The role of telehealth in the care of musculoskeletal pain conditions after COVID-19

Abstract

The rise of virtual medicine through the use of e-Health technology was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a vital part of health care delivery today. Telehealth, a virtual health care delivery system through either electronic or telecommunication technology, may improve the ability to deliver care in resource poor areas or where barriers to access occur. Despite the obvious advantages to telehealth, the efficacy of virtual visits when compared to face-to-face health care interactions is a topic of much debate, especially with regards to areas of medicine which rely heavily on physical examination or demonstration of therapeutic exercises and movements. In this commentary, we review the efficacy of telehealth with a focus on prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal pain conditions, and explore areas for future research.