As the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to make its way across the United States, 44-year-old Rina Walton had just completed a successful double-mastectomy surgery with Penn Medicine.
During her follow-up appointment, Rina’s doctor noticed she still had a lot of post-surgical swelling. Unable to lift her arms at all, Rina’s doctor prescribed physical therapy to aid with her recovery.
With Penn Therapy & Fitness outpatient locations closed temporarily due to COVID-19, Rina was concerned she would not be able to get the physical therapy she needed.
However, Rina had another option to start her physical therapy: a virtual visit. She quickly agreed to telehealth appointments, but she was skeptical. Rina couldn’t imagine how not being in-person with the treating therapist would give the same results.
“After having a double mastectomy, it is a huge change and you depend so much on others. Having this option where I don’t have to inconvenience anyone else and can start to take care of myself again physically is absolutely invaluable.”
-Rina Walton
Despite her initial doubts, Rina set up a “zen den” in her Springfield, Pennsylvania, house and began her sessions with Lisa Sator, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT, of Penn Therapy & Fitness. Immediately, Rina noticed improvements with her range of motion — and that was the moment she knew she would stick with telehealth because it was working.
Rina and her therapist continue to work together and have even come up with a care plan following her upcoming surgery.
“Having the option for telehealth has been absolutely amazing. I can focus better because there are no other distractions, and it is so easy.”
-Rina Walton
Telehealth visits are available at Penn Therapy & Fitness for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Request your virtual or in-person appointment online or call 877.969.7342. Once a telehealth appointment is set, Penn Therapy & Fitness will provide you with videoconferencing login information.