Virtual Healthcare Pros, Cons, and How It Works
Imagine experiencing searing, radiating pain shooting down your leg after moving some furniture. What do you do? Do you rush to the nearest emergency room, struggling to sit or stand while waiting to be seen? Or, what if you could videocall a healthcare provider for a virtual consultation and receive guidance on how to manage your condition from the comfort and privacy of your own home? Wouldn’t that be a better option?
You might wonder how a healthcare provider in a virtual setting can make a diagnosis without an X-ray or MRI. The truth is, in the majority of cases, a well-trained clinician can accurately diagnose and begin treatment through virtual physical therapy. A thorough patient interview, combined with the clinician’s expertise, can provide critical insights into your condition. By understanding your medical history, symptom onset, and location of pain, and having you perform simple tests, a healthcare provider can successfully diagnose and initiate a treatment plan.
Take, for example, a common issue like a herniated disk. Most clinicians can identify this issue based on your symptoms and observation of movement deficits and patterns. With virtual physical therapy, they can guide you through staged postural adjustments, mobility and strengthening exercises, and pain management techniques. In the majority of cases, this will lead to recovery without the need for surgery or invasive treatments. Regular virtual physiotherapy follow-up sessions can help restore your strength, mobility, and prevent future issues.
During the pandemic, research found that many patients rated virtual physical therapy as just as effective, if not more so, than in-person sessions. Patients appreciated receiving care at home, saving time, and avoiding the inconvenience of travel. While not every condition can be fully treated online, virtual physical therapy is an effective and convenient option for most ailments. If an in-clinic visit is necessary, your therapist can easily refer you or arrange a visit.
In short, virtual healthcare has proven its value and is here to stay. Try it—you may find it more convenient and effective than you imagined.