These are some differences in Outpatient Physical Therapy vs in home Physical Therapy
Outpatient Physical Therapy
- You get a referal from your doctor usually for a specific pain or problem you have gone to the doctor for that day.
- You call an outpatient physical therapy clinic and let them know you have a referral and you would like to schedule an appointment with the physical therapist.
- The outpatient clinic will get your insurance information for billing purposes
- You will come in at a scheduled time good for the physical therapists.
- You will have workout equipment, hot and cold packs there at the facility.
- You will come into the clinic for an average 4 weeks 2 or 3 times a week.
In Home Physical Therapy
- You will have a face to face with your doctor and he will recommend home health physical therapy if you are home bound.
- The home health company will call and set up a time to come see you in the comfort of your home.
- The nurse will take your vitals, get medication organized and get a plan for your home care.
- The physical therapist will call and set up a time to come see you when you are home.
- The physical therapist will give you exercises to do in your home that you can perform safely.
- You can use your own hot or cold packs.
- The physical therapist will come to your home usually 2 times a week for 4 to 8 weeks.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy
- It will eliminate or reduce pain
- It will help avoid surgery
- It will help develop mobility
- Help you recover from a stroke
- Recooperate from an injury
- Improve balance and prevent falls
Have it Your Way
It may be where you start out with home physical therapy and then transition or start outpatient physical therapy. Either way you can get so many benefits that will improve your quality of life and keep you independent at home!