Virtual physical therapy, also known as telehealth physical therapy, has revolutionized the way patients receive care for musculoskeletal issues and other physical ailments. This innovative approach allows patients to connect with licensed physical therapists from the comfort of their own homes, using video conferencing and other digital tools. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual physical therapy, highlighting its potential to provide effective, convenient, and accessible care.
In this article, we will explore the 7 best virtual physical therapy services available today. These services have been selected based on their ability to deliver high-quality care, patient satisfaction, and innovative use of technology.
1. Pain Management Consultation
Sophia Anderson, PT, DPT, offers virtual physical therapy services through her online platform, Pain Management Consultation. This innovative approach allows patients to receive personalized physical therapy treatment from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for in-person visits.
The virtual physical therapy process begins with an initial consultation, where Sophia conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition, medical history, and specific needs. During this consultation, she utilizes video conferencing technology to observe the patient’s movements, assess their range of motion, and identify any potential limitations or areas of concern.
Based on the evaluation, Sophia develops a customized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s unique requirements. This plan may include a combination of exercises, stretches, and therapeutic techniques designed to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote overall physical well-being.
Throughout the virtual therapy sessions, Sophia provides real-time guidance and feedback, ensuring that the patient is performing the exercises correctly and making necessary adjustments as needed. She utilizes screen-sharing capabilities to demonstrate proper form and technique, allowing for effective communication and instruction.
2. Agile Virtual PT
Agile Virtual PT is a comprehensive telehealth application that offers high-quality physical therapy services directly to patients in their homes. This platform is HIPAA-compliant and utilizes the latest telehealth software to modernize physical therapy practices.
The patient journey with Agile Virtual PT begins with the virtual care team assisting patients from the initial appointment request through payment options and insurance verification, ensuring a smooth onboarding process. Licensed physical therapists diagnose musculoskeletal issues and create personalized treatment plans, treating the patient throughout the course of care to ensure continuity and personalized attention. Agile Virtual PT addresses a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, pain points, oncology recovery, COVID-19 recovery, women’s health, elderly care, and sports injuries.
In terms of cost and efficiency, Agile Virtual PT reports a 47% decrease in the cost per episode of care for patients who received a mix of virtual and in-person visits. Scheduling is also 60% faster compared to traditional in-person visits. The platform boasts high patient satisfaction, with 93% of patients reporting a decrease in pain after virtual physical therapy sessions, appreciating the flexibility, convenience, and quality of care provided. Licensed to operate in over 40 states, Agile Virtual PT is accessible to a wide range of patients across the country, including those in rural areas or with restricted mobility.
The telehealth platform is user-friendly and compatible with most desktop and mobile devices. It features video conferencing, secure messaging, and a downloadable app with videos of personalized exercise programs. Research indicates that telehealth physical therapy can be as effective as in-person care, and Agile Virtual PT leverages this research to provide evidence-based treatments that are both effective and convenient.
3. Greylock Physical Therapy
Greylock Physical Therapy provides virtual telehealth services, offering high-quality physical therapy care remotely. This service is designed to be convenient and accessible, allowing patients to receive treatment from the comfort of their homes. Greylock Physical Therapy offers self-pay virtual telehealth appointments with Lisa J. Baumgart, MPT, FAFS, IFNCP. These sessions cost $70 per half hour and include education on self-mobilization techniques and individualized exercises to improve mobility and strength. Patients can easily schedule appointments and start their sessions from anywhere with access to a smartphone or computer. The system used, Doxy.me, is free and user-friendly, making it easy for patients to connect with their therapist.
Greylock Physical Therapy treats a wide range of conditions, including pain during or after pregnancy, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, sports injuries, back pain, neck pain, and more. They also address issues like diastasis recti, shoulder pain, hip/knee pain, and post-operative surgical conditions. The practice offers specialized care for conditions such as endometriosis, TMJ/TMD, and painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). Additionally, they provide rehabilitation for pre and post-operative conditions, as well as recovery and reconditioning.
The telehealth service is designed to be easy, effective, and secure. It reduces the need for travel, saving patients time and money, and provides a valuable tool for delivering specialty care services, including consultations, treatment, education, and care management. Greylock Physical Therapy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, focusing on how injuries affect patients’ lives. They work closely with patients to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. The use of technology allows for a seamless patient experience. Patients receive individualized exercise programs via email and can access videos of their exercises through a downloadable app, enabling them to perform their exercises anywhere.
Patients have reported high satisfaction with the flexibility and quality of care provided by Greylock Physical Therapy. The ability to receive care from home has been particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or limited mobility. Research and patient feedback indicate that virtual physical therapy can be as effective as in-person visits. Greylock Physical Therapy leverages this evidence to provide effective and convenient care to their patients.
