Physiotherapy and COVID-19
Rosedale Wellness Clinic will be offering physiotherapy on an emergency care basis, as well as to patients who are able to receive virtual care. Physiotherapy has been deemed an essential service during this COVID 19 outbreak.
Physiotherapy and COVID-19
Here are the parameters outlined by the Ontario Physiotherapy Association for all members to which all members must adhere: Members are to follow the guidelines established by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario on the details of what is considered emergency care. An ‘emergency’ case refers to where the risk of not receiving care at this time outweighs the risk of transmission of the virus. The determination of ‘emergency’ will be unique to each patient and to each organization/clinic/individual provider based on what can be accommodated within the recommended precautions from Public Health authorities (opa.on.ca).
Based on a professional assessment and judgement, if care needs to be provided in-person, then physiotherapy providers should follow all necessary precautions, including spacing out appointments to minimize density of people in a physical space and optimize physical distancing, and cleaning and disinfecting the environment (opa.on.ca).
A physiotherapist must use their professional judgement to determine whether it is appropriate, effective, and safe to deliver care through virtual means for each patient; factors such as competence with technology, language barriers, and cognitive or physical impairments must be considered. In all cases, informed consent must be given to participating in virtual care (opa.on.ca).
Many interventions and modalities can be provided virtually, including but not limited to:
Triaging, initial assessment (subjective and some objective components, including outcome measures), ongoing assessments to monitor progress including use of objective assessment tools that are available in many software programs and apps
Exercise prescription, supervised therapeutic exercise and appropriate progressions
Home based modalities including electrical stimulation and heat/cold applications as long as the patient has the equipment at their home
Self-administered techniques such as soft tissue massage or frictions under the direction of the physiotherapist including patient education on how to do this and at what intensity
Support for self-management, education, coaching and reassurance for patients and for caregivers, teaching the patient’s family how to assist in performing stretches or guided home exercises
Assessment of how patients are functioning and adapting in their home environments including assessment of fall risks and other functional/activities of daily living assessments
Bracing, donning and removal and check-in on fit and outcomes for bracing (opa.on.ca).
The Benefits of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps people where their movement and functions are vulnerable due to the process of ageing, injury or being infected by a disease. Physiotherapists use exercise to help people improve movement, flexibility and strength to reduce pain in both the short and long term. Physiotherapy in Rosedale and Toronto can make a significant difference in a person’s life who is suffering from pain and discomfort.
Physiotherapists usually recommend movement and exercise to help improve a person’s mobility and function. Sometimes exercises carried out in warm, shallow water (hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy) can be soothing and effective for a person. Water can help a person relax, while it supports the muscles and joints, and it provides resistance to help a person gradually get stronger.
Physiotherapy can treat conditions such as sprains, arthritis, bursitis, strains, posture problems, back pain, and even incontinence. Physiotherapy in Rosedale also treats sport and workplace injuries, and people suffering from reduced mobility. Physiotherapy in Toronto also helps people through their rehabilitation after surgery. Physiotherapy exercises have been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to solve or prevent pain and injury. Physiotherapists should be patient and sensitive to the needs of their patients. They should have strong communication and problem-solving skills and excellent organization. Physiotherapy takes a lot of dedication by both the patient and the therapist, and so it is important that the physiotherapist should be encouraging and firm.
Rosedale physiotherapy plays an integral role in treating chronic pain. Patients who experience extended periods of chronic pain are typically unable to maintain a healthy lifestyle or achieve a state of general fitness. The physiotherapists at Rosedale Wellness Clinic are aware of a patient’s pain and in turn they create a course of treatment, so that there is an end goal to achieve improved health. This is especially helpful for patients who are struggling with chronic pain that is impacting their overall mental health.
The physiotherapists in Rosedale first interact with their patients to achieve a level of trust. Patients are comforted by the belief that physical therapy will yield positive results, that a reduction or lessening of the pain is achievable, and that there will be progress. Chronic pain that has been present for years may take significant time before noticeable improvements are realized. Small successes should be celebrated and built on to achieve a longer-term positive outcome (psychologytoday.com).
STAY SAFE
It is important that both physiotherapists and patients practice proper social distancing in order to best serve the needs of us all.
The post Physiotherapy and COVID-19 appeared first on Rosedale Wellness Centre.
