Physio in Lockdown

When an outbreak of COVID19 forces us into a lockdown, many people find it difficult to access the right sort of health services. It’s great that the 5 reasons to leave home include an hour of exercise, but what if you can’t exercise because of an acute knee injury, or you’ve recently had shoulder surgery?

In the case of physiotherapy, when stay at home orders are enforced, Physiotherapy is considered an Essential Service, provided the reason for treatment is deemed to be “critical care”.

So what does this actually mean? For most of the public, when we hear the term “critical” we think of life-threatening, and most people would not necessarily consider the reason they see their physio to be life threatening. But the actual definition of this is much broader.

Under the directives of the Chief Health Officer, the term “Critical Care” covers a range of scenarios. 

For example, if physiotherapy treatment is going to prevent a significant change/deterioration in functional independence which would otherwise result in an escalation of care needs (for example, an increase in the frequency of treatment needed or an increased need for prescription medication due to a significant increase in pain) then treatment is indicated. 

If you are accessing physiotherapy services to avoid or delay surgery, then continued access to physiotherapy in a lockdown is indicated. And if you have recently had surgery, then you are able to continue to access physiotherapy services that prevent secondary complications and aid functional recovery.

What if you have suffered an injury just prior to lockdown, or during lockdown? For example, you’ve hurt your back in the garden? Well, if by delaying treatment for your back injury there is likely to be a deterioration in your ability to do your normal daily tasks or you will require an increase in pain medications, then access to physiotherapy is indicated.

At the end of the day, there are plenty of justifiable reasons to see your physiotherapist during a lock down. With COVID19 safety plans in place, QR check in and the judicious use of personal protective equipment, treatment can be delivered in a safe and effective manner, even during a lock down.

Give us a call on 08 8945 3799 to discuss access to physiotherapy during the current COVID19 lockdown. Our experienced physiotherapists are screening new patients over the phone to ensure we comply with the lock down rules whilst still ensuring the best health care is delivered in an effective and timely manner.