While in-person care can be essential, telerehabilitation (virtual physiotherapy) has emerged as a proven, effective alternative to in-person care, especially for those who face barriers like mobility challenges, transportation issues, or time constraints. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telerehabilitation, and research confirms its effectiveness. Studies show that virtual physiotherapy delivers comparable outcomes to in-person care for many conditions.
As a registered physiotherapist in Ontario, I work with many people rehabilitating from orthopaedic and neurological issues—from joint pain and post-surgical recovery to stroke rehabilitation and other chronic neurological conditions. In this article, we look at the many reasons Canadians should embrace telerehabilitation—including convenience, accessibility, cost effectiveness, and more—for their next physiotherapy sessions.
Table of Contents:
- Convenience of therapy in your own home
- Safety and security
- Effective for a wide range of conditions
- Real-time feedback
- Greater family involvement
- Fewer missed appointments
- Better integration into daily life
- Reduced risk of illness exposure
- Accessible from anywhere in Ontario
- Cost-effective
- Conclusion
1. The Convenience of Therapy in Your Own Home
You can attend your appointments from the comfort of your own home—no travel, no parking, and no waiting rooms. This is especially helpful for clients with mobility issues, fatigue, or chronic pain.
Virtual rehab has been found to significantly improve access to care while reducing the physical and emotional burden of travel for individuals with mobility limitations (Cottrell et al., 2017). For some, accessing virtual care from a home environment provides additional comfort and quietness if the person is easily over stimulated or has difficulty focusing. A quiet, private place to speak with your physiotherapist might just be the thing you need at that time.
I once had a client who benefitted from a virtual session with her caregivers nearby due to the fact that her hearing aids were in repair- it was difficult for her to be in a busy clinic! With the right set up (and volume on the speakers at her home), we were able to accomplish our appointment, keep the momentum going on physiotherapy, and I ended up seeing her in person for her next visit.
Often when people are first discharged from hospital, we understand that transportation to and from appointments is limited. Virtual therapy serves as a nice medium before the client can get organized or is at the right stage of recovery to attend the clinic.
I think it is equally important to encourage community participation (as appropriate) and indicate the option for in-clinic sessions when the time is right for the client.
2. It is Safe and Secure
We use platforms that comply with Ontario’s privacy laws and College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards, so your personal health information stays safe. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association supports virtual care, provided that it meets professional and privacy standards (CPA, 2020).
In addition, our clinicians are trained to make sure the surrounding area that virtual sessions are being conducted in are free from tripping hazards, distractions, loose materials on the floor, and are in general conducive to a productive physiotherapy session.
The one thing that my clients forget to have nearby (although we’re getting better!) are their water bottles in case they need to take a sip of water or take a break from the hard work their putting in!
3. It is Effective for a Wide Range of Conditions
Research shows virtual physiotherapy can be just as effective as in-person care for many orthopaedic and neurological conditions, including back pain, post-stroke rehab, Parkinson’s disease, and joint replacements.
A systematic review by Turolla et al. found telerehabilitation to be equally effective as traditional rehab for neurological conditions.[i] Another review by Cottrell et al. supported its effectiveness in musculoskeletal conditions.[ii]
4. You Get Real-Time Feedback
During virtual sessions, I can guide your movements, give real-time corrections, and adjust your program just like I would in the clinic. This really is a collective effort between clinician and client/client’s family.
Depending on the program and electronic devices being used, the clinician can really provide an in-depth analysis to movement and exercise form. Interactive telerehabilitation allows for immediate therapist feedback, which contributes to patient confidence and adherence.[iii]
5. Greater Family Involvement
Family members or caregivers can join the session and learn how to assist or support your exercises, which is especially valuable in neurological rehab. In certain contexts, I have also had the ability to help train family members and team members alike.
In some circumstances, physiotherapy assistants have used virtual care to improve the physiotherapist’s ability to deliver effective delegated tasks. Involving caregivers in virtual therapy improves outcomes and increases the likelihood of long-term progress.[iv]
Families and caregivers are often very open to the use of virtual therapy if it means increased integration of care for the client.
