Case Studies in Physical Therapy: Transitioning A "Hands-On" Approach into A Virtual Platform

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy
• Telemedicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Increasing patient demand for convenient internet-based healthcare.
• Need for clinicians to adapt skills to evolving online technologies.
• Growing importance of telerehabilitation in modern healthcare.

Observation:

• Three case studies of physical therapists assessing and treating musculoskeletal disorders using live, secure video.
• Mechanical assessment relied on movement observation, not physical palpation.
• Virtual assessment successfully identified specific sub-classifications with directional preference.

Findings:

• All patients reported significant improvements in symptoms and function within four visits.
• Symptom reduction was maintained for at least three months post-treatment.
• The virtual, hands-off approach proved effective for patient recovery.

Implications:

• Telemedicine offers a viable and effective method for musculoskeletal disorder management.
• This approach expands the reach and accessibility of physical therapy services.
• Telerehabilitation is a key component of future healthcare delivery models.