Over the past few years, the pandemic affected how we work, exercise and play. 

It has also had a huge impact on the way we accessed medical help, services, and interventions.

With this, a new approach was needed to enable the continuation of medical services and recovery care, such as physiotherapy treatment.

It sounds high-tech and futuristic, but hybrid physiotherapy treatment is a way of combining in-person physiotherapy and remote physiotherapy.

We’ve just burst the bubble of awe and wonder!

Although this term now seems simple and mundane, hybrid physiotherapy treatment has proven to be extremely favourable. 

Today we’ll expand on national evaluation findings and show how hybrid physiotherapy treatment can be beneficial, safe, personalised, and accessible for all.

What is hybrid physiotherapy treatment?

As mentioned, hybrid physiotherapy treatment is the combination of in-person physiotherapy and remote physiotherapy.

Depending on the mix of modalities used and your individual needs, there’s a sliding scale on when and how your treatment is delivered.

• Remote physiotherapy: uses virtual sessions to deliver advice, exercise, and review for self-management.

• In-person physiotherapy: uses face-to-face sessions to deliver services such as manual therapy, physical exercise and electrotherapy. Especially beneficial for those with greater needs.

With hybrid physiotherapy treatment, a virtual consultation will always take place to discuss and assess your condition and particular needs.

This consultation is a safe space for you to ask questions and discuss any worries or requirements you may have.

This mix of in-person and remote physiotherapy was deemed safe and acceptable by the evaluation carried out by the University of Manchester. 

Utilised to enhance treatment and a person-centred approach to decision making, not only was it beneficial due to pandemic restrictions but as an important part of a physiotherapist toolkit. 

How does a physiotherapist perform the hybrid treatment?

Physiotherapists are health professionals trained to provide physical therapy and rehabilitation for different medical conditions or injuries.

Using a variety of methods, including exercise, massage, manual therapy, and electrotherapy helps patients improve their mobility, reduce pain and increase strength.

With the increased use of hybrid physiotherapy treatment, therapists have been able to provide extended care to those who may have otherwise been overlooked.

From the comfortability of the patient’s surroundings, physiotherapy treatment can be given to those who are vulnerable, shielding, or restricted due to illness, injury, or disability.

STEPS TO DELIVERING HYBRID PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT:

• Identify the patient's issue and goals

• Carry out an assessment and develop a treatment plan based on the patient's specific needs

• Perform treatments that are designed for the patient through in-person physiotherapy and remote physiotherapy sessions

• Provide feedback about progress or setbacks to modify the plan as needed

• Monitor progress and make changes as required until goals are met

National evaluation of remote physiotherapy

As commissioned by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the findings and recommendations of the national evaluation of remote physiotherapy services were staggering.

From being offered or receiving hybrid physiotherapy treatment, it highlighted what patients gain.

BENEFITS OF HYBRID PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT:

• Increased accessibility

• Greater personalisation 

• Better choice and flexibility

• Improved effectiveness 

Remote physiotherapy can be used for self-management, where patients can do their exercises at home and in their own time. 

With in-person physiotherapy treatment sessions, a therapist will see how you move your body and administer manual therapies to help with your rehabilitation plan.

Virtual consultations are an efficient way of delivering treatment for people who live in remote areas or have mobility issues.

Plus, there is the advantage of being able to offer treatments at any time, which is convenient for those who work full-time or have childcare commitments.

Greater personalisation with hybrid physiotherapy

Hybrid physiotherapy treatment allows physiotherapists to provide a more customised approach.

Using both in-person and remote physiotherapy, therapists can spend dedicated time with those who have complex needs.

For patients with minor ailments, injuries, or illnesses. Providing more remote physiotherapy sessions of Q&A, advice, exercise, and reviews, with an occasional in-person session has proved successful.

Being able to access exercises in their own time has reduced travel time, shortened the treatment period and given them greater independence and confidence in returning to their day-to-day activities.

Hybrid physiotherapy treatment for patients with complex needs combines the benefits of remote sessions but is heavily based on in-person physiotherapy.

These sessions are used to relieve pain and improve range of motion by way of manual therapy, such as massage and joint manipulation. Plus, the benefits of modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

More time can be spent on the parts of the body that need it most, helping to reduce the risk of patients developing chronic pain, and will need physiotherapy treatment less over time.

The right mix of in-person and remote physiotherapy

CK Physio is committed to delivering the best care possible.

CK Physio has a team of qualified physiotherapists who are available for remote consultations and in-person physiotherapy sessions.

Before attending our clinic, use our online booking form to arrange a virtual consultation. 

You can ask questions and discuss your needs, and we’ll evaluate your situation offering you the best physiotherapy treatment and course of action for your requirements.

Hybrid physiotherapy treatment gives you the opportunity to choose which delivery suits your needs best.

Get in contact today to ensure you get the right mix of physiotherapy treatment for a healthier you.

The study found that patients who received a combination of traditional and digital care reported better outcomes in pain, function and quality of life.