How Virtual Rehabilitation Helps Patients Recover At Home

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients discovered a new way to receive care: virtual rehabilitation. At first, some were skeptical. Could therapy really be effective without hands-on guidance? But with time, many patients found virtual rehab not only works — it often empowers them to take a more active role in their recovery.

We spoke with Katherine Kane, PT, DPT, physical therapist with Franciscan Health Rehabilitation Services in western Indiana, about what patients who need physical therapy experience and how this type of care continues to evolve.

Key Takeaways

• Virtual rehab makes care more accessible and flexible, especially for patients with busy schedules or transportation challenges.
• Patients often feel more engaged in their recovery because they practice exercises in their own environment.
• Technology, including video visits and new movement-assessment tools, helps providers give one-on-one, personalized feedback.
• Some patients still benefit from in-person therapy, but many find virtual rehab is a safe way to reach their recovery goals.

What Patients Learned About Virtual Rehab After The Pandemic

“The pandemic raised awareness that virtual rehabilitation was possible and effective,” Kane said.

Patients who once doubted its value often discovered they could make progress at home, supported by clear guidance and ongoing feedback from their therapists.

How Virtual Physical Therapy Works At Franciscan Health

Kane describes virtual rehab as personal, one-on-one care delivered through a screen.

“Virtual rehab is an efficient way to access a high level of specialized care. It allows a patient to stay at home or in a location other than our office,” she said. “The patient meets one-on-one with their provider, who can evaluate and monitor their progress through their rehab.”

This means patients can begin therapy sooner. They don’t have to worry about travel or rearrange their schedules.

Who Benefits Most From Online Rehab?

Kane treats a variety of conditions virtually, including:

• Low back pain
• Knee pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke recovery
• Some post-surgical conditions

However, not every patient is a candidate for virtual-only care.

“I recommend in-person care for patients who will likely need manual therapy. It’s also better for medically complex patients who require close hands-on monitoring,” she said.

Why Patients Appreciate Flexible, At-Home Therapy Sessions

“My patients have my direct attention for the entirety of their appointment,” said Kane.

Patients and families often say virtual therapy makes them feel more engaged in their recovery.

“They feel more accountable and confident because they’re actively problem-solving alongside their therapist,” she said.

Because they practice exercises in their own environment, they build routines that fit into their daily life. And it offers convenience, less travel and easier scheduling.

Choosing Between Virtual Rehab And In-Person Visits

Deciding what type of approach works best is a team effort.

“As the provider, I listen to and evaluate my patients appropriately,” Kane explained. “Then the patient and I work as a team to come up with a treatment plan that works best for their specific therapy goals.”

Sometimes that plan means a patient starts virtually and transitions to in-person visits as strength or mobility improves or needs change. Others use virtual visits to stay consistent between in-office appointments. What matters most is that patients and providers work together to create a plan that adapts to the patient’s recovery goals.

Both virtual and in-person therapy provide one-on-one attention from a trusted provider — just in different ways.

How Technology Makes Remote Physical Therapy Easier

Today’s technology makes virtual care more accessible than ever. Smartphones, high-speed internet and video platforms are everyday tools for many patients.

“The world of technology is ever-changing,” Kane said. “Several new artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being developed and used to assess a patient’s movements. They provide the therapist and patient with real-time feedback, evaluations and insights to optimize the patient’s care.”

The Future Of Virtual Rehabilitation And Patient Care

Looking ahead, Kane sees virtual rehab becoming part of the new standard of care.

“I see virtual rehab quickly becoming the norm in today’s society,” she said. “Technology is rapidly advancing. High-quality care is more available to patients anywhere, anytime.”

The future, she explained, isn’t just about convenience — it’s about removing barriers so more people can get the help they need. As tools like AI, wearable devices and secure telehealth platforms improve, patients will have even more opportunities to stay connected with their care team.

For Franciscan Health, this means we continue to offer care rooted in compassion. Virtual rehabilitation allows patients to receive support in ways that fit their lives. And they still benefit from the guidance of a trusted expert by their side.

Stay On Track With Recovery Through Virtual Care

Convenience plays a role, but Kane emphasized something more: follow-through. Patients often see progress because they can consistently complete their rehab plan. By removing barriers like travel or rigid scheduling, virtual sessions make therapy easier to fit into real life.

“Patients tend to stick to their rehab plan when it works for their schedule,” she said. “That consistency is what helps them regain strength and independence.”

For Franciscan Health, we blend accessible tools with one-on-one expertise, so patients gain the support they need to recover steadily and feel confident in their everyday lives.

Learn more about Franciscan’s Rehabilitation Services and how virtual physical therapy visits can support your recovery.