WHAT IS TELEHEALTH?
By Tara Lazarski, Registered Sport Physiotherapist and Head Therapist for Cycling Canada’s Mountain Bike Team
Virtual rehab, telerehabilitation, telemedicine and telehealth are just a few of the words you may have seen more of recently. Although it has quickly emerged in light of COVID-19, it is not a new concept and many medical clinics have been offering this service for some time.
Telehealth allows access to medical and health related services via telecommunication technology (video and phone). A practitioner and patient can connect regardless of location.
Now more than ever, it is important to understand how it can be helpful for you, as we cannot currently physically access our local health care providers. Family doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors and even dentist have moved their practices online to be able to provide care to people while they are isolating in their homes.
It can be hard to imagine how a video session can replace hands-on treatment in the clinic. A lot of what goes on in a therapy session can happen very effectively online, as movement assessments, education and home exercise programs can be prescribed and monitored.
As many of us have transitioned to home office set ups, indoor riding, and home workouts, new aches and pains, and areas of discomfort may have started. If this is you or you want to prevent this from happening—reach out to your local therapist as it is highly likely they are set up to do phone and video consultations. This would also be the perfect opportunity to connect with a practitioner that is not local to you that maybe you have always had questions for.
No injury or discomfort is too small and it is a lot easier to get control on your own if you have the right advice as early as possible. Thankfully many extended medical programs across Canada are covering telerehabilitation sessions, and more are being added as clinics and medical facilities remain closed.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions on this topic or if you need help finding a cycling specific provider at taralazarski@gmail.com.
