Recent world events have accelerated the adoption of telehealth. In fact, because of measures by the provincial government of Ontario to contain the spread of COVID-19, a number of leading insurance providers across Ontario allow their clients to claim physiotherapy telehealth sessions as part of their health plans.
Advancements in secure video technology, the availability of mobile devices with high quality cameras, and access to high speed, high quality internet connections now allow many physiotherapy services to be privately delivered into your home, at a time convenient to you.
Telehealth Physiotherapy Online Consultations
For the past 5 years MelioGuide Physiotherapy has been offering telehealth physiotherapy services to our clients in the Ottawa area. It is very effective. In fact, a recent study (1) has shown it to be nearly as effective as in-clinic service delivery. Our patients love it because of it is convenient, effective and stress free.
One thing I learned from offering telehealth services over the past five years is that it takes an experienced eye to deliver these services effectively. Years of clinical experience develops the observational skills needed to prescribe the correct treatment plan.
Today, I am expanding our telehealth service across Ontario to both the larger cities (including Toronto, Mississauga, North York, Brampton, Hamilton, London, Markham, Vaughn, Kitchener and Windsor) and the many underserved rural and smaller towns in Ontario. Join us online!
The video below introduces you to this service. I describe several recent patients I successfully assessed and treated using telehealth. To schedule your telehealth session, simply click on the button below the video and it will take you to our schedule.
Shortly after you make your appointment, one of our support staff will contact you and make sure that you are setup to have a successful telehealth session.
Book Your Telehealth Online Appointment
Please note that only residents of Ontario can use my Telehealth physiotherapy service.
Still Not Sure If Telehealth Is Right for You?
Do you still have reservations or concerns about telehealth? Do you think it is better to wait for your local clinic to re-open?
We understand.
If you have questions and want to talk to one of us about how the sessions are delivered and how the technology works, or you need help getting set up, please reach out and contact us either on our Contact page or by phone at 1-613-514-0284. We would love to hear from you.
Table of Contents
- Treatment Areas
- Insurance Coverage for Telehealth
- Telehealth Benefits
- What Our Patients Say
- Staff Profiles
Telehealth Treatment Areas
Telehealth Physiotherapy is very effective for the the following treatment areas.
- Joint pain, sprains, strains, fractures and replacements.
- Personal exercise programs.
- Posture alignment and improvement.
- Osteoporosis treatment and management.
- Home ergonomics.
- Balance and coordination issues.
Telehealth Insurance Coverage
The number of insurance companies in Ontario that reimburse for telehealth services is growing everyday. Here are the companies that provide coverage for residents of Ontario. If your provider is not in this list, I encourage you to contact them directly.
- Canada Life Assurance (Great West Life / London Life) (click on “Read full message” to see that they approve “virtual paramedical services” for physiotherapy).
- Green Shield
- Sunlife
The Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth has a number of significant advantages and benefits. Here are a few to consider the next time you have an injury or need Physiotherapy.
- The clinician is able to see you move in your home environment and recommend exercises, movements and other treatments specific to your needs.
- Prevents your condition from worsening.
- Saves you time and eliminates stress associated with traveling.
What Our Patients Say About Telehealth
Several of our clients share their thoughts on their recent telehealth experiences.
Elizabeth Reed
Following surgery for a broken ankle, it was very important for me to continue my physio regimen with Margaret. Health and safety restrictions imposed by COVID-19 made it impossible for me to continue face-to-face appointments, so I decided to explore the Telehealth option. This has proven to be a very good decision.During our video sessions, which take place in the comfort of my own home, Margaret suggests exercises and then with her professional and experienced eye, observes and provides guidance to ensure that I am performing these exercises correctly. She then creates an exercise regimen for me to follow between our scheduled appointments and welcomes questions that I may have which will provide clarification that I may need.Although in-clinic appointments may be the preferred method of care, benefits of the telehealth option should definitely be considered.
Barbara Greenspon
While recovering from surgery, it became impossible for me to continue physical therapy in person. I wanted to keep up the great recovery process I was experiencing, so I decided to see if telehealth physical therapy would work for me.
What a wonderful decision it was for me. I have no idea what it would be like with another therapist, but Margaret is perfect for this. It is like she is in the room with me, talking with me and working with me as if she really was.
It feels almost like a luxury to have such excellent help right at home. I wondered if it would be awkward, but it is anything but. I’m really glad I didn’t hesitate to do this.
Janice Knight
I have found it very helpful to be able to have online telehealth video appointments with Margaret. She is very patient and caring and is able to correct any posture issues or sleeping habits that have an impact on my nerves and muscles. She has also given me exercises that strengthen my muscles and help with the pain. I am very grateful for her help.
Donna Heieren
I have osteoporosis and have broken bones and was looking for help. I did a telehealth video conference with her for a physical therapy review. She gave me pointers on how to do exercises better for increased improvement. She has answered my questions several times through her business email. Her books are very helpful and so are all the videos she puts out. I have had more help from Margaret than from my own local doctors and therapists.
Nan Beth Campbell
I worked with Margaret Martin on physiotherapy after falling and fracturing 2 vertebrae in my upper back. We did a telehealth consultation. She asked all the right questions and provided me with exercises, stretches and other movement guidance that helped me go from non-functional back to being able to do housework, laundry and all those movements that your everyday life requires. She made the most of my 1 hour consultation and I was grateful to find a therapist who truly understood what I was going through and had the background and credentials to help me.
Harriet Gorham
Margaret’s ability to deliver results to telehealth is amazing! She is keeping me on track with my strengthening program and helping me to avoid mistakes. The advantage is she can see me working with the tools I have available and can suggest how to adapt to get better results and stay safe. She is also there with self-help strategies to help me cope when I can’t access manual therapy
Our Telehealth Staff
We have two experienced physiotherapists on staff to provide telehealth services to you. One thing I learned from offering telehealth services for the past five years is that it takes a skilled physiotherapist to deliver these services effectively.
Years of clinical experience develops the observational skills needed to prescribe the correct treatment plan. That is why our team includes only experienced physiotherapists. Between the two of us, we have over 60 years of clinical experience.
Margaret Martin
Margaret Martin is a bilingual Physiotherapist with 37 years of clinical experience. Her expertise is in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis through exercise, safe movement, posture alignment, joint rehabilitation, and fall prevention. For the last 15 years, she has concentrated on bone health and has treated thousands of patients for their osteoporosis, osteopenia and low bone density.
Margaret is the author of three books (including Exercise for Better Bones) and numerous videos on exercise. All books and videos are available on Amazon.
Julie Paquette
Julie Paquette is a bilingual Physiotherapist with over 25 years of extensive experience treating clients with a variety of issues including, back and neck pain, post-operative pain and weakness, repetitive use injuries, sports injuries, headaches, migraines and concussions. Julie was one of the first therapists to take Margaret’s 15 hour professional training course: Working with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis.
Language Support
The MelioGuide telehealth physiotherapy services are available in either English or French.
Book Your Telehealth Online Appointment
Please note that only residents of Ontario can use my Telehealth physiotherapy service.
Still Not Sure If Telehealth Is Right for You?
Do you still have reservations or concerns about telehealth? Do you think it is better to wait for your local clinic to re-open?
We understand.
However, if you have questions and want to talk to one of us about how the sessions are delivered and how the technology works, or you need help getting set up, please reach out and contact us either on our Contact page or by phone at 1-613-514-0284. We would love to hear from you.
References
- Cottrell MA, et al. Real-time telerehabilitation for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions is effective and comparable to standard practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2017 May;31(5):625-638. doi: 10.1177/0269215516645148. Epub 2016 May 2.