Virtual online appointments

Since lockdown we have embraced technology and offered an alternative to attending the physiotherapy clinic with virtual physiotherapy appointments. We conduct these as a video call via zoom and they have proved extremely useful and effective with both new and previous clients.

This has made me really question what we do in physio and how we are helping without actually seeing or touching a patient. We have always championed the use of hands on treatment so how are we managing to provide such effective treatment in a virtual physiotherapy session?

My conclusion is that however we interact with patient we always provide a wealth of information and advice regarding their problem or injury. I am a great believer in that if you understand your pain or injury and how you can expect it to behave and recover, then you can be part of the solution.

We can deliver that same information and solution in a virtual appointment with the added convenience of you not needing to leave your home or office.

What to expect from a virtual assessment

• Diagnosis
• Explanation of the problem and the expectations regarding its recovery
• Advice regarding lifestyle, working environments, hobbies and activities
• Bespoke exercise program sent in printed and video form
• Onward referral to an alternative specialist if required

Our virtual appointments have helped many patients in the last few months as they developed problems related to their new lifestyles with:

• New or altered exercise routines,
• Changed work environments
• New hobbies and activities
• Increase in sedentary lifestyle

As us and other clinics start to re-open there are still many people who are unable or unwilling to risk a visit to a clinic but who still need urgent and effective treatment and advice for their problem.

Having embraced and relied on technology in the last few months as the only communication possible, we believe that virtual physiotherapy appointments will remain a valuable and useful method of delivering quality, expert physiotherapy to our patients.

Whilst we are advocates for hands on treatment we believe we can still help our patients in these extraordinary times.

We are passionate about using a holistic approach to treatment so always provide our patients with a great deal of advice and support regarding their condition, and that doesn’t have to stop just because we can’t see you face to face.

So we have introduced virtual physio appointments with Ann Petherbridge, the owner and principal clinician at Physio-Answers

How does a virtual appointment work?

We’ll have our appointment over video chat. You just need a computer or laptop!

We ask you the same questions we would in person

We then give you a few tests and movements and from that we will be able to give you some answers plus lots of advice, guidance and solutions to get your recovery started. We will:

• Discuss a bit of the science and biology behind the problem
• Go over why this has happened- what has caused or aggravated it
• Advise on what you can do to manage the pain or relieve it. This may be advice regarding movement, posture, sleeping positions or lifestyle advice.
• Send you a bespoke exercise program in picture or video format within 24 hours of the appointment

Want to book a virtual appointment?

• Call 0203 538 3808 to discuss with our admin team
• Once booked, you will be sent a link and password to your virtual appointment, via email
• We will be using Zoom.us for our video calls. Please be assured this platform is secure and confidential. We do not record the video meeting but will make the usual physiotherapy notes for our records