It is no secret that physical therapy is in tremendous demand. Unfortunately, there are not enough therapists to meet the rising demand. However, increases in medical technology are causing rapid change in the therapy industry, making up for the lack of qualified personnel. What trends in physical therapy is technology bringing for therapy practices in 2022?

What Technology Should You Implement in 2022?

AI & Machine Learning

You have undoubtedly heard trendy terms like artificial intelligence and machine learning tossed around. However, these terms go well beyond buzzwords. These technologies are changing health care and can do much for you as a therapist. What is better than having an assistant using vast information to help you make diagnosing and evaluation decisions?

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is on the rise. Due to the current pandemic, telehealth visits are becoming more and more accepted among therapeutic professionals. Web-connected technology such as smartphones and tablets allow physical therapists to show activities and coach patients.

Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is an excellent set of low-impact exercises. This therapy provides strength-building and healing without causing further damage in the way a high-impact exercise might. Aquatic therapy is particularly effective after knee or hip replacement surgery or back procedures. The natural resistance of water provides a way to build up muscles and joints faster.

Wearables

There was a time when a wearable device was something you could see only in a sci-fi movie. Times have changed. Today, smartwatches and fitness trackers provide users with relevant data about their health and their medical history or their exercise habits or lack thereof. Functional physiotherapy machines can track and analyze precise movements, giving therapists valuable data.

Lasers

Laser beam therapy is a conventional practice in physical rehab lasting for over a decade. Numerous studies throughout the years prove its effectiveness in healing internal damages, chronic pain and hair loss. This therapy is also very efficient against multiple severe conditions. It has value in treating stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury and degenerative CNS disorders treatments.

Light

Light therapy is effective for treating a variety of conditions. For burns and other wounds, it is particularly effective. Light therapy has a broader spectrum of light wavelengths than lasers enabling light to treat burns with light wavelengths less prone to cause burns than laser therapy. These infrared lights can quickly heal minor pain as well.

Robotics

Automation could be the most innovative physical therapy technology. Physical therapists can achieve biological therapy results with motorized treadmills and exoskeletons. Tracking devices are helping patients track down and record activities such as heart rate and brain waves. It is these records that decide the future medication for the patient.

Need the Right Employees To Help Implement New Technology?

Advances in technology are helping keep physical therapy an integrated part of treatment for many conditions. However, technology can only do so much. It would be best to have the right people on your team for tremendous success. If you need physical therapy talent, myPTsolutions can help!