Technology in the Physical Therapy Setting

I believe that technology will play a big role in my Physical Therapy career. Over the past few years I have been observing and volunteering in different PT clinics and have already seen technology in many different forms.

One of the ways that technology plays a major role are the many different computer programs that PTs use to help put together rehab programs for patients. The PT I worked with over the past summer used a program that helped plan various exercises and rehab programs for the patients depending on what type of injury they had. It was very convenient and fast way for the PT to open up this program on the computer and pick out a few exercises for the patients to do at home and print out a copy to take home with them.

Another way that PTs can use technology in the workplace are videos. Sometimes the physical therapy appointments do not last that long and there may not be enough time for the PT to explain to the patients how to do their exercises at home. I always feel that demonstration is the best way to show someone the proper way to perform a stretch or exercise. Therefore, I feel that if the patients had video demonstration of their stretches, this might help them perform them the right way at home. It would benefit the patient to have both a written out description and a video demonstration of the exercises to perform them at the highest level.

One example of great technology in the PT setting is a robotic system that helps stroke patients and some patients that have cerebral palsy. They are called Interactive Motion robots. Basically this robot contains an arm system and a leg system and both systems help boost muscle memory and can help the rehab process goes twice as fast as normal recovery. More information and video footage about these robotics can be found at http://singularityhub.com/2009/06/18/interactive-motion-technologies-physical-therapy-robotics/.

Another example of a different type of technology in the PT setting is virtual reality games. These games have shown to improve symptoms in cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism and other conditions.These virtual videos take the patients image and emerges it into a virtual reality on the TV or projection screen. These virtual games help the patients perform their exercises in the form of different games to make for a fun environment while going through rehab. More about this type of technology can be found at http://www.gesturetekhealth.com/products-rehab.php.

These few examples of the different technologies in the PT world are rising and growing everyday and I know they will continue to grow. These types of technologies are making the rehabilitation process for these patients twice as fast and much more enjoyable.