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Physical Therapists Adapt to Keep Clinics Safe

Physical Therapists Adapt to Keep Clinics Safe

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to be front and center in the news and in the thoughts of many people, other health issues have not gone away. People are still getting back and neck pain, overuse injuries and hurt while at work. Many of these people would benefit from seeing a physical therapist, but some of them are reluctant because of concerns over COVID-19. That’s understandable, PT clinics are busy places, with lots of people coming and going, right? They used to be, but things are different now. Just like every other business and public place, PT clinics have made changes to allow them to continue to serve patients while keeping both patients and staff safe. Here are some common changes clinics have made to reduce the risk of COVID spreading among patients and staff.

How would you like to schedule your next PT appointment?

Online PT

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In Person PT

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Scheduling and patient flow

  • Clinics have reduced the total number of people they see each day to allow for social distancing in the clinic
  • Many clinics are using a staggered schedule to avoid people coming in at the same time
  • Many clinics have implemented a “virtual waiting room” having people wait in their car and notifying them when their clinician is ready via a phone call or text message
  • When possible, clinics may be using separate entry and exit points

How would you like to schedule your next PT appointment?

Online PT

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In Person PT

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Treatment

  • Clinics may be screening patients and staff as they enter the building using questions, temperature checks, or other means
  • Clinics may have designated areas for each clinician and their patients to reduce contact between different groups of people
  • Equipment will likely be spaced out further than you’re used to and there may be less of it to allow for more distancing between patients
  • Many clinics are leaning more heavily on telehealth when appropriate for patients to reduce the number of patients physically present in the clinic

How would you like to schedule your next PT appointment?

Online PT

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In Person PT

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Physical therapists are medical professionals who were trained to deal with infectious diseases and keep people safe long before COVID-19 existed. By making changes throughout their workflows and patient experiences, physical therapy practices have reduced the risk of spreading COVID among their staff and patient populations, while continuing to deliver needed services to the public. If you are in need of PT treatment, but are hesitant to go into the clinic, give your PT a call and talk about what policies and procedures they have in place. To reduce or eliminate going into the clinic, ask about using telehealth either exclusively or in combination with in-person treatment. This is a time of uncertainty, but people are reacting with flexibility and creativity. Don’t let concerns over COVID keep you in pain or from the treatment you need.

At Active Kare Physical Therapy we take all the safety precautions to keep our staff and our patients safe and provide our patients excellent treatment.

How would you like to schedule your next PT appointment?

Online PT

Click Here to Schedule

In Person PT

Click Here to Schedule

If you still have any question, call us at (248)432-1618

Active Kare Physical Therapy in Sterling Heights, Michigan

 ...Get Back Your Active Life

Telehealth Physical Therapy: an Option During COVID-19 Pandemic

Telehealth Physical Therapy: an Option During COVID-19 Pandemic

Active Kare Physical Therapy in Sterling Heights, Michigan now provides physical therapy treatment at convenience of your home using telehealth technologies.

The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have stopped much of the world. Once busy streets and shops are empty, activities are cancelled and you may not even be going to work.

One thing that the virus has not stopped is pain and injury. Maybe you were seeing your PT when stay at home orders were issued. Maybe you’ve been having more pain and soreness in your back or neck because of all the time you’ve spent in front of the computer working at home, or maybe you hurt yourself over the weekend doing some yard work or exercising to relieve stress. How do you get the care you need without putting yourself or others at risk during this time of social distancing?

Keeping that in mind and respecting social distancing orders from government as well as for safety of our patients and staff we have come up with an option for people to receive physical therapy treatment at convenience of your home.

What is Telehealth ?

Technology like the internet, electronic medical records, online patient portals, smartphones and webcams open up treatment and intervention options that may be new to both you and your provider. Virtual platforms allow one-on-one interactions in real time. Patient portals allow uploads and updates of home exercise programs and educational materials. You may not be able to go to your PT, but your PT may be able to come virtually to you! Rules and regulations vary from state to state, and insurer to insurer. They are also being rapidly updated and changed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the best way to find out what is available to you is to contact your physical therapist and ask!

Virtual Visit Tips

● You’ll need a device with a screen, camera and microphone. This could be a smartphone, tablet, or computer

● You may need a specific app – your therapist will tell you what you need and where to find it. This is important for us to connect with you in a secure environment and keep your information safe.

● Choose a private space where you feel comfortable to conduct your visit. Make sure you have room to move, this is still a PT visit and movement is the whole point!

● Wear clothes that you can move in, and that your PT can see you move in. Very loose, baggy clothing makes it hard for your PT to see and evaluate your movement

● Collect any equipment you may have beforehand, so your PT knows what you have to work with. Examples might include resistance bands, foam rollers, yoga mats and blocks, etc.

● Be ready to get creative and have fun! For many patients and therapists, televisits are a new experience so expect to work together and try new things to find what works best for you.

Click here to know if your insurance covers Telehealth and if you will benefit from Telehealth session.

Call us to learn more: (248)432-1618

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