Challenges Faced by a Physical Therapist and Tips to Combat Them

There isn’t a single thing or profession that doesn’t come with its set of pros and cons. Even though physical therapy is a very rewarding profession, it also has its share of difficulties and problems. These issues can start right from the person’s getting into a medical school to transitioning into a high-end technological world.

More specifically, after the pandemic, physical therapists have experienced a significant rise in stress and anxiety. But don’t worry, You’re not the only physical therapist who is stressed out or worried about the future of their business. Although every challenge a person faces is very personal to them, however, some of the difficulties are common. In this blog, we’re going to talk about the challenges you must be facing and the ways to tackle them.

Challenges and Ways to Cope

#1. Transitioning to Physical Therapy Software

The adoption of telehealth in physical therapy practices has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since everyone had to stay inside the four walls, in-person physical therapy wasn’t an option. Then came a rise in technology in the entire healthcare industry. However, even when the lockdown was pulled off, there were more patients who wanted to stick to online consultation instead of in-office treatment due to the comforts of their homes. 

As of now, many people have opted to resume in-person appointments or have adopted a hybrid approach. So, it was a necessity to transition to physical therapy software for better patient activation and retention rate. As per the issues faced by therapists, they can choose from a wide range of softwares like documentation software for physical therapy or physical therapy appointment scheduling software, and the list goes on.

The Coping Technique

Even though in-office physical therapy will be the traditional road to recovery, you need to get upgraded to physical therapy software to keep your clinic in the limelight. Undoubtedly transitioning from years of in-person therapy to a software-based model won’t be easy. But, SmartPT Online has good news. 

This user-friendly physical therapy appointment scheduling software will make the transition feel like a cakewalk. Moreover, cutting-edge technology will help you get an edge in the healthcare industry.

#2. Managing Piles of Paperwork

Maintaining the records of patients meticulously is mandatory. Passing on the history of treatment, and updating it at every stage of the check-up as well as the meticulous recording of each and every minor detail from the planning stage to the final execution is even more essential. These documents explain the causes, previous treatments, daily activities, and other factors that support the need for physical therapy.

Maintaining and continuously updating documents is a cumbersome process and can be very frustrating if done manually. Many-a-times, due to the sloppy handwriting of the staff or due to the lack of enough space, some details or files get tampered with that can risk the treatment plan of the patient. For example, a patient having bronchitis cannot be prescribed heavy exercises, and with the loss of that crucial data, it can be life-threatening for the patient.

The Coping Technique

The file-keeping and updating processes cannot be handled with utmost care if done manually. Why don’t you try out SmartPT’s documentation software for physical therapy? With this software, you would not have to read bad handwriting and also save costs on hiring more staff to keep the management process up-to-date.

Moreover, since the physical therapy appointment scheduling software is cloud-based, and will help you schedule appointments, all of your team will be on the same page. You’d not require to pass on papers to be passed or even your appointment register. Furthermore, when you’ll be able to send automated reminders after scheduling appointments, it will result in lower cancellations and no-shows.

#3. Low Retention Rate

One of the other important issues faced by therapists is the low retention rate. Studies have shown that patients drop out of treatment mid-way and the numbers have dropped to a larger extent after the pandemic. And we all know losing a patient not only has a negative effect on their personal health but also has a negative impact on your physical therapy clinic’s image and reviews.

There are many reasons why patients might not come back and complete their therapy. The pandemic and people’s fear of getting sick are one of the main causes. The in-office visits might decline due to their fear of entering public spaces packed with a large number of people.

The Coping Technique

To combat this issue, you can transition to physical therapy software that can help you with seamless online consultations. With physical therapy appointment scheduling software and features like online consultations and Home Exercise Plans, you’ll be able to retain patients longer and make your practice bloom once again.

For example, SmartPT Online has a Zoom-integrated online consultation feature which allows physical therapists and patients to have a smooth session. Also, the software has a vast library of HEPs that can be beneficial for a physical therapist to choose and make a personalised plan for the patient to help them attain their goals better and faster.

The Bottom Line

Physical therapy is still one of the health fields with the highest pay, and it is a fulfilling career. But no profession is filled with sunshine and roses, right? Undoubtedly, physical therapy is a demanding and satisfying field of work. But, it is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world when a physical therapist comes back home from helping patients.

Fortunately, a lot of those issues faced by therapists can be solved just by switching to physical therapy software. If you want to share the load or put some off your shoulders, book a demo of SmartPT Online today and feel lighter than ever!