Home Physiotherapy & its Benefits

Physical therapy is traditionally practiced in a number of different settings: hospitals, private outpatient clinics and nursing homes, to name a few. The emergence of a new trend in physical therapy now brings physiotherapists directly to the patient’s home to provide treatment. This model entails the physiotherapist traveling to the patient’s home with portable treatment equipment, such as hand held modality equipment.

Studies have shown that the need for home physiotherapy services is increasing. Physiotherapy in the home has been shown to assist clients to gain or re-gain improved strength and mobility, resulting in improved function and a better quality of life. Clients who have had a myocardial infarct and are receiving home care physiotherapy following discharge experience an improved quality of life. Those who have had a stroke benefit from improved mobility, functional capacity, and balance, which in turn reduce the risk of falling.

Although the need for physiotherapy services at home is great, access to quality home and continuing care physiotherapy is limited by the shortage of experienced physiotherapists who provide these services. Patients who received physiotherapy in a hospital setting may not have access to the same services when they are discharged. This can have a significant effect on their ability to achieve optimal function and, in the case of chronic disease, may mean repeated admissions for hospital care.

Benefits to treating patients in their home include:

Many physiotherapists who offer home care treatment have extended hours, allowing for treatment sessions either before or after the patient goes to work. This means that patients don’t need to take time off work in order to receive proper treatment. The physiotherapist evaluates a patient in his or her natural environment. There’s no need for the patient to travel, thus making treatment more time efficient for the patient. Complete privacy for the patient and his or her family. Typically, in home sessions are 1-on-1 with the physiotherapist. This allows for more effective treatment sessions since the physiotherapy performs direct treatment on the client, rather than an assistant. This also gives the patient more time to ask the physiotherapist questions directly.

In-home physiotherapy provides the same quality of treatment that you would receive at a clinic. You don’t have to travel and the home therapist may work around your schedule; In-home physiotherapy will save you time and will be more convenient than going to a clinic.

However, in-home physiotherapy is not for everyone. Before you chose home physiotherapy you should ask yourself several questions:

Are you comfortable with having a stranger coming into your home? Upon the first visit, the physiotherapist will essentially be a stranger coming into your home. The physiotherapist will have experience with home therapy treatments and will try to make the experience as pleasant as possible, but you will be required to divulge some personal information about you and your medical history to the physiotherapist.

Are you capable of concentrating without distractions in your home? Many people have multiple things happening around the home which may lead to distractions during the treatment session. Physiotherapy treatments require your full attention during the treatment session, so you should minimize any possible distractions around your home during the session.

Is my home suitable for home physiotherapy? Physiotherapy can generally be performed in a small area. The physiotherapist will attempt to take advantage of the surrounding environment to administer all the tests and treatment required. Generally, the available space in your home is not an issue; however, your home should have at least a few square feet of open floor space which is accessible to an electrical outlet. The physiotherapist will require an electrical outlet if the use of modalities is required for treatment (i.e. ultrasound). Most of the equipment is light and portable, and will be brought to your home by the physiotherapist.

Is the physiotherapist well trained? Only by utilizing the service from organized home healthcare providers, will ensure quality service to be delivered. The patient should not utilize just anybody but should check with an organization of his or her trust.

Jahangeer Ahmad Beigh – Manager-Business Development & Sales

India Home Health Care – Banglore