Massage in the National Lockdown from 12th April 2021

Steven Murdoch

Steven is an advanced clinical massage therapist located in North London, UK. His blog posts explore persistent (chronic) pain and how we can live and work well - pain free.

If ever we needed a massage, it’s surely now. Whether we have been furloughed, are unable to work, or are working from home (WFH), our stress levels are through the roof. Well the great news is that in-person massage appointments are permitted from Monday 12th April 2021.

January 2021 rules stated we must stay at home

January 2021 lockdown rules said we must stay at home.

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If ever we needed a massage, it’s surely now. Whether we have been furloughed, are unable to work, or are working from home (WFH), our stress levels are through the roof.

The UK has been in a strict lockdown since Monday 4th January 2021. With the UK reporting its highest ever daily cases of Covid-19 (58,784), Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced another national lockdown.

For the public, the new rules stated that we must stay at home. Furthermore, the law which was passed two days later in parliament, confirmed that all personal care facilities and close contact service, including massage centres should close.

However all that comes to an end on Monday 12th April, when all close-contact services are permitted to reopen.

Clinical Massage therapists are recommencing hands-on treatments

Clinical massage therapists can recommence hands-on treatments from 12th April 2021

The January lockdown did permit us to leave home for medical appointments and emergencies. And the law states that chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services may remain open for treatments providing they are adhering to very strict conditions.

The Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) advised their registrants that they come under “other medical or health service.”

Having said that, whilst complementary therapists like myself may be permitted to stay open for massage in the national lockdown under certain circumstances, most professional associations advised otherwise.

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I belong to two professional associations. The Association of Physical and Natural Therapists (APNT) and The Sports Massage Association (SMA).

Both took the same stance in advising their members that if they were to really take into account the current high level of risk with the new variant of Covid-19 that they would cease hands-on treatments during lockdown.

I am very much in the camp of doing what I can to help reduce the spread of the virus. Until permitted to on 12th April, I have remained closed for hands-on treatments, except for emergencies.

What if we go into lockdown again?

Let’s hope we don’t go into another lockdown. However, if close-contact services close gain and you are in pain, her is what I advise.

Speak with you GP. This is a sensible route, even if you could make a direct appointment with your therapist. It may be possible for your GP to refer you to your therapists for treatment.

If you are in pain see your GP.

If you do decide to have hands-on treatment with a complementary therapist that has remained open, check the therapist is doing all they can to protect both of you.

Ask them – “What measures are you taking to protect us both from Covid-19?”

You want to be hearing something close to the following.

“I take your health seriously.”

“I’ve carried out a thorough risk assessment.”

“The room is well ventilated during and between clients.”

“I have a thorough cleaning schedule.”

“I’ve reduced contact times.”

Alternatively, a number of clinical massage therapists now offer one-to-one self care coaching online.

I am pleased to offer a FREE 30 minute consultation with no obligation. Just click below to make a video appointment.

There we have it. I hope that helps. If this topic and the topic of living and working well – pain free is of interest to you, please do sign up to keep updated.