WCPT-AWP & IAP International

Article by Mark Cheung

Physical therapy is traditionally practiced in a number of different settings: schools, hospitals, private outpatient clinics and nursing homes, to name a few. The emergence of a new trend in physical therapy now brings physiotherapists directly to the patient’s home to provide treatment. There are two models which are employed by physiotherapists for in-home physiotherapy. The first is a mobile clinic in the form of an RV. These RV’s are typically equipped with treatment tables, exercise equipment & all the typical modalities you would find in an outpatient clinic. The second, less expensive, model entails the physiotherapist traveling to the patient’s home with portable treatment equipment, such as a treatment table and hand held modality equipment.

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association has stated that the need for home physiotherapy services is increasing. Physiotherapy in the home has been shown to assist clients to gain or re-gain improved strength and mobility, resulting in improved function and a better quality of life. Clients who have had a myocardial infarct and are receiving home care physiotherapy following discharge experience an improved quality of life. Those who have had a stroke benefit from improved mobility, functional capacity, and balance, which in turn reduces the risk of falling.

Although the need for physiotherapy services at home is great, access to home and continuing care physiotherapy is limited by the shortage of physiotherapists who provide these services. Patients who received physiotherapy in a hospital setting may not have access to the same services when they are discharged. This can have a significant effect on their ability to achieve optimal function and, in the case of chronic disease, may mean repeated admissions for hospital care. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association urges more physiotherapist practitioners to offer their services to patients who require treatment at home. [1]

Benefits to treating patients in their home include:

Many physiotherapists who offer home care treatment have extended hours, allowing for treatment sessions either before or after the patient goes to work. This means that patients don’t need to take time off work in order to receive proper treatment.The physiotherapist evaluates a patient in his or her natural environment.There’s no need for the patient to travel, thus making treatment more time efficient for the patient.Complete privacy for the patient and his or her family.Typically, in home sessions are 1-on-1 with the physiotherapist. This allows for more effective treatment sessions since the physiotherapy performs direct treatment on the client, rather than an assistant. This also gives the patient more time to ask the physiotherapist questions directly.Following surgery, having a physiotherapist come to the home will eliminate complications of driving a motor vehicleIs in-home physical therapy right for you?

In-home physiotherapy provides the same quality of treatment that you would receive at a clinic. You don’t have to travel and the home therapist may work around your schedule; In-home physiotherapy will save you time and will be more convenient than going to a clinic.

However, in-home physiotherapy is not for everyone. Before you chose home physiotherapy you should ask yourself several questions:

Are you comfortable with having a stranger coming into your home?Upon the first visit, the physiotherapist will essentially be a stranger coming into your home. The physiotherapist will have experience with home therapy treatments and will try to make the experience as pleasant as possible, but you will be required to divulge some personal information about you and your medical history to the physiotherapist.

Are you capable of concentrating without distractions in your home? Many people have multiple things happening around the home which may lead to distractions during the treatment session. Physiotherapy treatments require your full attention during the treatment session, so you should minimize any possible distractions around your home during the session.

Is my home suitable for home physiotherapy?Physiotherapy can generally be performed in a small area. The physiotherapist will attempt to take advantage of the surrounding environment to administer all the tests and treatment required. Generally, the available space in your home is not an issue; however, your home should have at least a few square feet of open floor space which is accessible to an electrical outlet. The physiotherapist will require an electrical outlet if the use of modalities is required for treatment (i.e. ultrasound). Most of the equipment is light and portable, and will be brought to your home by the physiotherapist. [1] Home and Continuing Care. Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Feb 2007. http://www.physiotherapy.ca/PublicUploads/222537Home%20and%20Continuing%20Care%20-%20February%202007.pdfA PDF version of this article can be found at www.physiohouse.com.

About the Author

Mark Cheung. B.A. BSc.PT CAFCI. Mark Cheung is a registered physiotherapist who completed his training in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University. He is a Certified Acupuncture Practitioner and is also certified as an Active Release Techniques® Provider and FitForeGolf® Provider. He performs home physiotherapy (http://www.physiohouse.com) in Toronto in addition to providing his services at several clinics within the Greater Toronto Area.

Incoming search terms:

• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups indiana road conditions (19)
• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups portable cb radio (14)
• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups opportunity work at home business (12)
• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups canadian small business grants (11)
• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups fitness equipment edmonton (11)
• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups family show (10)
• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups car show photos (10)
• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups food and family (10)
• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups television network cancellation (10)
• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups effects of alcoholism on families (9)