Telehealth therapy helps Veteran find healing with dignity

Air Force Veteran Gerry Pennington's experience with VA telehealth services highlights how virtual care options are helping Veterans access physical therapy and other treatments while maintaining their dignity and comfort during recovery. After undergoing prostate removal surgery in January 2026, the 68-year-old Veteran faced urinary incontinence that made traveling to crowded VA medical centers feel overwhelming and stressful. Instead of skipping appointments or enduring uncomfortable trips, Pennington transitioned to video visits with his VA physical therapist, using the department's secure VA Video Connect app to continue his pelvic floor therapy from home.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded telehealth services in recent years to provide Veterans with alternatives to traditional in-person appointments. VA Video Connect is a secure videoconferencing platform that allows Veterans to meet with their care providers remotely, discussing symptoms, reviewing progress, and adjusting treatment plans without leaving home. TelePhysical Therapy services are currently available in certain locations and can be particularly valuable for Veterans recovering from surgery, managing mobility challenges, or dealing with sensitive health conditions that make public outings difficult.

This telehealth option serves Veterans across the VA healthcare system who are enrolled in VA care and whose treatment needs align with virtual delivery. The service appears especially beneficial for those receiving pelvic health care, mental health treatment, and other therapies that rely heavily on education, symptom monitoring, and guided home exercises rather than hands-on manipulation. Veterans managing post-surgical recovery, incontinence, or other conditions that create anxiety about being away from home for extended periods may find telehealth particularly helpful during the most challenging phases of their recovery.

Pennington had already been working in person with VA physical therapist Jaimie Frazier on pelvic floor exercises before his surgery, which allowed for a smooth transition to virtual appointments afterward. Following his January 2026 procedure, he began checking in with Frazier every two weeks via video visits to discuss his progress and adjust his exercise routine as his recovery evolved. Frazier noted that telehealth can be especially effective for pelvic health care because the screen creates a helpful barrier that makes it easier for Veterans to discuss sensitive concerns they might otherwise avoid addressing.

For disabled Veterans, telehealth services represent more than convenience—they offer a pathway to consistent care that accommodates the real-world challenges of managing service-connected conditions and recovery. The ability to attend appointments without navigating transportation barriers, managing symptoms in public spaces, or spending energy on travel can mean the difference between staying engaged with treatment and falling out of care entirely. Pennington emphasized this point directly, saying the videoconferences allowed him to avoid public places during a vulnerable time and that the service "allowed me to maintain my dignity."

Veterans interested in TelePhysical Therapy or other virtual care options should discuss availability and appropriateness with their VA care team, as these services are not yet universally available across all VA facilities. More information about the full range of telehealth services can be found through VA's official resources, and Veterans can contact their local VA medical center to determine which virtual care options are accessible in their area and suitable for their specific treatment needs.