Telemedicine-Does It Work for Physical Therapy?

While Telemedicine may be a form of medical treatment decades old today there are innumerable devices that offer that convenience. Telemedicine ,which has several aliases, uses real time to connect medical provider and patient in dispensing medical care. This is extremely helpful if the medical condition is minor and the patient has difficulty in visiting the doctor personally for any number of reasons such as distance. Insurance companies and employers love the system as it reduces costs. The use of this medium is on the rise as consumers benefit by being able to access 24/7 care as well. Its use may exceed $27 billion within the next 4 years. The question remains, though, as to whether this system is as good as face to face visits. There is also the aspect of using telemedicine for treatments such as physical rehabilitation for patients recovering from stroke and other neuromuscular diseases or injuries. It is also necessary to establish the safety of the system. In the case of the TUTOR system, as one of the newest physical therapy products on the market, the testing and clinical use has shown a marked improvement in the patient’s movement ability after using the HANDTUTOR, ARMTUTOR, LEGTUTOR and 3DTUTOR. These products are ergonomic gloves or braces that fit comfotably on the affected limb and then connect to powerful evaluation software created exclusively for the TUTOR. The intensive exercise program is monitored by phsical or occupational therapists who then customize an exercise plan for that specific patient. All exercises are recorded and evaluated leading to enhanced functional rehabilitation. The TUTORS are currently in use in leading U.S. and European hospitals and clinics and, of course, can handle telerehabilitation services as well from the patient’s home. See WWW.MEDITOUCH.CO.IL for more information.