Virtual Visits

We have found that Virtual Visits can be extremely helpful in cases where we are trying to identify underlying musculoskeletal issues and resolve them with a carefully planned rehabilitation regimen. We are able to carry out an assessment and then educate the patient on contributing variables (what you should and should not be doing), develop an appropriate exercise plan that they can carry out on their own, and help them develop an awareness to assess their own rehabilitative work and progress.

With that in mind, there are cases when mobilization and manipulation are integral to the successful outcome of rehabilitation. A quick call with one of OPTSC’s physiotherapists will allow us to gauge how effective Virtual Visits can be in helping you get on the path toward recovery. When used in the right situations, Virtual Visits can yield remarkable results in reducing or eliminating discomfort and restoring functionality.

What Can My Physiotherapist Accomplish With A Video Visit?

1. Assessment

A big part of what our profession does is figuring out what is wrong. We traditionally use tactile cues to help confirm our diagnoses, but if you think back to your past physiotherapy experiences, a significant amount of time is spent observing movement patterns. A trained physiotherapist can often uncover likely causes of dysfunction through careful observation. Video calls allow us to observe, assess, and help diagnose a wide range of injuries and conditions.

2. Customized Exercise & Rehabilitation Programs

Once we assess the underlying issue, we can move on to the next step: creating individually tailored rehabilitation routines to help reduce pain and restore optimal functionality. Physiotherapists will guide you through your exercise regimen and refer you to online resources that can help address underlying issues. We will observe how you perform the exercises and ensure that you are doing them correctly to maximize their effectiveness.

3. Remedy Education & Lifestyle Modification

Based on the findings from our assessment, physiotherapists can guide you toward temporary lifestyle changes that may facilitate recovery. For example, certain daily activities may need to be avoided while addressing a lower back issue. We may also recommend readily available measures to support recovery, such as the appropriate use of heat, cold, or electrical stimulation. We will educate you on the correct application of these modalities to maximize their benefits.

The Technology

The technology required is common to most desktop and laptop computers and does not require any specialized hardware. As long as your computer has a camera and microphone, you should be able to participate. We typically use the Zoom video conferencing platform but can accommodate other platforms if necessary. If you need assistance getting set up, we can arrange time before your first appointment to help you become familiar with the process.

Virtual Visits, The College Of Physiotherapists Of Ontario & Insurance Companies

Some of our patients have asked where the governing body for physiotherapists and insurance providers stand regarding Virtual Visits. The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario supports the use of videoconferencing technology to ensure continuity of care, and most insurance companies provide coverage for virtual appointments as they would for in-person visits.