Some individuals may experience problems such as pain or loss of functional mobility. These individuals can get help from a physiotherapist who is an expert in their field. Physical therapy care can be performed in different environments according to the wishes and needs of the individual. Some patients want to undergo physical therapy in the hospital, while others may not want to leave their houses. In such cases, physiotherapists can go to the homes of individuals and perform physical therapy care at home for them. What is in-home physical therapy? You can read the rest of the article to learn more comprehensive answers to questions such as who can benefit from this service and how to do physical therapy at home.
What is In-Home Physical Therapy?
In-home physical therapy method is when patients, who need physical therapy for any reason, receive this service in their own homes. This method is designed to enable patients to access the physical therapy program in a comfortable environment at home. In-home physical therapy can be applied when patients do not leave the house arbitrarily or compulsorily, usually as a result of illness, injury or other conditions. Thanks to this method, patients can receive treatment comfortably in their own homes. In addition, in-home physical therapy can help patients improve their daily living activities while supporting the healing process.
Who Can Benefit from In-Home Physical Therapy?
Various people can benefit from in-home physical therapy services. Here are some examples:
- Postoperative Patients: Physical therapy may be needed after surgical operations. In-home physical therapy service can help patients in the rehabilitation process after surgery. It can support wound healing, increase mobility and speed up the process of returning to daily activities.
- Those Experiencing Muscle and Joint Problems: Individuals with muscle and joint problems may benefit from in-home physical therapy services. This service can increase muscle strength, improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
- Sports Injuries: Athletes or individuals who have had sports injuries can benefit from home physical therapy services. This service can support the rehabilitation of sports injuries, help restore mobility and guide the preparation for sports again.
- Neurological Conditions: Neurological conditions, such as post-stroke or Parkinson’s disease, can be supported with in-home physical therapy. This service can help individuals improve muscle and balance coordination. It can also improve walking skills and the quality of life.
- Those with Chronic Pain: Individuals with chronic pain can benefit from in-home physical therapy services. This service can help manage pain, increase muscle flexibility and make daily activities more comfortable.
These are just some examples and in-home physical therapy services can be applied for a wide range of conditions and ailments. Individuals who want to benefit from in-home physical therapy can consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their situation.
How Can In-Home Physical Therapy Be Received?
In-home physical therapy may be the best option for patients with a condition that limits their ability to move. Most patients who receive in-home physical therapy are referred to this method by their doctor. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a local physical therapy service or sign documents stating that in-home physical therapy is required. This medical report states that the patient cannot leave the house due to certain conditions, so they need to have the physical therapy service at home.
How is In-Home Physical Therapy Performed?
You can follow the following steps to benefit from in-home physical therapy:
- Finding a Physiotherapist: You may first need to find an experienced physiotherapist to receive in-home physical therapy services. The physiotherapist manages the treatment process by creating a treatment plan that is suitable for you. You can get help from healthcare institutions, doctor’s advice or physiotherapist associations to find a physiotherapist.
- Evaluation and Planning: The physiotherapist firstly evaluates the patient’s condition. This evaluation is conducted by performing a physical exam, range of motion tests, and other appropriate tests.
- Treatment Sessions: According to the treatment plan determined by the physiotherapist, in-home physical therapy sessions are conducted. These sessions are usually held weekly. The physiotherapist shows you customized exercises and treatment techniques. Doing these exercises regularly can increase the efficiency of treatment.
- Monitoring and Progress: During the in-home physical therapy process, your physical therapist follows your progress. They communicate regularly between sessions and can change the treatment plan as needed.
- Practice at Home: During in-home physical therapy sessions, your physical therapist teaches you the right techniques and practices. It is important that you do these exercises regularly. You may need to use the appropriate equipment or procure the necessary supplies to continue physical therapy at home.
- Constant Communication: It is important to be in constant communication with your physiotherapist during the in-home physical therapy process. You should share your progress and provide information about any discomfort or problem you are experiencing. You should follow your physical therapist’s instructions and actively participate in the treatment process.
Prices for In-Home Physical Therapy?
The prices of home physical therapy may vary depending on various situations. These factors include geographic location, service provider’s level of expertise, length of treatment, and number of sessions required. In-home physical therapy prices may also depend on whether you are covered by health insurance, the insurance company’s policy terms and payment arrangements.
Prices for in-home physical therapy services are usually in the form of a first-session examination fee and then a separate fee for subsequent sessions. The level of expertise, experience and quality of service of your physiotherapist can also affect prices.
It is difficult to set an exact price, as prices differ from depending on the service provider. Therefore, when considering home physical therapy services, it is important that you first contact your physiotherapist or healthcare provider and get detailed information about prices. This way, you can get a clear agreement on treatment costs and payment options.
What are the Benefits of In-Home Physical Therapy?
There are many benefits of in-home physical therapy:
- Comfort and Convenience: In-home physical therapy allows patients to receive treatment in their own home environment. Therefore, patients can receive treatment in a familiar and comfortable environment.
- Personalized Treatment: In-home physical therapy offers a customized treatment tailored to individual needs. The physiotherapist evaluates the patient’s physical condition and needs at home and arranges the treatment plan accordingly. In this way, the treatment is completely oriented to the personal needs of the patient and more effective results can be achieved.
- Mobility and Independence: Physical therapy at home can increase mobility and enable patients to perform activities of daily living more independently.
- Postoperative Rehabilitation: In-home physical therapy plays an important role in the rehabilitation process after surgical operations. The physiotherapist supports the wound healing of post-operative patients, increases mobility and accelerates their return to daily life activities. In-home physical therapy can help patients complete this rehabilitation process more effectively in the comfort of their homes.
What are the Risks of In-Home Physical Therapy?
Although in-home physical therapy may seem useful and comfortable, it also has some risks. One of the most common risks is the risk of injury as a result of incorrect technique and practice. However, most of the risks can be avoided with proper communication between patient and therapist.
In addition, it may sometimes be necessary to increase strength during physical therapy. Pushing these limits can exacerbate symptoms or cause the individual to fall. For example, if an individual with a cardiac problem overloads themselves during physical therapy, it may lead to increased blood pressure. However, potential risks can be avoided as physiotherapists are trained to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse rate and reduce risks during each therapy session.
Physical therapy is a treatment method that can be applied in hospitals, rehabilitation centers or individuals’ own homes. You can apply to Enez Health Hospitals to benefit from in-home physical therapy facilities or to have more information about this topic.