TELEHEALTH USING THE MCKENZIE APPROACH
Greenboro Physiotherapy and Massage clinic is offering TELEHEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY services.
The McKenzie method is a well established system for evaluating and treating musculoskeletal injuries. There is a standardized certification process leading to achieve a level of competence that has been supported by the evidence. For lumbar spine assessment (Fritz, 2000; Razmjou, 2000; Kilpikpski, 2002; Clare, 2005), for the neck (Clare, 2005) and for the extremities (Takasaki, 2017; Willis, 2017; May, 2009; Abady, 2014).
In 2011 the Australian government as a way to increase coverage in their vast territory began an initiative to provide services when access and support was limited in rural and remote areas. Hence, telehealth or telemedicine has become a developing and contemporary aspect of clinical practice across a variety of health professions, physiotherapy being at the forefront.
Our Assessment and treatment approach using the Mckenzie method and is ideal for telehealth/telemedicine, in contrast to other physiotherapists and musculoskeletal clinicians which depend upon palpation, (touching to feel joint motion and muscle tightness) of the affected areas. The assessment uses the behavior of your pain and symptoms during and immediately after components of the physical examination. Observation of range of movement or quality of movement by both the therapists and the patient is a very reliable tool to direct care and identify the corrective program for each patient.
Why it works:
- Evidence based treatment strategies – centered on patient empowerment.
- Convenient, no travel, no loss of time.
- Reduced total costs and lost work days.
- Reduced duration of care.
- Consistently superior treatment outcomes.
Both physiotherapy assessments and follow-up sessions can be done via Telehealth. During a virtual physiotherapy session, the therapists will:
- Assess and diagnose your problem.
- Listen to your concerns, while giving you full attention and reassurance.
- Explain how to manage your pain/condition.
- Outline what activities will alleviate your symptoms, as well as those that may exacerbate your pain/injury.
- Provide education and self-management techniques.
- Develop a home exercise program.
- Direct you to other services when appropriate
How it works:
- Schedule your appointment:
Email us at: info@greenboroclinic.ca with the issue that requires treatment and your availability. Then we will set up an appointment, via email or phone, as soon as possible.
2. Fill out the intake forms:
Fill out a general information form (returning clients skip this step) and a questionnaire called the yellow flag risk form which is intended to establish the mechanical and non mechanical drivers of your suffering/pain.
Intake forms will be emailed to you as soon as you book your appointment
3. Check out Zoom:
Your physiotherapist will send you a link a link to log in/download the Zoom App. This is the program that will be used to conduct the Telehealth appointment. You need a computer, tablet or smartphone with a camera, speakers and microphone.
4. Start the appointment::
Few minutes before your appointment set up your device so you are hands free and have enough space to move around but still be in view of the camera on your device. Log in few minutes before your scheduled appointment so you’re ready.
Telehealth Physiotherapy is now covered by most insurance companies. The Fees for Telehealth session are Assessment: $ 95.00 for 45 minutes, Treatment or follow up sessions: $75 for 30 minutes. Please e-transfer payment to info@greenboroclinic.ca
If a follow up session is not needed there would be an email to follow up progress of the condition consulted.
To have an idea of how telehealth has been implemented look at this paper by Turner: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6095681/
References:
- Turner A. (2018). Case Studies in Physical Therapy: Transitioning A “Hands-On” Approach into A Virtual Platform. International journal of telerehabilitation, 10(1), 37–50. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2018.6253
- Abady RO. Inter-examiner reliability of diplomats in the mechanical diagnosis and therapy system in assessing patients with shoulder pain. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2014; 22:199–205.
- Clare AM. Reliability of McKenzie classification of patients with cervical or lumbar pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2005;28:122–127
- Fritz DV. Interrater reliability of judgements of the centralization phenomenon and status change during movement testing in patients with low back pain. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2000; 81(1):57–61.
- Kilpikoski AK. Interexaminer reliability of low back pain assessment using the McKenzie method. Spine. 2002; 27:207–214.
- May R. The McKenzie classification system in extremities: a reliability study using McKenzie assessment forms and experienced clinicians. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2009; 32:556–563.
- Razmjou KY. Intertester reliability of the McKenzie evaluation in assessing patients with mechanical low-back pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2000; 30:368–389.
- Takasaki OR. Inter-examiner classification reliability of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for extremity problems – Systematic review. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2017; 27:78–84.
- Willis RR. Inter-rater reliability of the McKenzie System of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in the examination of the knee. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2017; 25(2):83–90.