Good People Doing Good For Our Community

(03) 9380 8099

1/68 Melville Road, Brunswick Melbourne

Physiotherapy Telehealth

Physiotherapy can be delivered to those that are house-bound from either self-imposed isolation or physically unable to attend appointments.  To meet this challenge, we have adapted and implemented video Telehealth calls which is a great way to continue physiotherapy treatment. Essentially it’s a one-on-one, video consultation with your physio.

 

How does Telehealth work?

Our Physiotherapists will ask you a wide range of health questions and show you how to perform certain medical tests via a video conference. Things like ” does your back hurt when you straighten your leg when sitting like this?” “is it worse when you cough?” ” can you turn your neck to the right so your nose is over the seam of your t-shirt?”. The instructions will be easily performed as you will be shown via the video link and able to ask questions at any time. Once our Physio gathers all the information, he will be able to provide a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, a toolbox of home strategies and rehabilitation exercises will be provided that will help reduce your pain and increase mobility.

Whether you attend in person or attend via a video link, an accurate diagnosis can be made as Physiotherapists predominantly use their eyes and ears to do this part. The only difference is, you will be participating more when conducting orthopaedic and neurological tests. But don’t be concerned, instructions are clear and tests are easy to do, it is the interpretation that’s the tricky part, but this is where our Physiotherapist’s vast experience, knowledge, and additional qualifications come into play to help you on the road to recovery.

There is no doubt that face-to-face and hands-on therapy is preferred by all, however, when you are house bound we have to make the best of it. It may surprise you know just how much can be achieved utilising spiky balls, tennis balls, golf balls, foam rollers and the hands of a willing family member.

To get started all you need to do is jump online and make an appointment (see links below) and choose the “Physiotherapy ~ Telehealth Video” option

 

How to prepare for a Telehealth Video Consultation?

Some of you may already be familiar with the convenience of video or “face-time” calls. For those who aren’t, here’s how it works:

  •  All you need for a video call is a smartphone or computer with a camera (most are already built-in)
  • An Internet connection that has the capacity for video calls/conferencing
  • You will need to download a free App called Physiapp (click on the link provided)
  • Book a Telehealth appointment by clicking here
  • Once your appointment is booked one of our Physiotherapists will video call you via Physiapp at the appointed time
  • Once the call is answered via Physiapp you will be asked by the App for consent to continue with the call
  • Once accepted you will be directed to a screen where your Physiotherapy consultation will begin
  • After your consultation, the reception staff will organise credit card payment over the phone and email your receipt. Direct deposit is also available.
  • Some health insurances have agreed to rebate Telehealth consultations so check with them directly to claim your rebate

 

Physiapp is a sophisticated program that synchronises automatically with your clinical file kept at the clinic. Should a custom rehab program be provided, you will be able to access this via Physiapp and your Physiotherapist will be able to oversee your progress in real-time. In addition, its video conferencing abilities are first-class and completely free as we sponsor all patient access and use of the App.

 

Before your Physiapp call, we recommend the following preparations:

  • Wear comfortable but not baggy clothing. This allows you to move freely and allows your Physio to assess your movement without clothing obstructing or interfering with his view. Gym wear is ideal.
  • Remove necklaces and other items of jewelry that may get caught and damaged with certain movements
  • Clear some space around you so furniture doesn’t interfere with moving your arms and legs
  • Set up your phone, iPad, or computer in such a way you will be able to see your Physiotherapist. If you can see your Physio, then your Physio will be able to see you.
  • If you have any exercise or therapeutic equipment such as a spiky ball, exercise bands, light hand weights or foam roller keep these nearby.

 

Want to know more about our Physiotherapist? Click here