(also known as “Digital Physio” or “Online consultations”)
Telehealth refers to Physiotherapy consultations performed entirely online via video link. This process includes:
Assessment,
Diagnosis,
Education & advice about the injury and treatment options,
Prognosis (ie, what to expect and how long it will take)
Exercise prescription
Lots of self-treatment strategies
Communication with GP/referrers and referral for further investigation if required.
Telehealth has been around for years, predominantly allowing people in remote areas access to medical and allied health providers (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, psychologists etc..).
It has now instantly become more popular, especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a viable alternative to face-to-face contact. It allows patients to continued access to physiotherapy to help rehabilitate, maintain current conditions and help prevent deterioration of conditions that would occur without that access.
What are the benefits of Telehealth?
- There is strong evidence that online consultations produce similar or better outcomes than traditional “face-to-face” consultations,
- It is convenient and can be done from the safety and comfort of your own home,
- With the current COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a viable, evidence-based alternative to allow patients access to physio services. This may allow current patients to continue rehab and exercise progressions, and allow new patients a chance to obtain an accurate diagnosis and begin their treatment sooner.
- It allows better communication between therapist and patient. The Telehealth programs include inbuilt exercise videos with demonstrations and also includes 24/7 direct messaging services to your treating therapist to ask questions.
Here is an example of the integrated video exercises:
Who is it suitable for?
Suitable candidates for online consultations include:
- People with musculoskeletal injuries looking for a diagnosis, advice and an exercise program to recover,
- Post-surgical rehabilitation,
- People with neck pain, headaches and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction – there are self-management strategies aplenty to help these conditions!
Who is it NOT suitable for?
- People without a computer (you do need access to a computer, laptop or tablet with an inbuilt camera or webcam)
Is it complicated to set up?
No. You do not need to be “tech-savvy”. The program we utilise is very user-friendly and we walk you through the set-up process “step by step”.
To inquire about Telehealth at Ahead Physio, or to arrange your first Telehealth appointment, please email admin@aheadphysiotherapy.com.au