Description of the Fund
The Rural Reach Physiotherapy Fund is a community initiative created to improve access to virtual physiotherapy for rural Nova Scotians. Funded by a private business in partnership with InPursuit Physiotherapy, the fund supports individuals living with chronic pain or chronic health conditions by offering up to three virtual physiotherapy appointments at no cost.
The goal is simple: to help you better manage your pain, improve your mobility and strength, and move with greater confidence — no matter where you live.
Availability of the Fund
Program dates: This pilot project has plans to run until July 2026.
Spaces in The Rural Reach Physiotherapy Fund are limited, and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Because the fund relies on external financial support, it may pause or end at any time, and no new patients will be accepted if funding becomes unavailable. Each participant may receive up to three virtual physiotherapy appointments through the fund.
Eligibility Criteria
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
Exclusion Criteria
In some situations, virtual physiotherapy or participation in the fund may not be appropriate. You may not be able to participate if:
You are unable to provide informed consent to physiotherapy (e.g., language barrier without available support, cognitive limitations)
You have insufficient or unreliable internet connection
You are assessed as needing in-person physiotherapy for safety or clinical reasons (e.g., acute injury, urgent concerns, red flags)
Your condition is not appropriate for physiotherapy
You are currently receiving physiotherapy from another provider (in-person or virtual)
You live in an urban centre of Nova Scotia (Halifax or Sydney)
You have previously participated in the Rural Reach Physiotherapy Fund
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. A physiotherapist reviews each application to determine whether virtual physiotherapy is appropriate and safe for your needs. If additional information is required, a physiotherapist may contact you before a final decision is made.
When Virtual Physiotherapy Is Not Suitable
If the physiotherapist determines during the assessment that virtual physiotherapy is not appropriate, you will be referred to an in-person physiotherapist of your choice. The fund will cover the cost of up to three in-person appointments.
When Further Care Is Needed
If, after completing the three funded appointments, you and your physiotherapist feel that continued physiotherapy would be helpful, you will be informed of your options. These may include a referral to public physiotherapy services available in your region or continuing with private physiotherapy at a clinic of your choice. Private services beyond the initial three funded appointments are not covered by the fund.
Appointment Guidelines
There is no requirement to attend all three appointments and you may stop treatment at any time. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you are asked to provide more than 24 hours' notice whenever possible. Missed appointments or cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice may result in removal from the program.
Clinical Standards and Policies
All care provided through the fund follows the same clinical standards, documentation requirements, informed-consent processes, and privacy protections as all physiotherapy services at InPursuit Physiotherapy. Patients receive the same level and quality of care as any paying client. All relevant policies, including the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, are available at www.inpursuitphysio.ca.
Partnership and Patient Choice
The Rural Reach Physiotherapy Fund is administered exclusively through InPursuit Physiotherapy. Participation in the fund does not create any obligation to continue care with InPursuit Physiotherapy after the funded appointments. If ongoing physiotherapy is recommended or desired, you are free to choose any public or private physiotherapy provider for future care.
The funder has no involvement in clinical decision-making, patient selection, or access to any identifying personal or health information. All treatment decisions remain solely between you and your physiotherapist.
Virtual Physiotherapy
Virtual physiotherapy can be convenient and accessible, especially for rural communities. Below are key benefits and limitations to review.
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