I’ve written a few posts recently about how online physiotherapy can help, but I’m now getting questions about the logistics: how exactly does it work, and how do you access it?
How to book a session
The first step is simple: call my team on 0207 175 0150! Reece and Tasha will be able to ask you all the things I need to know: what’s the problem, and how and when did you do it (if you know). They’ll take your name and email address, and they’ll book you an appointment in my diary.
The next thing that’ll happen is that you’ll get two automatic emails from my clinical notes system, which is called Jane. Jane is specifically designed for medics so it is super encrypted and safe; and it has an encrypted video system within it which is how we talk to each other.
Create an online account
The first email is welcoming you to my clinic, and asking you to create a secure online account and complete an intake form – this is where you add your phone number and address, go through some consent forms, and complete some questionnaires so that I can understand a bit more about the state of your health.
The second email confirms the date and time of the appointment, and goes through the process. You’ll need to wear comfortable clothing so that you can move around when I ask you to, and ideally you’ll have a computer with a webcam, on which you can use the Chrome browser. Jane doesn’t currently work with phones or iPads, and it doesn’t seem to like Safari or Firefox browsers very much; but if that’s a problem, then just let me know and I can switch to using Zoom. I’ll also ask you to make sure you have enough space around you so that I can see you move.
How to join the treatment session
You’ll receive a reminder email with a link to your appointment, 30 minutes before the session. Please do log into your Jane account a couple of minutes early, as there is an extra online consent form that you need to tick before the session, which will start as soon as I “arrive”.
We will then go through a physio session: talking about your current issue, your medical and injury history, your health etc; then I will ask you to do some movements so that I can work out what the problem is likely to be, and how best I can help. If you have someone in your home with you who is happy to help (and obviously if you are happy with this too!) then I may ask them to act as my “hands” during the session, or teach them how to help you. The sessions are around 30 minutes long, but I’m leaving a bit of “give” in my diary so that if there are any tech issues, nobody gets short-changed.
What happens next?
At the end of the session, we will discuss what needs to happen next – whether that’s exercises, possibly combined with hands-on treatment performed by you or by someone you live with – or whether this is potentially something more serious and you need a scan of any sort. I will write up a report for you, and make you a video or two to remind you of any exercises I may have recommended; and we will agree on when we want to follow up.
How to pay
Payment is by credit card – I will ask you to give me your credit card details, exactly as I would if you were in clinic with me. You will get an emailed credit card receipt; if you are claiming back from your health insurer then please let me know as I can get my PA, Sarah, to send a formal clinic receipt specifically for that purpose.
And that’s it – I look forward to seeing you in my virtual clinic! But if you have any questions, please email my team and we’ll be happy to answer.