It may surprise you that physical therapy isn’t a modern invention. The field evolved in the 1800s in response to widespread bone disorders throughout Europe, then saw further advancements in an effort to treat polio outbreaks in the early 1900s.
Traditional physical therapy treatments still abound, but thanks to modern technology, today’s physical therapists have more options than ever before. Below, learn about must-have physical therapy products and rehabilitation equipment for your practice.
Understanding Physical Therapy Products
Physical therapy equipment has a wide range of benefits for patients. Perks include:
- Pain relief
- Strengthening muscles
- Tissue healing
- Body awareness
Common physical therapy supplies and products include:
- Strength training equipment
- Exercise bands
- Pulleys and resistance systems
- Balance boards
- Cold therapy solutions
Categories of Physical Therapy Products
There are several types of physical therapy equipment: exercise equipment, rehabilitation products, and physical therapy machines. We’ll discuss each below.
Exercise Equipment
After an accident or injury, patients must exercise to ease pain and rebuild their strength. High-quality products and supplies for exercise can include:
- Resistance products for stretching, such as THERABAND Latex Resistance Bands and the CanDo Multi-Grip Exerciser
- Treadmills
- Recumbent steppers
- Free weights
Rehabilitation Equipment
Rehab equipment improves patients’ flexibility, balance, and strength. During treatment for their physical ailments, patients may use:
- The Saunders Lumbar Home Traction Device
- AliMed’s Grandstand III Modular Standing System
- Home rehab software
- Suspension training systems
- Parallel bars
- Hand grips
Physical Therapy Machines
A physical therapy machine is ideal for the treatment and recovery of patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Products include:
- Pro Therapy Supplies Ultra TENS II
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMC) devices
- Microcurrent therapy machines
Selecting the Right Physical Therapy Products
To choose the right supplies for your practice:
- Purchase from brands with generous warranties and customer support.
- Consider where you’ll offer therapy (in your practice or at the patient’s home).
- Consider the physical abilities of your average patient.
- Ensure you have enough space, especially before buying large pieces of equipment.
- Determine your budget beforehand to avoid overspending.
- Read product reviews from other physical therapists.
The Role of Technology in Physical Therapy
Technology plays an important role for the physical therapist. Physical therapists can use software to:
- Remind patients of appointments
- Collect payments quickly
- Provide treatment tips via text and email
- Track patient outcomes
Examples of technology that can help your practice grow include:
- Billing and insurance management software
- Wearable device integration for access to real-time data
- Exercise plan software
- Telehealth software for virtual consultations
- Electronic health records (EHR) systems
- Patient engagement portals with educational resources
Implementing Physical Therapy Products in Your Practice
Most people don’t like change, so you’ll have to educate your patients on the perks of your new equipment. Doing so is important if you care about treatment plan compliance.
To successfully implement your new supplies and products:
- Educate patients regarding their effectiveness.
- Train staff on how to properly use the products.
- Connect the products with your existing equipment, if possible, to help streamline the healing process.
Weave Is the Perfect Partner for Healthcare Professionals
Would you like more patients for your practice? Try Weave! With our practice management software, you’ll enjoy happy patients and get a real leg up on the competition.
To learn more about how Weave pairs with your physical therapy products, get a free demo now.
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