4. CityPT Virtual
CityPT Virtual provides a comprehensive approach to virtual physical therapy, ensuring that patients receive care specifically tailored to their needs. Each patient gets a customized treatment plan developed with their physical therapist. This plan includes exercises, education, and other therapeutic activities designed to address the patient’s unique health issues and goals.
Patients have access to a library of exercise demonstration videos. These videos help them understand and correctly perform the exercises prescribed in their treatment plan, ensuring they can continue their therapy effectively at home. CityPT Virtual is equipped to handle a wide range of conditions, including back pain.
Virtual sessions are conducted via video chat, making it easy for patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes. This approach also allows therapists to observe patients in their home environment, providing better recommendations for modifications to prevent falls and other injuries. The convenience of virtual therapy often leads to better adherence to treatment plans and fewer missed appointments, which can enhance overall treatment outcomes.
5. Virtual Physical Therapists (VPT)
Virtual Physical Therapists (VPT) offers a robust platform for delivering high-quality physical therapy services through a secure and user-friendly app. VPT partners with some of the highest trained physical therapists in the country. These clinicians are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions based on how movement affects symptoms.
The VPT app provides a secure, high-quality video platform for consultations. This ensures that patient information is kept confidential while allowing for effective communication between the patient and therapist. Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, the VPT app enables patients to create a free account effortlessly.
VPT’s clinicians are equipped to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including sprains and strains. The platform also offers flexible scheduling options, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This makes it easier for patients to fit therapy sessions into their busy schedules without the need to travel to a clinic.
6. A Step Ahead Physical Therapy
A Step Ahead Physical Therapy offers telehealth services to help patients manage musculoskeletal conditions from their homes. This service is especially beneficial for those who find it challenging to attend in-person appointments due to mobility issues, transportation difficulties, or scheduling conflicts.
The telehealth services are priced at $45 per 15-minute increment, with a maximum cost of $180 for a one-hour session. This pricing structure provides flexibility, allowing patients to choose the session duration based on their needs and budget. During these sessions, patients engage in video conferences with licensed physical therapists who assess their conditions, provide exercises, and offer tailored advice.
A unique advantage of this service is that therapists can see patients in their home environments. This enables them to give more personalized advice on using household items for exercises and ensuring the home setup supports the patient’s rehabilitation. Additionally, the service may be covered by insurance, and the Front Office Coordinator can verify this for patients.
The benefits of A Step Ahead Physical Therapy’s telehealth services include convenience, as patients can receive care without the need to travel, saving time and reducing stress. The personalized care aspect means therapists can tailor exercises and advice to the patient’s home environment, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of the therapy. Finally, the flexible pricing allows patients to manage their expenses while still receiving high-quality care.
7. ATI Physical Therapy
ATI Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive virtual service through their CONNECT platform, providing high-quality care remotely. This ensures patients can continue their treatment plans without interruption, regardless of their location. Each patient receives a personalized care plan developed by licensed physical therapists, tailored to their specific needs and goals, ensuring effective treatment. The CONNECT platform has a high patient satisfaction rate, with over 90% of patients reporting positive outcomes from their virtual therapy sessions.
Patients have one-on-one virtual sessions with licensed physical or occupational therapists conducted via live video. This allows therapists to evaluate, guide, and monitor the patient’s progress in real-time. The platform also includes features such as messaging with providers, tracking and performing prescribed treatments, and monitoring progress toward musculoskeletal goals. Advanced audio/visual technology ensures accurate assessments and effective monitoring of patient movements and exercises.
The CONNECT platform enhances convenience and accessibility, making it easier for patients to fit therapy sessions into their busy schedules. This is especially beneficial for those with transportation issues or who live in rural areas. By offering virtual sessions, ATI ensures that patients can maintain a consistent therapy regimen, which is crucial for effective rehabilitation. The platform supports a wide range of physical therapy needs, from initial evaluations to ongoing treatment and progress monitoring.
8. Virtual PT NYC
Virtual PT NYC is a physical therapy clinic based in New York City that specializes in virtual teleconference and video conference appointments. They cater to various conditions, including pelvic floor dysfunction and musculoskeletal injuries. The clinic aims to create a safe and positive environment for New Yorkers to improve their health and quality of life through online physical therapy.
The clinic offers a comprehensive range of services to address different physical therapy needs. For pelvic floor dysfunction, they provide specialized care for issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery. They also treat musculoskeletal injuries affecting muscles, bones, and joints, including back pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain. Additionally, they support post-surgical rehabilitation, helping patients regain strength and mobility after surgeries, and offer strategies for managing and alleviating chronic pain conditions.
