Throughout the ever-changing tides of the current global pandemic we are facing, our goal has been to remain a useful resource for therapy for all those who may need it. With the inception of SPEAR LIVE, our new telehealth option, we’re now able to reach more patients than ever before, offering an option that allows patients not to lose out on their progression while still keeping a safe distance. One such patient is Alec Zhang, located in Hong Kong. Alec was uncertain about how he would continue his treatment with his therapist, Ben Kraus, PT, DPT. Alec was pleasantly surprised after their first online appointment! He sat down with Ben to answer a few questions about the process and service:
Ben: Why was it important for you to maintain therapy from afar?
Alec: Given our current world situation, but mainly because I am located in Hong Kong, 8,000 miles from New York!
B: How was the session, since it was the first time trying it?
A: It went surprisingly well. I had my initial reservations on telehealth, thinking that a big part of physical therapy was the in-person aspect and the ability [for] therapists to readily fix anything they see wrong, but those exact issues can also be addressed over video. Being able to do therapy from home was also a huge plus, as I didn’t even need to leave my room.
B: How long did the session last? What exercises or stretches were performed?
A: The first session was a little over 30 minutes, and was a consultation to pinpoint what issues were surrounding my lower back pain. Exercises were focused on the flexion aspect of my lower torso, specifically focusing on strengthening the abdominals, hips, and glutes. Engaging my lower back pelvis in these exercises was crucial.
B: When is the next session scheduled, and what advice was given before then?
A: My next session is next week. Ben sent over a list of exercises I should be doing everyday before then. Something interesting I took away from the initial session was that pain has a huge psychosocial element—our mind and preconceived perceptions influence our attitude towards pain, and sometimes, can exacerbate it. He advised it was important to physically do the exercises but also to not worry about the end goal, as it will come around eventually.
B: What would you tell others who are considering SPEAR LIVE?
A: As a former Division 1 swimmer, my chronic pain issues stemmed from years of muscle overuse and not enough focus on recovery and rehabilitation. SPEAR LIVE helped me continue a treatment plan that I deem extremely crucial to not only my physical aspirations, but also for my general well-being. What I really enjoy about SPEAR LIVE however, is that I am able to ask my trainer Ben questions about my condition, treatment, and the plan moving forward. In this sense, I feel as if I’m getting a replete understanding of my own body and how to take care of it even after PT ends; it’s extremely educational to me.
Learn more about how SPEAR LIVE can help you, or request an appointment online!
