It may seem odd when most people expect a physiotherapist to provide "hands on" therapy, but online physiotherapy has a growing body of supporting literature and many folks are making the switch. So why should you see a physiotherapist online?
Physiotherapists have many different modalities in their "toolbox" that they can use to help people. The two types of treatment physiotherapists offer that consistently have the highest level of evidence are; education and exercise! Both of these can be done over video call. What I've seen in my practice since treating over telehealth is that folks put more value on learning self management strategies and completing their exercise programs than with in person physio. Perhaps it's because it forces people to take an active role in their health and not rely on passive treatments like we used to. This has been such an amazing shift in the physiotherapy world and I can see people benefiting from it each week.
In terms of being able to make appointments, telehealth is far easier than in person physio. Not only can you do it from the home or office depending on your unique situation, you also don't need to travel to the clinic, find parking etc. People who have children don't need to arrange childcare. These reasons also mean it lowers your carbon footprint compared to seeing a physio in person.
Another important reason why some people choose to do online physiotherapy is safety. Unfortunately, not all people feel safe accessing traditional physiotherapy spaces or healthcare spaces in general. Transgender and non-binary people in particular often face barriers to accessing care and have a harder time finding practitioners who are knowledgeable around gender affirming care. Hopefully this changes but in the meantime, telehealth physiotherapy for gender affirming care is a great way for trans and non-binary people to access physio from the comfort of home. They can avoid dysphoria around internal pelvic exams, they don't need to interact with reception staff or general public in the waiting room and can do the call from an environment where they feel comfortable.
People tend to be even more skeptical of pediatric physiotherapy through telehealth but it may surprise you to know that some kids do really well with it! Children often pay more attention to screens and can usually be engaged in games and discussions through the call. Depending on their age, we can set up little online games that they play through doing certain exercises. We can do kids yoga routines and customize our sessions based on your child's unique interests. Online physiotherapists can teach parents various exercises and strategies to do at home if the child is not engaging on the call. Empowering parents with the tools to help their child can increase confidence in managing their condition on a day to day basis.
Where do I find online physiotherapy? Shine Therapy Services offers telehealth physiotherapy all across what is now known as BC and Alberta in Canada. Catherine has extra training in pelvic health for kids and adults, pediatric physiotherapy, gender affirming physiotherapy and can also treat general musculoskeletal injuries or functional difficulties.
Shine Therapy Services helps folks across many traditional and unceded territories covering all of what is now known as BC and Alberta. We are honoured to work and play on this land and are committed to reconciliation, decolonization, and anti-racism
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