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Pay My Bill When considering what constitutes a quality physical therapy experience, virtual treatment may not immediately come to mind. In fact, there’s often been the misconception that telehealth options are ineffective and offer little value. That sentiment couldn’t be further from the truth. While there are elements of physical therapy that don’t translate well to the virtual option (manual therapy, taping, etc.), there are numerous benefits to utilizing a virtual option.
As we’ve discussed in last month’s blog, technology continues to revolutionize healthcare. Virtual physical therapy has emerged as a transformative solution in various healthcare sectors, including worker’s compensation. Virtual care offers a range of benefits that improve the recovery process, streamline access to care, and enhance patient outcomes. Below, we explore the key advantages of virtual physical therapy within the worker’s compensation framework.
Fast Scheduling: A Crucial Factor in Worker’s Compensation
In the worker’s compensation system, timely access to treatment is essential.1 The longer an injured employee waits for care, the higher the risk of prolonged recovery and potential complications. Virtual physical therapy allows for quicker scheduling compared to traditional in-person appointments. Because there are no geographic restrictions, patients can often secure same-day or next-day appointments. This immediate access can lead to faster evaluations, quicker initiation of treatment plans, and a more efficient path to recovery. Employers and insurance providers also benefit from reduced delays in treatment, which can translate to lower overall claims costs and minimized productivity losses.
Convenience: Reducing Barriers to Care
Virtual physical therapy offers unmatched convenience for injured workers. Traditional physical therapy often requires patients to travel to clinics, which can be particularly challenging for individuals dealing with pain, limited mobility, work schedule logistical concerns, or transportation issues.
With virtual sessions, patients can receive care from the comfort of their homes or workplaces, eliminating the need for long commutes or time away from work. Additionally, the flexibility of virtual appointments accommodates varying work schedules, making it easier for patients to remain consistent with their therapy sessions.2 This improved compliance contributes to better recovery outcomes and a more efficient return to work.
Educational Opportunities
One of the most significant advantages of virtual physical therapy is the opportunity to educate patients about their musculoskeletal conditions. People often assume the worst when they get injured, mistaking minor conditions like tendonitis or bursitis for serious issues like rotator cuff tears or disc herniations. Therapists can evaluate these conditions virtually, educate, provide reassurance, and outline a treatment plan and prognosis. By understanding the nature of their injury, the healing process, and the importance of adherence to prescribed exercises, patients are empowered to take an active role in their recovery.
Not only can therapists educate and evaluate patients via virtual physical therapy, but therapists can also evaluate patients’ home environments to provide customized recommendations for performing home exercise programs, suggest ergonomic adjustments, and assist patients in problem-solving situations to support their recovery and prevent re-injury.
Prompt Commencement of Therapeutic Exercises
Early intervention is a critical component of successful injury rehabilitation. Virtual physical therapy allows for the prompt commencement of therapeutic exercises. Once a patient is evaluated, the physical therapist can immediately prescribe and demonstrate exercises tailored to the individual’s condition. Virtual sessions often facilitate regular check-ins, enabling therapists to monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and address any concerns in real-time. This proactive approach helps prevent the development of chronic issues and supports recovery.
Enhanced Patient Engagement and Compliance
Virtual physical therapy encourages patient engagement and compliance. The convenience of attending sessions from home can often lead to high attendance rates.1 Moreover, many virtual platforms incorporate features such as exercise tracking, progress monitoring, and educational resources, which help patients stay motivated and accountable. The interactive nature of virtual sessions can also foster a strong therapist-patient relationship. Therapists can provide real-time feedback, encouragement, and personalized guidance, which enhances the overall patient experience and promotes adherence to treatment plans.
Cost Savings for Employers and Insurance Providers
The cost-efficiency of virtual physical therapy is another significant advantage. By minimizing travel expenses, reducing time off work for appointments, and facilitating faster recoveries, virtual physical therapy contributes to lower overall costs for worker’s compensation claims.3 Additionally, early intervention and better compliance can help prevent costly complications and the need for more extensive medical interventions.
Improved Access for Rural and Underserved Areas
Workers in rural or underserved areas often face limited access to specialized healthcare services, including physical therapy. Virtual physical therapy bridges this gap by connecting patients with licensed therapists regardless of their location. This expanded access ensures that injured workers receive the care they need without the burden of long-distance travel.
Conclusion
Virtual physical therapy is transforming the landscape of worker’s compensation by providing fast, convenient, and effective care for injured workers. The ability to schedule appointments quickly, educate patients about their conditions, commence therapeutic exercises promptly, and offer tailored treatment plans contributes to improved outcomes and reduced costs.
As technology continues to advance, virtual physical therapy is likely to play an increasingly important role in the worker’s compensation realm. Embracing this innovative approach can benefit all stakeholders, from injured workers seeking a swift return to health, to employers and insurers looking to optimize recovery processes and manage costs efficiently.
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!
- 1. The Timing of Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain: Does it matter in Workers’ Compensation? Dongchun Wang, Kathyrn Mueller, and Randy Lea. September 2020. WC-20-25
- 1. American Physical Therapy Association. Telerehabilitation in Physical Therapy Practice: A Clinical Practice Guideline. 2023
- 1. American Journal of Manage Care. 2023; 29 (6). https://doi.org/10.37765/ajmc.2023.8937