The field of physiotherapy has experienced a transformative evolution over the past few years, driven by groundbreaking innovations and also rigorous research. These advancements introduced new approaches that significantly enhance patient outcomes. In the light of isolation the COVID pandemic has further highlighted the need to find a solution to ensure that movement therapy is equally accessible to everyone, regardless of age, location, gender. Even in large urban areas there aren’t enough rheumatologists to go around, the number of physiotherapists is also limited compared to the number of patients living in the city.
Based on workforce study projected (2015 American College of Rheumatology), the number of rheumatology providers is expected to drop by 25% by the year 2030, while the demand for patient care in rheumatology is expected to increase by more than 100% in US however this trend can be observed similarly among the rural population in other developed countries. The expected decrease in the number of rheumatologists and the growing demand and need for physiotherapy may affect rural regions more significantly in the near future. Linking rheumatologists to health centers in remote and underserved locations via telehealth can help community providers improve care for patients with rheumatic diseases. One of the most significant technological advancements in physiotherapy practice is the integration of wearable technology and tele-rehabilitation. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, are now equipped with sophisticated sensors that monitor a range of physiological parameters. These devices enable physiotherapists to track patients’ progress in real-time, offering valuable data that can be used to tailor rehabilitation programs. This approach allows patients to receive expert guidance and conduct their rehabilitation exercises from the comfort of their homes. Virtual consultations and remote monitoring ensure that patients continue their recovery process without interruptions. The project also includes tailored educational sessions.
The topics that were chosen cover the most common rheumatologic conditions seen by community providers, including evaluating pain from a rheumatology perspective; using antinuclear antibodies and other serologies; evaluating and managing rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and osteoarthritis; and methotrexate management and complications. But the question still comes up: How to improve? It can be clearly established that telemedicine has the potential to revolutionize the treatment methods for patients with musculoskeletal diseases. However, while it can be more reliably implemented for preventive care by healthcare providers, replacing medical consultations presents greater challenges. The use of these tools may provide significant assistance, as they encourage patients to continuously monitor their physical condition, but they cannot replace the responsibility of medical professionals.
