If you have been told by a healthcare professional that you need to have physical therapy now, you may have some safety concerns. Are you really able to successfully protect yourself against potential exposure to COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) during physical therapy sessions, when the therapist will be touching you and talking to you?
The answer is yes. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has published guidelines for how therapists are to safely conduct physical therapy sessions during a pandemic, which every physical therapist (PT) needs to follow in order to keep their patients and themselves safe.
After all, people who are in chronic pain, injured, or are recovering from surgery still require physical therapy despite a pandemic. Let’s talk about what physical therapists and PT clinics are doing to ensure your safety while you regain your strength and capabilities through the therapy programs.
Maintaining Social Distancing Guidelines
It may be difficult to imagine social distancing during a physical therapy session since the physical therapist will have to get close to examine you and guide you. Rest assured that licensed physical therapists undergo a temperature check every day and wear a mask at all times, and your therapist will be very careful around you.
The APTA recommends that PTs who are serving clients in a PT facility have areas that are safely distanced and at least six feet away from others. For patients who are using exercise equipment, a greater distance of 12 feet or more needs to be maintained, and cleaning must be done after every use. This is true for all surfaces after each patient’s use.
Virtual Physical Therapy vs. In-Person Physical Therapy
Many physical therapy clinics have made virtual physical therapy available to patients who do not necessarily need hands-on therapy. Patients who are recovering from surgery may have mobility issues but still need to learn and perform their physical therapy exercises, and a physical therapist can guide them over a video call. However, patients who are at risk of falling need in-person physical therapy.
There is a concern about whether virtual physical therapy visits are as effective as in-person visits. Truthfully, virtual physical therapy cannot supplant in-person visits in terms of advantages, but it is usually an acceptable alternative during this season of COVID-19.
Physical Therapy Clinic in Austin, Texas
If you need physical therapy but have concerns about safety during COVID-19, ask your physical therapy clinic about what they are doing for everyone’s safety. Rest assured, healthcare workers also want to keep themselves safe while providing essential services to their clients.
Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness is open and accepting patients who need physical therapy to restore function, regain mobility, and reduce pain. Our therapists follow all pertinent safety guidelines, and your health and safety is our top priority. We have convenient locations serving Austin, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Bee Caves, and Hutto.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our PT clinic today at (512) 284-7192 or fill out our convenient online request form. We look forward to being your partner in health and wellness!
