Wearables and Rehab: What to Track If You Want Fewer Setbacks

No longer just a fun fad, wearable technology has taken over the physical therapy field.  And it’s easy to see why.

New Yorkers rely on tech in nearly every corner of their lives. Nearly every New Yorker uses a computer for their job and the ever-present smartphone to communicate. Yet technology has moved beyond those useful devices to sophisticated wearable gadgets able to track health vitals in real time.

More and more New Yorkers have turned to wearable technology to monitor their fitness. But these small instruments also assist when you’ve suffered an orthopedic injury. Physical therapists increasingly employ wearable technology in their physical therapy plans to help their patients achieve a full recovery quicker with better long-term results.

What is wearable technology?

Wearable technology refers to any device secured to the skin used to track a patient’s health vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar), activity level, and athletic performance. Information collected can include joint movements, muscle engagement, and step count as well as other biological data.

The stats are then streamed into a healthcare provider’s system where the provider can analyze the numbers and make clinical decisions based on those data points. Wearable devices also connect to mobile apps and cloud platforms allowing for real-time data collection.

The wearable tech market isn’t going away anytime soon as medical professionals and athletes take advantage of the technology. One report estimated the sector will soar from $ 92.9 billion in 2025 to nearly $230 billion in 2033.

Wearable tech & physical therapy: The types of devices used in PT

Physical therapy wearable devices can be anything from a smartwatch or a simple skin patch to a specially made garment or VR headset. Ask your physical therapist about a wearable to complement your rehab program.

• Smartwatches. Not just for telling time, your smartwatch can highlight irregular heart beats, stress levels, and other health markers.
• Fitness trackers. People have long used a fitness tracker to count their steps, but they can do much more. Worn on the wrist or finger as a ring, these ubiquitous devices can also track your heart rate, sleep patterns, and general physical activity.
• Wearable motion sensors. These highly sensitive devices gather data on movement, muscle fitness, and gait.
• EMGs. An electromyogram (EMG) wearable monitors muscle activity and can detect muscle fatigue.
• Smart orthopedic braces. A sensor placed in an orthopedic brace can record joint health and stability.
• Smart clothing. Sensors or conductive fibers woven into various garments (shirts, pants, socks) pick up on cardiovascular metrics and body temperature as well as muscle exertion. Smart socks, for example, can observe a patient’s gait and posture as they move when recovering from an injury.
• Virtual reality headsets. Patients can put on a VR headset and watch calming scenes as they perform their PT exercises, or they can gamify VR into a fun competition for extra motivation.

Benefits of wearable technology in physical therapy

More than just another piece of exciting new technology, wearables may enhance your patient experience. Similarly, physical therapists have embraced the technology as an effective tool in an overall treatment plan.

Real-time monitoring. Wearables relay data in real time to the physical therapist as you exercise or go about your day. The information comes in remotely, so you and your physical therapist don't have to wait for an office visit to discuss progress and make changes.

Enhanced biofeedback. These devices are attuned to subtle changes in your gait, movements, or balance. They provide accurate, precise data.

Data-drive decision making. Your physical therapist can review the data and immediately know how you’re advancing or if adjustments need to be made in your recovery program.

How wearables improve outcomes in physical therapy

One study found wearables were effective in improving outcomes after total joint replacement surgery. Yet wearable devices can help anyone recovering from an orthopedic injury or who just wants to get physically fit.

Patients are more engaged. Seeing your day-to-day progress boosts engagement and helps you stick with your program. The wearables can be the extra nudge you need to keep going.

Higher patient satisfaction. Patients like you perform exercises at home independently using your wearable device. This gives you a sense of independence and control. Gamification is being used more often in physical therapy, too. These video games spur motivation by making PT competitive and enjoyable for some patients.

Improved outcomes. Wearables provide precise data pinpointing where you may need extra support if, say, a muscle is weak or your posture is out of alignment. A physical therapist can use that information to adapt the PT program and guide you to your goal. Ultimately, wearable devices can greatly improve functional outcomes.

Let us help you with wearables

No longer a fitness fad, wearable technology has become an integral part of a comprehensive physical therapy program. Wearables empower us while giving the physical therapists at All Sports Physical Therapy all the information they need to tailor a care plan to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about wearables and our physical therapy services.

FAQ

What are wearables?

Wearable devices attach to your skin and measure health vitals, such as heart rate, blood pressure, glucose, and even stress levels. They can also track muscle activity, joint range of motion, and other biological data that can be used in a rehab program.

What types of wearable devices can I choose from?

There are a variety of health-focused wearables on the market, ranging from a smartwatch to a simple fitness tracker. Sensors can be applied to the skin or sewn into clothing, such as shirts and socks, to track movements and vitals, as well.

How is wearable technology used in physical therapy?

Wearables pass on data to the physical therapist, allowing them to see real-time numbers on the patient’s progress. The data can inform treatment decisions to guide the patient to their goals.

How can wearables improve outcomes?

Wearables provide precise data on the patient’s health, which can then be incorporated into a treatment plan for optimal results. Patient engagement is heightened with wearables as they track their own progress and take control of their rehab. Wearables can motivate patients to push ahead. Virtual reality headsets, for example, can make PT exercises more pleasurable. The latest trend in wearable technology is gamification, which can boost engagement by making PT like a competition.