Reopening
The province has officially announced the approved reopening of massage therapy practices as of June 5th. While this is a very exciting first step, there remain measures to be met. The Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia has submitted a return to work plan which is still under review. Once it is approved by public health, appointments will be able to happen under the new guidelines. While we recognize that it is arguably more important than ever for the public to have access to massage therapy, we also must ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the return of therapists and clients and do our best to limit the risk of any future need to close again. The above quote has been powerful for me at many junctures. With this in mind, I am inspired to move forward with you into our new normal.
For my personal practice, clients who have had sessions cancelled will be contacted to tentatively re-book beginning June 8th. Following this, all other existing clients will be offered availability. New clients will not be taken at this time to ensure a secure and spacious re-opening to meet current needs. Additionally, supplies are on their way to fulfill PPE recommendations. They will be required for re-opening and should be here ahead of the scheduled date. Lastly, there has been an increase in pricing listed below. Please read carefully and be prepared for this at the time of your next visit.
I can't begin to express how happy I am to be working as an independent practitioner without the concern of navigating a busy clinic environment or traffic in a small yoga studio. Because of this, I feel confident that the transition will be one of relative ease.
The following interim measures are either proposed in the MTANS draft or have already been put in place voluntarily. Please note that this is subject to change as advised by public health. Thank you for your patience. I very much look forward to our reconnection and will notify you again when online booking is open. -Alicia
What will this look like?
Environment: It is being recommended that therapists wear masks and offer the same option for clients. Strict hand washing and cleaning will be met before and after sessions. Cleaning of equipment and linens between appointments have always met standard of practice and will continue. Communication is encouraged for peace of mind and sessions can be discontinued at any time should there be cause for concern.
Disclosure: Clients will be required to disclose any changes to health, any potential exposure to COVID-19 and any travel within 14 days of appointment time. Should any of this change between the time that the appointment is booked and the date of the session, cancelation fees will be waived.
Informed Consent: Clients are reminded of risk before sessions. Although all appropriate measures are taken, the nature of massage therapy limits the ability of social distancing and therefore increases potential for exposure. Clients will be notified should the therapist knowingly come in contact with COVID-19 or exhibit any symptoms of the virus just as client’s are required to disclosure of the same. Ultimately, the client assumes responsibility for attending sessions. Should they change their mind or must cancel a session for these reasons, a cancelation fee will be waived.
Session Spacing: Sessions are already spaced 30 minutes apart to assure comfortable space for discussion. It is currently being recommended that session spacing be moved to 30 minutes (15 minutes is standard practice). The current timing will remain the same unless it begins to prove inadequate for meeting new requirements. In acknowledgment of the intention here, clients are asked not to arrive early for appointments.
Pricing: In order to ease the impact of the pandemic on business, service pricing has been increased by $5 per session before taxes and is reflected on the website. While these fees continue to remain below the average cost of massage therapy in the city, the change may still surpass some limits set by insurance plans. Please be aware of your plan and prepare to pay any overage at the time of your session with cash, credit or e-transfer.
Missing anything? If you have a concern and it is not addressed here, please contact me via email or my website to bring it to my attention.