A few months ago we wrote a blog entry that highlighted some of the different ways technology is used in therapy. In that post, we looked at some of the different treatments technology was being used for. Technology is moving fast–in an age where nearly every topic can be researched in a matter of seconds online and you can download resources to your device, is it any surprise that this technology is impacting physical, occupational and speech therapy as well? I am sure we have all seen the popular television commercial advertising a certain smart phone with the slogan, “There’s an app for that.” That phrase can now be used in all areas of medicine and most definitely for those Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Speech-Language Pathologists that choose to embrace the technology that is available.
Physical Therapy Apps for Mobile Phones
An article on www.TodayinPT.com titled “Phone It In” discusses some of the different ways that the small computer known as your phone can be a powerful tool for therapists. Some of the tools available for smart phone users involve viewing instructional photos, videos, diagrams, and similar informational resources for physical therapists.
The following are just a few available apps that can help physical therapists and their clients:
- My Therapy Exercise (iPhone): Exercise video program created, used and prescribed by healthcare professionals; specifically addresses the needs of the rehabilitation and home exercise client.
- Pocket Therapy (iPhone): Photos and videos of physical therapy exercises for 15 common injuries.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (iPhone, Droid): A fully featured flash card app reviewing physical therapy techniques.
- PhysioAdvisor (iPhone): Provides the user with a range of physiotherapy and injury rehabilitation exercises designed by experienced physiotherapists.
- Physiotherapy (iPhone): Glossary contains terms and definitions to help the student or person undergoing physical therapy better understand the treatments.
- Physiotherapy Exercises (iPhone): Allows searches for exercises appropriate for people with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions.
- Strength Anatomy (Droid): Provides basic understanding of how muscles perform during exercises, with search and quizzes.
Technology changes quickly and provides us with ways to interact on levels that wouldn’t have been possible even a few years ago. Through smart phones, tablet computers, and social media, your interaction with clients doesn’t have to end at the close of their appointment. What tools are you using with your clients?