Excellent physiotherapy news and trends from Sabra Pegler Brainerd Minnesota: In 2022, PT practice owners are seeing technology trends that could change the standard of patient care for good. These new developments in physical therapy make patient care more accessible, easier to administer and yield better results than some of the “tried and true” industry standards. So, what are the hottest PT trends emerging and how are they being implemented by PTs? In combination with other technology (and quality of life) improvements like telehealth therapy, wearable tech is gaining steam as the preferred way millennials improve movement and manage pain. Usually, in the form of sensors that attach to different body parts, this tech tracks and logs movement based on the optimal range of motion. Physical therapists can link these sensors to programmable apps to create personalized care plans for better results and ease of access. MIO Therapy is one of the leaders in the wearable tech space. See additional info on Sabra Pegler.
Many zero gravity recliners for your home are powered, allowing you to recline at the touch of a button without having to move. When using one of these models, you can easily adjust the recliner to find the most comfortable position for your spine’s natural curve. Outdoor and indoor zero gravity chairs are normally unpowered in the zero gravity position. This means even a completely indoor zero gravity chair may miss some of the particular capabilities seen in zero gravity power recliners. Models suited for outdoor usage may feature additions like cup holders. While the health advantages of zero gravity chairs from neutral body orientation are obvious, classic zero gravity chairs are a more basic alternative than their zero gravity recliner siblings. Manual recliners exist, but the greatest zero gravity recliners are motorized and frequently provide luxury amenities like massage, thermal treatment, and smart wake-up routines. Though often more costly than the more basic outdoor and indoor zero gravity chairs stated above, zero electric gravity recliners add another degree of relaxation to your body.
Physiotherapy advices by Sabra Pegler Brainerd Minnesota right now: For therapists who specialize in elderly care, there is no better place to evaluate a patient’s mobility than in their own home. The therapist can prevent falls within the home by identifying and eliminating fall risks and other hazards. While a home-based physical therapy service has its benefits, it can be tricky to set up and manage. There are many factors to consider, including getting the proper documentation and hiring the right team. The American Physical Therapy Association has extensive guidelines to help your clinic provide physical therapy in the home. It includes information on training a new physical therapist, scheduling home visits, evaluating patients, and more.
In 2023, expect growing interest in the applications of these novel technologies and others to facilitate the rehabilitative process. Physical therapists can anticipate that virtual reality systems, rehabilitative robotics, interactive apps, and social media will start to play larger roles in their practices and their patients’ lives. Even in more traditional, in-person clinic settings, therapists are turning to emerging medical technology to streamline and optimize care. Technologies like blood flow restriction systems and force plates, formerly the domain of research laboratories, are becoming more commonplace in outpatient practices.
Lumbarest therapy is a technique that allows you to eliminate pain in the back or lower back, is useful for curvature of the spinal column, causes relaxation of the muscles running along the back, decompression of the intervertebral discs, which leads to a decrease in hernias, removal of pinched nerve endings. Increase in intervertebral spaces, release pinched nerves, and straighten the spinal column. Reducing muscle and ligament tension, decreasing pressure on nerve endings due to an increase in intervertebral spaces.
Together, this suite of telehealth technologies allows physical therapists and their patients to conveniently work together to reach their treatment goals. However, since physical contact is impossible with virtual physical therapy, PTs will need to establish trust and convey empathy. Showing empathy can help counteract some of the unique stresses and disconnects created by telehealth. Expressing empathy during video appointments requires physical therapists to pay attention and know how to respond to verbal and nonverbal cues. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement recommends using the mnemonic SAVE to help express empathy via Telemedicine.