The investigators have previously reported on patient utilization of an eRehab patient education web portal that utilizes streaming, clinician prescribed video instruction to motivate and inform patients in self-care of their orthopedic condition, focusing on the importance of a home exercise program. The greatest barrier to patient use of this web-based home exercise treatment plan was the initial access to the program. The purpose of this study is to compare an Internet-based patient education rehab portal (eRehab) to formal physical therapy (PT) in terms of patient costs and outcomes.

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled pilot study. Twenty-four patients who were candidates for a knee or shoulder orthopedic outpatient physical therapy referral were randomized to a 6-week treatment course of either PT or eRehab. Patients were evaluated for outcome scores (KOOS or DASH), pain NRS-11 scores, patient subjective outcomes and cost of treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patient diagnosed by board certified orthopedic surgeon to be in need of formal physical therapy referral
• had the ability to access and use the Internet and email
• English-speaking
• non-pregnant adults
• had not received formal physical therapy for their current diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• work-related injuries
• pain NRS-11 score greater than or equal to 6