Hands-On vs. Virtual PT: Your Body Deserves More Than an Algorithm 🤖

In today’s tech-driven world, it’s no surprise that physical therapy is joining the ranks of services going digital. Virtual PT apps are popping up left and right, promising personalized care through video analysis, AI corrections, and exercise suggestions based on what your camera can “see.” I’ve had a number of patients ask about these tools—and while innovation can be exciting, I have some thoughts as a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy who works hands-on with real human bodies every day.

2 An optional caption for the image that will be added to the gallery. Enter any descriptive text for this image that you would like visitors to be able to read.

3 An optional caption for the image that will be added to the gallery. Enter any descriptive text for this image that you would like visitors to be able to read.

4 An optional caption for the image that will be added to the gallery. Enter any descriptive text for this image that you would like visitors to be able to read.

5 An optional caption for the image that will be added to the gallery. Enter any descriptive text for this image that you would like visitors to be able to read.

Observation is Only Step One

With my clinical training and experience, I can typically narrow down what’s going on with a patient just by observing their movement—down to about three or four potential causes. But that’s only the beginning. What truly clarifies the picture is touch.

Once I get my hands on a patient—palpating muscles, testing mobility, feeling joint alignment—I can confidently identify the primary issue. That tactile feedback allows me to prioritize a treatment plan that’s tailored to what I both see and feel. It’s not just educated guessing; it’s skilled, manual assessment honed by years of training and experience.

The Real Value of PT Is in the Hands

There’s a reason physical therapists go through extensive doctoral-level training. While we learn a tremendous amount about biomechanics, anatomy, and clinical theory, one of our most irreplaceable tools is our hands. We learn how to feel dysfunction, to sense the subtleties of movement or tension that no camera or software can fully capture.

Removing this hands-on element isn’t just a matter of preference—it’s a major shift in the quality and type of care being delivered.

Why “One-Size-Fits-All” Doesn’t Fit Your Body

Several of these apps focus on correcting form based solely on visual feedback. The idea is that there’s a “right” way to squat, hinge, or move—and the app is programmed to push you toward that universal standard. But here’s the thing: Your body might not be built for that version of the movement.

A skilled PT or trainer understands that movement should be individualized. We all have different joint structures, mobility limitations, injury histories, and strengths. That’s why your squat—or any other exercise—might need to look different than what a robot thinks is “correct.”

Real Stories, Real Results

I’ve had two patients who decided to give one of these apps a try. Both ended up with back pain caused by well-meaning but misguided form corrections. Thankfully, after just 2–3 in-person sessions with me, they were back to pain-free movement.

That’s not a fluke—it’s the difference between generalized algorithms and personalized, hands-on care.

PT Should Be Personal

Physical therapy isn’t just a checklist of exercises. It’s a relationship-based practice that depends on understanding the individual in front of you. Sure, virtual PT may have a place—especially when designed and programmed by someone who truly knows your body. But it can’t replace the nuance, responsiveness, and precision of hands-on, in-person care.

Your body isn’t a robot. PT shouldn’t be either.

Book your consult here to get started!