The Institute of Soft Tissue Therapists issues preliminary guidance for return to practice

The Institute of Soft Tissue Therapists has issued its preliminary guidance for the safe return to face-to-face appointments for soft tissue therapists.

ISRM members will not be allowed to resume hands-on treatments until Covid-19 has been deemed to be at Level 3 when the risks of cross infection are lower and procedures will be different and hopefully less stringent.

All members will be following all government guidelines and the ISRM Covid-19 Secure Workplace Policy to minimise risk of cross infection.

With that said, I may be able to offer some appointments at the beginning of July when the government and the ISRM give the go-ahead. 

It will still be necessary to continually assess the new working procedures to see how they work and how they feel.

Appointment dates may be subject to change.

What does the ISRM guidance include?

ISRM Members will:

1. Work within their government's guidelines
2. Have prepared for and complied with the ISRM Safe Return To Work document
3. Comply with the ISRM Covid-19 Secure Hygiene Guidelines – details strict hygiene practices for the therapist
4. Changes that will be made include the following:
a) You will be asked to complete a risk assessment form before each treatment to determine if it is appropriate and safe for you to have a treatment
b) Hand washing before and after treatments (and/ or hand sanitiser with a minimum of 60% alcohol)
c) All members to have clean, dedicated clothing for treatments
d) Treatment spacing – allowing up to 30 minutes between clients to minimise contact with other clients
e) Cleaning – This time also allows for couch coverings to be changed and surfaces to be cleaned between each client
f) It is likely that the therapist and the client will have to be wearing a facial covering and it will be your responsibility to bring your own, although they can be provided by the therapist if necessary
g) Clean linen and towels – will be used for each client
h) Waste will be disposed of in line with government guidelines
i) Laundry will be in line with government guidelines

As a client you will be required to:

1. Complete a risk assessment before each treatment (You will be contacted prior to the appointment and asked to complete this)
2. On arrival, declare if anything has changed with your health or within your family unit or if you and anyone in your ‘unit’ has developed any symptoms of Covid-19
3. Wash your hands (and/ or use hand sanitiser provided by the therapist) on arrival and after treatment
4. Bring and wear your own face covering
5. Bring your own bottle of water
6. Arrange contactless payment if possible

Hygiene and your safety is of paramount importance, so if there is anything you are unsure about please contact me to discuss. 

Click link to download PDF of full guidance document:
www.theisrm.com/uploads/ISRM_COVID_F2F_MAY.pdf

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