Physical therapy as a profession is always on the move, literally and figuratively!
Certain trends, like remote therapy using mobile devices and video conferencing, have been around for a while. Telehealth has been a boon to patients in distant areas and to individuals who are limited in their ability to get to a care center. You're probably working with patients who use wearable tech to track their activity levels and share their stats with their care team.
A growing segment of patients are now highly interested in what used to be called "alternative" therapies, like mindfulness, sleep hygiene, meditation and behavioral therapy as part of a whole-body approach to rehabilitation. Most caregivers regard these as positive trends, improving the availability, effectiveness and accessibility of treatment.
What changes are up-and-coming in PT? No surprise, AI is making its presence known in rehabilitation therapy, too. Artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality simulations are being incorporated into rehabilitation programs. Patients are engaged by the fully immersive and very-real-seeming technology, and the automated procedures can be fine-tuned for the precise circumstances of each patient.
It may seem a bit counterintuitive that big data may be used to create personalized treatments, but that's what's on the horizon. Data experts anticipate that massive amounts of anonymous medical data, analyzed with machine learning, will help identify patterns and predict possible outcomes of a multitude of treatment options.
Regenerative techniques like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections may be used for tissue regeneration.
Adopting cognitive behavioral models like PRISM (Pain Recovery and Integrative Systems Model)could lead to non-pharmacological pain management strategies.
In the wake of the COVID pandemic, healthcare employers have become increasingly aware of the importance of preserving the care team's strength and sanity -- not the least because a healthy care team leads to the most beneficial outcomes for patients. Avoiding personal burnout and reducing workload and stress, through individual and institutional approaches, is key to a productive PT career.
Working as a "Lone Ranger" can provide a welcome feeling of independence, but working as a team is often in the best interests of patients and caregivers alike. Healthcare employers that set up collaborative teams means that it is easier for colleagues to check in with and brainstorm new ideas, or simply recharge when necessary.
While the shift toward data analysis and technological approaches holds much promise, it will never entirely replace in-person therapy. There is nothing quite like seeing and feeling the changes in a patient's mobility and demeanor in real life. This year's trends highlight the use of technology, individualized care and whole-body wellness in the ever-changing realm of physical therapy.