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Writer's pictureNikole Jinno

Technological Advancements are Revolutionizing PT and OT

Robotics, Wearables, and Remote Service are New Trends in Physical and Occupational Therapy:


Physical and occupational therapy are two of the most essential fields in healthcare. They help people of all ages recover from injuries, illnesses, and disabilities. In recent years, technology has revolutionized these fields, with innovations making it possible to provide more effective and efficient care.


Here are some of the most exciting new trends in physical and occupational therapy:


Virtual Reality (VR) in physical and occupational therapy
  • Virtual Reality (VR). VR is used to create immersive environments to help patients recover from various conditions. For example, VR can help patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by exposing them to controlled doses of the stimuli that trigger their symptoms. VR can also help patients with stroke recover their mobility by providing them with a safe and controlled environment to practice walking and other movements.





Robotics in physical and occupational therapy

  • Robotics is another technology that is being used in physical and occupational therapy. Robots can provide resistance training, help patients balance and coordination, and even perform surgery. For example, robots help patients with Parkinson's disease improve their gait and balance.

Wearable devices in physical and occupational therapy
  • Wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches track patients' progress and provide therapist feedback. This information can be used to adjust treatment plans and ensure patients make the most of their therapy.


Wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular in physical therapy as it can encourage patients to remain active and provide comprehensive data to physical therapists. Some examples of wearable physical therapy technology include:

  • Instrumented shoe insoles

  • Full-body exoskeletons

  • Cipher Skin, which measures a patient's range of motion, muscle expansion, and force production

Wearable sensors and systems can monitor patients' movement and physiological data remotely




Telehealth in physical and occupational therapy

Telehealth is the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely. The convenience makes it increasingly popular in physical and occupational therapy, allowing patients to receive care from therapists far away. Telehealth can also be used to provide support to patients who are recovering at home.



These are just a few new physical and occupational therapy trends. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative ways to use technology to improve patient care.


If you are interested in learning more about new trends in physical and occupational therapy, I encourage you to visit the following websites:

  • American Physical Therapy Association: https://www.apta.org/

  • American Occupational Therapy Association: https://www.aota.org/

  • National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/


I hope this article has given you a glimpse of the exciting future of physical and occupational therapy. These fields are constantly evolving, and experts are confident that they will continue to improve the lives of millions of people in the years to come.


Technology is revolutionizing the field of physical and occupational therapy. Innovations are making it possible to provide more effective and efficient care, and the future of these fields is very bright. If you are interested in a career in physical or occupational therapy, I encourage you to learn more about the latest trends in the field.


Innovative Marketing Funnel writes articles, creates customizable promotional video content for our clients in this industry.


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