Case study – Online telehealth physio
45-year-old female patient complaining of low back pain. She decided to try a virtuel session because the pain got worse since the start of working from home. This patient had previously been in the clinic and a hands-on assessment had already been done to determine major problem areas and soft tissue restrictions.
During the online session, she was asked to demonstrate the movements that triggered pain. Standing, squat and forward bending was analyzed from the front, side and back view from head to toe. Any compensations, asymmetries, rotations and extraneous movements were systematically identified followed by temporary corrections to key areas of the body to see if this would make a difference to her pain and movement quality. Together, we both agreed on the best corrections that had the best outcome.
Having assessed that her neck and upper rib cage were the most affected, I proceeded to show her how to release using imagery, massage and stretches the key soft tissue restrictions in these areas. Some of the restrictions were already known from her previous in-clinic sessions. Others were discovered by her feeling for areas of tenderness and tightness. Her husband was recruited to massage muscles in her upper and lower back, including the ones between her shoulder blades. He was given instruction on correct body mechanics and massage techniques to ensure he was effective while not causing injury to himself.
The session lasted 30 minutes. The patient wrote back and said she felt 80% better after that session and would continue working on her self management program for now. If she needed my help, she would book another session. This case study demonstrates the power of the internet to positively influence someone`s health and life, by passing on valuable skills and knowledge through live streaming.