Excellent physiotherapy news and trends by Sabra Pegler Minnesota: Perhaps the most promising rehab tool arrives to the clinic in each patient’s pocket: their cell phone. There are now countless smartphone applications designed to improve patient engagement and outcomes, and therapists will do well to embrace them as important tools for their patients’ rehabilitative journeys. Regardless of the type of rehab tech you decide to include in your practice in 2023, it’s critical to employ it with a person-first, patient-centered approach: the tech should be an adjunct to your clinical expertise and empathetic care, rather than the star of the show. The AC Health app is a prime example of rehab technology with an individualized human touch.
As Facebook becomes “Meta,” Apple works on new VR headsets, and Nvidia promises us artificial intelligence that will power a future in the “Metaverse” many PTs are left wondering, “What role will VR play in physical therapy?” Right now, there’s more than just buzz about the combination of VR and physical therapy. In a 2019 study, researchers measured the effects of virtual reality technology on a small group of patients experiencing problems with balance and gait due to Parkinson’s disease. The group of individuals using VR tech experienced “significantly better performance compared with the conventional physical therapy group.” It’s easy to see why, as patients who enjoy VR can often move past mental barriers to recover more efficiently. Companies like XRHealth are already offering virtual care using augmented reality. Patients receive VR headsets in the mail and train with physical therapists to recover from specific injuries independently. Find more details at Sabra Pegler.
Zero gravity chairs have become increasingly popular in recent years and can now be found in nearly every recreational, furniture, and specialty store on the market. It is possible to purchase various zero gravity chairs, ranging from outdoor or lawn chairs to indoor, living room recliners made of leather and other luxurious fabrics. Relax The Back sells zero gravity chair recliners online, and you can also visit a Relax The Back store in person to try out a variety of different chairs. If your zero gravity chair allows it, you may be able to manually achieve a reclined position by pushing your weight back in it. This will depend on the model. As you lean back in your zero gravity chair, the footrest will extend at the same time, elevating your legs into alignment with your heart and allowing you to feel more relaxed.
Physiotherapy news and trends by Sabra Pegler 2023: It shouldn’t be surprising then that physical therapists are overworked and tired. If that burnout causes a PT to quit, then you need to spend time, energy, and resources to replace them. Therefore, as part of your regular employee evaluation, consider using a checklist or self-test such as this one from MindTools for your staff to assess their mental health and level of burnout. Based on the results, you can take steps to reduce burnout, such as committing to ethical scheduling practices.
Studies reported follow-ups ranging from one to sixteen weeks, with a few reporting follow-ups lasting from six months to a year or more. Static lower back traction alone or in conjunction with other treatments, such as sham (fake) treatment, exercise, laser, ultrasound, and corsets, is no more successful in treating low back pain than physiotherapy without traction. Regardless of whether or not you have sciatica, these findings hold. When it came to the sort of traction used, there was no difference (manual or mechanical). In the 32 clinical trial and researches, were no documented negative side effects from using lower back traction at home, in the clinics or hospitals. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy with Lumbarest mat is a natural traction therapy that stretches the spine gently; resulting in a change of force and position of the spine and turn relieves the spinal discs and nerves of the pressure causing the pain in the first place.
Over the last few years, the need to engage patients in a highly personalized manner has been gaining traction across the healthcare industry. In fact, a study found that improved patient engagement is associated with better patient experience, health, quality of life, and economic outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the urgency and importance of personalized engagement. As we progress through a post-pandemic world, patient-focused design is needed to achieve longer-term success and ensure a positive experience.