FAQ

Virtual Physiotherapy

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What is Virtual Physiotherapy?
Virtual physiotherapy or tele-rehabilitation uses video calls to provide remote physiotherapy services. You can connect with experienced physiotherapists for a one on one session from any location in Ontario. These sessions work well if you have barriers that make it difficult to leave home, or if your schedule makes it hard to come to the clinic in person. Virtual sessions are held to the same safety and ethical standards of care as in-person visits and can be just as effective as in person care.
What Types of Physiotherapy Can Be Provided Through Tele-Rehabilitation?
We can provide video consultations to all of our physiotherapy clients with musculoskeletal, vestibular or pelvic health conditions.
How Does Virtual Physiotherapy Work?
You can connect online for a video physiotherapy session in real-time using a computer, tablet or smart-phone.

You will receive an email with a secure link to your session before your appointment time. All you have to do is click on the link and make sure you allow the video and audio to connect. If you aren’t seeing anything, check for blocked pop-ups.

A link to complete required paperwork will be sent by email when you book your appointment.

What Should You Expect From Your Tele-Rehabilitation Session?
During you online physiotherapy session, our expert physiotherapist will:

  • Take a complete history related to your area of concern
  • Assess and diagnose your injury, area of pain or concern by:
    • Getting a thorough understanding of your problem
    • Evaluating your range of motion and strength
    • Observing how you move and what causes your symptoms
  • Listen to your concerns and answer your questions
  • Explain your pain, condition or injury and teach you how to manage it
  • Provide a full rehabilitation plan to follow in your own environment
  • Prescribe exercises and email you pictures or video of your program
  • Provide cues and correct your technique to make sure exercises are safe and effective
  • Progress or modify your treatment plan to match your goals
  • Provide self-directed soft tissue and/or joint mobilization techniques if appropriate
  • Help train another person to assist with your exercises if needed
  • Provide real-time ergonomic assessment
  • Recommend any beneficial equipment or further testing

Please note that we are unable to provide hands-on treatment using virtual physiotherapy, so at times we may recommend switching to in person treatment for future sessions if that is most appropriate for you.

How Effective is Virtual Physiotherapy?

Our virtual or remote physiotherapy treatment has most, if not all, of the same benefits as in person sessions. We pride ourselves on delivering a high quality of care, no matter how you work with us. If our physiotherapist feels that you would benefit from in person treatment, they will discuss that with you. Your physiotherapist can work with you to assess and diagnose your problem, provide treatment options and answer your questions, just like they would in the clinic. They will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that helps you to meet your goals.

Can Physiotherapy Be Effective Without Hands-On Treatment?
Physiotherapy can be provided without the use of manual therapy or hands-on treatment. Physiotherapy can use many different techniques to help you reach your goals, the most important part of the physiotherapy process is you. Our physiotherapists have over 6 years of University education, in addition to specialized courses and mentorship and clinical experience that allows them to provide the quality care that you need. Evidence shows that tele-rehabilitation has similar assessment reliability, treatment effectiveness and patient satisfaction as in person treatment.
Are There Any Benefits to Virtual Physiotherapy Compared To In Person?
We always appreciate the face to face interactions we have with clients in the clinic, but if that is not feasible for you the benefit of virtual physiotherapy is well documented in research. Video sessions allow you to receive care in your own home and your physiotherapist can adapt your home program to work in your home environment. Either way, we will work with you to help you reach your goals.
What Else Might I Need to Know?
Remember that while we use a secure video link for your appointment, others in your home environment may be able to hear or see your session depending on where you set up for the session. They may also be visible to the physiotherapist if they walk behind the camera. Consider your environment to make sure you are comfortable with how things are set up.
Is Tele-Rehabilitation or Virtual Physiotherapy Covered By Insurance?
The majority of extended health benefits plans in Ontario will cover virtual appointments to the same extent they cover in person physiotherapy. It is always best to contact your insurer to confirm your coverage details before booking.
How To Make An Appointment?
For booking information click here.

Locations

Stratford: 519-272-1023

New Hamburg: 519-662-4676

Milverton: 519-595-2072

Mitchell: 519-348-0096

Grand Bend: 519-238-6827

Goderich: 519-612-2345