Benefits of In Home Physical Therapy

There are many different settings where physicalIs in-home physical therapy right for you?
therapist practice their craft. These settings mayThere are a few questions you must ask yourself
include schools, hospitals, private outpatient clinics,before considering in home physical therapy. The first
nursing homes, and in private homes. Home careis, how do you feel about initially having a stranger in
physical therapy is typically thought of for patientsyour home. After the first few minutes with a
that are homebound, thus unable to commute to antherapist, you are divulging personal information
outpatient clinic. There has been a new trend inregarding your medical history. The therapist will be a
physical therapy in which the clinic is brought to thestranger for only the first few minutes. Secondly, are
patient. A few different models are currently beingyou capable of concentrating without distractions in
used. Some therapists have a mobile clinic in the formyour home.
of an RV. These RV's are equipted with treatmentMinimal space is required for the therapist. They need
tables, exercise equipment & all the typical modalitiesto set up a table and may require an outlet for
you would find in an outpatient clinic. A second modelmodalities. Therapists are typically creative with space
that is less expensive would be a therapist coming toand can take advange of a small area to achieve the
the home with a portable treatment table, and otherrequired room for exercise. Most equipment required
hand held modality equipment.for therapy is light and portable.
Benefits to treating patients in their home include:In my experience, patients love the convenience of
- Improved compliance by not missing treatmentin home therapy because it is one less trip they need
sessionsto take. Typically, patients can have therapy sessions
- Therapists can evaluate a patient in their REALvery early in the morning before going to work, or
natural environment.late in the evening following work. The whole
- Patient's don't have to travel to a clinic thus makingconcept is to promote convenience and patient
it more time efficientcompliance.
- Privacy for the patient and their familyInsurance coverage is dependent on the therapist.
- Eliminate disruptions from other clients, phone callsSome therapists participate in network with medicare
etc.and other comercial plans while others are out of
- Typical in home sessions are one hour, one on onenetwork. It is important to communicate with the
with a therapist.therapist prior to the first visit to find out how your
This allows for effective treatment sessions andtreatment sessions will be covered.
reduces the possibility of injury.In-home physical therapy is not right for everyone. If
- Following surgery, having a therapist come to theyou enjoy staying close to home, have a tight time
home may eliminate complications of driving a car orschedule to keep, and enjoy exercising out of your
having to negotiate dangerous obstacles on yourhome, then you should consider in home physical
way to an outpatient clinic.therapy.