COVID-19 is changing the way Australia responds to the ‘normal’ way we do things, as such, the physiotherapy world is changing with it to ensure we are meeting the needs of clients receiving care.
At Physio Pal, we have been early responders to TeleRehab (also known as Telehealth) as we have been providing an online Knee Osteoarthritis coaching program for the past 18 months.
However, in light of current government recommendations, we are extending our service online to many clients whom we provide in-home physiotherapy for.
Below we have written a ‘guide to TeleRehab’ to get you up to speed on how it works and whether it will be helpful for you.
What is it? Does it work?
TeleRehab refers to the use of technology to provide rehabilitation services to people in their homes or in other environments.
This concept empowers and enables you to take control of your rehab, allowing you to work closely with your physio to ensure a personalised rehab plan from the comfort of your own home.
TeleRehab involves:
- Physiotherapy assessment of your condition and movement
- Designing and running you through a personalised exercise program
- ensuring you are completing the exercise correctly (see below)
- Providing education, advice and recommendations to assist with your care
All without the need of being in the same room!
Also, it works! Online physiotherapy has been proven to be as effective as normal physio, as research has demonstrated similar outcomes when comparing TeleRehab with in-person physiotherapy.
Benefits
- Be more comfortable in your home environment, no travel or waiting rooms
- Reduce risk of contact infection (safety of both clients and therapists), maintaining social isolation and distancing
- Particularly with vulnerable populations (elderly, immunosuppressed)
- See a Physio at a time which is more suitable for you, it’s also easier to reschedule telehealth consults
Is it safe?
TeleRehab is safe for you in two ways.
- Firstly, the systems and software we use is compliant of the current Australian Privacy Standards. All of your data and information is protected with secure-encrypted software and is not shared with anyone else but your Physiotherapist.
- Secondly, it is a safe method of rehabilitation as our experienced Physiotherapists ensure that your program and assessment does not involve anything which would put you at risk or harm or injury.
Who is it for?
TeleRehab is best for people who need a physio exercise program to improve their function, strength, general health and mobility.
This includes rehabilitation for clients with certain disabilities such as:
- Stroke
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Parkinson’s
- Cerebral Palsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
Rehabilitation following surgeries:
- Shoulder, wrist, knee and hip repairs
- Knee and hip joint replacements
Musculoskeletal conditions:
- Shoulder pain
- Neck and back pain
- Knee and ankle injuries
Many of our clients also schedule their TeleRehab session with their family members if they have difficulty using technology or completing exercises on their own.
How do I set it up?
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
All you have to do is open a link on an email and you’ll be guided the rest of the way. Your physio will usually call your phone to talk you through the process.
- You are sent a link via email from your physiotherapist, which you click on.
- This either opens your web browser (if you are on a laptop or computer), or opens an app on your phone (called PhysiApp), where you tap the “Install” button.
- At the scheduled time, your physiotherapist will call you through the app and you answer by tapping the “answer” button.
*Note as a further measure of privacy, you will be asked to consent for your consultation. Once you select “Agree”, you’ll be ready to begin.
It usually takes about one minute to set up and Voila! You’re speaking with a physio and getting on with your program.
What does it look like?
TeleRehab looks a lot like a normal physiotherapy session, the only real difference is that you are not in the same room.
Your physio can still:
- Perform most of the same assessments as usual
- Demonstrate or progress an exercise by sending through a video in the app to show you a video demonstration of the exercise during the consult (see demonstration below)
- Assess and correct the way you are completing an exercise
- Give you advice and recommendations about your management or any questions you have
See our demo video of a TeleRehab session below!
https://youtu.be/hX2zTPggsnI