It can seem as though the coronavirus has overwhelmed all else these last few months. While we adjust to new realities, it’s important to remember that other health conditions haven’t gone away. People still get injured. People still have back pain. And those who require physical therapy to alleviate pain, get stronger, and stay healthy still need their sessions.
That’s why therapists, patients, and medical organizations across the country are developing new ways of safely conducting this vital service. We know that patients need their physical therapy with the same regularity as before the world changed. In fact, they may need this continuity more than ever.
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Dedicated physical and occupational therapists are working in clinics and online to provide the same level of exceptional, patient-centered care that they always have. Patients can continue their physical therapy in-clinic or virtually with online physical therapy via ATI CONNECT and get the same individualized therapy treatment.
Physical therapy isn’t a luxury. For many, physical therapy is essential during the coronavirus.
The Importance of Physical Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
When shelter-in-place orders began, institutions like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control issued guidance around the importance of maintaining physical activity. Getting up and moving around is critical for both physical and mental health. The WHO even dedicated an area on its website to tips/recommendations on everything from cycling to gardening as ways to keep active.
For people who have suffered an injury or are recovering from surgery or illness and require physical therapy services, activity during this time is more than important. It’s vital.
Physical therapy during Coronavirus is crucial for a number of reasons, including:
Continuing one’s physical or occupational therapy regimen without long breaks
Continually building up strength and abilities without backsliding
Feeling confident in your movements
Having an established routine
Keeping with a recommended course of treatment is the single biggest factor in improved health. Physical therapy is a vital part of overall health during normal times and during these times. Fortunately, it has been deemed an essential service.
Is Physical Therapy Considered Essential During Coronavirus?
Over the last few months, we’ve all learned what are considered “essential” businesses vs. “non-essential.” We’re pleased the importance of physical therapy has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security as part of America’s “essential critical infrastructure.”
We know that PT is critical to quality of life. That’s why we're keeping clinics open, ensuring the safety of patients and team members, as well as offering the convenient option of telehealth physical therapy to best support you.
Are Physical Therapy Offices Open During Coronavirus?
Yes! At ATI, the majority of our 850 physical therapy clinics across the country remain open. We know that PT is essential in the daily lives of our patients. We’re honored to have that responsibility and we take it seriously. That’s why we’re committed to continuing to provide the highest level of care in the safest possible way.
We are following all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to protect our physical therapists, other staff, and patients at our clinics. In particular, we are focused on maintaining a clean and safe environment as we all work together against the spread of COVID-19.
OK, But is it Safe to Go to Physical Therapy During Coronavirus?
If you’re like us, every time we leave the house we run through a checklist. Gloves, mask, sanitizer. We plan our trips so as not to linger at the store. We make sure we have 6 feet between us and the next person. We’re responsible healthcare professionals to our core.
In line with (CDC) guidance, our clinicians across the country have come together over these last few months to implement measures that help ensure clean and safe treatment environments.
To deliver a healthy treatment experience for our patients and clinicians alike, we are:
- Requiring all physical therapists, patients and team members to wear face masks or face coverings in clinics unless unable to medically tolerate one.
Sterilizing of all surfaces with medical-grade disinfectants
Maintaining recommended social distance when not delivering hands-on care
Following the latest Centers for Disease Control guidelines, including frequent and thorough handwashing throughout the day
Screening all patients, clinicians and team members for potential COVID-19 exposure
Limiting the number of people in-clinic
In addition, our clinics offer flexible hours, helping to ensure that people who are in higher-vulnerability groups can come at times when we are less busy.
We take your physical therapy seriously. We take your safety—and the health and safety of everyone—just as seriously.
What Can I Do to Make Sure PT is Safe?
There are some things you can do to keep yourself, other patients, and our clinicians and their families safe. We ask that all of us do our part to help slow the spread.
In addition to requiring this of all our team members, we also ask this of our patients:
Please stay home if you've experienced any COVID-19 symptoms—coughing or sneezing, fever, signs of respiratory illness, or shortness of breath.
Speak to your health care provider, and follow their plan of care, if you are experiencing symptoms.
If you've come into contact with anyone you think has been exposed to the virus, please wait 14 days before returning to a clinic.
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, and use hand sanitizer between washings if possible.
Practice social distancing and limit close contact with others
Be cognizant of your general health and safety—and that of others—both in and out of the clinic.
Of course, if you choose to stay home, that doesn’t mean one has to press pause on treatment and progress. Fortunately, there is online physical therapy.
What Are My Online Physical Therapy Options During Quarantine?
You might avoid the clinic because you think you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who does. Or, like so many people, you may just want to entirely limit your exposure to the outside world to stay safe and do your part to help flatten the curve.
No matter what, it’s vital that you keep up with your physical therapy. That’s why we developed ATI CONNECT, our online physical therapy service. You get one-to-one sessions with one of our licensed physical or occupational therapists, at a time that works with your schedule. You can expect to receive the same personalized care that you would in-clinic.
Home-based treatment ensures that you can continue your physical therapy program without interruption. All you will need is:
Comfortable clothing
Any exercise equipment prescribed by your therapist
Reliable internet and a web-enabled device (anything from a smartphone to a desktop)
If you don’t have exercise equipment, your clinician will suggest a viable workaround. We want to make sure you stick to your personalized treatment plan, and we will do what it takes to make that happen.
We can accommodate anyone who needs or wants to stay at home during this time. At ATI, our licensed therapists have been highly trained and they are ready to safely guide you through your online physical therapy appointments.
The best news is that insurance companies are doing their part to ensure continuity of service and are broadening telehealth physical therapy coverage. We will work with you to review your insurance coverage and get you the information you need to make the best decision for your care.
After all, the whole point of online physical therapy during coronavirus is to have it work for you. Our patients are our No. 1 priority.
Can Physical Therapy After COVID-19 Help with Recovery?
We’ve been getting this question a lot. The answer is that there is no sure answer yet. We do know that coronavirus can make it hard for you to move and exercise for a prolonged period, and that physical therapy may be an ideal solution to regain strength or respiratory control or help alleviate other side effects.
To be clear, this is not a vaccine or a guaranteed preventative measure. We still don’t know the long-term effects of the virus. But we do know that if you lose strength anywhere in your body, including your lungs, PT is a way to get it back. It could be part of your recovery.
Working Together to Grow Stronger Together
Physical therapy is all about regaining strength. It’s about regaining control. It’s about regaining yourself. That’s why we are so dedicated to all our patients. We know how important it is to get back to feeling like yourself.
And frankly, we could all use that right now. Things may seem overwhelming, but we want to do our part to make it less so. We’re committed to keeping our doors open, and our computers on. We’re committed to maintaining safe, clean environments and providing exceptional care, whether in-clinic or virtually. And we’re committed to helping our patients maintain their physical therapy routines along their road to recovery.
Together, we’re staying safe. And we’re dedicated to getting through this, stronger. All of us.