In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network launched new telehealth care options early on to help patients — virtually — with their physical rehabilitation.
Those virtual rehabilitation efforts and the positive impact they have on continuing patients’ recoveries from illness, injury or surgery are featured in a recent episode of The Peak TV, a local lifestyle and community show airing on WFMZ-TV (Channel 69) in the greater Lehigh Valley region.
The segment follows Debbie Drake, a Good Shepherd patient who started physical therapy after knee replacement surgery in February 2020. As COVID continued to spread in the community, Good Shepherd switched Debbie to virtual visits, continuing to work on her range of motion and strength — just through a computer in her home.
“I went there until about the middle of March, and that’s when David [Blum, her physical therapist] called and said, ‘Hey we’re setting up some Zoom telehealth. Would you be interested?’ I said, ‘Yes, that would be great.’ “
Debbie started her telehealth journey and continued to recover from her knee placement. Telehealth, noted David Blum, PT, DPT, can provide the same quality of care for patients:
“We can still do the same things. I can still measure someone’s knee virtually through the computer. I can still make sure everyone is doing the correct techniques. I’ve seen really good results with my patients. I’ve seen plenty of patients keep improving and reach their goals with the telehealth option.”
Good Shepherd offers telehealth through the Good Shepherd Physician Group, as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and clinical psychology. To request a telehealth appointment, call 1-888-44-REHAB or contact us online.
Watch the full 3-minute segment (Season 17, Episode 5) below or visit The Peak TV’s website.