The Latest Update Information on COVID-19 and how it affects Myotherapy and Remedial Massage Places offering health services.
As we navigate the rapid forever changing environment of the Coronavirus pandemic we asses the current COVID-19 situation keeping up to date with the current news, protocols and restrictions in place. We’re committed to closely following updates and keeping everyone’s health top of mind. How does this latest news and information relate to Massage and Myotherapy and more broadly Remedial Massage Therapists and Myotherapists and their profession to continue to provide Allied Health Services? Is Remedial Massage an essential service?
Are Remedial Massage Places Open Near Me?
During Victoria's Circuit Breaker During Lockdown we have word from Myotherapy Association Australia that routine care is not permitted for Myotherapy and Massage however Myotherapists are able to treat clients who require essential clinical care to prevent a significant change or deterioration in function, pain and increased care.
Further Clarification
Allied Health is permitted if working in private or public community services, whether clinic or home-based can provide essential clinical care where telehealth services are not clinically appropriate. Clarification has been sought from the Department of Health the Department of Health and Human Services that private community services would encompass Allied Health private practice and other private primary care practitioners such as Myotherapists.
Myotherapy can be performed for essential clinical care clients. What is defined as ‘essential clinical care’. Essential clinical care applies if face to face Myotherapy consultation/treatment will "prevent a significant change/deterioration in functional independence which would result in an escalation of care needs (e.g. an increase in frequency of treatment needed, an increased need for prescription medication due to a significant increase in pain, requirement for specialist input or review, an increase in care needs, and/or a substantial increase to anticipated recovery time associated with a delay in receiving services).
During Stage 3 you can still receive Remedial Massage and Myotherapy treatments as they are classified as essential services for medical and health reasons. As Myotherapy Association Australia state here, in stage three restrictions wil continue from where we left off, that is Myotherapists and Remedial Massage Therapists can continue to practice as essential businesses providing medical Remedial Massage and Myotherapy for clients in need during COVID-19.
''Allied Health Services - providing support including music and art therapy, rehabilitation care services, Physiotherapy, mental health counselling, Myotherapy, Remedial Massage and Podiatry - are open.''
Not all personal service business places are allowed to stay open through stage restrictions imposed by the government.
Some businesses providing personal services that are now closed due to restrictions include:
Spa and massage parlours providing providing relaxation massages or thai massage as distinct from medical Remedial Massage and Myotherapy
All beauty therapy, spray-tanning, waxing and nail salons are now closed
Further restriction to suburbs have come into place to limit the spread of the virus in prone areas. For what reasons can I live my home during COVID-19?
If you live within a locked down suburb there will once again only be 4 reasons to leave your place at home:
Shopping for food and supplies
Medical care and caregiving
Exercise and recreation
Study and work – if you can’t do it from home
Additionally, there will only be 3 reasons to cross the border of the suburb areas:
Shopping for food and supplies
Medical care and caregiving
Study and work – if you can’t do it from your place at home
If you live outside the locked down suburbs there are only three reasons to enter: shopping for food and supplies, medical care and caregiving, and study or work – if you can’t do it from home. That means you cannot travel in or out of these areas for exercise or recreation. Seeking medical care and treatment for pain, dysfunction and or injury is allowed. So you can book in when looking for massage place near me or Remedial Massage near me.
Confusion with Restrictions
At the beginning there was much confusion with what massage places were allowed to stay open and what was considered essential as massage parlours were deemed non essential.
Massage Association of Australia also empathised with the frustration of members around the lack of clarity regarding the delivery of massage therapy during the COVID-19 crisis with their updated news https://www.maa.org.au/Whats-New
Massage and Myotherapy Australia bought up a good point in an update stating
"Isn't it impossible to adhere to social distancing as a massage therapist? I can't give a massage while 1.5 metres away from my client!"
The 1.5 metre rule for social distancing does not apply to trained healthcare professionals treating clients. Adherence to strict hygiene and infection control must be upheld. To find out more about social distancing read this social distancing guidance information sheet released by the Department of Health titled 'Social distancing in the workplace'.
What Are We Doing to Help?
Practice proper handwashing and hygiene protocols - maintain high standards of hygiene and infection control. Hand washing is an important protection against COVID-19.
Wearing Masks - Massage Therapists and Myotherapists are wearing masks throughout treatment.
Appointment Spacing - Spreading out appointment times allows to have adequate time in between to clean and minimise interaction with multiple people in the reception area.
Staying Up to Date - Gain a full understanding of any new laws and ordinances at the local, state, and national levels and adjust the clinic accordingly.
No Cancellation Policy - We do not enforce the cancellation policy and protocols if a client shows signs of illness and encourage clients to not come to an appoint if presenting with any signs fever or a cough.
Cleaning - Initiate a cleaning regime that ensures:
frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, touch screens, handrails and benchtops are cleaned and disinfected at least twice per day
all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected when visibly soiled
all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected immediately if there is spillage.
The cleaning regime must include the use of a disinfectant with anti-viral properties.
Limit Clients in Clinic - We limit the clients in the clinic to a small number with restrictions of having 20 customers being allowed in one place at any one time
We stress the following to all clients:
we strongly encourage you to stay away if presenting any flu like symptoms.
seek Myotherapy massage treatment only if necessary and essential to continue your work and activities of daily living.
keep hygiene and hand washing protocols up whilst coming to the clinic.
feel free to ask any questions you may have about seeking treatment
For more information on the coronavirus COVID-19 you can contact:
• Coronavirus Health Information Line, Department of Health on 1800 020 080 (operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week)
• The Public Health Information Line on 1800 004 599 For the latest information about the Coronavirus, visit the Department of Health website at www.health.gov.au
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