Recent developments in the continued spread of coronavirus have to lead to a drastic change in the way that individuals are living their day to day lives. Many hospitals and medical offices are rescheduling or delaying appointments for non-essential circumstances.
With social distancing being the key player in fighting the virus’s continued to spread throughout communities many individuals are being restricted in their ability to seek care for their pain management; low back pain and neck pain do not just disappear. Many individuals will continue to suffer from pain and struggle with their daily activities such as sitting, sleeping, standing, and walking. Telehealth serves as one solution to this problem.
What is Telehealth and Telemedicine for Physical Therapy?
Telehealth and telemedicine allow a physical therapist to communicate with his patients virtually to evaluate injuries as well as create a treatment plan to rehabilitate and recover. In order to participate in these sessions, all that a patient needs is some type of mobile device. This includes a cell phone or laptop with an internet connection. The platform used to conduct these virtual appointments is HIPPA compliant to ensure that the patient’s privacy is protected. Patients across the country are taking advantage of the benefits of telemedicine.
What Will a Telehealth Physical Therapy Session Consist Of?
Evaluation of Pain
In order to identify the severity and source of pain, Dr. Junak will conduct a series of questions to better understand and address the patient’s concerns. This process will also serve as a tool to screen patients that may need to be referred to contact their primary care physician for more serious injuries or conditions. Patients will then be asked to perform certain movements to help determine the cause of the pain. Finally, Dr. Junak will explain the source of pain with the patient and will discuss the best of course of action.
Treatment & Management of Pain
Patients will be educated by Dr. Junak in various ways they can incorporate simple changes into their daily activities to provide pain relief. This may include sleep positioning, posture, and how to avoid other factors that can worsen their condition. In addition to these changes, patients will also receive a detailed home exercise program as part of the physical therapy treatment. This plan will target areas of weakness and as a method for quick pain relief.
With the assistance of a caregiver, friend, or family member Dr. Junak will be able to teach hands-on techniques to help the patient rehabilitate and benefit from pain relief in this manner. Patients will also be educated on various self-treatment options that patients can do themselves.
Get Help For Your Pain From The Comfort Of Your Home Today
These social distancing measures can be hard on individuals used to living a very active lifestyle who are now living in pain. The reality is that active individuals and athletes want to address their injuries and concerns quickly. It’s important to recover and rehabilitate in order to continue their prior training regimens.
This unexpected disruption in your day to day life does not mean you must continue to live in pain. Social distancing does not mean you cannot get the proper care you require; get the help and relief for pain that you need to get you back to staying active and doing the things you love. Contact Peak Physiotherapy and Performance for a free telephone consultation or check out our new telehealth website for more information.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Junak is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist. Dr. Junak received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Walsh University and completed his Orthopedic Specialist training at the Cleveland Clinic. He is the owner of Peak Physiotherapy and Performance, a physical therapy clinic in Canal Winchester, Ohio. He serves the local communities of Lancaster, Grove City, Blacklick, Pickerington, and Columbus. Dr. Junak is passionate about helping people solve their problems in order to get them back to doing the things they love.