Technology and AI in Rehabilitation

The landscape of outpatient physical therapy is rapidly evolving, driven by innovation, data, and a growing need to deliver efficient, personalized care. For injured workers navigating the recovery process through the workers’ compensation system, this transformation is especially meaningful. Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping how clinicians assess, treat, and monitor work-related injuries—improving return-to-work outcomes while reducing delays, costs, and functional limitations. In this month’s blog, we’ll discuss some recent technological advancements and potential options for enhancing patient care in the years to come.

Movement Analysis Tools

One of the most promising innovations in outpatient PT is the use of computer vision platforms that analyze human movement using a simple camera. These tools are especially useful when treating common work-related injuries like shoulder impingements and low back strains. While there are several systems on the market, the intent of this technology is to objectively quantify joint ROM, detect asymmetries or compensatory movement patterns, compare movement/ROM to normative data sets, and generate reports outlining objective findings. This data can be used, along with clinical decision making, to make a case for medical necessity to continue care, showcase functional improvements, or to support return-to-work decisions.

AI-Supported Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are often used in outpatient therapy as a means to establish current work tolerances, consider permanent restrictions, and confirm the legitimacy of an injured worker’s subjective report. While this can be an incredibly useful tool in the hands of a skilled provider, traditional FCEs are often time-consuming and can lack consistency between evaluators.

Emerging platforms now incorporate AI algorithms to guide standardized FCE administration, analyze large datasets and make comparisons, and flag inconsistencies in effort or performance. This use of AI can improve inter-rater reliability across locations or providers, help justify work restrictions or accommodations with greater confidence, and reduce subjective bias in reporting. Furthermore, AI can automate data collection, analysis, and reporting, streamlining the FCE process and reducing the time needed to collect, analyze, and submit a final report. While many of these platforms are still in the early stages of their development and application, it’s reasonable to assume that there will be large scale shifts in the way that functional testing is performed in the next decade.

Telehealth, Virtual Care, and Remote Monitoring

Outpatient therapy for injured workers can result in some logistical hurdles: long commutes, work/personal schedules, inconsistent attendance, or juggling multiple appointments across different specialties. Telehealth and virtual care platforms can, in some situations, help clinics offer hybrid care models that integrate virtual check-ins, remote exercise supervision, and progress tracking. While in-person PT does have its advantages, a hybrid model can ensure appropriate follow-up and progression, regardless of an injured worker’s geographical or occupational concerns.

While there could be some concerns around implementation and legality, remote monitoring in the workers’ compensation space would be incredibly useful. There are some companies currently leveraging remote monitoring in a commercial payer space. These platforms can use motion sensors, patient-facing apps, and automated reminders to keep patients engaged in their rehab process. Clinicians can receive real-time data ranging from completion and quality of home exercise programs, adverse reactions to exercise/activity, and biofeedback from software platforms regarding correct performance of exercise.

Communication With Case Managers and Payers

Perhaps one of the most practical benefits of tech and AI in outpatient work comp rehab is improved documentation and communication. AI-integrated platforms aim to streamline progress reporting, compliance, functional outcome measures, and general communication amongst stakeholders. These tools enable therapists to objectively demonstrate medical necessity, explain barriers to recovery, and support authorization requests with standardized outcomes and evidence-based treatment plans. Furthermore, as documentation systems continue to improve in their ability to collect meaningful data without direct therapist involvement (i.e. software listens and adds relevant information to a standard SOAP note), therapists will be empowered to focus more on clinical decision-making and personalized treatment, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and clinic efficiency.

Conclusion

Technology and AI are no longer niche tools—they’re becoming essential allies in delivering high-quality, efficient, and evidence based outpatient physical therapy, especially for injured workers in the workers’ compensation system. Whether through motion analysis, virtual therapy, or AI-driven documentation, these innovations:

• Help clinicians tailor care
• Reduce treatment delays
• Improve payer transparency
• Enhance return-to-work outcomes

Clinicians and organizations that embrace this technological shift position themselves to lead in a new era of outpatient rehabilitation — one that is smarter, more accountable, and centered around both patient recovery and system efficiency.

To learn more about how Upstream Rehabilitation and our family of brands can assist with Workers’ Compensation and how physical therapy plays an effective role in helping injured workers return to work, contact our Workers’ Compensation team today!