After the pandemic, the world has changed a lot, and the healthcare industry has gone through an important shift towards digitalisation, with many medical services becoming available online. Online physiotherapy treatment, also called telehealth physiotherapy or virtual physiotherapy, has become very popular thanks to the convenience, accessibility, and good results it provides us with.
The pandemic has made us more accustomed to digital solutions in our day-to-day lives, and online physiotherapy is a promising alternative to traditional in-person sessions. In this blog, we will tell you all about online physiotherapy, starting with its benefits, how online sessions work for patients, tips for picking the best-suited online physiotherapist, and when you should consider making virtual physiotherapy exercises a part of your daily life.
What is Online Physiotherapy?
In simple words, we can say that online physical therapy delivers physiotherapy services to us through digital platforms, including video calls, mobile apps, websites, and online programs. Patients can get professional guidance, customised exercise routines, and excellent treatment plans from licensed physiotherapists without needing to go through the trouble of visiting a physical clinic in person.
As we all are busy with many chores throughout the day, this approach is a blessing of technology that brings patients and healthcare providers in contact with each other virtually, thereby making physiotherapy available everywhere in a flexible way.
When you take an online session, you can communicate with your physiotherapist in real time, discuss your symptoms, and receive personalised treatment plans from them. Also, the therapist can demonstrate exercises for your guidance, monitor your health progress, and provide feedback in a similar way as they would in a traditional offline setting.
Online physiotherapy can be used for treating a wide range of problematic conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain management, post-surgical rehabilitation, and many more.
What are The Benefits of Online Physical Therapy?
Let’s take a look at some of the incredible benefits online physiotherapy has blessed us with.
Convenience
As we know, one of the most important advantages of online physiotherapy is its accessibility. You can use professional physiotherapy services from your home or anywhere, avoiding the need to travel to the clinic, which is very beneficial if you are facing mobility issues, living in remote areas, or struggling with busy schedules.
Cost-Effectiveness
As the fare for travelling gets excluded from the list of expenses, another undeniable benefit of online physiotherapy is that it can be more affordable than offline sessions. Also, there is no need for huge physical space, and you can schedule sessions that fit your budget and free time.
Personalised Care
Did you know that virtual physiotherapy sessions are carefully personalised with treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient?
Also, if you are recovering from surgery or struggling with chronic pain, online physiotherapy allows you to perform exercises and get treatment in a familiar and comfortable environment, reducing your stress and resulting in better outcomes.
Constant Care
Online physiotherapy ensures your treatment schedules are uninterrupted, even during events that might disturb offline services, such as bad weather or unforeseen personal emergencies, thereby leading to a good recovery.
Technological Benefits
Online physiotherapy platforms often utilise many technological tools to improve the treatment process by using wearable devices, mobile apps, and online resources that can provide additional support, track your health progress, and offer educational materials to make your therapy sessions a success.
Virtual Physio Sessions- How it Works?
In general, here is how you can expect your virtual physio sessions to progress:
Initial Consultation
You have to start off with an online physio consultation by booking an initial consultation where you are welcome to discuss your symptoms, pain levels, and information regarding any previous treatments you have received. Also, your therapist may request you to perform specific types of movements or exercises so that they can get to know about your physical abilities and limitations.
Treatment Plan
On the basis of the initial e-physiotherapy consultation you received, the virtual physical therapists develop a personalised treatment plan mentioning specific exercises and techniques designed to address your health condition. The therapist will also provide you with detailed and understandable instructions, often demonstrating the exercises through a video to make sure you are clear regarding how to perform them correctly.
Regular Follow-Ups
You must remember that follow-up sessions are important and regularly scheduled to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Your physiotherapist will address any concerns, answer questions, and provide support for your convenience.
You can perform the exercises while on the call with your therapist, allowing them to provide real-time feedback and suggestions.
Progress Tracking
Many virtual physio treatment platforms utilise the latest tools for tracking the progress of their patients, which can log their exercises, pain levels, and any improvements or struggles they might be facing. This data will help you and the therapist stay informed about the treatment’s results and make data-driven decisions.
Home Exercise Programs
You have the option to receive home exercise programs (HEPs) comprising sets of exercises designed for you to perform independently between sessions to maintain consistency and improvement.
How To Find the Best Online Physiotherapist?
Here are a few suggestions regarding how to find the best therapist to solve your health issues.
Credentials and Experience
When searching for an online physiotherapist, it is very important to verify their credentials and years of experience and ensure they are licensed with the necessary qualifications to practice physiotherapy.
Reviews and Testimonials
Yes, you can read and research reviews and testimonials from previous patients on the websites of online physiotherapy service providers to get an idea about the quality of care they provide in regard to communication skills, the process of treatment, and overall patient satisfaction.
Technology
You must carefully check the technology and platform used by the online physiotherapy service and make sure it is user-friendly, secure, and equipped with the necessary tools for proper treatment. You must choose the one with reliable video conferencing, progress tracking, and access to educational resources.
Communication
Good communication is required in online physiotherapy to make sure that both the patient and physiotherapist are aware of the progress regarding treatment plans and health issues. You must look for a good online physiotherapist who is responsive to messages, is available for regular sessions, responds to inquiries, and delivers clear explanations.
Also, if you have a busy schedule, you can choose a therapist who will offer you flexible scheduling options to accommodate your availability with weekend appointments.
