Answering common questions about virtual MSK care
Virtual technologies are improving quality, efficiency and access issues across industries, but the change in the healthcare industry has been slow. When new technologies are adopted in healthcare, efficiencies and effectiveness improve. This is especially true in musculoskeletal (MSK) related conditions.
Last week, Todd Norwood, Physera’s Director of Clinical Services, answered some common questions surrounding virtual therapy as a treatment for various MSK conditions.
When people hear “virtual treatment for MSK conditions,” some may pause in disbelief. However, it is a viable healthcare advancement, improving access to care and changing the way people treat and manage MSK conditions.
The CDC recommends physical therapy as the first step for MSK pain treatment to help speed up recovery and decrease unnecessary procedures and opioids. Virtual physical therapy treatment for injuries and/or chronic pain yields results that are comparable to, or better than, in-person physical therapy and/or expensive orthopedic surgeries, injections and other procedures.
So how does virtual physical therapy work and how is it done?
To understand how virtual physical therapy works, it is equally important to know how physical therapy works — and where limitations exist. When a patient meets with a physical therapist (PT), the first step is a diagnosis, which is about 80% subjective (based on conversations).
Video allows PTs to maintain eye contact while using tech tools to ensure the right questions are asked during the consultation. The remaining 20% is objective, which requires hands-on tests; however, the majority of hands-on testing can be done remotely. In the instance (~5%) a patient can’t be diagnosed virtually, Physera PTs are trained to refer to the proper next step.
Virtual therapy provides a straightforward avenue to treat and oversee patients and their progress while being extremely convenient for the patients themselves. Real-time insights are invaluable and allow PTs to monitor how the patients consume care and where they are struggling or succeeding as it occurs.
Physera’s virtual program doesn’t require driving to a clinic and there is a constant open line of communication via video or chat. Patients receive 3D animations to demonstrate exercises and can record their workouts to see their form.
Now, let’s talk about the effectiveness — how effective is virtual therapy?
A virtual course of treatment employs the same principles but starts sooner, resulting in better outcomes. If a patient sought out physical therapy, whether in-person or virtual, the course of treatment would likely be the same. The plan would include therapeutic exercise, restorative tasks and education, all of which can be facilitated via smartphone.
The key drivers of a successful physical therapy experience are starting as early as possible and the patient’s adherence. Patients are more likely to adhere to their virtual treatment plans, compared to in-person, which is only 30%. Similarly, only 35% of patients actually do their home exercises as prescribed.
With an 80% adherence rate, Physera patients see a drastic change in intent from prescriptions, injections, imaging or surgery to no additional care. Participants also saw a 53% increase in the function of their chief problem area and a 54% reduction in pain.
Physera is here to make it easier for patients to successfully treat their aches, pains, and injuries — so MSK pain won’t hold them back.
To watch the webinar replay, request it here. You can also set up a time to chat with a Physera team member to learn more about virtual physical therapy.
