Telephysio has continued to grow in popularity with physiotherapists this year in the wake of the current pandemic – however, it has existed well before 2020 and will likely continue long after. The advantages, when done right, are huge and research has shown similar outcomes in clinical success between telephysio and in-person therapy.
In this article, we share our tips to enable you to get the most out of your telephysio session.
- Choose a quiet space that is private.
A quiet and private area will allow you to easily communicate with your physiotherapist throughout your session. This way you can discuss your case, and clearly hear any instructions or answers to your questions.
- Minimize distractions.
Set yourself up to be able to focus on your appointment. Where possible, turn off any non-emergent notifications, or other devices in your space. It may be helpful to block this time in your schedule like you would any other meeting or appointment so that others do their best to not disrupt you. If you wish to have someone else with you or attending alone is not possible, this is not a problem.
- Have some room to move.
During the appointment, your therapist will guide you through various movements in order to complete a thorough assessment. Choosing a space where you can step back from your device to provide a wider view can be helpful so your therapist can observe these movements fully. Depending on the nature of your injury and goals, having some extra space to move is also useful when demonstrating exercises as part of your individualized treatment plan.
- Lights. Camera. Action.
No need for a professional photography studio, however, to make the video as clear as possible, choose an area that is well lit. Plan to start your session by setting yourself up so you can sit and have a face-to-face conversation with your therapist through your device. Throughout the appointment, you may need to move yourself, or your device to change viewing angles depending on what your therapist is observing or the movements you are performing.
- Have an extra set of hands.
Having someone else available who can assist you through your session can enhance your experience. Under the guidance of your physiotherapist, another person can assist you with your movements. They can also learn to perform treatment techniques that require an extra set of hands. The person assisting you can also help by moving the camera to allow for multiple viewing angles for your therapist’s observations.
- Think about your goals.
We want to help you with your recovery, and achieve your goals. Consider what would be most meaningful for you to get out of your physiotherapy experience. This will be discussed with your therapist throughout your appointments, but you can always prepare goals or questions you may have ahead of time. Having these ready can help guide your treatment plan, and tailor the program to meet your needs.
Do I need any exercise equipment for my telehealth physiotherapy appointment?
This will depend on your individualized treatment plan, and your therapist will suggest any equipment that you may need to complete your exercise program. With a little creativity, most exercises can be completed with the equipment you already have available to you. Before your appointment, you can think about what types of equipment you may have access to.
What should I wear?
How to dress may depend on the type of injury and area involved. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and can move easily in. When possible, it can be helpful to choose clothing that allows your therapist to see the injured area. This can help them to gather information about your injury by observing the area directly for quality of movement, redness, swelling, or bruising. Generally, shorts and a tank top or t-shirt will work well.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any further questions we are here to answer them. We offer free 20 minute consultations where you can speak directly with one of our registered physiotherapists. They can help you decide if telephysio is right for you. For more information, you can email us at info@vancityphysio.com.