Trial Sessions
If it’s the first time you are planning for an online physio consultation, then make sure to go for a trial session after the initial consultations before choosing a long-term treatment plan. Many online physiotherapy services offer trial sessions that help you understand the therapist’s approach, communication style, and suitability for your needs. While attending a trial session, you must pay attention to how well the physiotherapist communicates with clarity and detail, alongside listening to your concerns about the initial treatment plan provided.
Cost and Insurance
The overall price of online physiotherapy sessions can vary from affordable to expensive ones, so it’s important for you to consider your insurance coverage, and compare prices between different online physiotherapy providers to figure out a service that fits your budget as well as requirements.
Also, you can look for providers that offer attractive package deals or discounts so that you can bag significant savings instead of paying for individual sessions.
Platform
You must choose an online physiotherapy platform that you find easy to utilize, offering high-quality video calls for clear communication and good demonstration of exercises. You have to make sure that the platform supports stable and robust security measures to protect your personal and medical information from a cyber attack.
Want to take up online physiotherapy sessions? Start today with a free online physiotherapy consultation!
When to Consider Online Physiotherapy Exercises?
Online or virtual physiotherapy exercises can be beneficial. Here are examples of some instances when you might consider this mode of treatment:
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
After undergoing surgery for orthopaedic procedures, you may require physiotherapy to get back your strength, flexibility, and function. Virtual physiotherapy is a very convenient way to continue rehabilitation at home, reducing the requirement for travelling for frequent clinic visits.
Chronic Pain Management
If you are struggling with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or lower back pain, you may need physiotherapy for proper management and improvement in mobility. Virtual physiotherapy makes space for regular monitoring and adjustment of your treatment plans, helping you manage your pain and improve your lifestyle.
Mobility Limitations
If you are challenged with limited mobility due to conditions like stroke, neurological disorders, or severe injuries, travelling to a clinic can be challenging. Virtual physiotherapy cuts the need for travel, making it easier for you to get professional care and perform exercises in a safe and comfortable environment at home.
Remote Locations
If you live in remote or rural towns, with the help of online physiotherapy bridges, you can access expert care irrespective of your geographical location. Patients living in remote areas are able to get the same level of care and expertise as those in urban cities.
Busy Schedules
If you are struggling with demanding work schedules or other commitments, figuring out time for offline physiotherapy appointments can be troublesome. Online physiotherapy is a great option for you, offering the flexibility to schedule sessions at suitable times, including evenings and weekends.
Preventative Care
Virtual physiotherapy is not just about treating existing conditions but can also be used for preventative care, helping you maintain your physical health and improve posture.
Conclusion
By now, you must have developed a good idea about online physiotherapy treatment, an amazing way to utilise digital technology for accessible, convenient, and cost-effective physiotherapy services. You can get many benefits, such as increased accessibility, cost-effectiveness, personalised care, and flexibility, even if you are a patient belonging to any age group and conditions.
Therefore, online physiotherapy is becoming an important part of modern healthcare, offering a flexible way to get professional physiotherapy treatment.
FAQ For Physiotherapy
How Physiotherapy Works?
Physiotherapy is carried out by certified practitioners called physiotherapists. They focus on rehabilitating the musculoskeletal system and guide the patient on how to heal after an injury.
How To Do Physiotherapy at Home?
At FlexifyMe, we have certified physiotherapists who can help you with pain in various areas, such as knee pain, back pain, or sports injury. You can book an appointment with them, after which they can review your situation online and suggest the needed therapy.
Who needs Physiotherapy treatment?
If a person has had an injury or suffers from chronic pain, they should consult a physiotherapist. The pain could be in the knee, hip, shoulder, or arm. On the other hand, physiotherapy is also recommended after surgery or a serious condition such as knee or hip replacement.
Is a Physiotherapist a doctor?
Physiotherapists hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy (BPT). As this is an undergraduate degree, and they are not called doctors.
Is Online Physio effective?
Yes, online physio is effective for issues such as back pain, shoulder pain, or all-body pain. For chronic issues like knee or hip pain or mobility issues for patients with Parkinson’s or serious problems, it is best to get in-person therapy.
Can Physiotherapy be done online?
Physiotherapy can be done online. It involves therapy sessions on Zoom, Skype, or other platforms with a certified physiotherapist. The physiotherapist first assesses your condition and then shows you exercises that you can perform.
What is the cost of Physiotherapy at home in Pune?
The charges would vary depending on the therapist and the platform you use for consultation.
What does a physiotherapist do?
A physiotherapist assesses your pain points and recommends movement and exercise to help improve your mobility and function.
What is Electrotherapy in Physiotherapy
Electrotherapy uses electric currents to stimulate nerves and muscles through the skin. It is used for treating musculoskeletal injuries, and nerve pain.
How much does a session of Physiotherapy cost?
Physiotherapy sessions vary depending on the physiotherapist and whether it's an in-clinic or an online session.
What are the 4 types of Physiotherapy?
The 4 types of physiotherapy are neurological, orthopaedic, cardiopulmonary and geriatric physiotherapy.
What is the difference between Physical and Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists use manual therapy – massages in the key areas, stretches etc. Physical therapists use more physical exercise-based techniques.
Is it okay to do physiotherapy every day?
The timeline for physiotherapy depends on the extent of the injury or the requirement. After an assessment, the physiotherapist can recommend a schedule.
How beneficial is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is helpful in injuries in the nerves or neurological conditions like a stroke, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s and physical conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis.