In-Person or Virtual PT? Maybe Both!

Virtual, or telehealth, physical therapy has quickly moved from a niche offering to the mainstream (including pelvic PT!). At Link PT, we offer both in-person and telehealth options! Having more options is great, but it can also complicate decision-making. Understanding the benefits of both can help make clear which one would best help you meet your goals.

Here is a handy chart with the pros and cons of both options:

IN PERSON PHYSICAL THERAPY

Pros:

• PT can perform direct physical examination and hands-on manual treatment techniques

• Full pelvic floor and musculoskeletal examination, including muscle and soft tissue assessment, can be performed

• Private and confidential setting away from home

• Modalities, including real-time musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and electrical stimulation, can be performed

• Clinic/studio equipment may be utilized

Cons:

• Additional time and expense for travel to/from the clinic and parking

VIRTUAL PT

Pros:

• Safety, comfort, and convenience of your own home

• No additional time/expense of commuting or parking

• PT can guide patients on exercises or self-guided treatment techniques while patients are in their own home/workspace in real-time.

• Virtual home visits allow PT to make practical ergonomic and positional recommendations.

• Convenient when childcare is limited or unavailable, or during inclement weather

Cons:

• Some patients may feel more distracted or have limited privacy at home

• No hands-on procedures/manual therapy techniques by PT

• Muscle and soft tissue assessment may be limited virtually

• Patients must adjust screen position and lighting during the session to allow the PT to view movements and positions

• Potential technological/wi-fi difficulties can limit connection at times

The main advantage of traditional in-person PT is that the therapist is in the room with you. That means they can move around to see how you're moving from different angles, physically adjust your position or movement as you exercise, and physically examine you - testing your strength, measuring your range of motion, etc. They can also use treatments like manual therapy, electrical stimulation or ultrasound when you're in the clinic.

The main benefit of virtual PT is convenience. The fact that you don't have to travel to the clinic makes it easier to squeeze a visit into a busy schedule. Although we believe that pelvic PT is best with an in-person, hands-on approach, we understand telehealth can improve a person’s ability to access care and participate in PT, which also improves one’s outcomes.

Both options have benefits and limitations. One or the other might be right for you and your needs, but they're not mutually exclusive. Combining the two can work well for many people. At Link PT, we recommend starting with an in-person initial evaluation to let your therapist provide an accurate diagnosis and get you started on the right plan of care. You and your PT can discuss your plan and if transitioning to virtual sessions or a hybrid model would fit your individual needs and goals.