The in-person relationship between you and your physical therapist is absolutely vital to your healing. Only in person can your physical therapist perform manual therapy, visually monitor your progress, and utilize complementary techniques such as massage. However, homework is also a crucial part of your therapy, typically in the form of prescribed at-home exercises. While technology cannot replace in-person physical therapy, it can be an important tool. Here are some popular mobile apps that, with your physical therapist’s approval, can complement your weekly sessions.
PT Pal Pro
This popular free app, available for both iOS and Android, helps you and your physical therapist track your home exercises. Your therapist will send your exercise list to your phone, and the app will provide you with illustrated and video instructions for each exercise. It will even remind you to do your exercises and count your repetitions aloud.
Pain Therapy: Physical Therapy Exercise Videos
This 99 cent app, available for iOS, is particularly convenient for those with hearing disabilities or language barriers. It contains a vast library of exercise videos performed by a physical therapist, complete with transcripts. It is also available in numerous languages including Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. You will need to download each video the first time, and it will then save on your device for offline use.
Physical Therapy for Kids
If you have an iPhone or iPad and a child in physical therapy, Physical Therapy for Kids is a wonderful investment at $6.99. It was specifically designed by a physical therapist and a yoga instructor for kids ages 3 to 12, and contains 56 exercises with illustrations, animations, and narration.
BlueJay PT – Physical Therapy (Patient)
If your physical therapist participates, this free interactive app for both iOS and Android is a wonderful choice. Your therapist can send exercise programs and updates directly to your device, where you will see images of each exercise along with your prescribed number of reps and sets, and how long you should hold each position. It tracks your progress and even allows you to chat with your therapist if you have concerns or questions.
Shoulder Decide, Knee Decide, and Spine Decide
Only available for iOS, this collection of apps is wonderful for helping you to understand exactly what is going on with your shoulder, knee, or spine. You can interact with 3D anatomical models and watch videos on common injuries to these areas of the body. There are also stretching and strengthening videos, which your physical therapist can help you decide whether to utilize. All three apps have a free option and a paid subscription model.
Pocket Anatomy
If you have an iPad or iPhone and want to dig deeply into the details of your condition, try this $14.99 app. You can zoom into a specific part of the body and view not only the muscles and bones, but also the various systems of the body that are in that space, such as the circulatory system and the lymphatic system. This gives you a clearer picture of how your injury is affecting your body. You can also search the extensive database for technical terms, using an intuitive interface.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are ready for the latest physical therapy treatments for your pain or injury, contact Manhattan Physical Therapy and Pain Center today at (212) 213-3480 to learn how we can help.