How Does Mobile Physiotherapy Work? From Booking to Recovery

There has been a recent increased demand for in-home or mobile physiotherapy. The process consists of a licensed physiotherapist who comes to your home, personal care home, hospital, or workplace to provide physiotherapy services. How exactly does it work? We are going to take you through the steps involved from booking your appointment to recovering from your ailment once and for all! 

Step 1: Booking Your Appointment

The first step in accessing mobile physiotherapy is to book an appointment. This is typically an easy and straightforward process, with several ways to schedule depending on the service provider.

How to Book a Mobile Physiotherapy Appointment:

1. Online Booking: We offer an online booking platform where you can easily scroll through the service you are looking for. You can look at all of the times available and select the time most convenient for you. 
2. Phone Call: If you prefer more personalized service, you can call our receptionist, Megan, who will be willing and ready to get you booked in.  
3. Email: you can email us through our secure email platform and request an appointment. We usually respond within an hour during our regular business hours
4. Website: You can inquiry directly from our website using a form that is sent to our email
5. Referral: In some cases, your GP or another healthcare professional might refer you to a mobile physiotherapist. This is common for people recovering from surgery or those with chronic conditions requiring long-term management. The referral can be communicated through email or phone, and the physiotherapy service will contact you to schedule the appointment.
6. Insurance Approval: For those using MPI or WCB you may be directed to our company through your case coordinator. 
7. Social Media:  We happily take bookings over instagram or facebook DM

Choosing the Right Physiotherapist:

• You can select the right physiotherapist for your depending on area you are located, nature of injury, and gender preference.
• Some services also offer the option to request the same therapist for each appointment, which builds continuity of care and ensures a personalized approach.

Once you have your appointment booked you will be prompted to complete an intake form with insurance and payment information. It is helpful to complete this prior to your session to maximize your time for treatment.

Step 2: Initial Assessment

Once your appointment is booked, the next step is the initial assessment. This is an essential part of the process, as it allows the physiotherapist to understand your specific needs and develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition.

What Happens During the Initial Assessment:

1. Review of Medical History: The physiotherapist will ask you about your medical history, including any previous injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. This helps them understand any underlying factors that may be contributing to your current condition.
2. Discussion of Symptoms: You’ll be asked to describe the pain, discomfort, or movement limitations you’re experiencing. Be as detailed as possible, noting when the pain started, what aggravates it, and any other factors that might be relevant.
3. Posture and Movement Assessment: The physiotherapist will observe your posture, movement, and flexibility. This can include checking your range of motion, muscle strength, and any areas where pain or stiffness is felt. The therapist may ask you to perform specific movements or exercises to assess the severity of your condition and delve into how you are functioning.
4. Goal Setting: A key part of the initial assessment is setting goals for your treatment. These goals might include pain reduction, improved mobility, strength recovery, or a return to specific activities (e.g., walking, sports, or work tasks). Setting clear goals helps the therapist tailor the treatment plan and track progress over time. After your session you should have a clear picture of how often and how long you will likely need to be seen for. 

Step 3: Treatment Plan Development

After the assessment, your physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique condition and goals.

What the Treatment Plan Includes:

1. Exercise Program: The therapist will likely prescribe a set of exercises to address the specific issues identified during the assessment. These could include stretches, strengthening exercises, or posture correction drills. The exercises are typically designed to be performed at home, with the therapist guiding you on proper technique to prevent further injury. This is usually sent to you same day after the session.
2. Manual Therapy: Depending on your condition, manual therapy may be included in your treatment plan. This could involve hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilizations, or myofascial release, aimed at alleviating pain, improving mobility, and reducing muscle tension.
3. Pain Management: If you’re experiencing significant pain, your physiotherapist may incorporate techniques like heat or cold therapy, electrotherapy (TENS), or other modalities designed to manage pain and inflammation.
4. Lifestyle and Posture Advice: Physiotherapists often provide advice on improving your posture, ergonomic changes at work, or adjustments to daily activities that may be contributing to your condition. This may include tips on sleeping positions, proper lifting techniques, and strategies for reducing strain on your muscles and joints.
5. Home Modifications: If relevant, your physiotherapist might offer recommendations for making your home more conducive to recovery. For example, they might suggest mobility aids, suggest changes in furniture placement, or offer advice on setting up a safe and comfortable space for exercises.

Step 4: Ongoing Treatment and Monitoring

Once your treatment plan is in place, the physiotherapist will work with you to implement it over the course of several sessions. The frequency of appointments will depend on your condition and goals. Some patients may need to see their physiotherapist weekly, while others might require bi-weekly or monthly visits.

What to Expect During Ongoing Sessions:

1. Guidance and Instruction: Each session will typically involve the physiotherapist showing you new exercises, helping you with technique, and ensuring that you’re performing them correctly. They may also provide hands-on treatment, such as massage or joint mobilizations, to help alleviate pain and improve movement depending on your specific needs.
2. Adjustments to the Treatment Plan: As you progress, your physiotherapist may make adjustments to the treatment plan based on your improvement or any challenges you’re encountering. For instance, if certain exercises are too challenging or if you experience new symptoms, the physiotherapist will modify the plan to better suit your needs.
3. Progress Tracking: Physiotherapists monitor your progress by asking you about pain levels, mobility improvements, and functional changes. They may track progress using specific measurements (e.g., range of motion, strength tests) or qualitative assessments (e.g., how well you can perform daily tasks). They will communicate your progress the entire time. 
4. Self-Management: Between appointments, your physiotherapist will guide you on how to manage your condition at home. This could include advice on continuing exercises, self-massage techniques, or using ice/heat treatments. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity levels or modifying your diet, to support recovery.

Step 5: Gradual Recovery and Discharge

As you progress with your treatment, you will start to notice improvements in your condition—whether it’s a reduction in pain, increased mobility, or better strength, and simply have met your goals. 

Mobile physiotherapy is an accessible, personalized, and flexible way to receive physiotherapy care in the comfort of your own home. From when you book your first appointment to when you have met all of your goals, the process is deigned to be personalized to your specific needs! By taking away travel time and costs mobile or in home physiotherapy is a great alternative to the traditional clinic setting.