For patients not requiring urgent care, online physiotherapy is now available to you from our therapists via Online Physiotherapy & Tele-Rehabilitation. We have been working hard to prepare a system where we can still connect with you, do an individual assessment and give you individualised treatment that meets your goals and helps you move forward in this time of self isolation.

Our physiotherapists are ready to work with you on the following:

• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Pelvic floor problems
• General exercise programs

Tele-Rehabilitation FAQs

What is it?

• Tele-rehabilitation is the use of information or communication technologies to allow you and your physiotherapist to connect via audio and/or video to receive physiotherapy services at a distance when an in-person visit is not possible
• PhysioFirst utilizes “Zoom” as an underlying technology for Telerehabilitation on Embodia. Zoom is an app that allows you to chat 1 on 1 with your physiotherapist over a video call. You will be provided with information on how to download the app or otherwise access the video session prior to your appointment
• You can be in the comfort of your own home and have the same high-quality expertise provided to you as if you came into the clinic

Why do I need it?

• Tele-rehabilitation is quick and convenient.
• You will save time by having your physiotherapy appointment conducted wherever you are, instead of having to get to the clinic
• Those who have difficulty leaving their homes or who are at risk in the community will particularly benefit from the privacy and safety that tele-rehabilitation offers

What issues is it appropriate for?

• Most issues are appropriate for tele-rehabilitation, if more information is required from a physical examination your physiotherapist will discuss this with you
• Tele-rehabilitation is particularly helpful when you require an expert opinion for acute injury management, to answer questions regarding your current treatment plan, to modify a program you’re having issues with, or to progress exercises to continue improving
• Tele-rehabilitation may be appropriate for acute injuries, where you can get quickly assessed so you can start feeling better, faster, without having to have an in person appointment. However, some issues do require an in-person assessment to best understand your needs
• The service can help you access physiotherapy services that are not available in your community or allow for consultation between your physiotherapist and another health care provider
• Individuals who wish to work with a physiotherapist for concussions, active aging, pelvic health concerns and exercise informed treatments will find tele-rehabilitation particularly helpful and convenient

Will it be the same quality of care I’d get in person?

• Absolutely! Physiotherapists are required to meet the same Standards of Practice regardless of how physiotherapy services are delivered, so in short – yes! You will receive the same expert care as if you were seeing someone in person
• Most of what happens in physiotherapy clinic includes your physiotherapist asking you tons of questions and getting you to do some movements to help diagnose and understand your issue.
• There are only a handful of things that cannot be performed over a video session. If the issue needs further assessment, you will be told as much and can follow up in person when it suits you.
• A substantial part of a physiotherapist’s role in injury management is education and exercise prescription, both of which are perfectly suited to tele-rehabilitation. The quality of this information will be no different than an in-person session

What kind of treatment is provided?

• Examples of services that can be provided by tele-rehabilitation include, but are not limited to, education and instruction, monitoring your progress with a treatment program, and supervised exercise or meetings with your health-care team. Hands-on treatment by your physiotherapist is not possible during a tele-rehabilitation session.
• Conditions where education and management are paramount, such as concussions or pelvic health concerns, will have a great deal of treatment available over tele-rehabilitation

What are the risks?

• The main risk for tele-rehabilitation is regarding personal privacy. Please know that all information is securely stored and remains part of your clinical chart, which is protected by law to remain confidential
• If any physical injury or medical emergency should occur during your session, your physiotherapist will act appropriately to alert the necessary people including your emergency contact and first-responders (911)

Will my personal information be protected and secure?

• All personal information you provide is confidential and is stored securely just as it would be if you attended an in-person physiotherapy session.
• Embodia utilizes Zoom for Health Care Applications and they are both HIPAA and PIPEDA compliant
• No part of the video session will be recorded or stored
• Zoom for Health Care application has put in place measures that further the security and the privacy online video calls by:
  • • Providing a stronger encryption of the online meeting
    • Disabling cloud recording
    • Removing device/user information in logging and reporting
    • Encrypting chat.

What is required of me?

• A quiet, private space, free of distractions
• Headphones are helpful to ensure privacy and clarity of audio, however they are not required
• Access to an Android or iOS device with the Embodia and Zoom applications downloaded on it (information will be sent prior to your session)
• Space to move
• Comfortable clothing
• Should any specific equipment be required, your physiotherapist will inform prior to your session.

How do I pay?

• We are currently in the process of setting up to accept Electronic Transfers. Details will be provided to you after your sessions.
• You will be sent the invoice via email.

Is Telerehabilitation covered by my insurance?

• A list of the extended health benefit insurers that have indicated that they will cover virtual physiotherapy can be found here.
• It is important to note that policy variations exist even within a single large insurance provider. Patients should be in touch with their insurance provider to confirm their eligibility and coverage details.

For further details, please consult the Ontario Physiotherapy Association Tele-rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Patient Information link.