The Rural Reach Physiotherapy Fund provides short-term physiotherapy support to rural Nova Scotians living with chronic pain or chronic health conditions.
It’s a community-supported program designed to help you manage pain, build strength, and move with more confidence - no matter where you live.
The Rural Reach Physiotherapy Fund provides up to 3 virtual physiotherapy appointments at no cost for rural Nova Scotians living with chronic pain or chronic health conditions. All appointments are one-on-one with a licensed physiotherapist and take place on a secure virtual platform.
To qualify for the Rural Reach Physiotherapy Fund, you’ll need to meet a few criteria that help ensure virtual care is safe, accessible, and the right fit for you.
You may be eligible if you:
Live in a rural area of Nova Scotia
Are 18 years of age or older
Have a reliable internet connection
Have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer suitable for virtual appointments
Feel comfortable using video calls and receiving care online
Are experiencing chronic pain or a chronic health condition appropriate for physiotherapy
Not be currently receiving physiotherapy care (in-person or virtual) from another provider
Would experience financial difficulty accessing private physiotherapy services
Would be physically located in Nova Scotia for each appointment
This community initiative is a pilot project, with plans to remain open until July 2026.
Spaces are limited, and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Because the program relies on community funding, it may pause or close if funding becomes unavailable.
Once accepted into the program, you’ll take part in up to 3 virtual physiotherapy appointments with a licensed physiotherapist. All sessions happen one-on-one over a secure video platform.
In your first appointment, your physiotherapist will ask about what you’ve been experiencing and what concerns you most. They’ll guide you through some simple movements, very similar to an in-person physiotherapy assessment, and together you’ll decide on a plan that feels right and is tailored to you.
Virtual physiotherapy can be a great option for many people, with some important benefits and limitations to consider. Please review the information below to help you decide if it’s a good fit for you.
Benefits of Virtual Physiotherapy:
No travel or parking required — reducing both time and cost
Saves time and conserves energy for what matters most
Increased privacy — no waiting rooms or shared spaces
Improved access for people living in rural communities
Easier to fit appointments into your daily life and schedule
Entire appointment is spent one-on-one with your physiotherapist
Allows you to learn and move in your own environment, improving comfort and confidence
Treatment is tailored to your living space and what you already have at home
Strong evidence supports virtual physiotherapy for chronic pain and many chronic health conditions
Limitations of Virtual Physiotherapy:
Requires a reliable internet connection and an appropriate device
Technology difficulties may occur
Your comfort level with technology may affect your experience
Online privacy risks exist (minimized through a secure, PHIA compliant platform)
You need access to a quiet, private space for appointments
Some conditions require in-person physiotherapy
If a virtual assessment cannot safely or accurately address your needs, an in-person assessment will be recommended
If you’re unsure whether virtual care is the right fit, feel free to send any questions to info@ruralreach.ca. Your physiotherapist can also help you figure this out during the application process.
Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an automatic confirmation message. A physiotherapist will then review your information and may contact you if anything needs to be clarified. You’ll be contacted within 5 business days, and we’ll let you know what the next steps are.
You can read the full Rural Reach Physiotherapy Fund Information here.
It includes details about funding, privacy, policies, and clinical standards.