How to Set Up Your Home for a Video Physiotherapy Session

A video physiotherapy session is only as useful as what the physiotherapist can see and hear. If the camera shows only your face, the internet keeps freezing, or there is no space to lie down, a lot of the session is spent sorting out problems rather than working on your recovery. The good news is that the setup is simple and needs no special equipment.

Use this checklist before your first online session, and keep it handy for future ones.

1. Your device

• Smartphone, tablet or laptop: Any device with a working camera and microphone is fine. A phone is often easiest because it is easy to move.
• Charge it fully: Or keep it plugged in. Video calls drain the battery quickly.
• App ready: Most sessions use WhatsApp video. Make sure it is updated and that you know how to switch between front and back camera.
• Volume up: You need to hear instructions while a few steps away from the phone. Earphones with long wires can get in the way; a loud speaker is usually better.

2. Internet connection

• Use Wi-Fi if available, and sit close to the router.
• If using mobile data, check signal strength in the room you plan to use. Some rooms in multi-storey homes have weak signal.
• Ask others at home to pause heavy streaming or downloads during the session.
• Do a short test call with a family member the day before.

3. Camera position

This is the most important step. The physiotherapist needs to see your whole body for many exercises.

• Place the phone at about waist height on a table, shelf or stand, roughly 2 to 3 metres away.
• Use landscape (sideways) mode for full-body exercises.
• Lean the phone against a few books or a box if you have no stand.
• Make sure light comes from in front of you or the side, not from a bright window behind you.
• Be ready to move the phone for side views, for example to check your posture or squat technique.

4. Your exercise space

• A clear floor area about the size of a yoga mat, with some space to step to each side
• A yoga mat, carpet or folded bedsheet for floor exercises
• A sturdy chair without wheels or arms that slide
• A kitchen counter, wall or heavy table nearby for support during balance exercises
• Remove loose rugs, wires, toys and slippery items from the area
• If you have a bed exercise programme, a bed that the camera can see from the side

5. Equipment you may be asked to keep

Most sessions need very little. Depending on your programme, you may be asked to keep:

• A resistance band, if one was given at your home visit
• A towel or small cushion
• A water bottle filled to use as a light weight
• A step or the bottom stair of your staircase
• Your exercise sheet from the previous session

6. What to wear

Wear comfortable clothing that lets the physiotherapist see the area being treated. For knee problems, shorts or loose track pants that can be rolled up are helpful. For shoulder or neck problems, a fitted T-shirt or sleeveless top works well. Wear the footwear you usually walk in at home, or go barefoot on a non-slip surface if advised.

7. A family member or caregiver

For older adults, people who are unsteady, or those recovering from surgery, a family member should be present. They can:

• Stand close by for safety during standing and balance exercises
• Move the phone for different camera angles
• Learn the exercises so they can help between sessions
• Share observations, such as how the patient has been walking or sleeping

8. Privacy and comfort

• Choose a room where you will not be interrupted, and close the door if possible.
• Sessions with LifeWell Physio are one-to-one and are not recorded unless you ask and agree.
• If you are not comfortable showing an area on camera, say so. The physiotherapist can adapt or plan that part for a home visit.

Common problems and quick solutions

• Video keeps freezing: Switch off video on other devices at home, move closer to the Wi-Fi router, or try mobile data instead. If the problem continues, the physiotherapist may switch to audio briefly and send instructions by message.
• The physiotherapist cannot see your feet or head: Move the phone further away or turn it sideways.
• Too dark: Switch on the room light and open curtains in front of you, not behind you.
• Cannot hear instructions: Turn up the volume, reduce noise from fans, televisions or pressure cookers in the kitchen, and ask others to keep their voices low.
• Phone keeps falling: Use a phone stand or wedge it between heavy books on a table.
• Not enough space: Move a chair or small table temporarily, or use a different room for the session.

Small problems like these are normal in the first session and become easier after one or two calls. Once your setup works well, take a photo of where the phone was placed and how the room was arranged, so you can repeat it quickly next time without any trial and error.

9. Before you press call

1. Drink some water and use the washroom.
2. Note down any questions or changes in your symptoms since the last session.
3. Keep your reports or medication list nearby if it is your first session.
4. In summer, choose a cooler time of day and keep a fan on, as exercising in a hot room can be tiring.

Safety: when to stop and seek help

Stop any exercise and tell the physiotherapist if you feel dizzy, short of breath, have chest pain, sudden sharp pain, or feel unsteady. If you have chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, slurred speech or a fall with injury, end the session and seek emergency medical care.

Physiotherapy at home in Jaipur

Video sessions with Dr. Rohit Kumar usually follow an in-person home assessment in Jaipur. Learn more on our online physiotherapy consultation page, or book a home visit in areas such as Mansarovar.

Ready to try a video session? Send a WhatsApp enquiry to LifeWell Physio and we will help you get set up.