Patients at Virtual PT NYC benefit from the convenience of having sessions conducted from the comfort of their homes, which eliminates the need for travel and reduces the risk of exposure to illnesses. They receive personalized care with one-on-one attention from licensed physical therapists, ensuring tailored treatment plans. The clinic also coordinates with insurance carriers to minimize out-of-pocket costs, accepting Medicare with a doctor’s prescription or referral and most insurance plans without a prescription.
Virtual PT NYC uses secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth servers to connect with patients. Therapists guide patients through exercises and provide detailed discussions on movement patterns and body mechanics, allowing patients to play an active role in their recovery process.
Patients have reported positive experiences with Virtual PT NYC, highlighting the supportive and understanding nature of the therapists. The convenience and effectiveness of virtual sessions have been particularly appreciated, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
9. Agile Physical Therapy
Agile Physical Therapy provides telehealth physical therapy services through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Their approach ensures that patients receive fast, quality care for various conditions from the comfort of their homes.
Agile Physical Therapy treats a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, pelvic floor dysfunction, sports injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical rehabilitation. They offer comprehensive care for muscles, bones, and joint injuries, specialized treatment for pelvic health issues such as postpartum recovery and incontinence, rehabilitation programs for athletes, chronic pain management, and support for patients recovering from surgeries to regain strength and mobility.
Patients at Agile Physical Therapy benefit from personalized exercise programs tailored to their specific needs and goals, accessible via a downloadable app with instructional videos. They receive consistent care from the same physical therapist throughout the course of treatment, ensuring continuity and a deeper understanding of their progress. Telehealth sessions eliminate the need for travel, making it easier for patients to fit therapy into their busy schedules.
Agile Physical Therapy uses a HIPAA-compliant video platform for virtual sessions. Therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations by assessing patients’ movements through the camera, often asking patients to use household items to demonstrate strength or perform activities that cause pain. This enables therapists to create effective, personalized exercise programs.
Agile Physical Therapy offers flexible payment options, including insurance and direct pay. Most major health insurance plans cover telehealth physical therapy services, and patients can also use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to pay for sessions. The cost per session is competitive, with initial visits and assessments priced at $100 and follow-up visits at $70.
Patients have reported high satisfaction with Agile Physical Therapy’s telehealth services, highlighting the convenience, quality of care, and effectiveness of the treatment plans. The ability to receive consistent care from the same therapist throughout the treatment process has been particularly valued.
10. Kaia Health
Kaia Health is a leader in virtual physical therapy, providing a comprehensive app-based program that blends cutting-edge technology with human coaching. Their approach aims to offer accessible, personalized, and effective care for people with musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, joint pain, and chronic pain.
At the heart of Kaia Health’s virtual therapy is their proprietary Motion Coach™ technology. This advanced system uses the front-facing camera of a user’s smartphone or tablet to track and analyze movements in real-time during exercises. Powered by AI algorithms, the technology identifies key body landmarks and assesses form, posture, and range of motion, giving real-time feedback and corrective guidance to ensure safe and effective exercise performance. This method is highly accessible as it does not require any additional hardware or wearable sensors.
The Kaia Health app provides personalized exercise programs tailored to each user’s specific needs, pain levels, and fitness goals. Users start with an initial assessment that evaluates their pain location, intensity, and current fitness level. Based on this data, the app creates a customized therapy plan that includes mobility exercises, strengthening exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises. These routines address both the physical and psychological aspects of pain management, following the guidelines of the American College of Physicians. As users progress, they can give feedback, allowing the app to continuously adapt and refine the exercises to meet their evolving needs.
In addition to advanced technology, Kaia Health incorporates human coaching support to enhance the user experience and ensure optimal outcomes. Users have unlimited access to certified health coaches via an in-app chat feature. These coaches provide encouragement, guidance, and motivation, offering additional insights, answering questions, and connecting users with their care team if challenges arise. This hybrid approach combines the convenience and scalability of digital therapy with the personalized support of human expertise.
Kaia Health’s virtual physical therapy program is based on evidence-based practices and has been validated through extensive peer-reviewed clinical studies. Research shows that the Kaia Health app can alleviate pain and improve sleep quality as effectively as traditional in-person physical therapy. Clinical trials have also demonstrated that Kaia Health’s digital therapy can significantly outperform standard care for back pain, improving pain levels, anxiety, depression, stress, body function, and overall well-being.
By leveraging advanced technology, personalized care plans, and human coaching, Kaia Health offers a comprehensive and effective virtual physical therapy solution accessible from a smartphone or tablet. This makes it a valuable resource for individuals seeking accessible and affordable pain management options.
