As the volume of rehabilitation needs increases across a variety of age groups, clinicians are being forced to offer new ways to help in their recovery. The days of simply enrolling into a physical therapy program and engaging in exercises are not enough. Instead, facilities across the globe are investing in new techniques and technologies to better help their patients in the best ways possible.
As one of the leading post-acute care facilities in Southern California, we’re closely monitoring the increase in demand and securing our spot as the go-to for quality services. We embrace innovation, not just because we have to, but because it secures an effective treatment plan for our patients, significantly reducing their chance of rehospitalization. Read our article below and learn how technology is enhancing every level of one’s physical therapy journey.
Find Physical Therapy Support With Robotics
Instead of physically manipulating a patient’s problem areas to practice proper movement techniques, enlisting help from a robotic treadmill or exoskeleton can provide significant benefits. This is due to the fact that these technologies are often more precise and accurate than a human.
According to MediLodge, robotic solutions are ideal for stroke patients as well as those who experience brain or spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, this technology has been especially helpful in providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual Reality Improves Physical Therapy
Virtual reality is not just a time-killing activity for gamers. It’s innovating how patients engage in their therapy by applying fun activities with their recovery in mind. Imagine this, instead of having your patient walk around in a plain clinical setting, they could be hiking in a scenic outdoor trail using VR technology. The great thing about this technology is that it responds to the user’s movement, which can be used to inspire any movement or exercise needed for physical therapy.
Instrumented Insoles for Real-Time Feedback
Another technology that is becoming more prevalent in our industry is instrumented insoles. These are insoles you put in your shoes, giving your clinicians and researchers access to kinetic and spatiotemporal data. Simply put, it tracks your movement quality and patterns to better understand where you are at, where you need to go, and how far along you are in reaching these goals.
This technology has been used to not only improve your overall movement quality but also:
- Increase limb loading
- Improve adherence to weight-bearing restrictions
- Alter gait mechanics
- And much more
Physical Therapy at Home is Becoming More Prevalent
Due to the pandemic, telehealth options became a viable solution for patients who could not visit their doctors in person. It showed many of us a better way to supply quality care to people who might not have otherwise gotten it.
Telehealth is not going away; in fact, it’s just getting started. It’s offering providers and patients new ways to connect in addition to their in-person sessions. These virtual visits can help patients/providers discuss HEP questions, talk about their progress, discuss what’s ahead, and more.
Additionally, patient relationship management software is getting a lot of attention because of how it enables providers to send relevant and timely information to patients throughout their physical therapy journey.
South Coast Post Acute Offers Support for Your Rehabilitation
At South Coast Post Acute, we are committed to providing excellent services for our clients to ensure an effective recovery with a low chance of rehospitalization. We are passionately dedicated to providing the quality of service and care you come to expect from Southern California’s leading post-acute care provider.
Through our innovative care and dedicated, experienced staff, we strive to provide the best patient care with a focus on reducing your length of stay when possible and preventing 30-day rehospitalizations. Contact us today to learn how we can help you on your journey back to full health.