Physiotherapy Remote Video Consultations

Physiotherapy Remote Video Consultations

Why video consults?

The Shoulder Joint is now providing remote video consultations to ensure patients who wish to continue treatment during social isolation measures can do so. A video consult works in much the same way as a face-to-face consult with your physiotherapist assessing your movements and getting you to perform certain shoulder tests on screen. Your physiotherapist will then discuss your clinical diagnosis and talk you through a plan of self-treatment techniques and a specific home exercise program. Exercises can be demonstrated, reviewed and corrected during the call and exercise equipment can be posted to your home where necessary. You will receive a follow-up email from your physio after the call with videos of your exercises and instructions to ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

Video consultations are proving to work very well for assessing and treating with shoulder related injuries. For experienced physiotherapists, most of the information we need to make a clinical diagnosis comes from the subjective examination (talking with the patient about their problem and taking an thorough history).

Most shoulder problems occur due to poor muscle control patterns around the joint. Effective, evidence-based treatment will focus on identifying these imbalances and prescribing the right exercises, something that can be done with a video consultation. The exception is shoulder injuries where joint stiffness is the main problem. Such injuries will usually benefit from the inclusion of hands-on, manual treatment techniques. In these cases video consults, while not as effective, are still useful in teaching the patient or their family member how to safely mobilise the shoulder themselves.

How does it work?

The Shoulder Joint uses Coviu, a secure and end-to-end encrypted video call software. This is very easy to use, with no software downloads required. At the time of your appointment you will receive an email inviting you to join a call with your Physiotherapist through a link button on the email. A video consult can be booked online or by calling the clinic on 02 9326 9981.

What do I need to do before a remote video consult?

1. Ensure your laptop/tablet has a reasonable internet connection and camera and microphone is enabled

2. Position your laptop/tablet in a position where you have room to step back and demonstrate your arm movements on camera

3. Wear clothing that allows your shoulder to be seen (i.e. a singlet)

4. Check your email close to appointment time. Follow link and instructions to the Coviu virtual waiting room. Your physio will then connect your call and start your consultation.
   
   

   Any questions or concerns please email us at theshoulderjoint@outlook.com