How does it feel now that you have re-opened?
I have been back in clinic for 4 weeks and it feels fantastic to be back doing what I love. Yes, the PPE feels a bit strange especially in the hot weather but come on a little price to pay to be able to be back helping clients and keeping safe.
I invested a great deal of time going through guidance, planning and preparing the procedures needed to open up with confidence and feel safe. Although time consuming and difficult it was worthwhile as I feel that this has enabled me to reassure and make my clients feel safe too. Looking at the diary I am also reassured that this is the case as everyone has either rebooked or has referred a family/friend.
A phrase I have used often whilst facing the challenges of this pandemic has been “Planning for the worst and hoping for the best”. I started my planning form the worst-case scenario which is that myself or a client become seriously ill due to contracting COVID-19. This led me to identify every possible action I could put in place to reduce the possibility that the virus could enter and be transmitted through my services.
What happens prior to treatment?
Prior to treatment I have been emailing clients a specific screening and consent from. This enables me to determine that it is safe to go ahead. Clients are asked if they have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19. If they have suffered with COVID-19 that does not mean that they are not able to have a massage. However it does enable me to plan their treatment effectively, especially if they are suffering with some of the possible after effects that we are still learning about. The form also asks clients to identify specific health issues and or circumstances that make them vulnerable. Again, this does not mean they are not eligible for treatment however it enables us to ensure that a full dialogue regarding the risks can take place and a mutual understating can be achieved. I send a return email to also confirm that I have no symptoms and have not been in contact with anyone else showing symptoms.
What happens during treatment?
I greet clients at the door wearing my mask, visor and apron and double check there have been no changes since they retuned their screening form. Clients who are also wearing a mask, wash their hands and come through to the treatment room. I am pleased with how the treatment room is set up. Next to the door is the client area with a chair, box for belongings and payment point, the massage couch runs down the middle of the room and my area with my desk and equipment is on the other side. This enables a distance to be maintained before and after the treatment which is when we may need to discuss clients progress and homecare plans such as exercises.
There are minimal changes to the treatment process I am only providing the shortest treatment time of 40 minutes to reduce our contact time, wearing gloves and not undertaking any massage on the face area.
What happens after treatment?
Once dressed and necessary homecare advice provided payments are made via bank transfer, contactless machine or cash added to the envelope provided. Clients wash their hands and leave, masks are only removed once safely outside again.
I return to the treatment room to start my sanitisation process which is thankfully becoming second nature and speeding up. I put all couch roll and towels in the sealed bins and sanitise all surfaces and equipment including under the couch around the face cradle and floor. I sanitise all the door handles inside and out and all surfaces in the bathroom. I leave the windows open to ventilate well and leave a gap of 30 minutes until the next client arrives.
What would happen if someone did develop symptoms?
If I or anyone in my household were to contract symptoms, I would immediately cancel any appointments, get tested and if positive I would self-isolate. If a client identified that they had symptoms on the screening form or on arrival, the treatment would be cancelled and the client advised to go for a test, self-isolate and follow all the advice on receipt of results.
What has been the best thing about reopening?
Reconnecting with existing clients and meeting and helping new clients. It has been really rewarding to help people who have been suffering during lockdown. For some it has been due to changes to routines and work habits and for others they have needed treatment plans for specific conditions. Being in lockdown has been difficult in terms of feelings of isolation and uncertainty resulting from the disruption to our routines and how we live. Working with clients who have had additional pain due to illness during lockdown has been very rewarding especially when we have reviewed progress and started to achieve the goals we set together.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch