Sally had neck pain for 2 months, but with her busy schedule as a corporate executive and mom to two small children, she had no time for herself. A co-worker told her about Virtual Physical Therapists, so at lunch time she downloaded the app and was connected to a specialized physical therapist with a certification in mechanical assessment.
Sally was unable to turn her head to the right and had difficulty using her computer, because of right sided neck pain. A VPT therapist performed a mechanical assessment while Sally sat at her neck using her smart phone. The cause of her symptoms was then reviewed with education on sitting/sleeping posture, and Sally was given a home program exercise with video for reference.
The next day Sally woke with increased ability to turn to the right, but still had some pain at end range. She had a follow-up virtual visit in which her therapist again reassessed her motion and and symptom response to repeated movements.
Three days later, Sally had full motion and minimal symptoms. She had another follow-up visit in which her therapist again reviewed the cause of her symptoms, prevention techniques and return to full function plan.
Three month later, Sally is still pain free. “I had no idea how easy and convenient is to use telemedicine. With my busy schedule it allowed me to see a specialist, when I was able, without ever leaving work. I was impressed with the knowledge of my therapist. Instead of getting a hot pack and adjustments, I was taught how to fix myself and now I feel more confident of how to prevent neck pain from coming back.”
