I’d just like to address some of the frequently asked questions around COVID19, vaccinations and massage.
Updated Tuesday 21 June, 2022
Can I come for massage?
Yes, therapeutic, remedial massage and myotherapy are permitted in the easing of restrictions in Victoria. You no longer need to check in.
Do I need to wear a mask?
Masks are not required in the treatment room, however, it is still a requirement for both massage therapist and clients to be wearing masks in the waiting area.
Do I need to be vaccinated?
Under direction of the Massage & Myotherapy Association a client seeking treatment from a massage therapist, remedial massage therapist or myotherapist is not required to be vaccinated.
What if I’ve just been vaccinated?
Massage & Myotherapy Australia recommends therapists along with their clients make an informed decision regarding the risk factors of clients who have been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have advised that people who receive the COVID-19 vaccines should be aware of common side effects. The instances of someone developing a rare clotting complication have occurred between 4-20 days post-vaccination.
If you have received an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination within 20 days of proposed massage therapy, remedial massage therapy or myotherapy treatment, the Association recommends you discuss risk factors with your therapist.
Massage & Myotherapy Australia also recommends therapipsts remain vigilant not only with respect to COVID-19 vaccinations, but as a general rule regarding contraindicators.
Is the massage therapist vaccinated?
In Victoria, it is the responsibility of the operator of a healthcare facility to ensure the Directions are adhered to. Specifically, the Directions require a healthcare operator to take reasonable steps to ensure that a healthcare worker does not enter or remain on the premises of a healthcare facility unless they have:
- received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination by 29 October 2021; and
- received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccination by 15 December 2021,
or where they have obtained an appropriate certificate from a medical practitioner that they are unable to receive a dose, or a further dose, of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Direction further requires healthcare operators to collect, record and hold vaccination information about the healthcare worker.
It is Massage and Myotherapy Australia’s view that massage therapists, remedial massage therapists and myotherapists do not fall under the definition of a healthcare worker under the Directions. As such, the Association considers that under the current Directions there is no absolute requirement for massage therapists, remedial massage therapists and myotherapists to be vaccinated where they practice from their own dedicated premises.
The above said, the Association further considers that where massage therapists, remedial massage therapists and myotherapists practice in healthcare facilities (such as hospitals, community health centres, general practices, allied health practices, etc) or residential aged care facilities, the operator of those facilities may require them to satisfy the abovementioned vaccination or exemption requirements before permitting entry to the premises.
https://www.massagemyotherapy.com.au/ccms.r?Pageid=53&tenid=AAMT&DispMode=goto|46270
What sort of infection control do you have in place?
- Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds between every client.
- Wiping down any surface with antibacterial solution that has been touched or may have been touched by therapist or the client.
- Changing the towels between each client and ensuring that they are washed in hot water (minimum 60°C) with soap or detergent before using them again.
Please note that I have also undertaken the COVID-19 Infection Control Training Module provided by the Department of Health.
What if I feel sick?
Please consider rescheduling your appointment;
- if you or a member of your household, require to be in isolation because you have been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVD19),
- if you, or a member of your household that you are living with have been directed to a period of 7-day quarantine by DHHS as a result of being a close contact of someone with coronavirus (COVID19)
- Or if you are experiencing any of the following;
- fever, cough, tiredness and loss of taste or smell in the last 48 hours
- you travelled overseas anytime in the last 14 days
- you been in contact with any confirmed COVID-19 cases
