This content was updated for accuracy and relevance on November 13th, 2023
There are a lot of tools & technologies for physical therapists to use to help rehabilitate their patients. From challenging a patient’s physical ability to keeping track of one’s progress, these tools and technologies help make the physical therapist profession more effective and efficient. For traveling physical therapists, most of these items can be moved around easily which means you can take your rehab facility anywhere you go.
Tools & Technologies For Physical Therapists
1. Balance Devices
Balance is a fundamental aspect of physical therapy, and having the right tools can make all the difference. Balance devices are essential tools for physical therapists, helping patients regain stability and confidence in their movements. Whether you’re working with patients recovering from an injury, surgery, or simply looking to improve their balance, these devices can be a game-changer. From balance trainers to balance boards and parallel bars, these tools for physical therapy offer a versatile range of options to cater to patients with various needs. With the help of these balance-enhancing tools, physical therapists can guide patients toward improved balance, posture, and overall mobility.
- Beams
- Balance Pads
- Balance Boards
- Bolsters/Wedges
2. Perceptual & Sensory Evaluation Products
Understanding and evaluating a patient’s sensory perception is crucial in the realm of physical therapy. Perceptual and sensory evaluation products are indispensable physical therapy equipment for rehabilitation, aiding in the assessment of sensory deficits and helping to create tailored therapy plans. These physical therapy tools encompass a wide array of devices and serve a number of different purposes. By incorporating these tools into therapy sessions, physical therapists can gain valuable insights into a patient’s sensory abilities, enabling them to develop personalized treatment strategies that address specific sensory challenges. These tools enhance the therapist’s ability to fine-tune therapy, promoting optimal outcomes for patients.
- Digital Inclinometer Range of Motion Measurement Instruments
- Electronic Manual Muscle Testers
- Muscle Testing Equipment
3. Pivotal Traction Therapy Supplies
Pivotal traction therapy supplies are essential for physical therapists aiming to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall patient well-being. These tools for physical therapy include traction devices, tables, and specialized equipment designed to alleviate pressure on the spine and soft tissue. For patients dealing with chronic pain, an injury, or soft tissue issues, these supplies offer therapeutic benefits that can be transformative. Physical therapists can incorporate pivotal traction therapy into their treatment plans to provide targeted relief, aiding in the recovery process and improving patients’ quality of life.
- Cervical Pivots
- Lumbar Pivots
- Occipivots
- Thoracic Pivots
4. Reflex Hammers or Mallets
Reflex hammers and mallets may seem like simple tools, but they play a vital role when it comes to physical therapy equipment. These compact yet effective instruments help therapists assess a patient’s neurological responses and reflexes. By tapping specific points on the body with precision, reflex hammers and mallets assist in diagnosing issues related to muscle strength, nerve function, and motor coordination. Whether you’re treating patients with neurological conditions or those recovering from injuries, these physical therapy tools are invaluable for conducting thorough evaluations and tracking progress throughout the course of therapy.
- Babinski Hammers
- Neurological Hammers
- Percussion Hammers
5.Treatment Tables and Other Accessories
Physical therapy often involves a variety of exercises and treatments that require specific workspaces and accessories. Treatment tables, exercise balls, and resistance bands are among the essential tools for physical therapists working to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall function. These versatile accessories enable therapists to create tailored exercise regimens, making rehabilitation sessions effective and engaging. Additionally, they can be used to simulate real-world movements, helping patients regain functional independence.
- Axial-Resistance Shoulder Wheels
- Shoulder Wheels
- Traction and Mobilization Physical Therapy Tables
- Upper Body Ergometers
6. Action Games
Incorporating action games into physical therapy sessions can be a fun and engaging way to promote movement, coordination, and rehabilitation. These games not only make therapy enjoyable for patients but also facilitate the improvement of strength training and mobility. Whether it’s interactive video games that encourage physical activity or traditional board games adapted for therapy, action games are excellent physical therapy tools looking to make therapy sessions enjoyable and effective simultaneously.
- Biometrics Video Game Software
7. Medical Software
The integration of medical software into physical therapy practices has revolutionized patient care. This advanced technology allows physical therapists to streamline administrative tasks, manage patient records efficiently, and stay up-to-date with the latest treatment protocols. With features such as exercise prescription, progress tracking, and appointment scheduling, medical software enhances the overall quality of care provided by physical therapists. It ensures that patients receive the most effective and personalized therapy possible while allowing therapists to focus more on their patients’ well-being and less on administrative burdens.
- Advantage Software Physical Therapy Advantage
- Clinicient Insight
- Hands On Technology TheraWriter
- Rehab Documentation Company ReDoc Suite
Host Healthcare Travel Therapy
In conclusion, mastering a diverse range of tools and technologies can truly enhance one’s career as a physical therapist. One way to accomplish this is by becoming a travel physical therapist. With so many different physical therapist specialties to choose from, travel PT therapy is a rewarding career that offers endless opportunities.This allows you to increase your physical therapy skill sets and expand professional and social networks by working temporarily in a new environment. What better way to increase your resume potential by working and having fun at the same time!
Host Healthcare offers many travel therapy benefits. Benefits include: competitive pay, tax-free tuition reimbursement, and a mentorship program for new grad travel therapists. The choice is yours. Browse through our extensive list of travel therapy jobs or call one of our friendly travel therapy recruiters at (800) 585-1299. We are here to help you to get started.