Dear Client

Soft tissue therapists are now able to return to work but there will be some changes in how your appointment will proceed, in order to continue to prevent the spread of infection. I list below some of the changes you can expect.

Firstly, if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms, please postpone or cancel your appointment. I will be taking your temperature upon arrival and there will also be a consent form to complete regarding your exposure to Covid-19. If you are considered a high-risk client, it may not be possible to massage you at this time but feel free to discuss this with me.

All bookings will require a pre appointment covid-19 screening form to be completed within 48 hours of the appointment. This can be sent via email, messaging service or over a phone call. If you are a first-time client, your initial consultation will take place via telephone or intake form, rather than during your appointment. Intake forms can be sent via email or messaging service as PDF or e-form. All consultation and consent documents should be signed and brought with you to your appointment (if printed) or emailed/ submitted beforehand.

Please bring you own pen and water if needed, as I can no longer supply this. If you have a face mask, please wear this but if you don’t, I will supply you with one to wear throughout your treatment.  It would also be helpful if you wear clothing which is easy to remove and avoid wearing jewellery or bringing unnecessary items. Please note that WC facilities are not available. Handwashing and sanitizing facilities are available upon entry.

Please remain in your car or outside and I will open the door at your appointment time as I do not have a waiting room. Please only bring a chaperone or legal guardian if necessary, they will also be required to wear a face mask and if possible, provide notice beforehand. 

Upon arrival, there is a QR code available to scan into the NHS app, you will be required to remove your shoes outside of the treatment room, wash and sanitize your hands and enter the practice room without touching anything. There will be a container in which to put your clothes when you undress.

The treatment room will have been thoroughly disinfected and all linen and face cradles replaced for each client.  I will be wearing personal protective equipment which includes a mask, gloves and apron.  Do not be concerned about the use of gloves, it will not affect your treatment. 

When the massage is over, please leave all the linens, untouched on the couch and try not to touch anything as you leave.  Please keep your mask on until you exit the premises. It is also recommended that you register for the NHS Track and Trace app to maintain our safety.

Payment can be made prior to the appointment from the fresha app, PayPal or if you prefer to pay with cash, please bring the correct money and place it in an envelope.

Please note appointments will be shortened by up to 15 minutes, if a busy schedule, to enable disinfection of the practice space, therapy table, equipment, and facilities.

If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to me by phone or messenger 07885658184.

I look forward to welcoming you.

Total contraindications – No massage should be conducted at all. Some conditions are temporary and waiting till you are better will be a greater benefit. Some conditions will need advice or conformation from GP or specialist for when you are ready to benefit from massage.

• Fever – massage can in some cases cause body temperature to increase.
• Coughs, colds, flu, and respiratory infections – “is contraindicated in the acute stage, because it will help spread the virus through the client’s body”
• Cancer/ tumour (there are therapists trained in oncology massage)
• Hyper/Hypotension (discuss with your GP if condition has stabilized sufficiently for massage treatment)
• Pregnancy (I’m not yet trained in pregnancy massage)
• Drugs/ alcohol – alters sensory feedback.
• Vaccinations – at this time it is advised to wait 48hrs after a vaccine as a precaution.
• Contagious skin infections.
• Sudden severe headaches/ severe migraine episode
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Compartment syndrome
• Cauda Equina Syndrome
• Epilepsy – (discuss with your GP if condition has stabilized sufficiently for massage treatment, conformation from GP or specialist will be needed)

Local contraindications – Affected area should be avoided

• Fractures – immediate area cannot be treated, you may benefit from massage to prevent overuse muscle strains from compensating. Once set, gentle massage is beneficial to muscles adjacent to the fracture to improve recovery program.
• Open wounds – ideally if a dressing can cover the wound, then massage to other body areas can be treated.
• Injection sights – intramuscular injections are local contraindications as the serum can track to under the skin instead of slowly absorbing into the muscle if massaged or even rubbed.
• Varicose veins – no massage directly over raised veins or just below but the rest of the leg will greatly benefit from light massage.
• Bursitis – no massage over area of inflammation but massage for the rest of the body to help overuse of muscles when compensating.
• Bruising – direct area needs to be avoided as still in the healing process.
• Inflammation – soft tissue or joint. Affected area should not be massaged but other body areas can be. Once inflammation has subsided light massage and mobilization will promote recovery.
• Acute soft tissue injury – muscle, tendon, or ligament. For 3 days direct massage is not advised due to the healing process. If the injury is assessed as a lower grade ice massage can be used within 3 days to reduce pain and swelling. Massage to adjacent areas and muscles which can reduce tension over the affected area.

Source – PRINCIPLES OF CAUTIONS AND CONTRA INDICATIONS, GCMT, 2006.