Physiotherapy professionals will maintain their services for urgent cases only

Remote consultations will be offered for cases where the situation allows

MONTREAL, March 18, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) is asking physiotherapy professionals in private clinics to postpone the appointments of patients whose condition does not require immediate treatment.  

The postponement of non-essential physiotherapy clinic appointments until March 30, 2020, aims to protect patients' health against the risk of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and is part of the measures recommended by the governments.

Urgent physiotherapy treatments maintained in clinics

Physiotherapy professionals will maintain their in-clinic services for patients with urgent conditions or who require immediate care.

Among the signs and symptoms of an urgent condition are:

• Intense, persistent pain in one part of the body;
• Significantly reduced mobility;
• Numbness in arms or legs.

Among the situations requiring immediate care, are:

• Treatment after an accident or fall;
• Suspicion of concussion;
• Post-surgery rehabilitation.

Urgent physiotherapy consultation

Physiotherapy professionals are at the forefront of assessing and treating pain in the joints, muscles and nervous system.

In the current situation, the OPPQ advises people who find themselves in a situation requiring urgent physiotherapy care to consult a physiotherapy professional in order to relieve overcrowding in hospital emergency rooms and medical clinics, and to reduce the risk of contagion.

Physiotherapy clinics ensure patient safety

Physiotherapy clinics are required to follow the same hygiene and disinfection standards as medical clinics. They must also comply with the latest government public health guidelines.

Before each consultation deemed urgent, the risk of patient contagiousness will be assessed by telephone or upon their arrival at the clinic.

Physiotherapy clinics will reassess these measures in accordance with government announcements and in light of new events.

Services provided to patients whose conditions are not urgent or who present a risk of contagion

Physiotherapy professionals could offer remote consultations and, if the condition of the client requires, remote exercise programs to patients who may be contagious or whose condition is not urgent.

For any condition, physiotherapy clinics could also offer remote consultations, via technological means, when the situation is suitable. This also applies to consultations paid for by the Commission des normes, de l'Équité, de la Santé et de la Sécurité du travail (CNESST), the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), and private insurers, according to the coverage.

About the OPPQ

The OPPQ's mission is to protect the public, ensure physiotherapists and physical rehabilitation therapists provide quality services, and support the development of both professions.

SOURCE ORDRE PROFESSIONNEL DE LA PHYSIOTHERAPIE DU QUEBEC (OPPQ)