Your first step in receiving virtual physical therapy is to make an appointment. We have an online form, but you’re also welcome to call us to have all of your questions answered and schedule your appointment. Once you are able to complete the intake paperwork and questionnaire they will be reviewed by your Doctor of Physical Therapy who will start to formulate a plan for your first virtual consultation. This will include questions to further elaborate on and various assessments they may want to perform.

Mindful you’ll be treated through video, you’ll want to prepare for the session in a well-lit, private space with minimal distractions in the background. The set-up location often depends on the pain point or ailment and your physical therapist will work with you to determine the best location for you to conduct your session within your environment. For example for an elbow, hand, or wrist injury sitting at a desk may be fine, however for recovery of a foot, knee, or hip issue we may need for you to have a cleared out floor space. However, this can easily be modified to fit your needs and environment.

You will also receive an email checklist of things you need to do to prepare for your virtual consultation:

You’ll need a communication device — An audio- and video-enabled communication device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and speakers. Make sure your device is either plugged in or has a full enough charge for a virtual physical therapy session. You’ll need an internet connection that is fast enough to handle live video communication and that your modems and routers are all functioning.


- You’ll need comfortable clothing – Comfortable athletic clothing that does not restrict your movement when performing physical therapy exercises and stretches. Be mindful that your therapist will need to be able to clearly visualize your movement, so wearing clothing that fits well and is not baggy will be beneficial.

- As noted earlier you will need a clear space with good lighting – make sure you have an open space free of clutter so you can safely perform movements. Based on the pain point or ailment you might be asked to perform exercises with the assistance of a sturdy chair, countertop, wall, stairs or other objects that you may have available in your environment.

- Since live virtual physical therapy is a one-on-one process, beyond following instructions and guidance, you can ask your Physical Therapist questions as they arise and deliver real time feedback on your response to the treatment being provided. Your Physical Therapist will give you insightful responses to all questions as they come and adjust treatment in the moment based on your response.

- Generally speaking, very little equipment is needed, however, depending on the pain point or ailment, certain ‘props’ can substitute for exercise devices. For example water bottles or canned goods can be effective as light dumbbell weights. A backpack filled with books can substitute for heavier weights, a sturdy chair or weighted storage box can help to provide an elevated surface for a wide range of movements.

- Common household items we may use include: a chair, towel, a belt or strap, a desk or countertop, dumbbell, weight plate, resistance band, a lacrosse or tennis ball, thick-soft pillow for kneeling positions to protect the knees, and/or a doorway can be useful for a wide variety of movements. If you are missing any needed items, do not worry, we’ll creatively adjust for you!

Time to get to work! Eventually, you’ll find yourself actually in the appointment working with your Physical Therapist. You’ll discuss your medical history, injury, the symptoms you’re experiencing, your goals and/or any other concerns – all of which help pinpoint the root cause of your physical ailments. You’ll be asked about the timing and characteristics of the onset of symptoms, any associated trauma, location of pain, and current status. You’ll even be asked to speak to any functional impact of your ailment on your daily work and recreational activities – and any previous surgeries or injuries you’ve experienced. The virtual physical examination will include visual inspection, assessment of your range of motion, strength, motor control and you may also be asked to mirror some of the motions your Physical Therapist makes. Our comprehensive assessment will help pinpoint the likely causes of your pain. You will be prescribed customized movements and/or activity guidelines specific to your presentation, educated about your injury or condition and given a treatment plan suited for your injury and goals.

You may be asked to do physical movements on camera so that your Physical Therapist can assess your gait, balance, posture, flexibility, movement, and range of motion. Camera suggestions: There are 3 important camera angles commonly needed to completely assess your movement requiring you to adjust the height of your device to 1 of 3 possible positions:

1. Floor View: resting your notebook, phone, or tablet on the floor (against a wall, stack of books, or other object).

2. Chair View: resting your notebook, phone, or tablet on the seat of a chair

3. Desk View: having your notebook, phone, or tablet supported on a desk or countertop (may need to place a coffee mug or book on table to prevent phone or tablet from falling).

From here your therapist proceeds and conducts your session, generally involving a combination of analysis and assessment(s), exercises, education, and more. This will primarily depend on the purpose of your consultation.

After completion of your virtual consultation, your physical therapist will email you with a review of the session, items to take action on based on the findings of the session, a reminder for scheduled upcoming appointments, next step options and the details of your customized exercise program.