While many older adults receive physical therapy at home, people with a variety of medical conditions can benefit from it. According to the Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association, these conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Postoperative recovery, for example after a total knee or hip replacement
- heart failure
- rehabilitation after stroke
- Symptom management for certain diseases such as Parkinson’s, dementia and multiple sclerosis
- After a traumatic event, such as a fall that resulted in a broken bone
In some cases, home physical therapy can help individuals with no health conditions who want to prevent future health problems by building strength, improving mobility, and improving balance as preventative care. A physical therapist can also conduct a home safety assessment to help prevent falls and optimize mobility and allow the person to remain independent in their home.
Who does physical therapy at home?
Physical therapy at home can be performed by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist. To practice in the United States, physical therapists must earn their doctorate in physical therapy from a program accredited by the Commission of Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must also pass a national licensing exam and earn a state license before they can practice. Some therapists may continue their education through a residency or fellowship program. If you need specialized physical therapy, such as For example, in neurological, sports, or orthopedic therapy, you can look for a therapist who has completed a fellowship program or is licensed in the relevant specialty.
What happens during physical therapy at home?
A typical home physical therapy care plan will vary from person to person based on several factors, including recent surgery or hospitalization, medical history, therapy goals, and frequency of visits. However, the type of session (GP or outpatient services) can largely determine what your therapy plan entails. Home physical therapy is usually reserved for those who are housebound or cannot make it to a therapy session at the clinic. However, outpatient therapy at home offers qualified physical therapy delivered in the comfort of your home.
According to Lalitha McSorely, chief physical therapist and owner of Brentwood Physiotherapy in Calgary, an at-home physical therapy session typically begins with a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the person’s medical history, musculoskeletal function, and level of physical activity. From this, the physiotherapist develops a treatment plan based on the individual needs of the patient.
“What a typical session looks like depends on what type of in-home therapy is being performed,” says Rafael E. Salazar II, occupational therapist, health consultant, and owner of ProActive Rehabilitation & Wellness in Augusta, Georgia. “If it is a traditional home health visit, the sessions will typically include exercises and activities focused on improving functional mobility within the home, such as: B. to get from the bed to a chair or into the bathroom. It can also involve focusing on daily tasks like showering or getting dressed,” he adds.
“If the visit falls under an outpatient type of physical therapy (outpatient physical therapy performed in a person’s home), the treatment could focus on improving pain, increasing capacity (strength, range of motion, etc.) and [may] include even more advanced exercises and activities.”
Home physical therapy sessions vary in duration based on the individual needs of the patient. However, the average session usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.
Enhance your physical therapy routine with a wide range of equipment
Vive Health offers physical therapy equipment to meet your treatment needs. Whether you need stretching, ice, exercise, balance, massage or more, the choice is yours.
How Many Home Physiotherapy Sessions Are Necessary?
The number of home physical therapy sessions required for a person’s rehabilitation depends on the person and their health concerns. You can work with your doctor and physical therapist to create a therapy plan that appropriately meets your medical needs. You may also consider calling your insurance company to better understand your coverage regarding at-home physical therapy sessions.
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