Online Consultations
Experience the benefit of online consultations, also known as Telehealth, where you can receive physiotherapy services anywhere, including the comfort of your own home. Especially useful for those who live in rural and remote communities where physiotherapy services are not readily available, online consultations can provide you the quality care that you need in a timely manner.
Online Consultation Services
People often wonder how physiotherapy can be provided as an online service. Studies have consistently shown that Telehealth physiotherapy can be just as effective as face-to-face for a multitude of conditions, including but not limited to, chronic low back pain, stroke, arthritis, and post-surgery rehabilitation. Even though this service does not provide hands-on treatment, there are still numerous benefits to be gained from a online physiotherapy consultation. These include education to gain a better understanding of your condition, identification of contributing factors, and devising a management plan, which have been shown to be more effective than manual therapy in the long-term management of most musculoskeletal conditions.
How to Make the Most of your Online Consultation
Pick the Right Setup
Choose a device that you’re familiar with and comfortable using, whether it’s a computer, tablet, phone, etc. Test your camera and microphone beforehand to make sure they work, which can usually be done through your device. Check that your internet connection is strong and reliable enough. A setup that can easily be moved if you are asked to change positions (e.g. standing, lying down, etc) is ideal.
Enlist Help if Needed
Don’t feel like you’re very tech-savvy? That’s ok! Ask a family member or friend to join you for the session to assist with any issues that may arise. Otherwise, contact your physio prior to your session for advice.
Find the Right Space
Pick somewhere quiet and with minimal distractions. As mentioned above, you may be asked to move into different positions throughout the consultation, so try to find a space that can allow you room to move around as needed. For example, if you have a shoulder issue you will likely be asked to raise your arms overhead so be sure you have enough space to do so.
Allow for Privacy
Choose a space that allows you enough privacy to feel comfortable discussing your issues. Also, you may be asked to partially undress to allow as much visibility of the affected body part as possible, so try to dress appropriately (e.g. shorts for a knee issue, etc.) If at any point you do not feel comfortable, please raise this with your physio as soon as possible.
Stay Calm if Any Issues Arise
If technical issues arise, which will happen occasionally, don’t stress; we will do our best to get things back on track. Often it is an easy fix, but if not, other mediums such as phone calls or online chatrooms can be used to continue on with the session.
Take the first step towards a healthier, more active life. Experience the difference of personalized physiotherapy care !
