Telemedicine vs Physical Therapy: What Each Option Does & Doesn’t Do

Audience: pediatric

Telemedicine and physical therapy are two ways to help children with health or movement issues. Telemedicine uses video or phone calls to connect with healthcare providers without visiting a clinic. Physical therapy involves hands-on exercises and treatments to improve movement and strength. Telemedicine can be a good first step for advice, monitoring, or simple exercises at home. Physical therapy often requires in-person visits for hands-on care and specialized equipment. Knowing what each option can and cannot do helps families choose the best care for their child’s needs. This guide explains the differences, red flags to watch for, and how to prepare for telemedicine visits.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or inability to move a limb — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever with redness, swelling, or pus around an injury — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or altered consciousness — call emergency services without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessments and advice for mild to moderate issues.
• Guidance on home exercises and activity modifications.
• Monitoring progress in stable conditions.
• Answering questions about symptoms and care plans.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Hands-on physical therapy treatments and adjustments.
• Use of specialized therapeutic equipment.
• Management of severe or complex physical impairments.
• Emergency or urgent medical conditions requiring immediate in-person care.

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine lets you talk to a healthcare provider through video or phone. It is helpful for checking symptoms, getting advice, and following up on treatments. For children, it can be used to guide simple exercises and answer questions about health or development.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a hands-on treatment that helps children improve movement, strength, and coordination. It usually happens in a clinic or therapy center. Therapists use exercises, stretches, and equipment to support recovery from injuries or manage chronic conditions.

What Telemedicine Can Do for Pediatric Care

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What Telemedicine Cannot Do Compared to Physical Therapy

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Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

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Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

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After Your Telemedicine Visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space.
• Have your child’s medical history and current medications available.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss.
• Test the video and audio on your device before the appointment.
• Have a caregiver present to assist during the visit if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any exercise or care instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and progress closely.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or new issues arise.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine replace physical therapy for my child?

Telemedicine can support some aspects of care, such as providing advice and guiding simple exercises. However, it usually cannot replace hands-on physical therapy, which requires in-person visits for specialized treatments and equipment.

How do I know if my child needs to see a physical therapist in person?

If your child has complex movement problems, severe pain, or is not improving with home exercises, an in-person physical therapy visit is often needed. Your telemedicine provider can help decide if this is necessary.

Is telemedicine safe for young children?

Yes, telemedicine is generally safe and can be convenient for young children, especially for follow-up visits or minor concerns. A caregiver should be present to help during the visit.

What should I do if my child’s symptoms get worse after a telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen or new serious signs appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly. For emergencies like sudden weakness or difficulty breathing, seek immediate in-person care.

Can physical therapy help with developmental delays?

Yes, physical therapy often helps children with developmental delays by improving strength, coordination, and movement skills through personalized exercises and activities.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Physical Therapy for Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Telemedicine: Opportunities and Developments in Member States — World Health Organization.
4. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance does not replace in-person evaluation and treatment when needed. Always seek immediate care for emergencies or worsening symptoms.