Our priority during this COVID-19 crisis is the safety of our patients and our staff. There are many things we are doing as professionals to minimise risk of exposure through rigorous hygiene practices and patient screening to keep you safe. We are also offering a telehealth alternative to visiting in-person.

Telehealth uses digital technology that's readily available for your computer or phone to receive treatment from our physios. It is both safe and effective and allows you to continue to receive a personal touch to your treatment from anywhere - you are no longer restricted by location, or travel constraints.

We use two platforms for Telehealth consultations; PhysiApp and another program called TeleHab by Vald Health, which is APA Endorsed.

PhysiApp
The PhysiApp platform features a free, downloadable app for your smartphone or tablet that allows you to see video of all your exercises, record your symptoms and provide feedback to your physiotherapist. You’ll receive an email from your physio inviting you to the consultation, and you just need to click on the link in the email and the consult will start in your App if you have it, or in your browser if you don’t. It definitely works best on a computer based browser.

Vald Health TeleHab
Vald Health TeleHab is our other go-to platform for Telehealth. TeleHab, developed by clinicians in Australia, works very simply. You’ll receive an email inviting you to the call, and then you just need to click on the link in the email and follow the prompts. TeleHab also comes with a free app which shows video of your exercises, and allows you to record your own performance of your exercises, so your physio can provide feedback if needed.

Great Lakes Physio will advise you of which platform will be used for your Telehealth consult when we confirm your Telehealth appointment time. We will be able to talk you through the whole process during your initial consultation.

With the guidance and support of your physio via email, SMS or phone, you have the power and tools to treat your problem and fast-track your recovery.

Most Musculoskeletal Injuries are suitable for telehealth consultation with one of our physiotherapists. However, if during your initial consultation we determine that your injury or situation is not suitable, we will let you know, and refund the consultation cost.

If you are unsure whether your injury is suitable for a telelhealth consultation or not, please call us on 02 6554 6556 to discuss your needs.

Our consultations start with a 'subjective assessment', in which we ask you a series of well-structured questions that are designed to uncover critical details about your injury. By the end of the subjective assessment, the Physio should already have a very clear idea of your probable diagnosis; your Physio may perform some tests to confirm this.

You can rest assured that our team have the knowledge and experience to diagnose your injury or condition via telehealth; Jonathon and Sarah both have over 30 years physiotherapy experience in a wide variety of settings with a lifetime commitment to continuing professional development.

Your Physiotherapist may contact you with any further queries about your injury once they have reviewed your original assessment. They may prompt you to answer further questions, or perform certain movements, and will then assess your feedback regarding these. If we are ever unsure of your diagnosis, we will not hesitate to refer you for an in-person appointment.

Most people's traditional view of Physiotherapy is that it involves "hands on" treatment. In reality, this is only a small portion of what Physios do to assist with injury management. Educating you about your condition, identifying contributing factors from your lifestyle, as well as instigating a structured and tailored exercise program, are some of the most important things Physiotherapists do.

Over the last 5 to 10 years, Physiotherapy has moved away from a reliance on complex machines and manual techniques, and towards rehabilitation programs carried out under guidance. This puts you in much more control of your own recovery. Research has shown that outcomes can, in fact, be better through online consultation, due to the empowering nature of the system. Naturally, if we feel you have an injury that requires "hands on" Physiotherapy, we will inform you.

You can participate in a telehealth consultation using either a smartphone or a computer or laptop.

Smartphone
If you will be using a smartphone, you can download and install the Physiapp or Telehab applications. Physiapp is available on the IOS App Store and Google Play.

Physiapp on the App Store

Physiapp on Google Play

Telehab on the App Store

Telehab on Google Play

Computer or Laptop
If you are planning to use a computer or laptop, you will need a web camera and microphone. We will send you an email link that will open a web browser on your computer. You can also login to the Physiapp website using Google Chrome or Morzilla Firefox.

Physiapp Login

Telehab Login

Yes, you are welcome to come in for your treatment, subject to our screening processes. Please give us a call on 02 6554 6556 to discuss your appointment needs.

We ask that you pay for your consultation before your telehealth call. Once you have booked your consultation you can make a payment on our payment page.

From the 14th April 2020 most insurance providers have confirmed that they will offer a rebate for telehealth consultations.

Medicare, Workcover and Compulsory 3rd-party insurers are also approving telehealth claims.

We highly recommend checking with your provider to ensure that you're covered.