Vic COVID-19 Update: Is It Safe To See A Myotherapist?

Note: this article is relevant to current COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines as of 26 June 2020.

The coronavirus lockdown in Victoria is having a profound impact on business operations, with many wondering where myotherapist services fall in terms of their ability to operate. The good news is that, according to section 9.2 of the Restricted Activity Directions in Victoria, myotherapists are permitted to operate under specific restrictions. But is it safe? Read more to find out.

Which Safety Precautions Are in Place?

By its very nature, myotherapy treatment in practice requires physical contact. That means social distancing simply isn’t possible during the actual treatment. Within the clinic, however, patients and staff maintain social distancing and exercise good hygiene such as frequent sanitising/handwashing to minimise the potential spread of the virus.

Although the treatment itself is quite important for obvious reasons, the assessment and management of podiatry and myotherapy-related health concerns can be completed from the comfort of home via Telehealth. Myotherapy Podiatry Advantage will provide clients with valuable consultations from your PC, tablet, or smartphone without having to visit our clinic.

Which Restrictions Are in Place?

As of 26 June 2020, personal care facilities must satisfy three requirements in order to operate:

1. A maximum of 20 patrons or the number permitted by the density quotient (whichever is lower)
   
2. No spa or sauna access is permitted
   
3. The business maintains records for no less than 28 days to comply with contact tracing requirements​
   

Although not explicitly noted, social distancing and good hygienic practices are also recommended.

Should I Wait to Book an Appointment for Myotherapy or Remedial Massage?

Victoria remains under a state of emergency until midnight, 19 July 2020. It remains to be seen how things will progress in terms of business reopening afterwards, but so far it would seem that businesses are anticipated to gradually reopen and relax restrictions provided that the total number of cases falls commensurately. Since this cannot be known, there’s no guarantee that myotherapy or remedial massages will be permitted to operate as ‘normal’.
Since myofascial trigger points and muscle/joint tightness and pain can persist for a long time without proper treatment and lead to all sorts of discomfort, it is recommended to get treatment if required, as it is currently considered essential. 

How Can I Get Treatment Safely?

There’s no other way about it: remedial massages, myofascial cupping, and myotherapy, in general, require physical contact. At MPA we are committed to best practice around infection control. There are some recommendations for making your treatment session as safe as possible which you’ve probably heard multiple times already, namely:

• Practice good hygiene and sanitise hands frequently, such as after touching doors
  
• Wear a visor or facemask
  
• Seek other treatment/get tested/isolate if you show symptoms of the virus​
  

The best way to maximise your own personal health is to continue to stay active and get myotherapy treatment if required. 

Myotherapy Podiatry Advantage

The coronavirus may be a threat to your health, but so too is putting off treatment for tight muscles and sore joints. That’s why you should get in touch with Myotherapy Podiatry Advantage in Melbourne and obtain a face to face or telehealth consultation if required.