The power of telehealth services

Unlocking access and empowering patients

   Pelvic Love Physiotherapy & Wellness, PLLC is at the forefront of revolutionizing the way patients access pelvic floor therapy, particularly pre and post natal therapy. With the advent of telehealth technology, patients can now receive personalized care and guidance from the comfort of their own homes. This revolutionary approach not only increases accessibility to therapy, but also empowers patients to take control of their pelvic health. In this article, we will explore the power of telehealth and how it is transforming the landscape of pelvic floor therapy.

 

The benefits of telehealth for patients

  Telehealth has proven to be a game-changer for patients seeking pelvic floor therapy, offering numerous benefits that enhance the overall healthcare experience. First, telehealth eliminates geographic barriers, allowing patients from rural or remote areas to access specialized care that may not be available locally. This is particularly important for individuals with limited mobility or transportation options.


  Additionally, telehealth offers convenience and flexibility. Patients no longer have to travel long distances or spend time sitting in crowded waiting rooms. With telehealth, therapy sessions can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for the patient, which is especially valuable for busy parents or those with demanding work schedules.


  Furthermore, telehealth promotes patient empowerment and engagement. By participating in their therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homes, patients are more likely to actively engage in their treatment plans and take ownership of their pelvic health. This increased engagement often leads to better treatment outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.

 

How telehealth improves access to healthcare

  Telehealth has revolutionized the way patients access healthcare services, breaking down barriers and transforming the healthcare landscape. One of the key advantages of telehealth is its ability to improve access to healthcare, particularly for underserved populations.  For individuals living in rural or remote areas, accessing specialized care can be a significant challenge. Telehealth eliminates geographic barriers, allowing patients to connect with healthcare providers regardless of their location. This means that patients can now access the expertise of specialists who may not be available locally, opening up a world of possibilities for improved diagnosis and treatment.


  In addition, telehealth provides a lifeline for patients with limited mobility or transportation options. Instead of enduring long journeys and navigating crowded waiting rooms, patients can receive the care they need from the comfort and convenience of their own homes. This is particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions who may find it difficult to leave their homes regularly.


  Telehealth helps to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities by delivering care to underserved populations. It ensures that individuals who may not have had access to regular healthcare can now receive the treatment they need, promoting health equity and reducing inequalities.  Overall, the power of telehealth lies in its ability to improve access to healthcare for patients. The convenience, flexibility, and elimination of geographic barriers enable patients to receive timely and appropriate care, leading to better health outcomes

Common Questions

  • How do virtual visits work for physical therapy or wellness?

    When you first hear about virtual or telehealth physical therapy, you might laugh!  And that’s ok.  But the truth is, virtual PT can be SO effective!  


    Since PTs are experts in movement and movement disorders, being able to watch you move on the screen gives us SO much information on what your underlying problems may be.  


    And, a lot of information is also gained simply by talking, and by giving you verbal instructions on what to do and not do.  So, you will likely be surprised at what we can accomplish in a virtual session!

  • Ok….but what about for pelvic health PT? Do you want to see my vagina or penis on screen?

    No, we don’t!  For a large variety of reasons, we never want to see anything that could be considered a private part on-screen. 


    Instead, we focus on talking through your issues, watching you move and how you breathe, and then make recommendations to help your problems.  


    If we feel that an in-person examination is warranted, we will work together to find someone that can do this for you. 

  • How can I make a virtual/telehealth session most-effective?

    : Great question!  Good lighting is essential, and natural lighting is best.  Make sure to have a camera that is mobile (phone, laptop, etc) so you can change your camera position based on what body part we need to assess. 


     Additionally, you need to be able to move far enough away from your camera so that I can see all of your body on screen.  And make sure you have enough space to comfortably move around!

  • Can I still get reimbursed by my insurance company for virtual PT sessions?

    Most likely, yes.  Ever since the global pandemic from COVID-19 began in 2020, most insurance companies are now covering telehealth treatment for physical therapy. 


     However, just like always, we recommend you call your insurance company ahead of your session to find out exactly how much they will reimburse you (if they reimburse you at all).

  • Can you see me for wellness services via telehealth if I am located outside of Illinois?

    Most likely, yes!  In order for this to work, Dr. Stephanie will need to check the PT practice act in your state to see what the rules are regarding health and wellness services. 


     HOWEVER - please see our Services page to see what constitutes wellness vs physical therapy services.  If you are in pain, or have a current ailment or injury for which you would like to receive help, you cannot be seen for a wellness session.  This would fall under the umbrella of physical therapy.

  • If I start with telehealth, do I always have to stay with telehealth? Or vice versa for in-person?

    No!  Actually a hybrid model of treatment works quite well.  Seeing you in-person for the first few sessions to get a complete examination and get started on treatment is great.  


    But once you are independent with your exercises, virtual follow-ups are easy and very effective!  

    And we can always bring you back in for an in-person session if needed.

  • Can you see me for physical therapy via telehealth if I am located outside of Illinois?

    Unfortunately not at this time.  Physical therapy is licensed state-by-state, and at this time Illinois does not have an agreement for licensure with other states.  


    Dr. Stephanie is only licensed in Illinois at this time, so can only see patients for physical therapy treatment who are physically located in the state of Illinois at the time of treatment.

  • Can you see me for physical therapy via telehealth if I am an Illinois resident, but am going to Florida for the winter?

    Unfortunately, again the answer is no.  The patient must be located in the state of Illinois at the time of treatment.  This is regardless of residency status.

  • If you can’t see me for PT because I am outside of the state of Illinois, can you help me find someone else?

    Yes!  You can use the following websites to put in your address and see where pelvic health PTs are located near you:


    APTA Academy of Pelvic Health PT (US) https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator


    Herman & Wallace (US) https://pelvicrehab.com/


    Global Pelvic Health Alliance (US and International) https://pelvicguru.com/directory/