Virtual physiotherapy
Virtual physiotherapy (tele-rehabilitation) in Ontario
Get expert virtual physiotherapy in Ontario. Safe, convenient online physio to help you move better from home. Book your tele-rehab session today.
Move better from home with online physiotherapy
If you’re dealing with pain but can’t make it into the clinic, virtual physiotherapy is a simple, effective way to get expert physiotherapy care—right from your smartphone or laptop. Our physiotherapists guide you through assessment, movement testing, and personalized exercises so you can start feeling better, even from home.
What is virtual physiotherapy?
Virtual physiotherapy (also called tele-rehabilitation or online physiotherapy) is a secure video appointment with your physiotherapist. You’ll talk through your symptoms, show us how you move, and we’ll walk you through the same problem-solving process we use in person.
You get:
-
A clear understanding of what’s causing your pain
-
A customized home program
-
One-on-one guidance so you feel confident doing the exercises
Virtual physiotherapy is ideal when you’re travelling, busy, or unable to attend in person.
How online physiotherapy works
Even though these sessions are hands-off, the process is thorough and effective.
During your virtual physiotherapy session, we will:
-
Ask detailed questions to understand your pain and daily activities.
-
Assess your movement by watching how you bend, lift, reach, rotate and walk.
-
Develop a clinical hypothesis based on your history and how your body responds.
-
Teach you targeted exercises designed to reduce pain and improve mobility.
-
Coach your technique to make sure you’re doing exercises safely and correctly.
-
Build a treatment plan you can follow at home, with progressions over time.
What tele-rehab does not include
-
Manual therapy or joint manipulation
-
Dry needling or acupuncture
-
Passive stretching or soft-tissue work
-
Ultrasound or clinic-based modalities
But tele-rehab still works because the biggest drivers of change are education, movement, and targeted strengthening—not machines.
What you need for your appointment
You don’t need much to get started.
-
A smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a camera and microphone
-
Comfortable workout clothes
-
A small amount of space to move
-
Any equipment you already have at home (bands, a chair, mat, etc.)
Once you book online, we’ll send you a secure link to join your session. The software is encrypted, easy to use, and integrates with your chart and home exercise program.
TELE-rehabilitation – faq
Is online physio covered by my health benefits?
Depending on your provider, it may be covered. Many insurance companies are adapting and many are accepting claims. Ask your provider to be sure.
How do I book tele-rehabilitation?
In this treatment modality, Botox works by blocking impulses to the nerves that make the sweat glands active.
- You can book online
- Email us info@thephysiospot.ca
- Call the office 905-471-8200
- Or direct message us on instagram or facebook
Can I access tele-rehabilitation from anywhere?
Our tele-rehabilitation services are only available to residents of Ontario.
Is my information safe?
Your information and safety are of primary importance to us. Your personal and private details are secure. We use encrypted software that protects your information.
Is tele-rehabilitation an approved service?
Due to COVID-19, The Canadian Physiotherapy Association is advocating for tele-rehabilitation for those in quarantine or living in more rural areas without access to care.
Tele-rehabilitation policy
During COVID, social distancing became the new normal and a necessity to limit the spread of illness. Tele-Rehabilitation (TR) can provide an alternative for those who are unable to make a physical visit for in-person Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment due to social distancing, convenience, or mobility limitations.
Virtual Physiotherapy appointments have become a viable option to reduce the risk of community spread of illness and in cases where individuals are unable to leave their homes.
Your physiotherapist will provide you with a link by email or phone for the platform used for TR.
Your therapist will be in a private area where audio and video will not be viewed or overheard by third parties.
The platform meets The Physio Spot’s privacy obligations for encryption and the transmission of personal health information. The session will not be recorded. At the time of writing of this policy the platform being used is doxy.me
In order to participate in a tele-rehab session, you’ll require an internet connection, a device (laptop, computer or smartphone) with a camera capable of receiving video and audio. You should ensure that you are in a private area where you feel comfortable verbalizing responses to your therapist’s question which may include:
- the location, quality and history related to your current pain
- aggravating and easing factors for your pain
- the impact of your pain or symptoms on your current activities of daily living
- previous injuries and treatment that you may have had
- current medications and past and present medical conditions that may impact the safety of the treatment interventions and exercises chosen
During your tele-rehab consultation, your physiotherapist will begin by taking a detailed history of the above questions as well as other areas that may be important to create a treatment program for you.
Your physiotherapist may also ask you to perform a series of movements to areas of pain or associated pain areas in order to diagnose your condition.
Your physiotherapist will put together the information that they’ve gathered from all components of the examination to put together a treatment plan for you.
They may arrange one or a series of follow up consultations with you in order to ensure proper understanding of your treatment program and to progress you from your initial consultation to the point where you have achieved your treatment goals. The frequency of these appointments are decided based on their experience and in collaboration with you.
There are a few things we cannot do in a virtual setting:
-
Hands-on testing of joints and soft tissues
-
Manual therapy or manipulations
-
Acupuncture or dry needling
-
Passive stretching
-
Hands-on cueing for posture
Despite these limitations, virtual physiotherapy remains highly effective—particularly for education, exercise therapy, movement retraining, and ongoing injury management.
Risks and safety considerations
While rare, the potential risks include:
-
Technical issues, like a dropped video connection
-
Limited privacy if you’re not in a secure environment
-
Reduced accuracy due to camera angle or lighting
To keep you safe, we recommend:
-
Using a private room
-
Ensuring the floor is free of obstacles
-
Keeping your phone nearby in case the connection drops
-
Having support present if you struggle with balance or dizziness
Benefits of virtual physiotherapy
Virtual physiotherapy can help you:
-
Understand your pain and what’s causing it
-
Improve strength, mobility, and function
-
Stay consistent with your care when you can’t make it in
-
Continue progressing between in-person visits
-
Reduce your reliance on passive treatments
For many patients, tele-rehab is a powerful tool that accelerates recovery.
Alternatives to tele-rehab
Online physiotherapy isn’t the only option. You may choose:
-
In-person physiotherapy
-
Consulting your family physician or nurse practitioner
-
Emergency care in serious or urgent cases
-
Home physiotherapy (note: added travel fees may apply)
Our team can help you determine whether virtual physiotherapy is the right fit.
Is virtual physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Most extended health benefit plans in Ontario now cover virtual physiotherapy the same way they cover in-person appointments. Coverage depends on your provider, so check your plan to confirm.
How to book virtual physiotherapy
You can book online just like any other appointment:
Book online through our website
Email: info@thephysiospot.ca
Call: 905-471-8200
Message us on Instagram or Facebook
Virtual physiotherapy is available to Ontario residents only.
Your privacy matters
Your session takes place through an encrypted platform that protects your personal health information. Your physiotherapist will be in a private space during your appointment, and your session is not recorded. We ask that you also choose a private, quiet space where you feel comfortable discussing your symptoms.
Patient feedback
Ask our customers
We’re proud to have earned 5-star reviews on Google from patients across Markham and Stouffville— see what they’re saying about their experience at The Physio Spot.
