Telehealth physio: how online physio works

What is telehealth physio?

Telehealth physio, also called online physio, is a physio appointment held by video call, and sometimes by phone. You talk through your problem, show your physio how you move on camera, and get exercises and advice to follow at home.

Your physio is the same registered health professional you would see in a clinic. The difference is that the appointment happens through a screen.

How a telehealth appointment works

• A chat about your problem, your history and your goals
• Your physio watches you move on camera and may ask you to try simple tests
• They explain what is likely going on and what to do next
• You get an exercise program, often with video or written instructions
• A follow-up appointment checks your progress and updates the plan

What telehealth physio suits

It tends to work well when the plan is mostly education and exercise, such as:

• Ongoing joint pain, including osteoarthritis
• Recovery after a joint replacement or surgery, once your surgeon says you can start
• Back pain managed with advice and exercise
• Follow-up visits to check progress and make exercises harder
• Building strength, fitness and confidence at home

It suits some problems less well. If you have a new injury that needs a hands-on check, or treatment that relies on touch, such as manual therapy, you may need to see a physio in person. A good physio will tell you when that is the case.

What you need

• A phone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone
• A stable internet connection
• A quiet, private space with room to move
• Clothes you can move in, and a chair or sturdy surface
• Anything your physio asks for, such as a towel or hand weights

Costs and funding

Fees vary. Some clinics charge the same as an in-person visit and others charge less, so ask when you book. Whether you can claim depends on how you fund your physio, and the rules change, so check before you book.

• Private health: many funds pay a rebate on telehealth physio under extras cover, but limits and amounts differ. Check with your fund
• Medicare: there is no general rebate for physio, but a GP chronic disease plan can cover some allied health visits, which may include video appointments where they are safe and suitable. Ask your GP and the clinic. See Does Medicare cover physio?
• NDIS: telehealth sessions can often be claimed from your plan. Ask your physio and plan manager, and see our NDIS physio guide
• Other schemes such as DVA or workers compensation have their own rules, so ask the scheme first

Our physio cost guide covers typical fees and ways to pay less.

Is it safe and the same quality?

Telehealth physio should meet the same professional standards as a clinic visit. Check that your physio is registered on the AHPRA public register, and choose a practice in Australia that uses a secure, private video platform.

Questions to ask before you book

• Is my problem suitable for telehealth?
• What video platform do you use, and is it private?
• How much is a telehealth appointment, and can I claim it?
• What happens if I need a hands-on check?
• How will I get my exercises, and can I contact you between visits?

When to see someone in person

See a doctor or go to an emergency department, not an online physio, if you have sudden weakness, new numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain or breathlessness, or an injury after a fall or accident. If your pain is getting worse, or exercises make it worse, book an in-person visit.

Find a physio who offers online appointments

Many clinics now offer video appointments. Check a clinic’s listing for the services it offers, then confirm with the clinic before you book. Browse physios near you.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or physio about your own situation.