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Living with back pain – whether it's ongoing or temporary, impacts our lives, limits our mobility, and can be an endless journey searching for relief. When someone is experiencing back pain, they'll often go to the doctor's office, take medication, and hope their pain disappears.
Fortunately, we now have more options! Rather than getting treated in person, we can now use online therapy from the comfort of our homes. Before discussing the differences between the two therapies, let's look more in-depth at traditional physical therapy.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is a medical treatment that helps people improve their movement, function, and quality of life. A physical therapist uses exercises, education, and devices to improve one's ability to move. Incorporating PT has been crucial for chronic pain patients and allows them to live with less pain in their day-to-day lives. Let's discuss the benefits and limitations of receiving physical therapy in person:
Benefits
- Personalized Assessment: A PT can thoroughly evaluate and tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
- Hands-On Techniques: Physical therapists can use hands-on techniques like manual therapy or joint mobilization to address back pain more effectively than exercises alone.
- Access to Equipment: You would have access to specialized equipment, such as resistance bands, weights, or machines, that might not be available at home.
Limitations
- Time-Consuming: Going in person for therapy can be very time-consuming when including travel time to and from the clinic, which can be inconvenient for those with busy schedules or limited transportation.
- Cost: In-person physical therapy can be more expensive, especially if you don't have insurance or the co-pays are high.
- Accessibility: Getting to a PT clinic could be challenging for people with chronic pain or mobility issues.
What is online physical therapy?
If you haven't heard of online therapy, you're not alone. It's still a new concept, but it's important to know that the use of digital health tools for physical therapy has increased since 2020. Similar to telehealth, some people prefer getting treatment from the comfort of their homes.
Online or app-based therapy refers to using mobile applications to deliver physical therapy services, exercises, and guidance. This approach leverages technology to provide remote or supplemental physical therapy, making rehabilitation and exercise more accessible and convenient. That being said, if you're considering trying online therapy, here are a few things to think about:
Benefits
- Accessibility: Online therapy provides access to physical therapy resources for people in remote areas or those with mobility issues who may find it challenging to visit a clinic.
- Progress Tracking: Tracking features might include logging exercises completed, tracking pain levels, or measuring range of motion. It's exciting to see your progress!
- Cost-Effective: This method is typically more affordable than in-person therapy sessions.
Limitations
- Lack of Personal Interaction: Depending on the person, they may prefer working with someone face-to-face. This could also limit the ability to address complex issues or provide hands-on adjustments.
- Technical Challenges: Users might run into tech issues, which can affect their ability to benefit from their therapy sessions. Also, not everyone feels comfortable or confident using technology.
- Limited Scope: Online therapy might not be suitable for all conditions, particularly those requiring intensive hands-on therapy or complex evaluation.
Online therapy vs in-person physical therapy
Both online therapy and traditional in-person physical therapy offer valuable approaches to managing back pain, each with distinct advantages. Online physical therapy provides flexibility, cost-efficiency, and the convenience of accessing therapeutic resources from anywhere, making it suitable for those who prefer a self-guided approach or have scheduling constraints.
On the other hand, traditional in-person therapy offers hands-on, personalized care and real-time adjustments, which can be particularly beneficial for severe or complex cases requiring direct professional intervention. Ultimately, the choice between the two should be based on individual needs, the severity of the condition, and personal preferences.
Apps like Kaia Health offer a comprehensive solution that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of pain management.
Kaia Health: Your Partner in Pain Management
Kaia Health is at the forefront of digital health solutions, offering an innovative approach to managing chronic pain! Here's why Kaia Health is an excellent choice for those seeking to manage their pain effectively:
- Proven Approach: Kaia Health's programs are based on best-in-class multimodal treatment methods that have been used successfully in clinical settings for years.
- Developed by Professionals: The programs are created by medical professionals and continuously validated by independent studies.
- Proprietary Technology: Kaia Health's Motion Coach™ technology tracks your movements and provides real-time feedback to ensure proper form and safety during exercises.
- Personalized Support: Users have access to licensed physical therapists and coaches who provide individualized guidance and support.
- Convenience: The Kaia Health app allows you to access physical therapy exercises and mind-body relaxation techniques anytime, anywhere, reducing the need for frequent doctor visits.
Kaia’s app pairs the expertise of clinician-designed exercise therapy with the convenience of a mobile app to get you on the road to recovery on your terms. Luckily, Kaia Health coaches are available to support you at every step of your health journey. If you are interested in learning more about Kaia Health you can sign up HERE!