New Year’s Resolutions are here, and we’re sure to see a wave of newly excited patients looking for the best in fitness and optimal health. The question is, will they remain engaged throughout the year? Or will they slowly lose their enthusiasm and drop off of your schedule?

Embracing new physical therapy technology is one strategy for patient retention throughout the year. We think these top 5 physical therapy technology trends for 2022 will take your private practice to the next level.

5 Physical Therapy Technology Trends to Follow in 2022

There’s an App for That

These days, it’s more surprising if something doesn’t have an app than if it does, and this is becoming the norm for physical therapy as well. Tons of apps can aid patient engagement for Android and Apple users alike, with features such as modeled stretches and movements, as well as timers and reminders for treatments.

Better yet, one of the best physical therapy trends for 2022 is having your own app, and it’s easier (and more affordable) than you think. Nothing beats push notifications for therapy reminders or to easily book their next appointment for increased patient engagement.

The Rise of Technology and Machine Training

Technology-assisted or machine training uses high-tech devices to enhance physical therapy outcomes, and we continue to see great devices revolutionizing patient care. 

Devices like the NEUBIE allow a physical therapist to see the disconnect between nerves and muscles so they can deliver far more accurate care. HRV systems measure nervous system response for overall wellness measurement.

This tech-friendly training gives immediate feedback to patients, increasing their feeling of benefit and satisfaction from therapy, making them more likely to stay engaged.

Power Up Your Virtual Reality & Gamification

Needing continual care can be disheartening and make physical therapy seem like a chore instead of a path to wellness. Virtual reality and gamification measures have solved this by adding an element of fun into the physical therapy process. 

Using VR headsets, physical therapy exercises can be made more interesting with different landscapes or situations that make the therapy into a game. Gamification adds increased benefit to treatment engagement because of the additional reward signals the patient receives for a job well done.

Lean in on Telehealth Treatments

The Telehealth market size is expected to reach 2.83 billion by 2022 according to a Grand View Research Inc. report. Many private practices were agile enough to provide telehealth services during the pandemic lockdown, and the APTA published helpful information for practices looking to provide this service.

Offering telehealth options for patients whose therapy does not require hands-on assistance is a great way to increase patient engagement and retention for those patients looking for opportunities to save time in their hectic lifestyles.

A Cleaner, Safer Practice

Still a hot topic for health-conscious patients in 2022, increased sanitation technology will allow patients to feel safe enough to return to and continue their therapy. Solutions such as Aerus ActivePure Technology eliminate 99.96% of airborne COVID-19 in just three minutes. 

We know that the virus that causes COVID-19 is primarily spread through airborne transmission. Showing your patients that you’re sanitizing the surfaces they use and the air they breathe is the solution that will make them feel secure that your private practice is the safest in the area.

Which Trends are Your Practice Launching in 2022?

To say thanks to our clients and the physical therapy community who we serve, we are excited to offer the very best physical therapy technology products, training and support to drive more value for the PT owner. To learn more, contact our team today!