What is telehealth physiotherapy?

COVID-19 has presented many challenges for physiotherapists. If you've ever been to a physio session you likely realize that maintaining social distancing isn't exactly possible. Like many other professions, we've been adapting--changing our practice to fit the needs of our patients by utilizing technology to a much greater extent.

A typical virtual visit is a one-on-one video session between the patient and the physio. These sessions cover nearly all of the components of a typical visit: subjective interview, movement assessment, ergonomic and lifestyle coaching, and exercise prescription. What's missing are passive techniques such as manual therapy, acupuncture, or electrotherapy. These are considered passive because they are done to the patient and require little participation from them. While I recognize their importance and certainly miss this part of the job while working virtually, my practice has actually grown in their absence.

I find too often I have relied on my passive techniques. We're often seen as the healer, with skills obtained through years of course work. When I rely on my manual skills my patients leave feeling great, but too often come back with the same complaint they had last session. With virtual therapy, we rely solely on our active techniques such as movement and behavior change. These are the tools that teach the patient to do the work to feel better. Without my manual technique crutch, I've started to notice longer lasting results and greater patient satisfaction.

I'm not saying that virtual therapy trumps in person sessions. I'm saying that it can be just as effective because active techniques trump passive ones. Distance forces us to empower patients to let their body do the healing. Our manual skills will always be there, but our active skills have been using this time to catch up. The results have been truly promising, and I'm eager to see the future of our profession as we continue to evolve.

#telehealth #empowerment