Physical therapy is all about training or exercise. Is this true?
No. It’s not!
There is no meaning in exercise and sweat when you don’t know whether it is working or not.
But technology has added an extra layer to it.
Means, the true meaning of physical therapy is 2T – Track and training.
In this blog, we are going to share how robust technologies in physical therapy can elevate outcomes with ease.
3 technologies in physical therapy that are transforming the way of getting fit
But, why should you listen to us?
First, we always strive to deliver true value.
Thus, we wrote this blog based on the brainstorming session we conducted with 10+ physical therapists that are utilizing robust technologies in their care delivery.
Here is what we have got for you.
1. IoT-enabled telemedicine or telehealth
Source: Mirror View Quotes
A quote that we heard during the session!
IoT has the potential to improve and speed up the therapy approach (One of the therapists added).
It tracks vital body signs such as heart rate, oxygen level, blood pressure, and much more.
Smartwatches, fitness bands, motion sensors, and ECG sensors are some of the top examples of IoT in physical therapy.
However, its integration with telemedicine solutions opens endless possibilities to bring peace of mind into the lives of the patient.
Here is why.
First, telemedicine enables patients to virtually connect with therapists using smartphones, laptops, computers, or tablets.
As a patient is equipped with an IoT device, a therapist can easily analyze, track, and store the real-time health condition of the patient through a telemedicine app.
This allows therapists to create more effective and outcome-driven therapy plans based on the data.
On a crucial note, at some point, IoT integration affects the cost of telemedicine.
2. AI-powered IoT devices
It’s a revolution!
AI in physical therapy is a fourth industrial revolution (Source). But AI-backed IoT is more than just a revolution.
First, IoT collects the movement and health data of the patients during physical therapy exercises and shares it with other health tech systems.
At that time, there were two possibilities.
- The patient is doing exercise in an ideal way.
- The patient is performing exercises with flaws.
The ultimate goal of the AI is to alert both patient and therapist for the second scenario.
Here is how.
AI algorithms analyze the real-time data shared by IoT devices and compare it to the large-scale database.
If something is suspicious with patients’ exercise and health, AI algorithms give an alert in real time.
This is how AI-enabled IoT improves the outcomes of physical therapy.
3. AR and VR
We both are familiar with AR and VR technologies.
Snapchat filters and Pokémon Go are a few examples of AR.
In physical therapy, it works the same. The only change here is that it helps in performing more effective and result-driven exercises or activities.
Source: The New York Times
Here is how it helps.
- It helps in better pain management by diverting the brain from thinking about the pain.
- It lets patients take interest in their care which initially improves the outcomes.
- An immersive and gamified environment keeps the patient keeping up with their care plan without any boredom.
Final words
Advice from the 10+ therapists equipped with robust tech.
- Don’t rely on just technology.
- Strive to find the most appropriate way.
- Data matters the most.
- Do 5% improvement in the care plan on a daily basis
Means, a fusion of the tech, training, and dedication has the enormous potential to enrich physical therapy outcomes.