Technological Advancements: Aiding or Replacing Physical Therapists?

This week, my blog entry is once again directed at exploring the blogosphere and commenting on two entries from outside blogs. The entries explore two technological advancements that may one day become standard in physical therapy. Technology is constantly evolving, which is why it is very important to stay updated on the latest advancements. The first entry discusses a new robotic surfboard that is being used to aide in physical therapy. The second entry explores a new robotic exoskeleton that performs physical therapy onto the person it is attached to. While they are both advancements that may one day be used in physical therapy, they differ in that the robotic surfboard assists the physical therapist, but the robotic exoskeleton replaces the physical therapist. My comments on the two entries can be found below.

Comment on “Virtual Surfing Used in Physical Therapy”

First of all, I believe this is a great technological advancement that has a very bright future in the physical therapy field. With its great range of motion and requirement of the user to exercise balance, the robotic surfboard appears to have great potential to be a very effective treatment tool. It is perfect for treating patients with lower body injuries, especially those with ankle and foot impairments. The robotic surfboard could bring fun and excitement to an otherwise dull and boring treatment room. Incorporating this device into treatment programs will probably not appeal to the elderly, but children and young adults will definitely opt for it. One of the key benefits to this device and the many devices similar to it is that it allows patients to concentrate away from the pain and more effort into the treatment. Patients would ultimately forget they are even in a treatment session which would make the treatment experience that much more enjoyable. I have to agree with you that this technology cannot be a replacement of the standard treatment/healing process; it can only assist it. This is a very crucial point because many people look at these technological advancements and think that they can replace standard physical therapy treatments. They can, however, be effectively incorporated into a treatment program that a physical therapist prescribes.

Comment on “Smart Tech to Cut Physiotherapy Waiting Times”

While I do see this as remarkable technology, it is hard to imagine that this piece of machinery can be used as a replacement for a physical therapy treatment with a physical therapist. This device is exceptional to say the least, and there are numerous potential applications of this device in aiding in therapy. The device can be of great value to therapists; they can treat patients without physically doing the treatment. They can strap the device onto the patient, dial in the proper settings, and continue to another patient while the device performs the treatment. It is in this manner that I agree that the device can cut waiting times for patients since more patients can be treated at once. I do not, however, agree that this device can be used in replacement to a physical therapy session with a doctor. The treatments need to be performed with a doctor around. The device can be incorporated into a therapy session, but it should not replace it. There are countless risks that I think are overlooked in the post. What if the patient gets hurt during treatment, what do they do with no doctor around? What if the device malfunctions and does something wrong; what is the patient to do? How can the patient make sure they are doing the right movements during the therapy? I believe it is necessary for this device to be used in conjunction with therapy sessions with a doctor in a medical office. This way the doctor is always around in case any problems occur, any questions arise, or just to make sure the treatment is going smoothly. Like I stated earlier, I do agree that this device can cut waiting times, but I don’t agree with the way it is proposed to do so. I do not believe it is right, nor safe, for treatment to be performed outside of a doctor’s office without a doctor present. Even if the device is used within doctors visits, wait times can still be cut because multiple patients can be treated at once. In my opinion, this is one of the many potential benefits of this new technology.