Virtual Physiotherapy

Are you motivated to achieve your goals but want to know you are on the right PATH?  VIRTUAL PHYSIOTHERAPY is now being offered by Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates (EPA) and Guelph Women’s Health Associates (GWHA).

Your Path to Improved Health

EPA’s Unique Process

Do you find that you would like to attend physiotherapy but don’t have the time to attend your treatment AND drive to & from your appointment?  Your commute doesn’t allow you to attend during your Physiotherapist’s hours? You are a parent at home with young children and do not have the babysitting resources available to leave your children and attend physiotherapy?

We use EPA’s unique process: Your Path to Improved Health,  to guide client’s down the PATH where you can achieve your goals through your individual efforts in the comfort of your home and on your schedule.

Can you do VIRTUAL physiotherapy without touching me?

YES!  VIRTUAL physiotherapy draws on the expertise of our seasoned physiotherapists with years of experience and knowledge.   Your VIRTUAL physiotherapy experience begins with the same thorough first visit as you would experience coming into our clinics.  You have dedicated one on one time with your physiotherapist, but with VIRTUAL physiotherapy we use secure video conferencing in order to protect your privacy.  (Platforms like Facetime and Skype do not currently meet Canadian privacy standards).  During your initial visit an extensive health history is taken, we ensure that it is safe for you to move into any further assessment or treatment and we can take the time to hear your goals and expectations.  Our video conferencing is user friendly.  All you will need is either your laptop with a camera, or a smartphone with a camera and a reliable internet connection is necessary. You will also need to provide us with photo ID, your phone number, or an alternate means of reaching you should we lose your connection.  We will also ask you for an emergency contact and your local emergency services in the small chance of an emergency service.  We want to keep you safe!

Is VIRTUAL physiotherapy treatment “as good” as physiotherapy treatment in the clinic?

VIRTUAL physiotherapy is a great choice for those clients that are self motivated, but want some individual professional physiotherapy direction.  We want to help you find your PATH.  Physiotherapists use many tools for both assessment and treatment.  Assessment and treatment that is done in the clinic has the advantage of your physiotherapist being able to touch, feel and assess your responses to specific movement or tests.  As a result, not all clients will be appropriate candidates for VIRTUAL physiotherapy, and some clients may have had better outcomes if they had attended in person with their physiotherapist.

About Our Physios

EPA and GWHA Physios Available

Elora

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Meredith Fairbairn

Meredith Fairbairn

BSc Hon (Kin), MScPT, Clinical Director, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist TPI certified, Registered Physiotherapist

Georgetown

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Meryl Da Costa

Meryl Da Costa

BSc (PT), BHSc (Kin), Registered Physiotherapist, Clinic Manager

Zenil Gandhi

Zenil Gandhi

B.P.T., FCAMPT, Registered Physiotherapist

Guelph – Bullfrog

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Nicole Watson

Nicole Watson

BHSc (PT), HBSc, Registered Physiotherapist

Michelle Lumasag

Michelle Lumasag

BHSc (PT), Registered Physiotherapist

Andrew Stolfi

Andrew Stolfi

MSc (PT), BSc Hon (Kin), FCAMPT,IDN,CAFCI, Registered Physiotherapist

David Ross

David Ross

Registered Physiotherapist, MSc (PT), BA (HS), BSc Hon (Bio)

Ashlea Masters

Ashlea Masters

Registered Physiotherapist , MScPT, CAT(C), BAHSc (AT)

Orangeville

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Wil Hunter

Wil Hunter

MSc (PT), BA Hon (Kin), CAFCI, Registered Physiotherapist, Partner

Katie Pistor

Katie Pistor

MSc (PT), MSc (Kin), BSc Hon (Kin), Registered Physiotherapist

Guelph Women’s Health Assoc.

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Janet MacKinnon

Janet MacKinnon

MSc (PT), MSc (Bio Med), BSc Hon, Registered Physiotherapist, Clinical Director of GWHA

Service Offering

Services Offered

VIRTUAL Physiotherapy Orthopaedic Initial Assessment

Your VIRTUAL physiotherapy experience begins with the same thorough first visit as you would experience coming into our clinics.  An initial assessment is a necessary step in order for our physiotherapists to make a diagnosis and outline a treatment plan.  All clients must begin with EITHER a PELVIC or an ORTHOPAEDIC Initial assessment.

You have dedicated one on one time with your experienced physiotherapist, but with VIRTUAL physiotherapy we use secure video conferencing.  During your initial visit an extensive health history is taken, we ensure that it is safe for you to move into any further assessment or treatment and we can take the time to hear your goals and expectations.

