Physio Aid has been really helpful.  I’ve experienced injuries for a number of years and have visited a number of physiotherapists. The physiotherapists have been great but I have found that even with paper copies of the exercises I still forget some key points.  With Physio Aid I can refresh my memory and enhance my ability to do the exercises correctly.  For some exercises I find I learn a new tip each time I view it.  Physio Aid is a great addition to seeing a physiotherapist. 

Bridget Abols

 The Creation of – www.physioaid.ca

Why Physio Aid –  and why was it started you may ask?  Physio Aid was started out of a desire to provide better home exercise prescriptions for clients.   As a physiotherapist I was questioning my use of stick diagrams and paper descriptions of exercises when patients would come in performing movements that were unlike those prescribed.   I was searching for a better tool and resource that I could use when working with clients to help with their success and adherence to their home exercise programs.  This is the start of the journey for www.physioaid.ca, which, I will share with you.

At the time of searching for resources, professionally filmed rehabilitation exercise videos were not available.    Exercises with diagrams and written descriptions in paper format were widely available but there was not a database of professionally filmed exercises with voice instructions to describe correct movement patterns.  The choice was then made to create an exercise library of videos that were professionally filmed.   A database of 300 exercise videos were created that included such commonly prescribed exercises for rotator cuff strengthening, core stability programs and stretching exercises.

The exercise videos were used in our clinical setting, which, helped with client success in performing their exercises properly and actually doing some of the exercises!  However, there was still a need to be able to individualize the exercise prescriptions with sets, numbers, repetitions and client specific tips.  This is where Physio Aid comes into play as the exercise videos can be individualized and a variety of exercises can be combined into client specific programs.

Physio Aid was further inspired by positive feedback received from physiotherapists and requests to use the exercise library in an easy format.   This is where our software developer jumped in to bring the idea of Physio Aid to life.  An easy to use platform to view, prescribe and individualize exercise plans was created. Physio Aid was also created with other benefits for clients and patients such as the ability to save client programs, to track when clients have viewed their exercises, and to send home programs with a quick e-mail with no usernames and passwords to remember!

Physio Aid is in its infancy and will continue to grow with more content and functionality.  Physio Aid has been an invaluable tool in helping clients with their rehabilitation and adherence to their exercise programs.  I hope you enjoy the use of Physio Aid in helping your clients.  Give Physio Aid a try at www.physioaid.ca.  Your feedback is welcome at physiophysioaidca.

Heather King, Registered Physiotherapist, BScPT, FCAMPT, CAFCI, SPC, Doctor of Science Candidate www.physioaid.ca

Welcome to Physio Aid!  For the health professional, Physio Aid has been designed to make it easier for you to prescribe effective home exercise programs to your clients.  Professionally filmed videos, compiled by physiotherapists, have been designed to guide your client’s success with their rehabilitation programs.   No more stick diagrams, no more photocopying or searching various databases for the right exercise.  Predefined programs come with Physio Aid and you can also select individual videos to personalize your clients programs.   Professional videos are prepared so you do not have to video your client and upload videos that cost you time with your client and risk patient confidentiality.  You can save your own programs for your clients and you can monitor their progress.  You can also count on new content being added to Physio Aid to help educate your clients regarding the importance of following your advice for their success in gaining optimum health and mobility.

For the client you do not have to remember various usernames and passwords to get to your exercise program.   You can access your program from your home computer, IPad, tablet or mobile phone from the e-mail link you have been sent from the health professional you are working with.   You can see the exercise being performed and hear instructions on how to perform the exercises correctly.  This will help you get the most benefit from the advice you have been given.

Physio Aid is your tool to help keep you active in life.   “Keeping you Active in Life” will help guide you on your journey to stay active.  Exercise video clips to help keep you moving during your day will be shared; client feedback and tips, and new videos will be featured.

Stay active in life with Physio Aid!