Technology Philosophy Statement (Physical Therapy)

I think that incorporating technology into physical therapy is something that is very useful. Technology is already used in physical therapy settings, and it has helped greatly. It can be used as a mode of physical activity, a way to help injured muscles, or a way to communicate, among other ways. While I think that a lot of good work can be done without technology in physical therapy settings, I also think that having technology in such settings would provide further benefits.

Technology can be used as a way for patients to become physically active. For example, a patient who is in physical therapy for an ankle injury can use the treadmill as he or she becomes healthy enough to see if there is still any pain or discomfort. Having the treadmill in a physical therapy setting allows the physical therapist to watch the patient closely and determine if everything is moving and working correctly. Equipment such as bikes or arm bikes would have similar functions, and all types of equipment like these would be useful in a physical therapy setting so that the physical therapist can supervise the patient.

In a physical therapy setting, technology is extremely useful in the form of electrical stimulation. This is commonly used today, and I feel that in the future there will be further improvements to this type of technology that physical therapists will incorporate into their appointments. Electrical stimulation is known as E-stim, and it sends small currents into the patient’s body to target certain muscles. It is used to help with pain or to reduce muscle spasms, and it is very effective. Since this form of technology is already so useful, I think that other forms of technology like it could also be used and be very beneficial, especially for the patients.

Video technology could also be used in physical therapy settings. For example, one of the physical therapy clinics that I volunteered at was one of several locations. They had a portable video camera attached to their computer, so that they could video chat with the other clinic locations if they needed to. This was useful for getting second opinions on a patient’s mobility or performance, as well as for getting patient information for the patients who visited both locations. Technology such as video conferencing is an extremely effective way to communicate with others in the field. Also, having computer technology in the physical therapy setting is beneficial for referencing material, recording patient progress and history, and keeping track of patient payment, among others.

Technology is already widely used in the physical therapy field. However, as technology continues to develop, even more of it will begin to be incorporated. I feel that technology in the physical therapy setting is very beneficial, not only for the patients, but for the physical therapists as well. Some types of technology, such as E-stim, help with rehabilitation in a way that physical therapists can’t. Overall, I think that having technology in physical therapy settings is worthwhile.