Our video conferencing is user friendly. Prior to your first appointment, make sure your technology is ready to go either on your home computer or your phone.  During your assessment we will often watch specific movement patterns and ask about symptoms using our video connection.

At the completion of your first visit we will review the findings and outline a treatment plan that clarifies timelines involved for recovery, as well as discussing any outstanding concerns, which may include making a referral to other providers or asking that you see your family doctor for specific tests.  You will leave this appointment with your first your personalized physiotherapy treatment of education and exercise.

VIRTUAL Physiotherapy Treatment Sessions

VIRTUAL physiotherapy treatment sessions provide you with one on one dedicated time with our skilled physiotherapists. You must have had an assessment done by one of our EPA/GWHA physiotherapists within the last month to begin with this booking.  New clients, please begin with a specific VIRTUAL Physiotherapy Assessment

Our platform has been built around exercise, education and manual therapy. During your VIRTUAL physiotherapy session there is no direct hands-on therapy, but we are able to provide education like potential school or work modifications, pain management strategies for home and progressive exercises with video demonstrations and follow up electronic references.
VIRTUAL Physiotherapy clients can take advantage of our experienced physiotherapists that boast extensive courses, credentialing and education which gives them the tools to analyze a client’s story, watch them move through special sequencing and tests and give recommendations for home pain relief, exercises and education.

Our education and exercise programs are unique to YOU! All of programs are tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. We share many electronic resources during your treatment sessions to make sure you understand your diagnosis and ensure you are confident with your exercises. You will also receive electronic links to our exercise APP or through email.

VIRTUAL Physiotherapy PELVIC Initial Assessment

What can I expect at my first physiotherapy visit?

Your first physiotherapy appointment begins the unique process, Your Path to Improved Health. The first visit involves: “Clarifying your Injury/Complaint step”. You will NOT experience an internal vaginal assessment, you will NOT be asked to show on camera any vaginal area AND your virtual session will NOT be recorded.

This includes:

The initial assessment is an integral piece of your Path to Improved Health. This is your opportunity to discuss why you are visiting our facility with your professional, skilled physiotherapist.

At GWHA we offer extended first visit time appointments so that you can sit back and relax and share your story. VIRTUAL Physiotherapy allows you to do this in the comfort and convenience of your own home.

Our assessment includes:

A detailed review of what brings you to the clinic and your relevant medical history, a full physical examination that may include range of motion, strength, orthopaedic and other specialized tests (you may be required to wear shorts or a gown for better visibility over your webcamera). If you are being seen for a pelvic health concern, you will likely be asked to more detailed questions around your pelvic floor concerns

What is the purpose of the internal pelvic floor assessment and is it used in VIRTUAL physiotherapy?

Both in clinic and during VIRTUAL physiotherapy, we give a detailed review on pelvic floor anatomy so that our clients understand key muscles and areas of concern. During VIRTUAL physiotherapy this education uses tools like online anatomy videos and models.

Our in clinic exam has the advantage of physically being able to evaluate the pelvic floor to help us determine: the general state of the pelvic floor with gentle palpation/touching; the strength/weakness of the pelvic floor; the mobility of the pelvic floor and the coordination of the pelvic floor under exertion and relaxation.

While VIRTUAL physiotherapy does not involve observing or feeling the pelvic floor, the questions that we ask lend themselves to a likely diagnosis and the treatment and education that can follow are equally as important in relieving symptoms and improving function. For many clients, the barrier of getting to the clinic, whether it may be work schedules, child care or time prevent them from accessing resources that could improve their life.

Following your assessment your physiotherapist will explain your treatment plan and clarify timelines involved for recovery, as well as discussing any outstanding concerns. This is often an opportunity to highlight any other resources that may be useful to accelerate recovery that may be readily available in your community.

FAQ

Is VIRTUAL Physiotherapy as effective as in person physiotherapy?

VIRTUAL physiotherapy draws on the expertise of our seasoned physiotherapists with years of experience and expert knowledge.   Your VIRTUAL physiotherapy experience begins with the same thorough intake interview as you would experience if you were coming into one of our clinics.  You will have dedicated one on one time with your physiotherapist, but with VIRTUAL physiotherapy we use secure video conferencing to do so.  Your initial visit will include an extensive health history, prior to further assessment and/or treatment, during which we also take the time to hear your goals and expectations.  We then complete with you an active assessment to observe things like posture, movement patterns and functional mobility to determine your ‘baseline’.  With you, we then create a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.  Our video conferencing is user friendly, and prior to your first appointment, we will make sure your technology is ready to go either on your home computer or your phone.

