The biggest objection I receive about digital 
rephysio is the concern of there being no hands on treatment.
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‘How is this going to work if you don’t put your hands on me’?
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Studies are finding that manual therapy isn’t essential managing pain in some cases.
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I’m not saying manual therapy isn’t beneficial. Our focus is on the rural/remote folks who won’t get manual therapy.
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A 2017 a ‘telehealth model demonstrated efficient management of patients with spinal disorders in rural regions requiring non-urgent surgical consultation at low costs with no adverse outcomes reported.’
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A 2019 comparison of fly in fly out physio and digital physio for rural/remote communities showed ‘Telehealth is a safe, efficient and viable option when compared to a traditional in-person outreach service, while providing cost-savings’.
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Research continues to speak positively to digital physio and I believe this is going to transform quality of life for many!
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What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them!
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References:
Overcoming the tyranny of distance: An audit of process and outcomes from a pilot telehealth spinal assessment clinic
Matthew Beard, Joseph F Orlando, Saravana Kumar
Journal of telemedicine and telecare 23 (8), 733-739, 2017
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Comparing fly-in fly-out and telehealth models for delivering advanced-practice physiotherapy services in regional Queensland: an audit of outcomes and costs
Michelle Cottrell, Perry Judd, Tracy Comans, Paula Easton, Angela T Chang
Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 1357633X19858036, 2019