By Jas Chahal - Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon and Founder, Therapia

Therapia’s virtual physiotherapy (i.e. physiotherapy by video) initiative has been a success to date and we are excited to expand its offering to our clients. It is clear that offering virtual physiotherapy alone or in combination with home visits is a powerful way to perform initial consultations, teach exercises, monitor progress, or simply provide a diagnosis and advice. In order to get the most out of your session, here are the top five tips and tricks that can ensure you have an informative, effective and seamless virtual physiotherapy session!

Get your Work Out Gear On

As you would prepare to go to the gym, be ready to get into comfortable fitness clothing that will allow you to identify, expose and focus on the body part that is the primary area of concern. This will save time during your appointment and make sure that every minute on the screen counts.

Set Up Your Environment

In order to perform, learn, or get feedback on various exercises with your therapist, you will need ample space that is visible to the webcam. Identify an area in your home where you can use a yoga mat, treatment table, or simply just an open area of flooring. Keep your mobile device or laptop about 3-5 feet away from this ‘treatment area’ and make sure that your webcam has a good view of this critical area and body part you wish to focus on.

Internet Speed

When it comes to virtual visits, internet speed matters. Whether you use Zoom or another virtual platform with your therapist, you need a minimum internet connection speed of 5 megabytes/second. Check your connection speed before your session starts at www.fast.com.

Headphones

Gear matters. We recommend that you wear and connect a pair of Bluetooth enabled headphones to your mobile phone/computer during the session so that you can perform exercises and stretches without interrupting verbal communication with your physical therapist. Once again this will help optimize your time and allow you to move, listen, and respond in a natural way.

Create a Plan for Your Condition

Just like you would in person, make sure you understand your diagnosis and treatment plan. Ask your therapist which exercises should be done until the next visit, to share pertinent documents or videos with you on the virtual platform, and whether additional sessions are required. Your therapist may also advise regarding the need for adjunct treatments such as the use of orthopaedic bracing (https://www.orthomed.ca), injections (see your physician for these) and/or surgery (see your local orthopaedic surgeon). Sometimes, manual physiotherapy may be required which would necessitate an in-home session.

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