiotherapy performed in a clinic.
Due to the pandemic, many clinics have opted to use telehealth measures in order to continue treating their patients; most physiotherapy clinics have joined the recent surge of telehealth initiatives.
Another benefit of virtual physiotherapy is that a health care professional can tailor your health regimen according to your unique needs, as well as the unique contours and logistics of your home environment. They can see the space you have to work with and can adjust your prescription accordingly.
The patient will also be able to better achieve their primary rehabilitation goals, as telehealth can helps foster more active and interactive partnerships between patients and their therapists.
Studies have found that telehealth therapy is a viable alternative to conventional health procedures and sessions. It is also a more convenient alternative, as the patient does not need to leave the comfort of their homes in order to get the help they need and deserve.
Instead, all the patient needs is a cell phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, smart tv, or some other electronic device that allows for them to interact with their healthcare professionals via video conferencing.
To learn more about the role of physiotherapy during COVID-19 recovery, call LifeMark Health Corp at 1-855-485-1344 or contact us here.
3 thoughts on “The Role of Virtual Physiotherapy During COVID-19”