Covid-19 Restrictions Lifted on Massage & Physical Therapy: AcheAngel Sports, Injury & Soft

For more than three months I have been adhering to and following the Government Guidelines to protect the NHS, save lives and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

During this time, whilst we have all been using the time to keep fit and active, it has been frustrating that I have not been allowed to provide much needed treatment to aid recovery for my clients during 'lockdown'.

I am pleased to bring you great news, as the Government has announced that 'close contact services' such as massage and physical therapy services are being allowed to reopen from Monday 13 July.

Information about Coronavirus, common and less common symptoms:

https://bestpractice.bmj.com/patient-leaflets/en-gb/pdf/3000166/Coronavirus.pdf

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_3

What will be different about getting treatment?

New measures are needed to help protect everyone whilst treatment is being given. The Government's 'Close Contact Services' guidance (updated on 9 July) states that:

"When providing close contact services, it often may not be possible to maintain social distancing guidelines (2m, or 1m apart with risk mitigation, is acceptable). As a result, personal protective equipment in the form of a visor will be required to mitigate the risk, further detail on which can be found in Section 6."

PPE: Both disposable and re-usable masks and visors will be used and cleaned/sanitised regularly*.

The AcheAngel therapist will:

Use hand sanitizer upon arrival.
Follow guidelines on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)*.
Ensure non-porous materials e.g. massage couch and bolsters are disinfected.
Use clean washed bed covers, and towels for each client.
Change their tunic/top between clients.
Wear durable, disposable gloves when cleaning equipment between clients.
Maintain social distancing before and after the treatment and keep moments of face to face communication as brief as possible.

Prior to your treatment you will be required to:

Complete a COVID-19 consultation form 24 hours before treatment - see 'Treatment' page.
Contact your therapist and re-schedule if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, or if any person in your household is self-isolating.
Ventilate the treatment space before your therapist arrives, by opening a window or door.
Ensure other members of your household or colleagues are in another area of the building.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Follow guidelines on the use of PPE.
Pay by card or other cashless method, where possible through my website.