My Neck, My Back… Can Someone Pass My Mac?
Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health through physical examination and treatment; this science dates back to 400 BC when Greek physicians, Hippocrates and Galen, administered manual therapy techniques to treat patients. During this era, most homes were windowless, furniture was a rarity, and peoples’ diets revolved around wine and bread – some would say the last statement still rings true today – but we have come a long way since then.
For example, outdated treatments such as utilizing heat packs and recommendations to rest have now been substituted with directional manual therapy, specific exercise progressions, and education to not only help people understand the ailments that plague them but also to help them manage and overcome any lingering issues that they face.
In Canada, the number of physiotherapists employed in direct care was 36 per 100,000 population in 2010; fast-forwarding to 2020, this number nearly doubled to reach 63.3 physios. With Canada’s senior population (those aged 65 and older) forecasted to grow by 68.8% through 2037, the need for viable and accessible physiotherapy treatment is essential.
Moreover, with Canada’s older senior population (those aged 75+) growing at a faster pace, in-home physio treatment, as opposed to clinical treatment, has become increasingly popular. This will continue to be the case in the coming decades, however, younger individuals are also pursuing in-home physio due to various factors – here are a few reasons you should consider grabbing your laptop immediately and booking a treatment:
1. Added Convenience & Improved Adherence:
If you drive, over the course of your lifetime you will spend nearly four years navigating roads behind your steering wheel. With in-home physio, you can avoid driving back and forth to the clinic (not to mention the time you may spend getting lost, filling your tank with gas, or stopping at the nearest hasty market to stock up on some snacks – perhaps bread and wine?).
In addition to saving time and effort, in-home physio is particularly helpful to individuals with limited mobility, transportation challenges, or those who live in remote areas. In cases where attending regular clinic appointments may be challenging, in-home physiotherapy reduces these barriers and increases the likelihood of consistent attendance, ultimately leading to better adherence to treatment plans.
This is especially important when considering that patients typically adhere poorly to their prescribed home treatment plan. For instance, data shows that non-adherence to a home exercise program can range from 50-65% for patients with musculoskeletal conditions (MSK). Similarly, non-adherence for the low back patient population ranges from 50-70%.
Basically, an in-home physiotherapist won’t let you off the hook that easily but that’s a good thing
2. Personalized Attention & Home-Specific Rehabilitation
If you are on a date with a loved one, or in a meeting with your boss, you want the attention to be on you – and with in-home physio, it is.
In a clinic, your physiotherapist may be responsible for managing multiple tasks or clients at once because clinics are designed to process patients in high volumes. However, in-home physiotherapy enables your therapist to work distraction-free while tailoring treatment plans that specifically align with your goals throughout your appointments. This leads to a better outcome as your progress can be closely monitored and adjustments can be made as needed.
Additionally, in-home physiotherapy enables your physiotherapist to assess your living environment and provide guidance on modifications that enhance your recovery process. They can provide recommendations on home exercises, ergonomic adjustments, and assistive devices that suit your home setup, making it easier to integrate therapy into your daily life.
3. Familiar Comfort & Complete Discretion
Being treated at home creates a familiar and comfortable environment for you. This can help reduce the anxiety or stress that is associated with visiting a clinic, as well as promote a more relaxed and positive mindset which can be conducive to healing and recovery.
In-home physiotherapy also offers increased privacy compared to a clinic setting, which can be particularly important for individuals who prefer a more confidential environment or those who feel uncomfortable exercising or discussing personal matters in a public setting.
What’s the right decision for you?
It’s worth noting that in some cases, clinic-based physiotherapy may be more appropriate, especially for individuals who require specialized equipment or intensive rehabilitation programs. The choice between in-home and clinic-based physiotherapy depends on your specific needs, condition, and preferences, and should be made in consultation with an experienced healthcare provider or physiotherapist.
To learn what’s best suited for you, get in touch today – in the meantime, here’s some free advice we suggest to all of our clients: minimize your bread and wine intake!
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_therapy
- https://www.greece-is.com/a-meeting-of-the-minds-hippocrates-galen
- http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/ancientgreece.htm
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/986107/physiotherapists-rate-canada-by-sector/
- https://www.cihi.ca/en/infographic-canadas-seniors-population-outlook-uncharted-territory
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Adherence_to_Home_Exercise_Programs