Telehealth | Sweet Pea Pediatrics Answers Mom's Questions

During this time of social distancing and avoiding hospitals and medical clinics unless you are ill, you may wonder how your child will continue to receive the therapy services he or she needs.  Don't worry, because many therapy professionals are taking advantage of telehealth services.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is the most broad term to describe any healthcare provided electronically.  In the case of participating in a therapy session, sometimes you will hear the term teletherapy, telepractice or even telerehab.  All of these are the same thing, providing you and your child the same therapy service via a live video visit.

How is this possible when the therapist will not have physical interaction with my child?

Your child's therapy provider has many ways to assess what is going on with your child.  It is true that during an in-person session, the therapist may rely a lot on his/her hands to feel what your child is doing. But whether your child is receiving PT, OT or ST services, this can all be performed on-line using your smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera.

Is this service delivery method effective?

Yes! in fact, there is research dating back to 2011 supporting the effectiveness of live video visits. Plus, often parent satisfaction with the visit has been found to be higher using the live video visit format!

Is this a good option for your child?

Telehealth (live video visits) may just be the solution you need to continue, or start with physical, occupational or speech therapy services. You, the parent, will be the hands for the therapist.  The therapist will tell you in advance how to sign on to the session and what toys you might need.  Then in real-time, the therapist will direct you on how you can work with your child to help your child progress toward his/her goals. It is a lot of fun and you are sure to learn a lot about your child in the process.

If you are interested in learning more about telehealth services in the area, please reach out to Christine at Sweet Pea Pediatric Wellness.  She is a pediatric physical therapist, but she also moderates a pediatric Telehealth FB group and has a lot of contacts with therapists across Colorado.

Check out her website for other offerings, including a free interactive messenger application for infant/child massage. 

Sweet Pea Pediatric Wellness Christine is a Pediatric Physical Therapist, wife and mother to three children. Her practice focuses on working with medically complex children as well as teaching after school enrichment classes on naming and managing uncomfortable emotions. She has a special place in her heart for children who have learning challenges since she herself has ADD and dyslexia and two of her three children are also a Dyslexic. She truly does take a whole-child approach when providing solutions and strategies to parents; understanding how the mind and body intertwine not only for motor coordination but also for synergy of emotions, behavior and learning.  Phone: 720-984-5284 Email: info@sweetpeapediatricwellness.com Website: sweetpeapediatricwellness.com Subscribe to Sweet Pea Pediatric Wellness, free newsletters and videos