Online Video & Remote Physiotherapy Consultations

As a community physiotherapy service we are trying to think of different ways in which we can continue to help and support our patients in this extremely difficult period during which we all need to try to reduce the risk of infection from the Corona Virus. As such we have decided that we will offer remote online, video consultations and physiotherapy assessments for patients for all forms of physiotherapy including elderly rehabilitation, paediatrics and musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain.

A remote online video physiotherapy assessment offers the potential to take a full history of what has been happening, look through past medical history and conduct via video a physical assessment which should be able to provide either a diagnosis or a good idea of what the problem areas are and what should be done. All of this can happen without the risk of infection…

 

How The Online Video Physiotherapy Assessment Works

It is extremely easy to set up the assessment. Simply send us an email with a short description of your request. We will then get in touch to arrange a convenient time for your assessment. Before the session you will receive an email with instructions detailing how to access the video conferencing software needed for the remote physiotherapy assessment.

Below is a general description of a usual session but for a more specific description of what the session would be like for a particular type of physiotherapy issue please click on the links below:

1. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
2. Elderly Rehabilitation & Mobility
3. Paediatric Physiotherapy
4. Neurological Physiotherapy
5. Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
6. Sports Injuries

The session will be 1hr in length and will begin with a discussion to find out what it is our physiotherapist can help with, what the symptoms are and what you would like to achieve. The physiotherapist will then run through a past medical history and any other questions needed. Then a physical assessment will happen during which the physio will ask you to perform a series of tests, exercises and movements to check strength, range of motion and pain etc. During this part of the assessment you will need to have your phone, iPad or laptop pointed at yourself securely so that the physiotherapist can see what you are doing. After this part, the physio will then discuss what they have found or may ask some further questions and ask you to run through a few more tests. After this discussion they will then discuss a plan of management including exercises, dos and don’ts and things that you can do to help yourself. They will finally book in any follow up video consultations necessary.

 

Who is a Online Video Physiotherapy Assessment Suitable for?

The remote online, video physiotherapy assessment is suitable for pretty much any patient and is especially helpful if you are currently self-isolating because you are in a high risk category for Corona Virus. It can also be useful if someone in your family is in a high risk category and you are attempting to minimise the risk of infection from Corona Virus.

What Equipment Will I Need for The Online Physiotherapy Assessment?

You really don’t need much for your online video physiotherapy assessment. You simply need an electronic device that has a camera and a screen and that can be pointed easily to where you are. This can be your phone, a tablet or a laptop. Then you simply need a living room with sufficient space to stand and move around in. If you have any pieces of equipment such as a set of weights, stretchy resistance bands or yoga mat that would be brilliant but is not essential.

Will You Be Recording The Online Video Physiotherapy Assessment?

The simple answer is no. We will be making our usual clinical notes but we will not be recording the video session itself as we do not want to store images of you or any family members without permission.

How Will I be Able To Know What Exercises and Stretches I should Do?

At the end of the remote online video physiotherapy assessment our physiotherapist will be able to email you a comprehensive series of exercises and a plan of exercises.

Will I Need More Than One Online Video Physiotherapy Session?

This is difficult to be certain and will depend upon what it is that we are helping with. However, if you have been given a programme of exercises and advice to follow we will definitely be wanting to check in with you to review progress and make adjustments to your exercises etc.

How Long Will A Follow Up Online Video Physiotherapy Session Take?

Usually this will be 30minutes but your physiotherapist will advise you on what length of time they consider to be most appropriate. If your case is particularly complex then they may wish to book you in for an hour follow up.

Can I Have A Session In Person After An Online Video Physiotherapy Session?

Yes of course! Once you feel that it would be safe and advisable to have a physical session with one of our physiotherapists then this can easily be arranged.