Debunking 5 Myths About Telehealth Physiotherapy Services
In the rapidly advancing realm of healthcare, telehealth physiotherapy services have emerged as a transformative force, providing a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional in-person sessions. Even with evidence of the benefits telehealth brings, certain myths and misconceptions linger, preventing many from fully embracing the potential of virtual care. Let’s debunk five common myths surrounding telehealth physiotherapy services. By addressing concerns related to effectiveness, personalisation, technology barriers, assessment accuracy, and cost comparisons, we hope to contribute to a clearer understanding of the true capabilities of telehealth in physiotherapy.
Myth 1: Limited Effectiveness and Quality of Care
Reality Check: A prevalent misconception surrounding telehealth physiotherapy services is the assumption that they are less effective than traditional in-person sessions, raising concerns about the overall quality of care. Contrary to this belief, numerous studies have indicated that telehealth physiotherapy can be equally effective for various conditions. The effectiveness largely depends on the type of intervention and the nature of the condition being treated. The high-level study by Grona et al. in 2017 demonstrated comparable outcomes and patient satisfaction for musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. back pain, shoulder pain etc) compared to face-to-face consultations. As mentioned in our previous blog post, van Egmond, M.A et al. (2018) concluded that “physiotherapy with telerehabilitation has the potential to increase quality of life, is feasible, and is at least equally effective as usual care in surgical populations”.
It is important to understand that this does NOT mean that no one needs to or should go into a clinic for face-to-face physiotherapy consults to manage their injuries/condition. Like every treatment out on the market for almost any problem, it is NOT a one-size-fits-all approach. Telehealth is not appropriate for everyone for several different factors, and some people will respond better to treatment from someone in person. There is the topic of hands-on techniques and treatment, which is not necessary (as we will touch on next), however, that does not mean that some people do better with these things involved in their care. This is something for you to find out - try both and do what you prefer or find better outcomes from.
Patients often worry about the absence of hands-on techniques during virtual sessions. Physiotherapists have adapted their approaches, utilising innovative methods to guide patients through exercises, assess movement patterns, and provide real-time feedback. In both online and face-to-face settings, this myth fails to acknowledge the evolving landscape of telehealth, where technological advancements enhance the overall effectiveness of virtual physiotherapy. “Passive” treatments (treatments that the patient does actively assist in like massage, dry needling, cupping etc) are adjunctive therapies, meaning they are used in addition to our main treatments of education, exercise and activity modification. 99% of people can achieve their desired results without this, but if you find you are still not getting better, these may be something you want to try.
If it works for our clients, NEOstream encourages them to foam roll and trigger point etc. Currently, the scientific evidence is not strong on its effects but having something that can make you feel better and change your pain levels (that are non-pharmacological like medication) is a great way to help you exercise and get better.
Myth 2: Lack of Personalization in Telehealth Physiotherapy
Reality Check: Another common myth is the assumption that telehealth physiotherapy services lack personalisation compared to in-person sessions. In reality, virtual consultations provide physiotherapists with ample opportunities to tailor their recommendations based on the individual needs of each patient.
Telehealth platforms often include features that facilitate personalised care. Physiotherapists can conduct detailed assessments, discuss symptoms, and observe movement patterns through video consultations. Additionally, they can customize exercise programs, taking into account a patient's specific goals, preferences, and limitations.
It is true that no matter the setting, with online compared to face-to-face interactions you do lose some aspects of non-verbal communication and even lose some verbal communication if you have poor reception. As a physiotherapist, I have always believed that hands-on treatment's greatest benefit is how it assists with therapist-patient comfort and trust and is a great time to educate patients.
Although you do miss out on some of these benefits, in telehealth we do have increased communication methods via text/typing, recording of appointments (which can be accessed for reviewing appointments) and even post-appointment emails with therapists which are often not available to most face-to-face clinics.
Myth 3: Technology Barriers Preventing Access to Telehealth Services
Reality Check: A common concern preventing individuals from exploring telehealth physiotherapy is the perceived technology barriers. Some may believe that they need advanced technical skills or specialised equipment to participate in virtual sessions. However, telehealth platforms are designed to be user-friendly and healthcare providers often offer guidance to ensure a seamless experience.
