How Remote Physiotherapy Works
Saskatoon Physiotherapy Blog:
Remote Physiotherapy - Your Questions Answered
While our physical physiotherapy office is located in Saskatoon, we work with clients that are located all over Saskatchewan! This is made possible through remote physiotherapy appointments.
We originally added remote physiotherapy appointments as a temporary option during the pandemic as many clients were unable to come see us for physiotherapy appointments in person at our Saskatoon facility. However, the feedback for the remote appointments was overwhelmingly positive and we received a lot of requests to continue offering this service going forward. For that reason, we continue to offer remote sessions to date!
In this blog we will answer the most commonly asked questions about remote physiotherapy appointments:
Is remote physiotherapy only available to those located outside of Saskatoon?
No! Even those located in Saskatoon can book a remote appointment.
Common reasons that we see our Saskatoon clients booking remote physiotherapy appointments rather than in-person are: they cannot get away from work but have space in their office for a remote session, they are unable to leave home as they are caring for a pet or sick family member, they are on quarantine, or it is simply more convenient for them!
Please note that due to bylaws in our province you must be physically located within the province of Saskatchewan in order to book a remote physiotherapy appointment.
Does remote physiotherapy cost more than in-person physiotherapy?
No! The way that we bill is based on time. This means when you pay for a physiotherapy session you are paying for your physiotherapists “time”. Because both in person physiotherapy and remote physiotherapy appointments are the same length of time they are also the same price!
How do assessments work with remote physiotherapy appointments?
They are actually very similar to in-person assessments. We can usually gather more than enough information with our eyes (observing you) whether it is in-person or online. Because of this, we can almost always gather enough information about you and your body by observing you even if we cannot use our hands to physically assess you.
We will walk you through various tests and movements during the video call. With your permission and consent (this is optional), we will also take photos during the tests to then show you what we are seeing (via screen share) and to keep in your file to compare back to over time. This gives us a visual/objective marker to monitor change and can be used as a education tool so that you can observe what we are observing!
How will I learn my exercises without my physiotherapist present?
We have a LOT of experience coaching and teaching people with our “words” in addition to coaching with our “hands”. We do not need our hands or need to be physically present to coach you through exercises!
Your physiotherapist will talk you through every exercise, practice it with you during the session, and will ensure that you feel confident doing each exercise by the end of the remote physiotherapy session. Your physiotherapist may demonstrate the exercise for you if needed as well!
Further, after your physiotherapy appointment your session your physiotherapist will create an individualized program just for you that walks you through every exercise you covered in your remote session. This includes detailed video demonstrations for each exercise created by your physiotherapist that you can also refer to when you are at home!
What will I need for my remote physiotherapy appointment?
A laptop is always ideal. Tablets and phones do work but we find that it does require a little more effort to set the camera up at the right angle as we do tests and exercises together.
Other than that, all you will need for your remote physiotherapy appointment is some space on the floor! Common household items will do the trick for any props that we may need.
Can I switch my in-person physiotherapy appointment to remote and vice versa?
Yes! You can change the type of appointment by simply shooting us an email: info@longevitysaskatoon.com. We will take care of everything for you after that.
How do I connect to my remote physiotherapy appointment?
We find that most of our clients are comfortable with and prefer to use Zoom for their remote appointments. As such, we will send you your private Zoom link and password before your remote physiotherapy session.
How do I pay for my remote physiotherapy appointment?
The system will send you an invoice the day of your remote physiotherapy appointment. The email will include the amount owing and instructions for e-transfer which will auto-deposit and then send a receipt back to your email for insurance! Alternatively, you can pay online with credit card upon request. Just let us know and we will set that up for you.
How do I book a remote physiotherapy appointment?
Simply go to the online booking, select “Longevity Physical Therapy” location in Saskatoon, and then select “Remote Physiotherapy Session”!