By Carin Shuler PT, DPT, MS, CHC

Rehab House Call is pleased to announce their innovative TeleHealth (TeleRehab) program! You do not have to miss out on needed Physical Therapy (PT) care during these uncertain times!  We continue to stay at home as much as possible due to COVID-19. This is prudent. However, this seems to put up a barrier to you receiving your needed PT care. Maybe you were undergoing therapy when the clinic closed down due to stay at home orders.  Consequently, your Physical Therapy was interrupted or halted.  Maybe you recently scheduled a long awaited surgery.  You may be concerned about the risk of going into a clinic due to COVID-19 precautions.  Therefore, you may be unsure how to receive or find alternative care. To combat the potential for worsening symptoms and declining function with missed Physical Therapy care, virtual visits are available. That’s where TeleHealth comes in!

Just What the Heck Does “Tele-“ Mean? 

You might immediately think of television, telephone or telegram. “Tele-“ comes from the Greek language and means “far”.  So, yes, you’d be right! TV, telegrams or phones are part of distant telecommunications.  Now with modern technology and the internet, such communications over a distance are much easier. Today, it has even become commonplace for us to watch and listen to astronauts in space!  We don’t even think of that distance as an insurmountable one any longer! We even expect it!  So, telecommunication from your PT’s office or home to your home is actually a breeze by comparison! The use of virtual video meetings is becoming easier and easier!

TeleMedicine, TeleHealth and TeleRehab

Several physician offices and hospitals have implemented TeleMedicine.  You may have participated in such a virtual “office visit” over the internet.  Often TeleMedicine and TeleHealth are used interchangeably. They both encompass a broad list of health providers. The latter can also be provided by those in alternative health fields. Examples may be a Certified Health Coach or a Functional Medicine Practitioner.  TeleRehab or TeleRehabilitation is typically reserved for Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists.  These terms are also used interchangeably with TeleHealth.  The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has endorsed TeleHealth since 2015. One stated goal of the APTA is to provide all members of society access to therapy services via electronic means https://www.apta.org.

What Do I Need to Have for TeleHealth Visits?

These types of therapy visits are provided virtually over the internet. You will use a smart cell phone and/or an iPad, laptop or desktop computer. All that is required is a built in camera on one of these devices and a reliable internet system/ WiFi signal in your home.  The technology is not difficult to learn. Perhaps since the start of COVID19 and stay at home mandates, you have already adopted such virtual chats with family members. You may have done so through such programs as Zoom, Skype or FaceTime.  The expert staff at Rehab House Call will talk you through the set up step-by-step.  It will be similar to your family virtual chats if you have had them. The staff will be sure you are ready to have a successful TeleHealth visit. 

And What Should You Expect From a Virtual TeleHealth Visit? 

If you are a new patient and wish to have your first session via TeleRehab, you will have a fairly typical PT Evaluation. Only it will be in the comfort of your own home! It will just be minus the hands on portion by the Physical Therapist. Just as in a traditional appointment, your PT will have already reviewed your completed new patient forms.  They will know your current condition that necessitated your seeking out PT. If available prior to your appointment, they will have also reviewed any X-rays, CT’s or MRI’s.  They then will take you through a series of physical tests via the video screen.

How Should I Prepare Myself?

It is best that you are dressed appropriately. Think about which bodily region the therapist may need to examine. For instance, you may need shorts for a knee joint, halter top for a female's shoulder joint or be barefoot for an ankle.  However, your PT may be seeing you for another reason. If so, they may want you in good supportive shoes in case they wish to test your balance for instance. You may need some space in front of your computer or phone. This will allow you to stand up and move as directed by the PT in front of the camera. It may be helpful to have a family member present to assist you in adjusting the camera level or position. Your family member can be of valuable assistance in making sure the camera angle is capturing the needed views for the PT.

Will I Have Exercises to Do on the First TeleHealth Visit?

It is always helpful for the PT to know what type of exercise equipment you may have in your home, if any. These could be smaller items that you could have on hand during the session such as any weights, dumbbells, stretch/resistance bands or even a yoga mat. Larger items like a stationary bicycle may be in another room. If so, you could simply inform the PT about this.  If you use a device like a cane, brace or walker, you should have it with you.  Once the evaluation is completed, your PT will provide you with instruction in a beginning level home exercise program.  This may only be one to three exercises to begin with.  It may or may not involve use of any exercise equipment in the beginning. Your therapist will also discuss the PT Plan of Care to meet your goals. 

What Other Options Do I Have?

Rehab House Call also provides mobile house calls!  The highly trained staff of Rehab House Call can come to your home to provide you in-person therapy appointments. They take every precaution with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep you, your family and themselves infection free!  They follow all approved standards for cleaning of any equipment that they may need to bring into your home such as a thermometer or blood pressure cuff. In addition, Rehab House Call can provide you with a menu of options for your recommended therapy. Your visits could be:

• all TeleHealth appointments
• all Rehab House Calls (mobile home visits)
• a combination of #1 and #2

Your PT will make the recommendation that best suits your goals, needs and wishes. In this COVID 19 environment, Rehab House Call wants to make certain that you will receive the care you need!   Whatever combination of visits makes the best sense to keep you safe yet still achieving your goals is what will be planned for.   For instance, your first and last appointment might be in your home. All the visits in between could be via TeleRehab virtual visits. Rehab House Call is a health-centered practice and will insure that your needs are met!

Please don’t miss out on needed care! 

When care is halted or interrupted because of COVID19 precautions, conditions and illnesses can only worsen. Early Physical Therapy intervention is the key to optimal success! Your PT can come to you in-person or virtually while you are staying at home! Please give Rehab House Call a phone call and get scheduled today!

References:

• Dictionary.com
• American Physical Therapy Association; HOD P06-19-15-09 APTA’s Position on the Use of TeleHealth for the Provision of Physical Therapy Services https://www.apta.org.