Physical therapists provide medical treatment to ill and injured patients experiencing pain and mobility issues. They use several techniques that include exercises, stretching, and hydrotherapy to treat their patients.
50% of American adults are affected by severe musculoskeletal injuries each year. Physical therapists can capitalize on this demand and distinguish their practice by using these top 10 tips to expand their treatment strategies and services.
1. Diversify Treatments
Use a wide variety of wellness activities in your treatment plans. Many people get bored doing the same activities repeatedly. You can retain interest and stimulate your patients by varying the exercises, stretches, and other treatment forms you offer.
2. Use Technology
A robotic exoskeleton can be used to support patients when they’re performing activities. Robotic exoskeletons enable people who are paralyzed to move and exercise their limbs. Robotic exoskeletons are excellent assistive devices for people with spinal cord injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. A powered exoskeleton can be used under physical therapists’ supervision to improve range of motion, restore a patient’s gait, and prevent muscles from atrophying.
3. Implement Partnerships
Over 795,000 Americans have strokes each year. Individuals who’ve suffered from a stroke may experience mobility issues or have problems completing routine tasks as well as speaking. One way to appeal to stroke patients who need physical therapy is to partner with other medical professionals who treat stroke patients.
Occupational therapists help stroke patients regain motor skills, and speech-language pathologists use exercises to enable stroke patients to improve their ability to speak. Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists may also treat other patients who require physical therapy, such as individuals with cerebral palsy or those suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Partnering with other medical professionals can appeal to clientele who find it convenient to receive their treatments in the same location.
4. Expand Services
Nurse practitioners (NP) are medical professionals who can perform many of the same tasks doctors perform. Some advanced nurse practitioners serve as primary health care providers for their patients. NPs are authorized to order tests, provide patient assessments, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication. NPs can also assist with disease prevention by educating patients and using health promotion strategies.
Individuals who’ve completed online adult NP programs are qualified to treat patients with various health issues. Registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor of science degree in nursing can complete an online program in advanced nursing practice. Once American nurses with a bachelor's degree complete an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program, they will have the accreditation requirements to provide patient care to teens, adults, and elderly patients.
As the population ages, more older patients will require medical care. Partnering with a nurse practitioner who specializes in adult-gerontology and is qualified to provide primary care to elderly patients will ensure your practice can provide all medical services elderly patients need in one location.
5. Specialize
Pick a specialization and emphasize treating that condition or population. Some physical therapists may opt to focus on pediatric care if they’re good with children, while others may emphasize treating older patients with age-related mobility issues. You may also opt to specialize in a specific type of treatment. For example, implementing exoskeleton treatment will distinguish your practice if no other physical therapists in your area use exoskeletons.
6. Prioritize the Patients
Ensure all of your staff prioritize patients and ensure they have a positive experience at your practice. Have aides ready to help transfer patients to offices or exercise areas. Solicit patient feedback and consider their input. Adapt your practice and implement changes to eliminate issues causing complaints. Patients appreciate professionals who listen to them and make an effort to improve services.
7. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality can be an effective way to promote physical activity and help patients develop core stability and strengthen their muscles. Another benefit of virtual reality is that you can change the nature of a patient’s exercise program without the need to add extra equipment to your location. This is an excellent way to diversify your activities without expanding your physical location.
8. Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy allows people to move while reducing the amount of pain they’re experiencing. Being immersed in water reduces the pressure on muscles and joints, enabling patients to expand their range of motion and regain muscle strength.
9. Teletherapy
Patients who are immunocompromised may not be able to visit your office if they’re ill or if there’s a risk of exposure to a virus, such as COVID-19. Offering teletherapy is an effective way of maintaining treatment without jeopardizing patient health. You can use video conferencing apps to demonstrate exercises to patients and monitor them as they complete exercises at home.
10. Locomat
Locomats are special treadmills ideal for patients with multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions. With a locomat, a patient can improve their gait and increase their mobility while the locomat supports the patient’s body weight, making it easier for them to complete the activities safely.
