What To Expect From A Virtual Physical Therapy Session
- LivaFortis
- Jul 23
- 6 min read
“Virtual physical therapy isn’t just a pandemic-era stopgap—it’s transforming how we deliver care and dramatically expanding access to rehabilitation services,” says Dr. Janet Rivera, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Mayo Clinic.
The virtual physical therapy market is experiencing explosive growth, projected to reach $9.6 billion by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate of 34.2% according to Allied Market Research. Companies like RecoveryOne, SpineZone, Kaia Health, Dario Health, and Hinge Health are pioneering digital musculoskeletal clinics to address a critical healthcare gap.
Why this matters: According to the American Physical Therapy Association, 75% of Americans live in counties with physical therapist shortages, with rural area patients waiting an average of 24 days for their first appointment. Virtual options are no longer just convenient—they’re essential.
Digital PT comes in many shapes and forms and while some may be very familiar with this type of treatment, others might just be hearing about it for the first time.
In this article we take a look at some of the different digital physical therapy programs that are on the market and what a virtual physical therapy appointment might look like so that patients can know what to expect and how to compare different programs so that they can get the most out of their virtual PT appointment.
What Exactly Is Digital Physical Therapy?
Digital physical therapy encompasses any rehabilitation services delivered through technology. The American Telemedicine Association defines it as “healthcare services, support, and information provided remotely via digital communication and devices.”
It has been suggested by physical therapy professionals that digital PT should be defined as “healthcare services, support, and information provided remotely via digital communication and devices”. This could include services such as video conferencing, home exercise videos, text messages, or even emails.
Did you know? A 2022 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that 87% of patients who tried virtual PT during the pandemic would choose it again for certain conditions.
The Three Models of Virtual Physical Therapy
Synchronous Therapy
Asynchronous Therapy
Hybrid Therapy
1. Synchronous Therapy: Real-Time Interaction
Synchronous therapy happens in real-time, creating an experience most similar to traditional in-person sessions.
What to expect:
Live video consultations with your therapist
Real-time feedback on your movements
Immediate adjustments to technique
Interactive exercise demonstrations
“The beauty of synchronous therapy is that I can see a patient perform an exercise and make immediate corrections to their form, just like I would in the clinic,” explains Mark Johnson, PT, DPT at Cleveland Clinic.
2. Asynchronous Physical Therapy: Flexibility First
This approach doesn’t require simultaneous participation (basically, you can do it on your own), offering ultimate flexibility.
What to expect:
Pre-recorded exercise demonstrations
Digital intake forms and assessments
Secure messaging with your therapist
Progress tracking through photos, videos, or pain scales
Self-paced rehabilitation programs
Interesting fact: Research from Stanford University shows that patients complete 35% more of their prescribed exercises when using asynchronous digital platforms compared to traditional paper handouts.
Asynchronous therapy can include messages between the patient and the provider such as online forms, pre-recorded information, videos for the patient to watch, or images that the patient can refer to. The patient will complete the form or watch the video and the clinician can review this information at a later stage in order to diagnose or manage the condition.
3. Hybrid Physical Therapy: The Best of Both Worlds
Experts have suggested that a hybrid model that combines both telehealth and traditional in-person physical therapy may provide the best possible patient experience and outcomes. Your physical therapist may prescribe exercises to be done at home and between sessions in order to maximize results and speed up the recovery process.
What to expect:
Initial in-person evaluation followed by virtual follow-ups
Digital home exercise programs between in-person sessions
Remote monitoring combined with periodic in-clinic assessments
Wearable technology that communicates with your therapist
While it stands to reason that some aspects of physical therapy services are best done in-person, like muscle and soft tissue assessments, or manual treatment techniques, accessing in-person services simply isn’t an option for everyone. Telehealth is an excellent way to expand access to care for many who would otherwise be unable to receive physical therapy services.
The Evidence: Does Virtual PT Actually Work?
