When most people think of physiotherapy, they envision hands-on treatment. However, with telehealth options on the rise is this also the new future of physiotherapy in Australia?

Coviu Director and former Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Vice President, Jenny Aiken thinks so. She thinks we need to take advantage of rising technology.

…”I think it’s about access. You create equal access whether people are disabled or mobile, regional or remote; there’s access to care”.

COVID-19 saw the rise of telehealth services during lockdowns and this trend has stuck, especially for those who live in remote areas with limited healthcare services in close proximity, older patients and aged care residents. Consulting with a physiotherapist virtually could reduce the number of falls older people have and in turn, give them a better quality of health and life.

88-year-old Stan, a home care recipient of physio telehealth services says it has improved his health tenfold. His walking, fitness and balance is so good, that he will be experiencing his first-ever parachute jump for this 89th birthday.

“It is great to be able to talk to a physio over Zoom from the comfort of my own home and I really like the videos and balance app so I can exercise on my own. I really enjoy having a care worker exercise with me each week – she keeps it fun and keeps me motivated” he said.

According to APA Vice President, Rik Dawson, virtual physio care will also take the burden and pressure off the healthcare systems through triaging, preventative measures and ongoing symptom management.

“By 2030 there’s going to be more people aged over 65 than young people for the first time ever in history and that’s only six years away” said Mr Dawson.

“Remote and regional areas feature large delays when medical professionals are driving out because it could take one to two days just to see a single patient. Telehealth is enabling them to have double the efficiency  and this stage and that’s just through access and video conferencing”.