7 Trends That Will Define Physical Therapy In The Future

Physical Therapy is undergoing rapid change due to increases in medical technology information and increased experimentation.   Physical therapy is in great demand and there does not seem to be enough qualified physical therapists to meet the current demand.   Luckily, arising medical technologies are helping to pick up the slack.   And in the meantime, many of the “tried and true” therapies continue to be effective.   So just what are the trends in physical therapy? The following article gives you up-to-date info on the most popular physical therapy machines, methods, and technologies employed today.

 

1.   Telemedicine

While the current pandemic keeps most people at home, telehealth visits are being accepted by more and more therapeutic professionals. Using a web-connected gadget like a smartphone or tablet, the physical therapist can show the activities and then coach the patient through the right way to do them. Although massage and physical direction, or hands-on care of the concerned areas, aren’t possible in a remote session, telemedicine solution for physical therapy works.

 

2.   Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy  provides strength-building and healing without causing further damage in the way that higher-impact exercises might. Especially after knee or hip replacement surgery or back procedures, this therapy is more likely to act. In addition, the resistance property of the water helps build up muscles and joints faster.

 

3.   AI & Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are more than just trendy buzzwords. They have the power to convert every industry, including healthcare. It’s almost like having an assistant by your side that uses vast information to help you distinguish between similar diagnoses and evaluate patient data. Yes, this is what AI and ML can do for you.

 

4.   Wearable Technologies

Wearable devices are no longer the essence of sci-fi movies. Smartwatches and fitness trackers provide users with relevant data about their health and medical history on their exercise habits. Functional physiotherapy machines can even track and analyze precise movements, giving the therapist a wealth of valuable data.

 

5.   Using Laser  

Laser beam therapy or Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been a conventional practice in physical rehab for over a decade. Numerous studies are proving its effectiveness in healing internal damages, chronic pain, even hair loss. Low-level laser therapy is also proven efficient against many severe conditions. It is even helpful in stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and degenerative CNS disorders treatments.

 

6.   Light Therapy LEDs

Earlier, LEDs are being used effectively in light therapy to treat these same conditions. We have found it more useful on burns and other wounds. Light Therapy LEDs have a broader spectrum of light wavelengths compared to lasers. So these can treat burns with light wavelengths less likely to cause burns than laser therapy. Some infrared lights quickly heal minor pains too.

 

7.   Robotics for Rehab

Before, rehabilitating a person with paralysis required a therapist to crawl on the floor while moving the patient’s legs with their hands. Automation is arguably the most innovative of physical therapy technologies. Biological therapies are achieved more efficiently and more precisely using motorized treadmills and exoskeletons. Many tracking devices are helping people to track down and record the activities such as heart rate and brain waves. These records will decide the future medication of the patient.

 

It cannot be denied that physical therapy can be an integrated part of the treatment for a number of conditions.   The good news is that technology is helping physical therapists connect with patients in new ways and is providing new tools so that physical therapy becomes even more effective.

 

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Written by HealthStatus Crew
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus teams with authors from organizations to share interesting ideas, products and new health information to our readers.

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