What's Virtual Rehab And How Does It Work?
Fall is here and we’re all ready to get out and be active.
But for some, in-person rehab options pose a challenge.
That’s why physiotherapists continue to provide virtual rehab as a safe, convenient, and effective option.
To help you get the care you need, when you need it.
Is Virtual Rehab Right For You?
Working with a physiotherapist virtually is a lot like an in-person visit.
Your physiotherapist is fully trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and deliver care - whether it’s online or in a clinic setting.
The main difference is, rather than coming into the clinic for an in-person session, your visit happens through a phone or video call using your smartphone, phone or computer.
IN-PERSON CARE
VIRTUAL REHAB
What are the differences between
in-person and virtual rehab?
Giving you high-quality treatment options including rehab and injury prevention.
Completing your assessment and providing a diagnosis.
*Whether care is provided virtually or in a clinic setting, physiotherapists must comply with all the standards of practice of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
Developing your treatment plan including your exercise program.
Teaching you how to complete everything.
Hands-on treatment techniques that cannot be self-administered or done by a caregiver.
*Some hands-on treatment techniques cannot be provided in a virtual setting
but there are many things that a physiotherapist can do to help you. These
include teaching you techniques you can do, or your helper can do with you, and
specific exercises individualized for your needs.
You can expect to receive safe, effective, customized and evidence-based care as
you would with an in-clinic office visit.
Progressing your exercise program so you continue to improve.
Using special treatment options like electrical stimulation or heat/cold applications.
*As long as you and your physiotherapist have determined the appropriate equipment that is available at your home.
Guiding you to perform techniques on yourself including how to do the technique and at what intensity.
Giving you the info, coaching and reassurance you need.
So that you fully understand your condition and your treatment plan.
Assessing your daily activities and recommending any adaptations you may need.
IN-PERSON CARE
TELE-REHAB
What’s the difference between
in-person care and telerehab?
High quality of care including rehabilitation, health promotion and injury prevention.
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Conducting a comprehensive assessment and providing a diagnosis.
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*Whether care is provided virtually or in a clinic, physiotherapists must comply with all the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards of practice.
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Designing a treatment plan that may include an individualized exercise program that is taught to you to ensure you are doing all the movements correctly.
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Hands-on treatment techniques that cannot be self-administered or done by a caregiver.
*Some hands-on treatment techniques cannot be provided in a virtual setting but there are many things that a physiotherapist can do to help you. These include teaching you techniques you can do, or your helper can do with you, and specific exercises individualized for your needs.
You can expect to receive safe, effective, customized and evidence-based care as you would with an in-clinic visit.
Progressing your exercise program so you continue to imrove.
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Use of modalities like electrical stimulation and heat/cold applications.
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*As long as you and your physiotherapist have determined the appropriate equipment that is available at your home.
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Guiding you to perform techniques on yourself including how to do the technique and at what intensity
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Self-management, education, coaching and reassurance so that you understand your condition and your treatment plan.
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Assessing how you are doing your daily activities and helping with recommendations on any needed adaptations.
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Effective Safe Care That Works
Your virtual rehab sessions can help you move better - whether you're recovering from an injury, improving your mobility, or increasing your strength.
But know that your physiotherapist is required to ensure the privacy and security of your personal information at all times.
And your physiotherapist will also confirm with you that your location is safe (e.g. no tripping risks) and that there are the right steps in place to receive the help you need in case of an emergency.
Covered By Extended Health Insurers and Other Programs
Virtual rehab sessions are being covered by a number of insurance benefit plans.
If you're not sure if your insurance provider will cover your virtual rehab, then you should contact them before you book your appointment.
If you’re injured at work, then WSIB will cover your virtual visits.
If you’re injured in a car accident, most auto insurance plans cover virtual visits.
Easy Flexible Access
For most people, a virtual rehab session is easier to schedule, book, and get to because there’s no time spent in travel.
You also don’t need to wear any protective equipment, like masks.
You can also practice your exercises in your own home, which will make it easier for you to incorporate your exercises into your every-day life.
Virtual rehab may be a good fit for you.
Can a physiotherapist really help you virtually?
The simple answer is yes.
During your virtual rehab sessions, your physiotherapist can work with you to:
- Complete your initial assessment
- Diagnose your injury or condition
- Prescribe and help you with your exercises
- Give you key information on your condition
- Share the resource you may need for self-care
- Provide recommendations for symptom relief
- Answer any questions or concerns you may have
- Arrange referrals
- Review and share imaging and scans
Really, a virtual rehab session is just like an in-person session.
And the best part is that if at any point you or your physiotherapist feels that an in-person session is best for your treatment plan, an in-person visit will be arranged.
It's true that some hands-on assessment and treatment techniques simply do not translate to a virtual setting.
But often a combination of virtual and in-person sessions can help you get the best of both worlds.
Your physiotherapist will work with you to modify your treatment plan based on the support you have at home and the in-person care you may need.
THOSE REQUIRING HANDS-ON TREATMENT
Most people can log into a virtual rehab session from home.
But we recognize that others may not have access to the technology they need, a strong internet connection, or are simply not comfortable working by phone or online.
You and your physiotherapist can work together to decide if virtual rehab works for you.
THOSE WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY
Your physiotherapist is required to ensure the privacy and security of your personal information at all times. This includes your virtual rehab sessions.
So your physiotherapist will confirm with you that your location is safe (e.g. no tripping risks) and that there are the right steps in place to receive the help you need.
Your physiotherapist may recommend that you have another person (e.g. family member) with you during your virtual rehab session to get the most out of your treatment plan.
THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO ACCESS PRIVATE OR SAFE ENVIRONMENTS
Virtual rehab isn't for everyone.
At all times, your physiotherapist and physiotherapist assistant will be guided by your preferences, your treatment options, and what's best for you.
That's why more and more physiotherapists have added virtual rehab for you to access.
Physiotherapists and physiotherapist assistants help you get back to the activities you love - around your home and in your community.
Get the care you need including the more widespread availability of virtual rehab.
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