Telehealth therapy provides healing with dignity

Air Force Veteran Gerry Pennington faced a difficult situation earlier this year while recovering from prostate removal surgery. The 68-year-old experienced urinary incontinence and found the prospect of traveling to a crowded VA medical center while managing his symptoms too stressful. VA's TelePhysical Therapy services offered him an alternative: receiving physical therapy appointments from home through secure video visits, allowing him to continue his recovery with dignity and comfort.

TelePhysical Therapy is part of the VA's broader telehealth initiative, which uses secure videoconferencing technology called VA Video Connect to deliver care remotely. This service allows veterans to meet with VA physical therapists through video appointments rather than traveling to medical facilities in person. The program is particularly valuable for veterans dealing with sensitive health conditions, mobility challenges, or situations where leaving home creates additional stress or complications during recovery. While the service is available in certain locations, it represents a growing effort by VA to make care more accessible and less burdensome for veterans who need it.

This type of telehealth service can benefit any veteran enrolled in VA healthcare who has been prescribed physical therapy and whose treatment plan is suitable for remote delivery. Veterans recovering from surgeries, managing chronic conditions, or dealing with sensitive health issues like pelvic floor dysfunction may find virtual appointments especially helpful. The service requires access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet connectivity and a camera, along with approval from the veteran's care team that their specific treatment needs can be effectively addressed through video visits.

Pennington had been working with VA physical therapist Jaimie Frazier on pelvic floor exercises before his surgery in January 2026. After the procedure, he transitioned to video visits, checking in with Frazier every two weeks to discuss his progress, review symptoms, and adjust exercises as needed. During the early part of his recovery, when getting around was more difficult and he felt uneasy about being away from home for long periods, the virtual care option proved especially valuable in keeping him connected to treatment without the added stress of travel.

For disabled veterans, telehealth options like TelePhysical Therapy address a critical gap between needing consistent care and facing real barriers to accessing it. Many veterans with service-connected disabilities already manage complex symptoms, mobility limitations, or conditions that make public outings challenging. When recovery from surgery or treatment for sensitive conditions adds another layer of difficulty, the ability to receive professional care at home can mean the difference between staying engaged with treatment and falling behind on recovery. Physical therapist Frazier noted that telehealth works particularly well for pelvic health care because appointments often focus on education, symptom review, and home exercise guidance, and the screen barrier can make it easier for veterans to discuss sensitive concerns.

Veterans interested in TelePhysical Therapy should talk directly with their VA care team to determine whether the service is appropriate for their specific needs and available at their location. Not every physical therapy treatment plan is suitable for remote delivery, and availability varies by VA facility. Veterans should ask their primary care provider or physical therapist about telehealth options during their next appointment or when discussing a new treatment plan, particularly if travel, mobility, or privacy concerns might otherwise interfere with consistent care.