BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of telehealth among various specialties, including physical therapy. The rapid adoption of telerehabilitation (TR) has uncovered both its potential benefits and associated challenges, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to improve remote healthcare services. Understanding current trends and challenges in post-pandemic TR utilization is essential for future healthcare planning. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to identify and analyze the gains and challenges associated with telerehabilitation implementation. METHOD: A systematic bibliographic search was conducted across six online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library) covering the period from 2020 to 2024. Original articles and reviews published in English were included for analysis. RESULT: After comprehensive review, multiple benefits of TR were identified from both physiotherapist and patient perspectives. TR offers cost-effective and convenient solutions while empowering patients to take control of their home-based therapy, fostering patient autonomy. It particularly benefits underserved communities, enhances treatment frequency, and improves therapist-patient interaction through digital platforms. TR proves especially valuable for elderly, pediatric, and musculoskeletal care populations, increasing exercise adherence and supporting remote monitoring with personalized care delivery. However, TR faces significant challenges in performing physical assessments and manual techniques, limiting its effectiveness compared to in-person therapy. Inconsistent outcomes and lower patient satisfaction, particularly for conditions such as dementia, raise concerns about feasibility and clinical acceptance. CONCLUSION: While TR demonstrates significant potential for expanding healthcare access and improving patient autonomy, addressing limitations in physical assessment capabilities and patient satisfaction remains crucial for widespread clinical acceptance. Keywords: Telerehabilitation, Telemedicine, COVID-19 pandemic, Remote healthcare, Physical therapy
Tonape et al. (Tue,) studied this question.