The gold standard in person physiotherapy approach will incorporate scientific research into treatment recommendations, and include critical features like education on pain relieving strategies, specific and unique exercises for your diagnosis and often manual therapy.  VIRTUAL physiotherapy focuses on the exercise and education pillars that are soundly supported by research and are the critical pieces of the puzzle.

While exercise and education are 2 of the pillars to physiotherapy, some clients do respond with the additional support of manual therapy or hands on treatment.  If you or our physiotherapists feel like you are not achieving your maximal potential we would expedite a referral to any of locations and/or communicate treatment findings and recommendations to a provider of your choice in your community.

Is VIRTUAL Physiotherapy as effective as in person physiotherapy?

VIRTUAL physiotherapy draws on the expertise of our seasoned physiotherapists with years of experience and expert knowledge.   Your VIRTUAL physiotherapy experience begins with the same thorough intake interview as you would experience if you were coming into one of our clinics.  You will have dedicated one on one time with your physiotherapist, but with VIRTUAL physiotherapy we use secure video conferencing to do so.  Your initial visit will include an extensive health history, prior to further assessment and/or treatment, during which we also take the time to hear your goals and expectations.  We then complete with you an active assessment to observe things like posture, movement patterns and functional mobility to determine your ‘baseline’.  With you, we then create a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.  Our video conferencing is user friendly, and prior to your first appointment, we will make sure your technology is ready to go either on your home computer or your phone.

The gold standard in person physiotherapy approach will incorporate scientific research into treatment recommendations, and include critical features like education on pain relieving strategies, specific and unique exercises for your diagnosis and often manual therapy.  VIRTUAL physiotherapy focuses on the exercise and education pillars that are soundly supported by research and are the critical pieces of the puzzle.

While exercise and education are 2 of the pillars to physiotherapy, some clients do respond with the additional support of manual therapy or hands on treatment.  If you or our physiotherapists feel like you are not achieving your maximal potential we would expedite a referral to any of locations and/or communicate treatment findings and recommendations to a provider of your choice in your community.

Is VIRTUAL Physiotherapy covered by my physiotherapy insurance?

VIRTUAL physiotherapy is provided by exclusively by our Registered Physiotherapists.   Your treatments are one on one time with our physiotherapists.  In order to remit to applicable insurance companies:  you must be an Ontario Resident and you must have completed your VIRTUAL physiotherapy appointment.  Following the completion of your VIRTUAL physiotherapy appointment you will receive a specific invoice from the clinic with your Registered Physiotherapist’s license number.  You will need to use this invoice when submitting for reimbursement of your VIRTUAL physiotherapy services. We always encourage our clients to confirm with their insurance company their physiotherapy coverage eligibility, and in this case confirm coverage for virtual/VIRTUAL/telemedicine physiotherapy.

Note:  Despite Physiotherapists being named a Primary Healthcare Provider, some insurance companies still require a medical doctor’s referral.  Your referral does not have to be specific to our clinic or specific to VIRTUAL physiotherapy.  It typically needs to be a general referral for physiotherapy.

Can I bill other funding sources like Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance or Workers Compensation Insurance Board

No. At this time we are not offering the necessary administrative support to bill these type of funding sources through VIRTUAL physiotherapy

What is Physiotherapy?
You can review our unique process Your Path to Improve Health
Physiotherapy is a primary care, autonomous, client-focused health profession dedicated to improving quality of life by:

Promoting optimal mobility, physical activity and overall health and wellness; Preventing disease, injury, and disability; Managing acute and chronic conditions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions; Improving and maintaining optimal functional independence and physical performance; Rehabilitating injury and the effects of disease or disability with therapeutic exercise programs and other interventions; and educating and planning maintenance and support programs to prevent re-occurrence, re-injury or functional decline.

Physiotherapy is anchored in movement sciences and aims to enhance or restore function of multiple body systems. The profession is committed to health, lifestyle and quality of life. This holistic approach incorporates a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions and aids.

The terms physiotherapy and physical therapy mean the same thing.

It is important to note that the term Physiotherapist is a protected term, and only licensed Physiotherapists can use this term.  Unfortunately, the terms physiotherapy and physical therapy are not protected, and therefore clients can be misled by false promotion of services.  Always ensure that you are receiving your physiotherapy or physical therapy by a licensed Registered Physiotherapist

Can I see my current physiotherapist virtually?

Our virtual platform pulls from the experience of our seasoned physiotherapists.  We believe that their experience supports the challenge that in virtual care, physiotherapists cannot touch their client.  We have a large pool of experienced therapists to draw from, however; while our technology is evolving, we would like to keep our team small so that we can monitor and adjust to any technology challenges.

With your permission, your current EPA/GWHA physiotherapist will speak to and share your file with our virtual physiotherapists, to make the transition as seamless as possible.