Virtual Care For Physiotherapy in Markham, ON
What is virtual care or tele-rehabilitation?
Tele-rehabilitation is rehabilitation services including physiotherapy provided at a distance, either by telephone or online technologies like video conferencing.
Some other names used for tele-rehabilitation include tele-practice and virtual care. Many people can access care virtually but it might not work for everyone depending on their condition and other things like access to technology or comfort in taking instructions by phone or online. It is up to you and your physiotherapist to decide if virtual care works for you and your condition.
What can I expect if Physiotherapy is delivered virtually?
Whether you receive physiotherapy in-person on the phone or online you should expect to receive high quality of care. The physiotherapist will work with you, and anyone you wish to have help with your care, to adjust how your assessment and treatments are delivered virtually.
Some hands-on treatment techniques cannot be provided in a virtual setting but there are many things that a physiotherapist can do to help you. These include teaching you techniques you can do, or your helper can do with you, and specific exercises individualized for your needs.
You can expect to receive safe, effective, customized and evidence-based care as you would with an in-clinic office visit. Whether care is provided virtually or in the clinic setting, our physiotherapists comply with all the standards of practice of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
Services that a Physiotherapist can provide virtually include:
- Assessing your condition as you start care or to monitor how you are doing.
- Prescribing you an individualized exercise program including teaching and watching you do them so they can make sure you are doing them correctly.
- Progressing your exercise program so you keep improving over time.
- Use of modalities like electrical stimulation and heat/cold applications as long as you and your physiotherapist have determined the appropriate equipment that is available at your home.
- Guiding you to perform techniques on yourself including how to do the technique and at what intensity.
- Support for self-management, education, coaching and reassurance for you and those helping you so that you understand your condition and your treatment plan.
- Assessing how you are doing all your daily activities in your home and helping with recommendations on any adaptations you may need.
There are some things that can’t be done virtually including some hands-on assessment or treatment techniques. You and your physiotherapist will work together to modify your treatment based on what you have at home and the supports you have available.
Are there risks in delivering virtual care?
For all care, whether virtual or in-person, your physiotherapist will go over the care plan and make sure you are informed of any risks and consent to care.
Specific to virtual care, the two main concerns are making sure your personal health information is protected and that you are in a safe place to receive care.
Physiotherapists are required to ensure the privacy and security of your personal information at all times. This extends to the technology they use as well as the appropriateness of the setting in which you receive your care.
CANCELLATION POLICY - 48 HOURS NOTICE REQUIRED
We require 48 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 48 hours notice, will be charged a cancellation fee of $50.00 directly billed to the credit card on file. If the appointment is cancelled or missed within 24hours, the full session charge will be applied. Third party sponsors do NOT cover this fee. (E.g. EHC, Auto insurance and WSIB)