Telehealth
Telerehabilitation What is it?
We are currently using a platform called Telerehabilitation to stay connected and support our Clients.
Despite having circumstances where a face-to-face appointment with your Physiotherapist is necessary, there is research that shows that video telehealth visits can address and treat much of the same issues, and with the quality of care, as an in-person physiotherapy appointment.
Telerehabilitation “Virtual Care” (or simply Telerehab, for short) falls under the category of telehealth. Telerehab is the usage of various telehealth technologies to provide remote assessment, treatment, education, exercise prescriptions, and to assist us in monitoring.
The technologies we employ are those such as those that allow us to video conference, chat and text communicate, and provide you with virtual access to education portals, amongst various other helpful services.
What can Telerehabilitation do for you?
Telerehab allows us to remotely assess and assist you with treatment. You can expect the same high quality care that you would from visiting us in person when we assist you with tasks such as remote exercise tasks and monitoring of them, giving self-management. As well, remotely we can also listen to, and observe your concerns, conditions, range of movement, and allow us to use and recommend our other technologies based on the needs of an individual.
Expect the same level of quality care that you would from a face-to-face visit, as we are working to make Telerehab the most comfortable it can be for you.
As for treatment via Telerehab, video conferencing allows us to best explain to you how to manage your conditions, and give you activities to assist in alleviating your injuries.We are also able to demonstrate and monitor our individually crafted home exercise plans, to make sure you get well in the most ideal way. If necessary, Telerehab also allows us to recommend other services as needed, and direct you to suggested rehabilitation equipment(s).
More specifically, with a Telehealth conference, we can;
- Gather a full history of your condition
- View, Examine, and evaluate your movements and strength
- Education about your condition, prevention strategies and how to proceed safely
- Provide useful knowledge relating specifically to you (Posture, Sleep Position, Stretches, Strengthening, Core stabilization exercise, Self-Massage and soft tissue techniques)
- Allow us to correct your form, and follow along your progress
- Easily give ergonomic advice on home activities (Folding laundry, making a bed, working in a garden etc.) and home office setup (We may be able to provide simple tips to have you working in a more comfortable and healthier manner)
- Advice about use of modalities like electrical stimulation and heat/cold applications as long as you and your physiotherapist have determined the appropriate equipment that is available at your home.
There are some things that can’t be done virtually including some hands-on assessment or treatment techniques. You and your physiotherapist will work together to modify your treatment based on what you have at home and the supports you have available.
How does Telehealth compare to an in-person visit?
Studies done recently have shown a nearly 90% agreement of Telehealth and in-person appointment diagnosis accuracies.
Many patients have found Telehealth to have a high satisfaction rate when compared with in-person visits.
Nearly 80% of clients have shown to find Telehealth appointments as effective as in-person visits.
We understand that many people have comments, questions and concerns about Telehealth / virtual physiotherapy assessment / treatment, but please rest assured as we are more than happy to get back to you on any inquiry about the system you may have.
What do you need?
- An emergency contact should something happen to you during your session.
- Access to a device such as a laptop/computer, a tablet, or smartphone as well as internet connection.
- A webcam with these devices will also be necessary.
- You will also need a clear and decently sized and well-lit area for the required exercises.
- Headphones may as well be useful for communication. (Bluetooth/ wireless earbuds if we get you moving away from the video during an online session.
- Appropriate Clothing – wear something that is easy to move in. For example, if you have knee issue, shorts will be great, if it’s a shoulder issue tank top are perfect.
What does the process look like?
You will then be emailed a consent form for the Telerehab, and you will need to acquire access to our recommended Telerehab app.
As for appointments, make sure to sign into the designated Telerehab application, and wait for a prompt to accept the videoconference. Reminder to choose a private, well-lit space, and to dress as you would as if it were a face-to-face visit.
We are working to make every Telehealth appointment tailored to your individual impairments. The goal of each appointment is to help return you back to the activities you enjoy without limitation, injury or pain.