6. Fewer Missed Appointments
Bad weather, traffic, or feeling unwell doesn’t have to mean missed appointments. Virtual care helps you stay on track with your rehab plan. Research during COVID-19 showed that virtual physiotherapy helped patients maintain consistent care and continue recovery without delays.[v]
In my own practice, I have used virtual therapy to ensure my clients continue on their rehabilitation journey, despite unforeseen barriers that occur. For instance, if they were attending in-clinic sessions but their ride to the clinic has become sick, we could still have a virtual touch point during the week to make sure they continue with their exercises.
7. Better Integration into Daily Life
Exercises are performed in your own environment, helping you apply movement strategies in real-world settings like your kitchen, bedroom, or stairs. Virtual care can also be a stepping stone to in-home therapy as well, where the therapist integrates the home environment in to the physiotherapy sessions. Home-based rehab increases functional carryover and relevance of therapy to everyday activities.[vi]
8. Reduced Risk of Illness Exposure
Especially important for people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems, virtual care reduces the risk of exposure to infections like COVID-19 or seasonal flu. Virtual care is a safe alternative for patients at higher risk of infection, without compromising care quality.[vii]
9. Accessible from Anywhere in Ontario
Whether you live in downtown Toronto or a rural Northern Ontario town, you can access care as long as you have internet or phone connection. Clients who live remotely but require assessment or treatment of specific conditions may benefit from physiotherapy being delivered in this form.
Virtual rehab expands reach to underserved or remote populations, helping to reduce healthcare inequities.[viii] In addition to addressing some inequities, we’ve used virtual therapy or telerehabilitation to improve community involvement in the form of group workshops, group exercises, and informational seminars.
On these platforms, we are able to connect with individuals who may have significant limitations to attending a clinical setting, and provide them with an opportunity to engage with a health professional and take reasonable steps for their own health.
10. It’s Cost-Effective
You save on transportation, childcare, or time off work, making therapy more affordable and less disruptive to your routine. Depending on the set up to your home or living environment, physiotherapists can adjust their treatment techniques to suit your immediate surrounding, helping with follow through and adherence.
Virtual physiotherapy is shown to reduce indirect costs and improve affordability for patients.[ix] In addition to being an effective medium for the delivery of physiotherapy care, virtual mediums have been helpful in supporting community initiatives like the Brain Injury Association of York Region’s (BIAYR) annual Movement for All virtual exercise series.
This four-part series, led by physiotherapists and occupational therapists from Propel Physiotherapy, showcases a variety of ways a person can remain physically active despite having barriers to formal exercise routines. Modifying exercises, using what is available at home, and taking into account symptoms from previous injuries are what this series is all about.
Conclusion: Ask Us About Virtual Healthcare
Virtual physiotherapy isn’t just a temporary fix—it’s a modern, flexible, and effective health solution. If you’re living with challenges that make clinic visits hard, virtual sessions can bring high-quality care to you.
If you’re unsure whether virtual care is right for your condition, feel free to contact the team at Propel Physiotherapy.
References
[i] Turolla, A., et al. (2020). Telerehabilitation for people with neurological diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare.
[ii] Cottrell, M. A., et al. (2017). Telerehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare.
[iii] Lee, A. C., et al. (2018). Telehealth physical therapy in musculoskeletal practice. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
[iv] Camden, C., & Silva, M. (2021). Pediatric telerehabilitation: Systematic review. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics.
[v] Tenforde, A. S., et al. (2020). Outpatient telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic: Clinical and cost outcomes. PM&R Journal.
[vi] Laver, K. E., et al. (2020). Telerehabilitation services for stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
[vii] Hailey, D., et al. (2011). The effectiveness of teletreatment for managing physical disabilities. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare.
[viii] Brennan, D. M., et al. (2010). Home-based telehealth: A systematic review. Telemedicine and e-Health.
[ix] Kairy, D., et al. (2009). The clinical and economic impact of telerehabilitation. Telemedicine and e-Health.
Written by
