TELEHEALTH CONSULTATIONS
A 45 minute telehealth meeting on Skype or Zoom is available with Professor Berger. This can be offered prior to a suggested intervention with Elisma Conradie and our highly qualified physiotherapists.
An appointment can be made that is convenient to you and Prof Berger through the Berger, Conradie Practice at 011 883 2000. Medical Aid Rates for the consultation/discussions are provided and payment can be made prior to the consultation date.
How does a Telehealth consultation help your pain?
When I first meet a patient and start with an assessment, I am getting to know the patient’s history of his/her condition and general health up to that point in their lives. Patient’s will indicate where the pain is, what type of pain it is and many other aspects of their day or night and their general activities that interact with this pain or condition. Patients will also indicate how the pain or condition limits their activities.
As the story unfolds, I begin to understand what type of painful or disturbing condition it is and soon I can see what treatment will assist this patient and how I can make a difference. Sometimes a simple solution may be advised such as using an external transcutaneous electrical current (TENS unit) that can be worn by the patient and enables the patient to continue with a normal life of work or recreation without discomfort and no side effects. Perhaps it will be a program of treatment (Stimpod) that helps to reduce overactive nerves from firing and may stop or change pain and improve mobility even after just 3 treatments. Some patients will require anti-inflammatory currents and acupuncture to relieve their pain, others may require an exercise program to improve their levels of strength and activity. Others who suffer chronic pain may require an education program that explains pain and teaches the patient certain tools such as breathing techniques, mindfulness, relaxation and others that they can use themselves to change pain and make a difference to their lives – this may take two further one hour sessions. There are many alternatives to the above suggestions that may help a particular condition.
The consultation occurs usually on ZOOM or another form of communication, may last an hour or more, is usually covered by medical aid tariffs and leaves a patient with an understanding of their condition and how they and their therapist can improve the situation. It gives hope and confidence.
