The Virtual 360: Using video conference to provide physiotherapy services

I am excited today to share my experience providing physiotherapy services using Lifemark’s Virtual Care platform. As a physiotherapist, this innovative video conference technology allows me to assess and treat individuals from the comfort of their own home.

When I first started using the platform, I thought Virtual Care was going to give patients a useful and convenient alternative, but in a social distancing world, being able to provide services remotely has become an absolute necessity. Without a shadow of a doubt, providing my services virtually has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my 30-year career as a physiotherapist.

Brenda’s experience as a patient with Virtual Care

I’d like to describe my experience with providing physiotherapy services at a distance through the lens of one patient. Let’s call her “Brenda.”

The first time I connected with Brenda, she seemed uncertain about using video conference technology to receive services. At the beginning of our first session, she could see me through her computer sitting in my office and it seemed like she was thinking, “OK, well he is here… I guess that’s a good start.” Sitting beside Brenda was her husband, who was there to support her and to help her decide whether or not she should continue receiving services via Virtual Care.

After introducing ourselves, we went through all of the administrative formalities, including informed consent and making sure Brenda agreed to being evaluated through Virtual Care.

Ahead of our first meeting, Brenda had received and filled out simple paperwork through our Form Integration process. I had reviewed these forms and knew a lot about her condition and health history before we even got started, which helped Brenda warm up and feel more comfortable with receiving services through Virtual Care.

Assessing the problem

Brenda, who was working as a nurse in a long-term care facility, gladly discussed with me her condition starting from the date of her work-related injury. As she talked about her job, it was clear we had one thing in common: we both believed we were providing important services to our communities day in and day out. This helped us connect and develop a bond, even though we were meeting virtually.

Brenda told me that one day, she was assisting a resident who began to experience a fall. Though she was able to catch the resident and fully support her back to her chair, Brenda immediately developed sharp pain in her right lower back. I explained that we were going to start the examination, so Brenda quietly told her husband that he could “take off.” He smiled and left. I knew at that point that Brenda was feeling comfortable with both me as her physiotherapist and using video conference technology to receive services. We were on our way!

At this point, Brenda and I stood up, slightly adjusted our camera angles and proceeded with the assessment, which felt the same as it would have in person. After going through a series of movements, asking more questions and performing some specific tests, Brenda and I agreed that her injury involved a strained muscle.

As we discussed the nature of her injury, what to expect in terms of recovery and what she could do to assist with her recovery, including specific exercises I wanted her to do, Brenda seemed grateful and appreciative.

Together, we also took some time to review what her return to work process would look like and how I would be communicating with her employer, her insurance company and her as a patient as we navigate this process, all of which could be done virtually!

Incidentally, Brenda also explained to me that a co-worker had told her that once you have a back injury, you are never the same. She asked me if this was true. By talking through it, we were able debunk this urban myth! Mission accomplished for day 1!

Following up

Brenda and I have had a couple of follow-up sessions since. We are continuing to progress her exercise program as her subjective and objective examination findings continue to improve. Moreover, Virtual Care allows me to do cool things like sharing my computer screen with Brenda during our sessions to show her anatomical diagrams, clips of animated exercise and written descriptions of the type of injury she had.

Brenda is now back working full hours and providing much needed support to her team. Overall, our experience working together using Virtual Care has been incredibly positive. Yesterday, I received a one-word unsolicited email from her that summed up her journey with Virtual Care: “Thanks Todd!”

For more information about Virtual Care, check out our introduction video, the Virtual Care section on Lifemark.ca or call us at 1-855-485-1344.