What is Telehealth and is it Right for Me?

In light of COVID-19, we are doing all that it takes to keep our family healthy (yes that

includes you!). Yes, we are still OPEN for business and are taking appointments regularly – in fact we’re opening additional spots over the next two weeks to accommodate those of you who now have extra time on your hands and want to get even farther with your recovery!

We don’t want your progress to stop, regardless of what's going on outside of your door – so we are now offering telehealth services for all of our patients.

With that, here are some common questions about telehealth to help you decide if this path will be right for you. Don’t forget – we’re STILL OPEN. But want to make sure you feel empowered to make the best decision FOR YOU.

1. What does “telehealth” mean?

Telehealth and telemedicine both describe ways to deliver and get healthcare using telecommunications technology (like your phone or your computer). It’s basically like video chatting your PT online!

2. What equipment do I need to do a telehealth visit?

Most patients will need a computer or mobile device with an integrated camera and microphone. If your computer doesn’t have a built-in microphone or webcam, you may need to get one, or just use your phone!

3. Will it work with WiFi?

Yes! As long as your wireless connection is strong enough. Your internet speeds should be at least 15mbps for uploads and 5mbps for downloads. You can check your internet speed by going to speedtest.net and clicking "Begin test."

4. I'm not very tech-savvy. Is telehealth right for me?

We've had patients of all ages (and well into their 90's!) use our telehealth platform successfully. Have you ever used Skype or Facetime? Doing a virtual PT visit can be just as simple.

5. What conditions can get treated with telehealth?

We are currently treating all conditions over telehealth! EDS, hypermobility, and other rehabilitation can all be successfully treated over telehealth.

6. How can you treat me without actually doing a physical exam?

While manual therapy is still an important component of our treatments, it’s certainly not the be-all-end-all. We believe in empowering you through movement, not just through our hands-on treatment and we are able to treat with movement through telehealth.

7. What does telehealth physical therapy look like?

The Evaluation

For new patients we will always start with an evaluation:

• Past medical history + subjective – The majority of a diagnosis comes from a patient’s subjective report of the injury and their past medical history

• Screen for red flags and note tests that require in-person attention – We will never sell you a bum horse. If we’re not able to treat you over telehealth, we will tell you. You will know if you’ll need to come into the office at any point.

• Functional Movement Screen – this is perhaps the most important part of the evaluation. We will observe your movements and note any unusual movements, pain, or compensatory strategies.

The Treatment

• Patient Education: Just like onsite treatments, interventions will focus on helping patients understand their diagnoses and steps they will need to take to improve their function

• Therapeutic exercise: Exercises are prescribed remotely, and patients will show return demonstrations for the PT.

• Optional in-office treatments

8. How do I sign up?

Give us a call! We will be happy to move any current appointments to a telehealth visit and can add additional appointments as we are opening up additional slots FOR YOU.