With the advent of modern digital technology in full swing, the relatively new yet impactful field of telehealth has become more relevant than ever, thanks to its widespread applicability in the pandemic.
Over the past five years, this branch of allied health has seen increasing rates of participation as more patients seek professional help with online video consultations. This solution now offers a valuable opportunity to circumvent all sorts of hurdles, like time constraints or geographical limitations. Access to adequate care has never been easier than it is today.
Why now is the best time to have your first online video consultation
Up until this point, you may have probably put off the opportunity to seek care through telehealth consultation because of how accustomed you were to physical appointments. Considering that the current global pandemic makes the idea of physically visiting a clinic less ideal, however, it’s new avenues allow medical and allied health to be obtained in the comfort of your home with evidence based treatments that work!
If you’ve been managing a recent physical injury or struggling with a recurring condition for a while now, telehealth might be your best option. With service providers such as Invigor Health, consulting through a screen is just as effective as an in-person appointment.
You’re probably on the verge of finally attending your first online physiotherapy session—and we thought we’d elaborate on something to help you fall in love with this new emerging technology: how can I maximise my first online physiotherapy consultation?
A few tips to consider
Admittedly, the idea of being treated for a physical problem through an online call may seem quite confusing. Physiotherapy itself involves a whole lot of touching, pressing, poking, and moving; attempting physiotherapy workflow pans out through a screen can be quite confusing. Thankfully, however, maximizing your experience isn’t as difficult or strange as you might expect.
To ensure that your first online physiotherapy consultation is just as (if not more) effective than the in-person format you’re used to, here are a few tips and tricks that will go a long way:
Tip #1: Make sure your tech is ready
Online physiotherapy sessions charge by the hour. You don’t want to spend a good chunk of your paid time saying and hearing, “Hello, can you hear me?” or “I can’t hear you, can you say that again?”
This may seem like a trivial point to make, but ensuring that your tech is ready for your first online physiotherapy consultation will go a long way in terms of maximisation. Before you enter a call and let the timer start running, here’s a checklist of things you should take care of pre-consultation:
[ ] Charge your laptop, tablet, or phone
[ ] Check if your camera, speakers (or headphones), and microphone are all working
[ ] Check if your internet is running smoothly—if it isn’t, opt to schedule for a day where your connection is better
Tip #2: Come prepared with the right outfit
The only difference between a telehealth physiotherapy session and a physical consultation is the distance and environment; you’ll still need to do various tests and exercises as you would with a regular session.
If you want to maximise your online physiotherapy call, dress in activewear (or comfortable clothing) that will allow you to move freely. You’ll make it easier for your therapist to determine what’s wrong and which exercises to give you while boosting your chances of recovery along the way!
Tip #3: Help your setting play the part
During an online physiotherapy call with any one of Invigor Health’s experts, you’ll be required to move around a bit as they try to figure out what exactly needs to be remedied—which means that you’ll need some space to move. By having your call in a garage, open space, nook, living room, or any place with a whole lot of free space, you’ll get to make the most out of the session!
Conclusion
As intimidating as the idea of an online physiotherapy session may seem, approaching your first experience with the right mindset can go a long way—especially if you come prepared. Through this guide, you can ensure that you maximise your first session. We guarantee you’ll have just as much or even more of a productive recovery experience than with conventional face to face consultations!
We offer online injury prevention physiotherapy in Bondi, NSW, that helps all types of patients improve their overall physical health with quality treatments and consultations. Get in touch to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with an expert!