Transforming Physical Therapy Through Technology: An Interview with
Joel Riemenschneider

In the dynamic world of healthcare, innovation and adaptation are essential for providing the best patient care. Joel Riemenschneider DPT, MBA, a seasoned physical therapist, has embraced this philosophy throughout his career. As the Senior Director of Outpatient Rehab for a prominent hospital system in Orlando, Florida, he's been at the forefront of leveraging technology to enhance patient outcomes and therapist efficiency. In this interview, Joel shares his insights on the evolving landscape of physical therapy and the pivotal role technology plays in shaping its future.

Embracing Evolution in Healthcare

Joel's journey in healthcare began as a physical therapist, but his role has expanded to encompass a larger scope. He now oversees 13 outpatient clinics within a hospital system. A major challenge he faces is ensuring access to care while maintaining high-quality service. "Access is our biggest problem as a hospital system," Joel states. The delicate balance between seeing more patients per hour and delivering optimal care quality is a constant consideration.

In this era of technological advancement, the landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving. Joel recognizes that embracing this evolution is essential for enhancing patient care. He shares, "I get questions about AI, remote technology, monitoring, and all this stuff. Trying to figure out the right mix between brick-and-mortar one-on-one, face-to-face with a therapist versus virtual... it's the stuff I really enjoy."

Empowering Fitness Professionals with Data

One of the key challenges in adopting technology in healthcare is ensuring it seamlessly integrates into therapists' workflows. Joel's perspective on this is clear: "You have to be able to fit your product into a busy workflow and not slow down a therapist." With therapists often managing multiple patients an hour, any technology introduced must be user-friendly and efficient. He emphasizes that if it takes more than 10 seconds to use, it might not find widespread adoption.

Joel also stresses the importance of tangible patient outcomes. "Can I give anything to the patient as a take-home?" he asks. For him, the value of technology lies in its ability to empower patients to track their progress. He highlights the role of technology in enhancing therapists' work and providing a platform for administrators to track outcomes and identify trends among clinics.

Scaling for Success

When considering implementing technology, scalability is a crucial factor. Joel recognizes the limitations of certain technologies. "Some are great, but they’re not scalable," he acknowledges. The challenge lies in finding solutions that meet various criteria, including fitting into clinics of different sizes and ensuring affordability. "I'm not gonna put this in one of my clinics until we got something with all of those boxes," he affirms.

His motto, "evolve or die," reflects his proactive approach to healthcare. Waiting for external mandates is not an option for him. "You have to be always looking for the next thing," Joel advises. By adopting solutions before they become imperative, he believes healthcare providers can stay ahead and provide more effective care.

Technology's Role in Functional Movement Patterns

Joel's journey with technology took an intriguing turn with the introduction of marker-less movement analysis technology. Traditionally, functional movement patterns required attaching markers to patients, a time-consuming process. The revolutionary technology he encountered eliminated this need, providing real-time data without disrupting the evaluation process.

Functional movement patterns are essential in rehab, focusing on movements that mimic real-life activities. Joel stresses the importance of tracking these patterns quickly. He explains, "You need to be able to track this functional movement pattern quick." This technology not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and depth of assessments.

Collaborative Development for Tailored Solutions

A key aspect of successful technology integration is collaboration between healthcare professionals and technology providers. Joel emphasizes the importance of a working relationship. "It's not gonna be like, here's our product, like it or don't like it," he states. Flexibility and responsiveness are crucial qualities he looks for in technology partners.

The collaborative approach also ensures that technology enhances, rather than replaces, therapists' skills. "You want technology where the therapist feels empowered," Joel emphasizes. He values technology that empowers therapists to creatively use their critical thinking skills and enhances their abilities.

Expanding Applications: From Sports to Education

The benefits of technology extended beyond Joel's initial expectations. What began as a solution for sports patients and return-to-sport testing evolved into something more comprehensive. Clinics began using the technology for every evaluation, even for shoulder assessments. The technology's usability allowed for quick and efficient range of motion assessments.

Beyond clinical settings, technology's impact also reached community events. Joel's team incorporated it into high school physicals, adding depth to the standard screening process. Athletes could see their movement patterns and receive personalized feedback, empowering them to make informed decisions about their activities.

A Proactive Approach: The Future of Healthcare

Joel's journey exemplifies the power of embracing innovation and proactively seeking solutions. He encourages healthcare professionals not to fear technology but to see it as a tool that enhances their abilities. "This is something to improve the quality, improve the outcome, improve your ability to track that outcome," he says.

In an era where healthcare is often reactive, Joel's approach stands out. He advocates for a proactive mindset that looks for solutions before problems arise. By doing so, he believes healthcare professionals can deliver better care and stay ahead of industry changes.

Conclusion: A Vision for Healthcare's Future

Joel Riemenschneider's journey from a physical therapist to a senior director exemplifies the transformative impact of technology in healthcare. His perspective on embracing innovation, maintaining quality, and enhancing patient outcomes provides a valuable blueprint for professionals across the industry. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Joel's story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to harness technology's potential for a brighter healthcare future.