Re-release - In readiness for restarting massage therapy sessions
The advice and information contained within this update signal a return to face-to-face hands-on work.
To move forward in this time of uncertainty, Therapi Tylino has developed procedures to minimise infection from COVID-19 and for safety, during massage therapy sessions.
Restart Date
The choice of the restart date will be considered carefully and new are protocols will be adopted and implemented into current practices before my business reopens
This is necessary to understand that future practice will be different from pre covid-19 protocol.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Moving forward, the use of PPE will be central to reopening for the provision of Massage Treatment and Taping when the time comes. Currently, there is a PPE shortage, with a majority of supplies being directed to NHS frontline workers and health assistance staff, e.g. nursing homes, home health aides, etc. and rightly so! They are still operating and need to work safely with a premium supply of equipment. Therapi Tylino believes it’s professionally unethical to divert supplies from this delicate supply chain for non-emergency massage treatment requests at this time.
Face Masks
I am examining possible alternative options for face coverings for clients and myself in the present situation.
One possibility I am currently looking into is personal reusable cloth masks will be used by myself and cleaned each day. for clients there will be personal paper masks available.
Eye Protection
Even though I wear personal eyeglasses they are NOT considered adequate eye protection. With client safety being paramount, eye protection in the form of a face shield will be utilised, cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturer’s instructions prior to each massage.
Use of Disposable Aprons
Disposable Plastic Aprons are designed to protect the client from contamination during direct patient care. Plastic aprons are appropriate for standard precautions; when the procedure requires direct care with hand-to-skin contact, a long repellent gown is appropriate. Disposable plastic aprons do not need to be sterile.
Disposable plastic aprons are important items of PPE and will be used to provide further protection from the risk of infection and to reduce opportunities for cross-infection.
Whether to wear PPE; The risk
It is important to understand there is no known way to eliminate the risk of all transmission and infection. There simply is no risk-free environment in which to conduct business today in these uncertain times at present. This will be closely monitored for any changes in due course
This guide is to ensure that clients have understanding of the risks that are being taken, even while wearing PPE. There is no defined risk assessment as they vary with different PPE scenarios, and type of work being taken with clients. PPE only provides protection if it is put on and taken off correctly and dispose of safely. Of which I have ensured to include in my practise going forward
https://www.abmp.com/updates/blog-posts/use-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-massage-therapists
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg139/ifp/chapter/Principles-of-preventing-infections
I must emphasise that advice and information contained within this update do not signal a return to face to face hands-on work.