As healthcare continues to evolve, many healthcare providers, including physiotherapists, have turned to telehealth as a way to safely and effectively provide services to their patients. Telehealth allows for virtual appointments, where patients can receive care from the comfort of their own homes. At Shine Alliance, we offer both mobile and telehealth physiotherapy appointments to provide our clients with a range of options for their healthcare needs. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits, effectiveness, and any required equipment to participate in physiotherapy telehealth appointments.
Telehealth appointments have a number of benefits, including:
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Convenience: Telehealth appointments eliminate the need for patients to travel to a physical location, saving time and money.
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Safety: Telehealth appointments minimize the risk of exposure to illnesses, providing a safe alternative to in-person visits.
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Accessibility: Telehealth appointments can be particularly beneficial for patients who live in remote areas or have mobility issues.
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Personalisation: Telehealth appointments can be customised to the patient’s needs, with individualised exercises and treatment plans provided.
While telehealth is a relatively new concept in physiotherapy, there is growing evidence to support its efficacy/effectivness for a variety of conditions. Here are a few examples:
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Musculoskeletal injuries and pain: A review of 30 studies found that telehealth interventions for musculoskeletal pain and injuries were as effective as in-person care (1). Another study found that telehealth was effective for improving pain, function, and quality of life in patients with low back pain (4).
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Post-surgical rehabilitation: A study of patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery found that tele-rehabilitation was as effective as in-person rehabilitation for improving pain, function, and range of motion (6).
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Neurological conditions: A study of patients with multiple sclerosis found that tele-rehabilitation was effective for improving balance and mobility (3). Another study found that telehealth was effective for improving arm function in stroke patients (2).
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Chronic pain management: A study of patients with chronic pain found that telehealth interventions were effective for improving pain and reducing the need for in-person visits (5).
It’s important to note that while telehealth can be effective for many conditions, it may not be appropriate for all patients. Your physiotherapist will be able to determine if telehealth is the right option for your specific condition.
To participate in a telehealth appointment with your physiotherapist, you’ll need:
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A device with a camera and microphone: This can be a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
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A stable internet connection: A wired or Wi-Fi connection is recommended to prevent connectivity issues.
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Adequate space: You’ll need enough room to perform any exercises or movements as directed by your physiotherapist.
It’s also important to wear comfortable clothing and have any equipment or props (such as exercise bands or balls) that your physiotherapist may recommend.
In conclusion, physiotherapy telehealth appointments provide a safe and convenient alternative to in-person visits. With the right equipment and a stable internet connection, patients can receive effective treatment and care from the comfort of their own homes. If you’re interested in scheduling a physiotherapy telehealth appointment, or if you want to find out more information, contact us today.
References:
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Cottrell, M. A., & Russell, T. G. (2020). Telehealth for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 48, 102193. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102193
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Cramer, S. C., Dodakian, L., Le, V., See, J., Augsburger, R., McKenzie, A., . . . Janis, S. (2019). Efficacy of home-based Telerehabilitation VS in-clinic therapy for adults after stroke. JAMA Neurology, 76(9), 1079. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.1604
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Di Tella, S., Pagliari, C., Blasi, V., Mendozzi, L., Rovaris, M., & Baglio, F. (2019). Integrated Telerehabilitation Approach in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(7-8), 385-399. doi:10.1177/1357633×19850381
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Fritz, J. M., Lane, E., Minick, K. I., Bardsley, T., Brennan, G., Hunter, S. J., . . . Skolasky, R. L. (2021). Perceptions of telehealth physical therapy among patients with chronic low back pain. Telemedicine Reports, 2(1), 258-263. doi:10.1089/tmr.2021.0028
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Nanda, U., Luo, J., Wonders, Q., & Pangarkar, S. (2021). Telerehabilitation for pain management. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 32(2), 355-372. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2021.01.002
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Nelson, M., Bourke, M., Crossley, K., & Russell, T. (2017). Telerehabilitation versus traditional care following total hip replacement: A randomized controlled trial protocol. JMIR Research Protocols, 6(3). doi:10.2196/resprot.7083
