Northwestern Medicine Offers Physical Therapy Via Telehealth

A new report released this month found that virtual physical therapy was as effective as in-person physical therapy and that Northwestern Medicine is one of the Chicago-area providers offering the telehealth option.

“The common question is: ‘How do you know something without putting your hands on someone?’ said Matthew Hatzl, senior physical therapist at Northwestern Medicine.

“We follow some type of algorithm or method to try to achieve the desired outcome, which is to reduce pain or resolve pain, improve function, improve quality of life, and so we can still capture all of that in a virtual environment,” Hatzl said.

When Jana Roe of Sycamore, Illinois, sought relief from a painful bulging disc in her back, she was offered a virtual physical therapy session with Northwestern Medicine.

“At first I was skeptical because I’ve only done it in person. But it turned out to be the best experience,” Roe said. “I gained so much knowledge and he helped me do the exercises and he watched me the whole time. You know, I moved my computer to the floor so he could see what I was doing.

Hatzl said many patients have had a similar experience to Roe’s.

“The foundation of a lot of treatments is exercise – exercise, education, advocacy, so we can provide all of those things virtually,” Hatzl said.

In addition to strengthening weak muscles and treating a variety of pains, offering virtual physical therapy sessions can also mean better access to care for some patients.

“We serve a very large geographic area and not everyone has transportation, first of all, so yeah, access is definitely improved by this,” Hatzl said.

A new report released this month by the Peterson Health Technology Institute finds that “physiotherapist-guided solutions can be an effective alternative to in-person physical therapy and have the potential to reduce healthcare costs.”

Roe said she loves the convenience of the virtual format.

“I didn’t have to wait. Like you said, I didn’t have to drive anywhere. He was there. I liked this one-on-one. There were no distractions,” Roe said.

Pain-free after her sessions, Roe is glad she didn’t give in to her doubts about trying virtual physical therapy.

“If you don’t try, you’ll never know. I was skeptical too. But it’s the only route I would do again,” Roe said. “I loved, you know, the relationship I had with my physical therapist. And yes, like I said, it changed my life for the better. »

Assessments are available for patients of all ages. No prescription is necessary, although Northwestern Medicine says they must be present in the state of Illinois for a physical therapy telehealth visit. Patients can be directed to an in-person appointment if necessary. You can find more information by contacting Northwestern Medicine online or by calling 630-933-1500.