Our Nepean Physiotherapists, Dietitian and Mental Performance Consultant offer virtual appointments when you cannot make it into our office. We can help restore your physical function, mobility, diet, and lifestyle from the comfort of your home.
What is a virtual appointment?
When you cannot make it into our clinic because of scheduling conflicts, kids, or any other reason, we can make it easy to connect with your Physiotherapist, Dietician, or Mental Performance Consultant through scheduled appointments conducted online.
For physiotherapy appointments, we are able to review your home exercises in your space or home gym. This allows us to see how you move in your space and may allow us to notice things we may mission a clinic setting.
Our Dietician and Mental Performance Consultant are able to speak with you about your daily nutrition, mental headspace and your goals for each and work to create plans with you to achieve those goals - just like at an in-person appointment.
-
I have been a patient at Nepean Sports Medicine for a number of years and I have participated in virtual physiotherapy sessions. The main differences with virtual sessions is that there is more emphasis on the development of exercises to address my injuries and in establishing and following the exercise schedule that my physiotherapist and I developed, which helps my main hobby, golf. Our sessions involve discussions of any current concerns, ongoing evaluation of my chronic injuries, and fine tuning of my exercise program. I am hoping that the virtual session option continues to be available to me to augment my in-person sessions once the current Pandemic restrictions are no longer in place.
Appointment Process
We offer virtual appointments through multiple platforms and on all devices. We can adapt to the technology that you have available, although it is best if you have a webcam and microphone.
First, we send you a link to join your virtual appointment on a computer, tablet, or phone. Like any assessment, we start with a chat / Q&A to discover what issues you are having and how it is impacting your day-to-day life.
Your appointment will include a review of your treatment, exercise, or nutrition plan, step-by-step instructions for your next steps, and an assessment of where you stand in your pursuit of your goal.
Virtual Appointment FAQs
When is a virtual appointment a good idea?
Virtual appointments can be equally effective for current and new clients in many situations.
Current Clients
If you are a current client but can not make it to the clinic for an in-clinic appointment.
Check-in with your Physiotherapist, Dietician, or Mental Performance Consultant about your progress
Progress your specialized program
Implement strategies for self tissue release
Set goals to improve behaviours and increase confidence
Assess your nutritional needs and gastrointestinal health
New Clients
If you need advice about a new condition or problem and how to manage it.
We can assess movement restrictions
We can implement or advance your specialized program
We can develop strategies for your mental well-being
We can create a dietary plan for chronic issues
We will provide education on mental health, nutrition, or pain science and relief
-
How does a virtual appointment work?
You will meet with your registered Physiotherapist, Dietician, or Mental Performance Consultant over videoconference to address your concerns and make a treatment plan from the comfort of your home! You will be provided a web-link prior to your appointment.
-
Is the platform secure? Will it be recorded?
Any platform we use for video conferencing is fully secured. We do not record any part of your virtual appointment and all appointments are PIPEDA, PHIPA compliant.
-
What do I require for the session?
You can use a computer, laptop, or phone to access your meeting and it is best if you have a webcam and microphone. We are able to utilize different platforms for your appointment and will choose what you are most comfortable using.
The area in your home should be bright enough that we can see you and your camera should not be facing any windows or direct light sources.
-
Is my issue suitable for virtual appointment?
Most injuries are suitable for virtual appointments, whether that be for nutritional services, mental performance consultations or physiotherapy.
In particular for physiotherapy, if we feel that we won't be able to address your injury or issue as well online as we can in our clinic, we will speak with you about it and make sure that you get to right kind of care to get you back in motion and to your regular life.
-
I don’t live in Ottawa; can I still get a virtual appointment?
Yes, we are licensed to provide our services (online and in-person) to all Ontario residents.
-
What is involved in a digital physiotherapy appointment?
During a physiotherapy virtual appointment, your physiotherapist will have you perform certain movements and tests to rule in or rule out a possible cause. Then, we will review strategies for pain management, movement, and function improvement, such as exercises to manage your goals and get you feeling better as soon as possible.
-
How can a physiotherapist diagnose me online, without touching me?
Physiotherapy is an active treatment, and we involve you in your care to help solve your pain, injury, mobility issues, or help improve your athletic performance.
Education is a key component of any treatment plan, whether in person or online. No matter how we treat you, there are many minutes, hours, left between sessions where you need to act for yourself and do the best you can. Sometimes the list of ‘don’t do’ is bigger than the ‘do’ list (exercises, etc.).
-
Will my online physiotherapist tell me when/if I need to see someone in person/clinic?
Yes! Some injuries benefit from in-person, hands-on care, whether alone or in conjunction with virtual care.
-
Will my Extended Health insurance reimburse me for an online physiotherapy or dietitian session?
Yes! Your virtual appointment is covered just like any other physiotherapy or registered dietitian session.