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As we are awaiting to hear the details for re-opening our clinics and when we can start to treat again, I have prepared an outline (found below) of how the treatment experience will look going forward in our "new world".
Pre-screening, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and enhanced cleaning help reduce the risk of transmission, and enable me to practice while minimizing risk of harm. Because of this, many new rules and protocols will need to be implemented; yet many hygiene protocols may only need to be tweaked from what are already the "normal" steps that we practice daily as Registered Massage Therapists. Due to the restrictive logistics of going back to the clinic setting, I have opted to work solely from my home in Wortley Village, where I have a separate entrance and space dedicated to receiving and treating clients. I feel this will allow me more control over my environment, and will give you the peace of mind that any cross contamination will be effectively minimized in this secluded setting. |
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PRE-SCREENING |
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DAY BEFORE TREATMENT: An online pre-screening form will be attached to your email reminder. Please be sure to fill this out and send back, or rebook if you show any symptoms. You can also take Ontario.ca's Self Assessment Tool.
DAY OF TREATMENT: The assessment questions will be asked again, and if at that time either you or I feel that either of us may have any symptoms, we will rebook the treatment. ANNE’s PRE-SCREENING: I too will re-assess myself prior to each appointment, and if I feel that I am showing any symptoms, I will inform you and rebook your appointment. NOTE: Cancellation fees will be waived for all COVID-19 related cancellations. |
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Although distancing is not possible in the treatment room, I will make accommodations to practice distancing as best as possible in all areas outside of it. This practice space will only have one client (you) and one registered massage therapist (me) on the premises at a time.
RECEPTION + ENTRY:
TREATMENT ROOM: It is not possible to maintain physical distancing in the treatment room. However, precautions will be observed. WASHROOM USE: I recommend that you use the washroom before arriving for your appointment to avoid extra contact with surfaces, but one will be available for you if you need. SOPHII: I recommend that you refrain from petting Sophii during your visit. Although there is no clinical indications* that she could carry the virus to us through droplets, it is possible that droplets could fall on her coat. If you do pet her, I will ask that you sanitize your hands before and right after contact. * published article, Ontario Shelter Medicine Association |
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HAND HYGIENE |
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Although stringent hand washing is a normal part of a massage therapist’s hand hygiene protocol, extra sanitizing will now be observed by the RMT, and required when you (the client) is on the premises. Hand sanitizing stations will be provided.
CLIENT: You will be required to sanitize your hands according to the MOH protocol when entering the premises, and before leaving. Extra sanitization may be needed if you come into contact with doorknobs or other contact areas, or substances (ie. If you sneeze). MASSAGE THERAPIST: RMTs wash their hands using soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds prior to and after each treatment. I will be also using extra sanitization methods after touching surfaces or substances. |
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As you know, consent for treatment is a regular part of the registered massage therapy session. As we re-open, I will be asking you to sign two separate forms:
CONSENT TO TREAT: Due to the nature of massage therapy, distancing is not possible in the treatment room. I want you to be clear of the risks and benefits of massage in this ‘new world’, and that you understand your options when signing this consent form. If ‘sensitive areas consent’ is required for your treatment, it will also be included on this one form. TRACING LOG: An additional log has been requested to be included in our intake by the Ministry of Health. I will ask for your consent to be included on an attendance log with your full name and contact email. This initiative is to help with tracing in the event that someone that has been at clinic is diagnosed with Covid-19 after their visit here. Participation is optional, but I would encourage you to consider adding your information, as it is a great tool in keeping future outbreaks under control. NOTE: Patients at greater risk: Please take additional precautions; discuss alternatives for care; postpone treatment; and explore options. RMTs may provide massage therapy when the patient and therapist agree together that the benefits of care delivery outweigh the risk to the patient. |
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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) |
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There has been much discussion around masks, gloves, aprons, and face shields. I would like to outline the direction from our professional college as we open up.
MASKS: As directed by the Ministry of Health, we both must wear disposable surgical/procedural masks for the duration of your visit. You must come with your own mask and be wearing it prior to entry of the building. I change and dispose of my mask after each client. If you mask gets torn or wet, I will have extras provided for you. Please assure that you are donning and doffing your mask properly. GLOVES: As I will be practicing stringent hand washing and sanitizing, the need for gloves for a regular treatment would not be called for or required. Gloves will still be worn for any intra-oral treatments. If you have any skin irritations or reasons that gloves would be required (such as a wound), the effected area will not be treated at this time (until the Covid crisis is behind us and no longer putting you or I at risk). APRONS, GOWNS, FACE-SHIELDS: I will be laundering my clothing after each client visit so as to prevent any cross contamination between clients as required by the Ministry of Health. I will not be wearing a face shield which is optional. NOTE: Regardless of the directives, if you feel you would like extra PPE for both yourself and me, please contact me and we can discuss what can be arranged to help you feel safe and comfortable in coming to the practice. |
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Hand hygiene, stringent cleaning and disinfecting protocols are part of an RMT’s regular practice. I will be addressing possible contact areas and zones more diligently between clients during this time as an addition to my regular cleaning routine.
My cleaning protocols include:
NOTE: Through my own discretion, I have an air purifier in the treatment room. If you are not comfortable with this, it can be turned off for your treatment. |
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PAYMENTS + BOOKINGS |
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In every effort to remain contactless, I will be asking you to do as much online as possible for payments, receipting and bookings. If it is not possible, we will find the best solution together. I'd like to thank you in advance for your cooperation with this area of our "new" normal.
PAYMENTS:
DIGITAL RECEIPTS: A receipt will be emailed to you. Direct billing will still be accepted. It is advised to check with your benefit administrator or provider to confirm that RMT services are back to 'active' for payment submission. Printed receipts are not encouraged, but will be available if you cannot accept an emailed version. BOOKING: Booking will remain online for the most part, with the option of calling in, texting or emailing to book a treatment. Your next appointment may be booked prior to leaving the clinic. Please be aware that there will be extra time between appointments to provide adequate cleaning and sanitizing between clients. Due to this, I will not be offering 30 minutes treatments until further notice. NOTE: Cancellation fees will be waived for all COVID-19 related cancellations. |
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Anne's additional pandemic certifications √ Infection + Prevention Control Canada √ Ministry of Health √ Worksite Safety Compliance Centre |
contact |
social |
youtube, instagram + facebook:
Anne the RMT |
address |
76 Askin Street
Wortley Village London, Ontario N6C 1E4 |
