We Continue as Normal* Under Tier 4 Restrictions
*with a few caveats
The good news is that we have been given the GREEN LIGHT to continue to see patients throughout this period, in the same way that we were still operational during the November Lockdown period. Our role, and more broadly musculoskeletal healthcare in general, is vital in helping you stay involved in exercise which benefits both your physical and mental wellbeing.
There are however some restrictions to our practice, namely that there has to be clinical justification for a face to face appointment and that no interventions that are classed as holistic or complementary (such as relaxation/remedial type massage) should be performed. Therefore we shall not be providing general sports massage during this time. The relevant statement from the Society of Sports Therapists reads:
“Routine Sports Massage is not permitted as this falls under the category of close contact personal care. Appointments should only be given where treatment is essential to alleviate the symptoms of pain and/or disability in an on-going musculoskeletal condition.”
Society of Sports Therapists, 21st December 2020
We will contact all patients by email after booking an appointment to double check the clinical need for a face to face appointment and arrange alternatives if required.
In addition to this, and in order to minimise contact time and by association exposure, we shall try to shift all patients that are “rehab only” (i.e. do not require any hands on work) to virtual appointments. This will be a collaborative approach as it may be of benefit (whether it be for motivation or to improve exercise learning/adherence) to see you for rehab within the clinic.
In accordance to the guidelines, we will continue to keep hands-on treatment times as short as possible at all times (as we’ve been doing since we returned to practice after the first lockdown period) as well as maintaining physical distancing wherever possible within the context of the assessment/treatment/rehab session.
If you are in any doubt as to whether your ache/pain/dysfunction qualifies for a face to face appointment under these guidelines please contact us ASAP to discuss as there may still be significant benefit to a virtual appointment if we are unable to provide a face to face appointment. The same applies if you are self-isolating/shielding.
This is due for review on the 30th December 2020. This statement will continue in place unless there is another change that effects our practice.
Thank you for your continued support, let’s keep pushing forward and improving both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Stay safe and well,
Ian Wrightson