Telerehabilitation: How Physical Therapists Help Patients from a Disease
A Patient Guide
Publication Date: March 20, 2024
Last Updated: April 4, 2024
Introduction
Introduction
- The use of telecommunication technologies such as telephones and computers to support remote health care offers individuals greater convenience in accessing health care services.
- Telerehabilitation can help you stay connected with your physical therapist after the initial visit. Telerehabilitation may also make it possible for you to connect with a physical therapist who is experienced in managing people with your condition even if you live in an area where access to physical therapists is limited.
- Overall evidence supports the use of telerehabilitation by physical therapists for examination, information and treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
- Physical therapists may perform components of an examination via telerehabilitation and use the results to inform the diagnostic process. The accuracy of the examination is comparable to an inperson visit for certain health conditions.
Treatment
Treatment
- Telerehabilitation makes the treatment process much easier in that many visits with your physical therapist can be conducted electronically from your home.
- You and your physical therapist should discuss whether telerehabilitation is a cost-effective option for you. Your physical therapist can help to identify and reduce any barriers to telerehabilitation services before starting your care.
Resources
Resources
- The American Physical Therapy Association
- ChoosePT.com
- American Telehealth Association
Source Citation
Lee AC, Latz RL, Russell T, et al. Telerehabilitation in Physical Therapist Practice: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American Physical Therapy Association. Physical Therapy. March 21, 2024. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzae045
Disclaimer
This resource is for informational purposes only, intended as a quick-reference tool based on the cited source guideline(s), and should not be used as a substitute for the independent professional judgment of healthcare providers. Practice guidelines are unable to account for every individual variation among patients or take the place of clinician judgment, and the ultimate decision concerning the propriety of any course of conduct must be made by healthcare providers after consideration of each individual patient situation. Guideline Central does not endorse any specific guideline(s) or guideline recommendations and has not independently verified the accuracy hereof. Any use of this resource or any other Guideline Central resources is strictly voluntary.