Posted on October 30, 2024
Meeting Patients, Anywhere, Anytime: Mary Free Bed’s Fully Remote Virtual Physical Therapy
Wherever, whenever.
People anywhere across Michigan can receive access to the rehabilitation experts at Mary Free Bed, thanks to a recently launched fully remote virtual physical therapy program.
Life can be busy and sometimes making it consistently to in-person appointments can be challenging. With Mary Free Bed’s fully remote program, patients can work with experts without leaving their living rooms, office, backyard, or even a campground.
This innovative service expands access across the state to the high-quality physical therapy that patients know Mary Free Bed for, regardless of location, diagnosis, or schedule.
Leading the revamped program is Jim Hartlein, a physical therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience. He brings a strong background and personalized approach to ensure that patients get tailored rehabilitative care based on their needs.
For many years, Mary Free Bed has been providing virtual services to patients through the outpatient therapy service line. In 2024, Mary Free Bed added an intentional focus to expand virtual PT services.
“I’m excited to meet patients where they are, and virtual services help me to do that,” said Hartlein. “No matter the ache or strain, I work to empower patients to reduce their pain, improve their function and prevent recurrence.”
Virtual physical therapy benefits patients with:
- Spinal issues (neck, mid-back, and low back pain, including sciatica)
- Upper extremity concerns (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand pain)
- Lower extremity problems (hip and knee pain)
- Pre- and post-operative care for joints and spine
- Functional improvements (balance, fall prevention, posture, and ergonomics)
- Sports-related rehabilitation
Patients are already benefiting from the access to virtual therapy and the expertise of Mary Free Bed. Marcus Mueller was dealing with neck pain for months when it spread into headaches. Mueller was recommended to try virtual physical therapy by his physician and found the experience to be very service focused.
“Virtual therapy was a huge benefit. Jim showed me that my office setup needed optimization, what was wrong with my posture and that I can make the exercises a routine,” said Mueller. “It’s a great timesaver and Jim was very accommodating, so I could seamlessly integrate it into my day.
David Byers is a runner whose hip and back pain had stopped him from his runs. Byers wasn’t sure physical therapy would help but was referred to Hartlein and gave it a try.
“Jim explained things in a way I could understand, walking me through a hip and back model so I could understand what causing my pain,” Byers said. “He gave me a peace of mind and worked with me through exercises that got progressively harder, slowly diminishing the pain.” Byers got stronger and recently hit his milestone of starting to run again.
Jessica VanBuren has been experiencing headaches, chronic neck and back pain for years. In the past, physical therapists she’s worked with became frustrated when her progress wasn’t as quick as they would like.
“Jim has been super kind and adaptable, going the extra mile to help me get the care I need,” said Jessica. “Virtual physical therapy is helpful when life gets unpredictable or I’m having high pain days. This has been a major milestone for me”
It’s easy to get connected with Jim, schedule a virtual physical therapy appointment, call 616.840.8308 or visit www.maryfreebed.com/virtual-physical-therapy
