Virtual physiotherapy is a new and innovative way of providing rehabilitation services to soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty. Virtual physiotherapy uses digital platforms and devices to deliver personalized and interactive exercises, feedback, and support to the patients, without the need for physical contact with a therapist. Virtual physiotherapy has many benefits, such as:
- It can reduce the cost and time of traveling to a clinic or hospital
- It can increase the accessibility and availability of rehabilitation services, especially in remote or rural areas
- It can enhance the motivation and engagement of the patients, by using gamification, social media, and virtual reality
- It can improve the outcomes and quality of life of the patients, by providing tailored and evidence-based interventions
Virtual Physiotherapy in Israel
Israel is a country that has faced many wars and conflicts, resulting in thousands of soldiers being wounded and disabled. Many of these soldiers suffer from chronic pain, mobility issues, and psychological trauma, which affect their daily functioning and well-being. To help these soldiers recover and reintegrate into society, Israel has developed a strong and comprehensive system of rehabilitation services, which includes physical, occupational, and psychological therapies.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these services have been disrupted or suspended, leaving many soldiers isolated and without proper care. To overcome this challenge, Israel has turned to virtual physiotherapy as a viable and effective alternative. Several initiatives and projects have been launched to provide virtual physiotherapy to wounded soldiers, using various technologies and platforms.
Restart: A Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to Improving the Lives of Wounded Veterans
One of these initiatives is Restart, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of wounded veterans, by creating innovative solutions to their specific needs. Restart is run almost entirely by volunteers who are also wounded veterans, who understand the challenges and difficulties that their peers face. Restart is best known for its annual Makers for Heroes program, which recruits teams of volunteers to design and produce tailor-made solutions for the vets, using 3D printing, robotics, and other technologies.
Restart has also developed a virtual physiotherapy program, which uses a smartphone app and a wearable device to deliver customized and interactive exercises to the soldiers, based on their injuries and goals. The app and the device communicate with each other via Bluetooth, and provide real-time feedback and guidance to the soldiers, as well as track their progress and performance. The app also connects the soldiers with their therapists and other soldiers, creating a supportive and collaborative community.
The Impact of Virtual Physiotherapy on Wounded Soldiers
The virtual physiotherapy program has been implemented in several hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Israel, and has received positive feedback from both the soldiers and the therapists. The soldiers reported that the program helped them to improve their physical and mental health, by reducing their pain, increasing their mobility, and boosting their confidence and self-esteem. The soldiers also appreciated the convenience and flexibility of the program, which allowed them to exercise at their own pace and time, and in their own environment. The therapists reported that the program helped them to monitor and evaluate the soldiers more effectively, by providing them with accurate and reliable data and reports. The therapists also noted that the program enhanced the communication and relationship with the soldiers, by enabling them to provide more personalized and timely support and feedback.
Virtual physiotherapy is a promising and innovative way of providing rehabilitation services to wounded soldiers, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty. Virtual physiotherapy can complement and supplement the traditional methods of physiotherapy, by offering more accessible, affordable, and engaging solutions. Virtual physiotherapy can also transform the lives of wounded soldiers, by empowering them to take charge of their own recovery and well-being.
