Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions

With directive to stay isolated at this time, coming into the clinic for treatment may not be the best option for you. However, neither is sitting at home suffering with pain or injury. That is why I am offering telehealth or online consultations to help people. Some people are hesitant to do these because they aren't sure what it is. In his article, I would like to address some frequently asked questions about telehealth/online consults.....

1. What Are Telehealth or Online consultations?

These are visits that are basically done through the computer. Using a secure internet link, we are able to "meet" at a scheduled appointment time and see each other face-to-face just like we would in the clinic. 

2. Why Use Telehealth?

During this time with Coronavirus as a threat, this allows you to get the help you may need without going out in public. One of the things that I am hearing from people is that they are experiencing more pain, stiffness, and decreased function since being at home. Others, because they are being more active with walks, running, yard work, etc are experiencing new onsets of pain. These consultations allow you to get the help you need. Even before the virus, people have been using telehealth because of the convenience of getting help without having to leave their homes. 

3. Is My Condition or Injury Suitable for Online P.T.?

The vast majority of common musculoskeletal injuries and complaints are suitable for online physical therapy. If we determine however, that your situation is not  all suitable for an online diagnosis or treatment in physical therapy, I will make recommendations on how to get the care you would need.
If you wold like to know before scheduling if you are a good candidate for online physical therapy, you can call me at (920)857-1622. 

4. Do I Need a Dr. Referral to Use Telehealth?

Good news! In Wisconsin, you do NOT need a referral from your Dr. to be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist. 

5. Will You Tell Me If I Need to Have an In-person Treatment? 

​Absolutely. While there are many musculoskeletal injuries or complaints that can be managed via online consultations, some conditions do benefit from ‘hands-on’ assessment and treatment. If it is determined that this would be best for you, we will discuss options.

6. How Can You Diagnose My Injury Without Touching Me?

Even in the clinic, physical therapy evaluations start with a “subjective assessment” in which the I will ask a series of questions to discover what I need to know about your injury. By the end of this Q & A, I should have a very clear idea of your diagnosis, based on the information obtained. At this point, I may ask you to perform some specific tests to confirm my assessment.

Similarly, in an online session, I would have you perform certain movement and ask further questions after each of these movement, and will assess your feedback regarding each phase of the evaluation. This process will clarify the diagnosis and lead to the most likely solutions.  

7. What About Treatment? How Can You Treat My Injury Without Touching Me?

A common misconception of pain and injury treatment is that it must involve hands-on treatment. In reality, most conditions can be treated and improved with education, identifying contributing personal lifestyle and fitness factors, as well as implementing a specific exercise or movement program.
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Modern physical therapy is no longer reliant on complex machines and manual techniques, and is trending towards guided self-care and personalized rehabilitation programs, granting you much needed control of your recovery. Research has shown that outcomes are enhanced, if not realistically better through online consultation, due to the personal empowerment and easy facilitation offered.
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And, as always, if I determine you have a condition that would benefit from hands-on treatment, I will let you know immediately.

8. Do I Need To Use a Specific Operating System or Web Browser For My Consultation?

If you are viewing this page, you can successfully complete and consultation and treatment session. Our secure, third-party platforms tailor your consultation to the equipment and bandwidth you have available. If there are any difficulties, we will work with you until they are resolved. If you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to contact me.

I hope this article answers some of your questions that may have made you hesitant to receive online care for your problem. If you have other questions that have not been answered, please feel free to give me a call or email me and I would be happy to answer them for you. You can also visit the telehealth page on my website for more information: www.promotiongb.com/telehealth.html

Bob
(920)857-1622
bob@promotiongb.com