Three things to expect from a virtual physical therapy session

Moving from in-person physical therapy sessions to virtual physical therapy can be daunting. However, the switchover can go much easier for people who know what to expect from virtual physical therapy sessions. 

Virtual physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that’s offered online. It includes a real-time video and audio with a physical therapist. If you’re not familiar with virtual physical therapy, you’re probably wondering what it’s like. Here are three things patients can expect from a virtual physical therapy session: 

1. Guided therapeutic exercises and stretches

A therapist cannot physically touch you during a virtual physical therapy appointment. This means they won’t be able to use hands-on manual therapy techniques during these sessions. However, they can guide you through therapeutic exercises and stretches that are an important part of many physical therapy treatments. Some therapists might even demonstrate beneficial exercises to you over the session’s video feed. 

2. A manageable session cost

Virtual physical therapy care is covered by most major insurances in the same way as an in-person visit. Our team also accepts credit and debit as well as Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) payments for Medicare, Medicaid and self-pay patients.

3. Pre-session preparation

Much like in-person therapy sessions, you should expect to have to do some preparation for a virtual physical therapy appointment. Patients should wear loose-fitting clothes during a virtual physical therapy session. We also encourage you to choose clothes that allow you to do therapeutic exercises comfortably. Additionally, you may need to clear a space in your home to perform exercises, and you’ll want to make sure the space you choose is well lit as well. 

Other steps you’ll want to take when preparing for your virtual physical therapy session are: 

• Checking your email for confirmations, reminders or instructions
• Making sure your browser is updated and supports the virtual physical therapy platform being used
• Verifying that your device’s camera, speakers and microphone are working properly
• Ensuring you can use your device hands-free
• Securing mobile devices like smartphones and tablets so they don’t fall over 

Whatcom Physical Therapy can help you learn more about what to expect from virtual physical therapy

Do you want to find out more about what to expect from virtual physical therapy? Our Whatcom Physical Therapy team is here to assist you. We’re currently offering virtual physical therapy so our therapy specialists can help people with a number of injuries and medical conditions get the physical therapy they need. The best part is you won’t have to brave the coronavirus to do so. 

Take the next step to start your virtual physical therapy sessions with us. Contact our team today for more information about virtual physical therapy sessions or to schedule your initial appointment.