Working from home has employees facing new physical and mental risks. Whether it is due to non-ergonomic workstations in their homes, increased stress, or a change in a fitness routine, they are more prone to injuries. Especially of the musculoskeletal variety like muscle sprains, back and neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Musculoskeletal issues are a leading cause of absenteeism in the workplace, and many cases can lead to short-term or long-term disability claims. These costs are a significant factor in any workplace and have cascading effects on employee productivity, and therefore business success.

With many people unable to make an appointment with a physiotherapist due to COVID-19 related closures, it can be challenging to get the help needed to heal an injury correctly and prevent it from becoming something worse.

That’s where virtual physiotherapy comes in.

Virtual physiotherapy helps people stay on track with their recovery programs, connecting them with their provider remotely. While it is still a relatively new service, it is improving the accessibility of registered professionals and treatment – even in the most remote locations.

Beyond the pandemic, virtual physiotherapy can be helpful for prevention and early intervention services, or for those unable to get to an appointment due to time, location, or mobility issues.

Cowan is proud to partner with Phzio to provide accessible, cost-effective virtual physiotherapy to eligible plan members and their dependants to aid in the prevention and treatment of injuries.

What is Phzio?

Phzio makes it easy for group benefits plan members and their eligible dependents to receive physiotherapy services online. The service allows plan members to receive treatment and view content through their smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.

Phzio provides:

  • Better patient access – Reduce the amount of travelling time spent driving to a physiotherapy clinic. Plan Members can access Phzio from anywhere they have an internet connection
  • Better care, better outcomes – Physiotherapy rehabilitation services through Phzio are less expensive than an in-person clinic visit and just as effective
  • 1,000+ therapeutic exercises – No two injuries are the same; every patient receives a customized treatment plan for their specific needs and conditions
  • Accelerated outcomes – Plan Members are more motivated to complete their rehabilitation program through the autonomy of an online platform

To get started, Phzio initiates a live video call with a registered physiotherapist to assess the patient’s condition. The physiotherapist creates a customized treatment plan and then monitors the patient while they perform the exercises in real-time. Booking is easy and convenient; typically, a physiotherapist can see users within 24 hours.

With an extensive library of videos, employees have access to daily exercises and stretches, to help reduce their risk of injury in the workplace and lower paramedical costs for employers. They can also get rehab aid from the comfort of their own home, which is essential during COVID-19 in helping with recovery for those on disability.

To learn more on how to get started with Phzio, reach out to your Cowan Consultant today.