Moreover, the technology required for telehealth physiotherapy is minimal – a device with a camera, microphone, and internet connectivity. Many individuals already possess the necessary tools through smartphones, tablets, or computers. Addressing this myth is crucial to emphasise that telehealth is accessible to a broad range of users, regardless of their technical proficiency.
Luckily at NEOstream, we are flexible and try to accommodate any technological issues that you have. If you do not have a camera, the appointment can be audio only (this although not ideal, can be effective and is being used in the UK NHS system) and for audio issues, there is a chat/text option that can be used during appointments. These changes also allow us to treat individuals with vision and hearing issues.
We try to make the experience as easy as possible for you, so if you have any issues, challenges or questions about the appointment or the technology needed for your appointment check out NEOstream’s Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also re-read the email sent to you after booking or email us and we will try to assist you.
Myth 4: Inability to Assess Properly through Telehealth Physiotherapy
Reality Check: A prevalent misconception is the belief that physiotherapists cannot accurately assess a patient's condition without being physically present. While hands-on assessments are valuable, many aspects of assessment such as movement analysis and discussing symptoms, can be effectively conducted through video consultations.
Physiotherapists leveraging platforms like NEOstream can guide patients through a series of movements, observing and analysing their range of motion and functional abilities in real-time. This allows for a comprehensive assessment that forms the basis for tailored treatment plans. The myth of inadequate assessment through telehealth neglects the advancements in virtual healthcare tools.
It is important to know that our assessment procedure is generally broken into two sections - the subjective assessment (which is more question-based - getting an understanding of your present and past in both the medical and social sense) and the objective assessment (which is doing various physical assessments of your body). The subjective portion has at least the same level of importance and in most cases the greatest importance of the assessment period for diagnosing and developing a treatment plan. Through telehealth, we can maximise this subjective portion of the assessment and still go through an effective objective assessment.
Following the assessment, it has been shown through research that we can treat most conditions as effectively via telehealth compared to face-to-face in-clinic appointments.
Myth 5: Expensive Compared to Alternatives 💸
Reality Check: A common myth circulating about telehealth physiotherapy services is their perceived expense compared to traditional alternatives. However, telehealth can be a cost-effective option, considering the savings associated with reduced travel expenses and time commitments for both clients and practitioners.
NEOstream’s prices for our various appointment types provide competitive pricing whilst also maintaining the value that our service provides. Insurance coverage for virtual physiotherapy has become more widespread, making it an affordable choice for many individuals. Dispelling this myth is crucial to encourage users to explore telehealth without concerns about financial constraints. If you are planning on using your insurance for your NEOstream consultation, please contact and confirm with your insurance that this is covered.
For our Australian patients, NEOstream does accept telehealth Medicare referrals that are part of an enhanced primary care program. These are bulk-billed referrals and as of this post, we are not charging the gap fee to help assist those who may not be able to afford consults. Per year, across all allied health professions (e.g. psychology, physio, dietician etc) you are eligible for up to 5 of these sessions. It is up to your GP if you fit the eligibility criteria for this. You do NOT need a GP referral before booking in NEOstream, though if you are booking a Medicare appointment, you will need to have a referral.
For our overseas clients, when comparing our prices to those of various clinics across the world we are very competitive price-wise. There are some countries that if you are currently a resident of, you legally can only be treated by a local physiotherapist - this is the case in most US states. If you are unsure please contact us, though if you are living/visiting outside these areas, you can be seen by us. Our goal is to assist those individuals with poor access or changing access, a chance to have a consistent reliable physiotherapist, they can book in to see for any of their relevant needs.
Embracing the Future of Physiotherapy through Telehealth 💡
Debunking these common myths surrounding telehealth physiotherapy is essential to foster a better understanding of its capabilities and benefits. From addressing concerns about effectiveness and personalisation to dispelling notions of technology barriers and inadequate assessments, telehealth has proven to be a versatile and reliable option for individuals seeking physiotherapy services.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, embracing telehealth, especially through innovative platforms like NEOstream, opens up new avenues for accessible and personalised care. Hopefully, we can do more of these myth-busting posts! Got a question from this blog post? Send us a message on Instagram or to our email.
Check out our previous blog post that helps you be prepared for your telehealth consultation.
NEOstream brings the buzz of telehealth to your fingertips 👨💻. Ready to redefine your physiotherapy experience? Here’s your chance – book your initial appointment and feel the NEOstream difference firsthand! 🙌
