Not every physiotherapy appointment needs to happen in a clinic.
Online consultations give you access to professional physiotherapy advice, assessment and rehabilitation support wherever you are.
Whether you’re unable to travel, need help progressing an existing programme or simply prefer the convenience of speaking to a physiotherapist remotely, we can help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.
An online physiotherapy appointment follows many of the same principles as a face-to-face consultation.
We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, activity levels and goals before assessing the movements that are relevant to your problem.
Your physiotherapist can then explain what they find, offer advice and build or progress a rehabilitation programme around you.
We deliver remote physiotherapy through video consultation, with telephone appointments also available where preferred.
Online physiotherapy can be useful for a wide range of musculoskeletal and rehabilitation needs.
If something hurts or movement feels restricted, we can discuss your symptoms and assess relevant movements remotely.
Already know what you’ve injured? An online appointment can help guide your rehabilitation and progress exercises as you recover.
Where appropriate and in line with guidance from your surgical team, online physiotherapy can help support your rehabilitation after surgery.
If you already have a rehabilitation programme, we can review your exercises, check technique and help decide when they need progressing.
We can help you gradually work towards returning to exercise, running, gym training or other activities.
Online appointments can also provide continuity when you’re unable to attend the clinic in person.
Your consultation is built around the same core Summit approach: listen, assess, explain and plan.
Depending on your needs, your appointment may include:
Targeted exercises designed around your condition, ability and goals.
Your physiotherapist can demonstrate movements and watch you perform them, helping you understand the correct technique.
We may work on movements relevant to everyday life, exercise or rehabilitation.
Understanding what you can do yourself is an important part of recovery.
We can help you decide what you can continue doing, what may need modifying and how to gradually build activity back up.
If exercises have become too easy or your recovery has moved forward, your programme can be progressed remotely. Summit’s remote service includes education, exercise therapy, rehabilitation, movement re-education and guided self-management.
Online physiotherapy can be very useful, but it isn’t the right option for every situation.
There are many things a physiotherapist can assess remotely, particularly when the appointment focuses on:
However, some problems are better assessed in person.
A face-to-face appointment may be recommended if your clinician believes you need a hands-on physical examination, specific clinical tests or treatment that cannot be delivered remotely.
Online physiotherapy cannot replace every type of face-to-face treatment.
Where possible, video is usually preferable because it allows your physiotherapist to see how you move and demonstrate exercises.
Uses video consultation as its preferred remote format, with telephone consultations available where that is more suitable for the patient.
A telephone appointment may still be useful when the main purpose is:
Your clinician can advise if a video or in-person appointment would be more appropriate.
Access physiotherapy support without needing to travel to a clinic.
Your consultation is based around your individual symptoms, lifestyle and goals.
Exercises can be demonstrated, reviewed and progressed with your physiotherapist.
Online consultations can help keep your rehabilitation moving when attending in person isn’t practical.
No.
You can discuss an online consultation whether you’re already receiving treatment or are contacting Summit for the first time.
Many aspects of a musculoskeletal assessment can be carried out remotely, including discussing your symptoms and observing relevant movements.
However, there are situations where a physical examination is necessary.
If that applies to you, your physiotherapist will explain this.
Where appropriate, yes.
Your physiotherapist can demonstrate exercises, watch you perform them and build a programme around your needs.
Yes.
Exercise progression is one of the areas particularly suited to remote physiotherapy.
Your clinician can assess how you’re managing your current programme and adjust it as you improve.
Potentially, yes.
Online consultations may be useful for reviewing movement, exercises and rehabilitation progression once appropriate after surgery.
Any restrictions or guidance from your surgical team will be taken into account.
If your clinician believes hands-on assessment or treatment would be useful, they may recommend visiting one of our Summit clinics.
You’ll need a suitable phone, tablet or computer and a reliable internet connection for a video consultation.
Yes.
Telephone consultations are available where video isn’t preferred or appropriate.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows your physiotherapist to see the area being assessed and how you move.
Sportswear is usually ideal.
In most cases, you can book private physiotherapy directly.
If you’re using private medical insurance, check whether your provider requires a referral or authorisation.
Online physiotherapy isn’t an emergency service.
If you develop severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, or symptoms that may require urgent medical assessment, contact the appropriate urgent or emergency healthcare service rather than waiting for a physiotherapy appointment.
Distance, travel or a busy schedule doesn’t always have to interrupt your rehabilitation.
Speak to a Summit physiotherapist from wherever you are and get professional advice, exercise support and a clear plan for what comes next.
