Physical therapy or physiotherapy is an essential therapy required for better physical functioning, mobility and overall well-being. It can help patients deal with a range of issues including injuries, pain, physical functioning and other illnesses.

Different types of physiotherapy focus on different kinds of approaches based on people’s health conditions and individual needs. These techniques are aimed at managing three types of issues – musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiothoracic.

Benefits of Physiotherapy at Home

Let’s look at some benefits of at-home physiotherapy.

Treatment in the comfort of your home

Getting treatment in the cosiness of one’s home is more comforting for a patient than at a clinic. As the family is around to support the patient, the recovery is usually earlier and healthier.

Time management

Home-based physiotherapy helps in better time management. Not only do you save time travelling to the physiotherapist’s office, but it also helps you manage your needs in a better way. This, in turn, helps you manage stress and pain in a better manner too!

Cost-effective

Along with travel time, having a physiotherapist visit you can be cost-effective too. Usually, physiotherapy takes multiple sessions in a week. So, when you count the sum of all such visits, the savings often works out to be quite significant.

Better supervision

Having physiotherapy at home lets your family oversee the treatment and ensure you are on the right path to recovery. This kind of supervision is impossible when physiotherapy is done at the hospital.

Personalised Approach

Obtaining physiotherapy at home provides a more personalised approach than in the clinic. It enables the physiotherapist to assess your home environment and suggest adaptations or modifications which can make your daily activities safer and easier. You can also work with your physiotherapist to include your interests and hobbies in your treatment plan to make it more motivating or enjoyable.

Privacy

At-home physiotherapy gives you more privacy than physiotherapy in a clinic. You can seek therapy without worrying about space, equipment and other patients looking at you.

Common Conditions Treated by At-Home Physiotherapy

Several medical conditions can be addressed through at-home physiotherapy. It can help patients regain flexibility, functionality and strength. Some of the most common issues treated with home-based physiotherapy are:

• Chronic pain management: Certain conditions can bring chronic pain, which can be difficult to live with. Specialised therapies and exercises can help manage pain effectively.
• Post-surgery rehabilitation: Various surgical procedures require physiotherapy to reduce pain, regain mobility and restore muscle strength.
• Recovery from injuries: Home-based physiotherapy can help in recovering from sports injuries or accidents. It can support the recovery process as well as assist in healing and prevent further complications.
• Mobility issues and balance disorders: Home-based physiotherapy can help in dealing with mobility challenges so that they can perform daily activities and become more independent.

The Role of At-Home Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists are qualified professionals who perform goal-based tasks to obtain the best possible outcome for their patients. They work in tandem with the patient’s doctor to achieve desired recovery goals. Let’s break down the process of home-based physical therapy followed by physiotherapists:

• Assess patient’s needs: Typically, physiotherapists at home start by conducting an initial evaluation where physical therapists assess their patient’s physical conditions and medical history to understand the patient’s needs.
• Create a personalised treatment plan: Based on the assessment, a physical therapist creates a personalised treatment plan, which aligns with the patient’s goals and challenges.
• Implement strategies: The next step is to implement therapies laid down in the personalised treatment plan. This includes manual therapies, exercises and assistive devices.
• Monitor progress and adjust the plan: A physiotherapist will regularly monitor the patient’s progress and then adjust treatment plans. As the patient progresses, therapy options change so that the best possible results can be achieved.

Physiotherapy At-Home for the Elderly

Home-based physiotherapy is most commonly used by aged people for whom travelling to the clinic to obtain physical therapy becomes difficult. For seniors having mobility constraints, travel constraints or illnesses, at-home physiotherapy is a boon. They can seek the help of a certified physiotherapist from a trusted homecare service such as TrueCare2U to seek help with different issues.

Home physiotherapy for seniors focuses on certain critical areas such as:

• Managing age-related pain caused by conditions like arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
• Improving physical function and mobility by enhancing their flexibility, balance, posture and strength.
• Recovering from surgeries such as joint replacements or cardiac procedures supports their rehabilitation by helping them restore strength and mobility.
• Identifying potential fall risks at home and offering strategies and exercises to improve balance and lower the likelihood of falls.
• It can be incorporated into Chronic Disease Management plans to more effectively manage conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

How to Make the Best of At-Home Physical Therapy

Here are some tips on how you can improve your at-home physiotherapy experience.

• Establish a designated therapy area: Set aside a specific space at home for therapy sessions, ensuring it’s free from distractions and potential hazards.
• Follow the treatment plan consistently: Consistency is essential; sticking to the prescribed treatment plan will lead to better outcomes.
• Engage family members or caregivers: Include family members or caregivers in the therapy process for added support and motivation.
• Keep communication open with the therapist: Regularly communicate with your physical therapist to address any concerns or adjustments needed promptly.

Sources:

• https://www.antaraseniorcare.com/blogs/the-benefits-of-choosing-home-based-physiotherapy-for-seniors
• https://www.portea.com/physiotherapy/benefits-of-physiotherapy-at-home/
• https://avitahealth.in/the-role-of-physiotherapy-at-home-in-healthcare/
• https://quantumphysio.com/home-based-physiotherapy/