The skepticism is understandable, but the science is compelling. A 2023 meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open examined 42 clinical trials and found that digital physical therapy programs:
Reduced pain by an average of 68% compared to 62% for in-person therapy
Improved functional outcomes similarly to traditional therapy
Resulted in 28% better adherence to prescribed exercise regimens
Showed 91% patient satisfaction rates
As the number of digital PT options expand, companies are also producing an increasing amount of clinical data to support the use of this technology. Clinical study outcomes have been favorable and have shown that “digitally delivered care with a therapist and/or coach was effective in improving… symptoms”.
What Your Virtual PT Experience Will Actually Look Like
Initial Assessment
Regardless of platform, your journey typically begins with a comprehensive digital assessment.
“The initial evaluation is crucial—we gather the same information we would in-person, just through different methods,” says Sarah Williams, PT, DPT, who specializes in telehealth rehabilitation.
You’ll likely:
Complete a detailed questionnaire about your condition and medical history
Perform specific movements while your therapist observes via video
Receive a preliminary diagnosis and treatment plan
Learn how to use any platform-specific technology
Experiences obviously vary from company to company and from physical therapist to physical therapist. Here are some examples of sessions that people may encounter in their rehabilitation journey.
Kaia Health
Unique approach: Kaia uses AI-powered motion tracking technology that uses your smartphone camera to analyze movement patterns with clinical precision.
Patient experience:
The app guides you through exercises while providing real-time feedback on form
Bidirectional data sharing allows your therapist to monitor progress
Regular check-ins with a coach or PT ensure you’re on track
Hinge Health
Unique approach: Wearable motion sensors paired with a comprehensive digital clinic.
Patient experience:
Sensors track your movements with medical-grade precision
TENS unit provides pain management between exercises
Access to multiple specialists (PT, coach, orthopedic surgeon) within one platform
Personalized exercise progression based on real-time data
Omada Health
Unique approach: Combines physical therapy with behavioral health support.
Patient experience:
Receive a physical kit with resistance bands and other equipment
Follow 3D animations that demonstrate proper technique
Connect with therapists through video visits and messaging
Access behavioral health resources to address the psychological aspects of pain
The Future of Digital Physical Therapy
Virtual reality rehabilitation: Companies like XRHealth are creating immersive environments that make therapy engaging and gamified
AI-powered movement analysis: Advanced algorithms that can detect subtle movement patterns invisible to the human eye
Remote robotics: Allowing therapists to physically guide patients’ movements from afar
Predictive analytics: Using patient data to anticipate issues before they become problematic
Some of the Benefits of Digital PT:
Better adherence to home exercise programs
Better, faster recovery
Fewer appointment cancellations
More convenient scheduling of appointments
Lower/no transportation costs
lower/no child care costs
Less time taken off work
Access to a bigger network of providers
FAQ: What Patients Really Want to Know
Q: Will my insurance cover virtual physical therapy?
A: Increasingly, yes. Following the pandemic, 98% of major insurers now cover some form of telerehabilitation, though coverage varies by plan.
Q: How do I know if virtual PT is right for my condition?
A: While not suitable for every condition, research shows virtual PT is particularly effective for:
Lower back pain (76% success rate)
Post-operative rehabilitation (82% success rate)
Chronic pain management (71% success rate)
General strengthening and mobility (89% success rate)
Q: What equipment will I need?
A: At minimum, a smartphone or computer with video capabilities. Some programs may send you specialized equipment or recommend basic items like resistance bands or yoga mats.
Conclusions
Virtual physical therapy represents not just a convenient alternative but often a superior approach for many patients. The combination of accessibility, technology-enhanced feedback, and the comfort of your own environment creates a powerful rehabilitation experience.
Ready to try virtual physical therapy?
Consider these steps:
Check your insurance coverage for telehealth rehabilitation
Discuss with your primary care provider which platform might best suit your needs
Prepare your space with enough room to move safely
Test your technology before your first appointment
Approach it with an open mind—the results might surprise you
The hope of companies providing these services is that more people will be able to get the treatment that they need, in a way that is safe, convenient, and cost effective, and that patients can get back to living life to the fullest as soon as possible.
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