I’ve been a parent for nearly four years now, and during this journey, my husband and I have increasingly learned the importance of balance. After consulting a few different books and parenting friends, we invested in a sound machine and created a schedule for our children to get consistent sleep.
For the most part, it worked. However, there were exceptions (such as family events), especially as the kids got older. On such occasions, we learned how to balance a night where this routine wasn’t followed to the tee by adjusting time accordingly for the following day.
And just like in parenting, physiotherapy requires a balance of structure and adaptability.
According to Deloitte, as of December 2023, 15% of Canadians receive physiotherapy services every year[1]. Government-funded physiotherapy is a common service that many Canadians benefit from, but not without some shortcomings. Oftentimes, treatment plans are generic or less tailored and although still helpful, limited in duration or the number of sessions
In-home physiotherapy acts as an effective supplement. Like brushing your teeth regularly leads to greater oral hygiene, a balanced physiotherapy approach can safeguard and promote your recovery.
Avoiding Unnecessary Burdens
For patients facing a health crisis, immediate action helps mitigate long-term deficits and results in better outcomes. While government-funded physiotherapy is great for a number of reasons, including being free, it often is accompanied by longer wait times of one week or often more just to start to receive treatment; something that can significantly impact progress.
This notion is especially true with stroke patients, as studies show that patients who receive early physiotherapy show faster recovery compared to those who receive usual care (given there is an optional window of time post-stroke for the benefits of neuroplasticity to take place)[2]. Also, starting intensive physical therapy shortly after a stroke is associated with lower death rates and fewer complications[3]. Essentially, private in-home physiotherapy can be sought-out to kickstart rapid recovery.
It’s Collaboration, Not Competition
By liaising with government-funded services, a private in-home physiotherapist can collaborate to ensure patient goals and treatment plans are aligned while also creating a personalized, tailored treatment plan to maximize effectiveness. For instance, a patient who just suffered from a stroke will definitely benefit from performing their rehab in the physical environment they will be recovering in. With in-home physiotherapy, a qualified professional will be able to visit the patient’s home to analyze risk areas such as the stairs or the bathtub and on a case-by-case basis, create a treatment plan that addresses their pain points and problem areas to meet their specific goals. Furthermore, this personalized care can prevent further injuries, providing added value.
Catering to Convenience and Cost
With today’s inflated costs, in-home physiotherapy can save time, inconvenience, and money by eliminating travel expenses and giving patients care in the comfort of their own homes. Without having to spend the time getting into your car with or without a bulky mobility aid such as a rollator walker, driving to a facility or asking someone to drive you, looking for parking, paying for parking or gas (at its current prices at that), you save not only time, money, but also sanity.
Government-funded physiotherapy may offer 6-12 sessions at a frequency of one to two times per week but once this treatment has been completed, patient complacency can kick in. In the short-term, it may feel like paying for physiotherapy is unnecessary when you have free services, but in the long-term, that cost is a fraction of what you’d have to pay (in terms of health) if you’re not keeping your body optimal post-injury.
While government-funded physiotherapy is invaluable, its limitations make private in-home care a crucial supplement – along with your own contributions.
Accountability is Key
If you’re a patient in recovery, you hold the key to improving your condition. Just as working with a personal trainer helps you achieve better results than going to the gym on your own, in-home physiotherapy provides personalized guidance and accountability, helping you stay on track and make consistent progress.
By combining government-funded services with in-home physiotherapy, you ensure that every aspect of your recovery is covered—from structured care in the hospital to tailored support at home without the wait. This balance gives you the best of both worlds, offering comprehensive care that adapts to your unique needs and lifestyle.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery, reach out and let us be your accountability partner. Together, we can create a plan that works for you, because achieving balance between government-funded and private in-home physiotherapy is the key to optimal recovery—much like the Yin and Yang of life.