Whether it’s a child working on physical development, an adult recovering from surgery, or a senior managing chronic pain, physical therapy (PT) helps people of all ages.
But getting to in-clinic physical therapy appointments can be difficult, not only for the person receiving care, but also for family members. Mobility and compromised immune systems can also be a no-go for traveling to a facility. Plus, the time and energy commitment can be an extra strain if you’re already tired, busy, or overwhelmed.
In-home physical therapy is a clinical-grade alternative that lets you get the benefits of physical therapy in the comfort of your own home. Learn more about how in-home PT works, who it’s for, and how physical therapists can meet you where you are to help you reach your goals.
- Who Should Consider In-Home Physical Therapy?
- What’s the Difference Between Clinical & In-Home Physical Therapy?
- What Are the Benefits of Choosing In-Home Physical Therapy?
- Caregiver Involvement with In-Home PT Sessions
- In-Home Physical Therapy FAQs
Who Should Consider In-Home Physical Therapy?
In-home physical therapy is beneficial for people recovering from strokes, surgeries, or injuries who find it difficult to travel to a clinic. But it isn't just for patients with specific conditions or health concerns. Anyone who needs PT can benefit.
Seniors
In-home physical therapy can be helpful for seniors who have limited mobility due to ongoing pain, balance problems, arthritis, or a recent stroke. It can also be beneficial for older adults who have had joint replacement or those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Children
In-home PT can be very beneficial for children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, autism, and other conditions that affect mobility and social interaction. This is especially true for children who get nervous in new environments or require special transportation.
People with Disabilities
For people of any age with disabilities, in-home PT may be the most practical way to get the care they need. Some may need ongoing physical therapy at home. For others, in-home PT is a first step toward becoming more mobile and active in their communities.
People with Depression or Anxiety
Physical activity is important for people with mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety. But getting started can be difficult when leaving the house feels overwhelming. In-home PT meets people where they are and gets them moving in the right direction.
People with Compromised Immunity
Certain illnesses and genetic conditions can damage the immune system, which makes a person more likely to become seriously ill when they pick up a germ. Having one person come to your home rather than you going to shared spaces reduces the likelihood of exposure.
What’s the Difference Between Clinical & In-Home Physical Therapy?
The biggest difference between clinic-based physical therapy and physical therapy at home is that you don’t have to travel to get the care you need. But there are other advantages, too. While clinics may have more specialized equipment, at-home PT offers a glimpse into your real-life challenges and allows the physical therapist to work with you in a familiar environment.
While a therapist at a physical therapy clinic may ask about your home environment, in-home therapy allows them to see it for themselves. They may notice that the stairs are steep, the hallway is narrow, or the living room has tripping hazards. This insight can help them develop your specific physical therapy program.
Your environment also offers familiarity and security. Having a physical therapist come to you avoids "transfer trauma" by staying in a familiar place and can provide better results in a low-stress environment.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing In-Home Physical Therapy?
Both in-clinic and in-home therapy can be beneficial, so choosing the right option simply depends on your specific situation and needs. Here are some of the advantages of in-home PT:
Less Travel Time
With in-home physical therapy, your therapist comes to you rather than the other way around, which means less travel time for you. This can also reduce the stress, pain, and discomfort of leaving home while ill or recovering.
More Personalized Attention
In a clinic, physical therapists sometimes treat more than one patient at a time or may be rushed by managing back-to-back appointments. When a physical therapist comes to your home, you have their undivided attention during your scheduled time.
Real-World Environment
When a physical therapist works with you in your own home, you can tackle real-life challenges, such as mobility around your home. You can also work on strength and flexibility exercises that relate to your everyday activities.
Caregiver & Family Member Involvement
In-home PT provides an opportunity for caregivers and family members to participate in the sessions, if needed or desired. This means they can provide better support between appointments and help you keep up on recommended stretches or activities.
Lower Risk of Contracting an Illness
Any time you go to a clinic or other healthcare facility, you risk picking up a virus or germs. In-home physical therapy reduces your exposure, which is especially important for people who are recovering from surgery, illness, or who have weakened immunity.
Less Stress & Anxiety
Receiving physical therapy at home can help those who struggle to adapt to different environments, especially seniors and children. The focus can then be on making progress on PT goals rather than mentally and emotionally processing environmental change.
Caregiver Involvement with In-Home PT Sessions
One of the biggest advantages of in-home physical therapy is that family or professional caregiver participation can be built in. Here are some ways caregivers can get involved with physical therapy.
Prepare the Space
Make sure everything is ready for the session before the physical therapist shows up.
- Clear an area that is at least 6 by 6 feet.
- Have water ready so the person receiving care can stay hydrated.
- Keep pets in another room to prevent trip hazards and other disruptions.
- Silence phones and let people know not to interrupt the session.
Learn Body Mechanics
Sometimes, the exercises that help your loved one can also help you in your caregiving. This includes easy stretches, light aerobic exercise, and stress reduction routines. During a PT session, the therapist can also show you the right way to assist or lift the person you’re providing care for to help prevent injury.
Be the Assistant Coach
Physical therapy often involves repetition between sessions. You might offer to take notes on exercises assigned as "homework" and keep a simple log of what was practiced. If it's welcomed, you can give gentle encouragement to stay on track and positive support for their efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions About In-Home Physical Therapy
How do I know if my child needs in-home PT instead of a clinic?
If your child gets nervous about transitions or if they require special transportation that makes travel difficult, in-home physical therapy can take a lot of the stress out of appointments. Being in a familiar and private environment can also make it easier to get to know people or learn a new skill.
Do I need to buy special equipment before the therapist arrives?
Usually, you won’t need to buy special equipment, especially before the first appointment. The physical therapist will likely bring some equipment with them, or they may ask if they can use something you already have at your house. If they would like you to get specific equipment, they will likely let you know in advance.
Is home therapy as "intense" as a clinical gym?
Physical therapy at home can be just as intense as in a clinic or gym. You don't necessarily need heavy equipment to get the workout you need. Physical therapists are experts at scaling exercises to match your capabilities while challenging your body. Your therapist may use resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, portable weights, and your own furniture to safely push your limits in building muscle strength.
How can I help an elderly parent who is resistant to exercising?
Try not using the word "exercise" at all. Rather than making it a chore, encourage senior physical activity by connecting it with their interests. Suggest walking to visit a nearby friend or doing some light gardening. Also, normalize "micro movements" during downtime, such as gentle stretches while lying in bed or heel raises while watching TV. An in-home physical therapist can be your ally by helping you frame working out as a prescription for independence.
A Path to Rehabilitation with Help from BrightStar Care®
In-home physical therapy offers a powerful blend of personalized care, convenience, and real-world skill-building. Whether the goal is helping a child take their first steps or helping a senior return to an active life, physical therapy at home provides the path to get there.
BrightStar Care can coordinate in-home physical therapy for you or your loved one, working with the care providers you already know. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.