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| Hi Friend,
How are you holding up? Is there anything I can do for you right now?
Well ... as far as things on my end ... I've had dozens of patients ask about what they can do for a stiff mid-back caused by working from home since quarantine.
As a result, I've composed a blog article (and video), which you will want to check out if: - You're more distracted than usual from back pain or stiffness.
- You're less productive than you have been since before quarantine.
- You're sitting more than usual since before quarantine.
- You're looking for simple ways to loosen up a stiff mid-back.
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| | | A few new items (8/6/2020) to be aware of for those re-starting therapy:
- I have installed medical-grade HEPA filters. According to the manufacturer, this filtration system filters down to .1 microns (μm). I have installed them to improve airflow and help filter out droplet particles.
- As of 8/10/2020, I will be wearing an N95 mask + surgical mask for added protection to both of us.
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Here’s our Updated (8/6/2020) 3-part plan:
Rigid Sanitary Practices:
- A hand sanitizer station is located in our 3rd-floor lobby and in the suite. Each patient and family member must use hand sanitizer or wash their hands before entering our clinic and when leaving. (I’ll be watching you!!)
- I will wash my hands before and after the start of the appointment (in visibility of the patient).
- Each piece of equipment will be sanitized with hospital-grade disinfectant before and after each use (in visibility of the patient). A few pieces of equipment have porous materials. If a patient must use those pieces of equipment, gloves will be required during use, and discarded immediately after.
- We have a building-wide cleaning rotation for several critical touch points. Our cleaning rotation will be visible on the corkboard that is in our lobby.
- I have installed medical-grade HEPA filters in the gym area and the treatment room. According to the manufacturer, this filtration system filters down to .1 microns (μm), (the Coronavirus measuring .125 μm). I have installed them to improve airflow and help filter out droplet particles that carry the virus.
Limiting Exposure:
- Hybrid Therapy: some patients have opted to rotate between in-person visits and telehealth. This is an excellent way to reduce your risk of exposure, while still receiving some of the benefits of in-person care.
- Each patient is encouraged to come to their in-person appointments alone. A family member can “join” virtually if they wish. An exception: minors must still come with a single family member.
- Patients and I will be masked for the entirety of their appointment. Please bring a mask to your appointment if possible. We have a limited supply. Masks must be worn before entering the building.
- The entrance to each bathroom on the 3rd floor will be propped open. We understand this may sound a little unusual and controversial for privacy, however we feel it is imperative to reduce exposure at the current time. If you are concerned about your privacy, a bathroom suite is available on the 2nd floor lobby.
- The entrance to the building’s entrance will be locked for an undetermined amount of time. The current waiting room will be your car. Until otherwise notified, please call or text me upon your arrival. I will come to open the entrance door.
- We will make every effort to minimize to maintain social distancing during appointments. If Manual therapy (hands-on therapy) or hands-on cues for exercise are necessary, we will discuss the benefits vs risks together. If an alternative option is available, we will likely favor that option.
- For the safety of other patients, and myself, I ask that you abstain from high-risk exposure activities 2 weeks prior and during the course of your treatment. Despite the recent executive order allowing groups to gather in numbers of up to 100, I would consider this a high-risk activity for exposure to coronavirus. If you must participate in an event with large numbers (>10), I ask that you wait 2 weeks before re-starting therapy. This is to avoid accidental spreading by asymptomatic carriers.
- If you will be traveling by airplane, I ask that you wait 2 weeks before re-starting therapy. Temporary telehealth visits will be available if you have already started therapy to avoid losing progress.
- As of 8/10/2020, I will be wearing an N95 mask + surgical mask for added protection to both of us during all appointments.
Diligent Screening:
- Every patient must meet the following criteria EACH visit:
- Patient AND those around them (family, co-workers, etc.) must not have any of the following symptoms in the last 2 weeks: Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, New onset of joint pain, not otherwise explained (body-aches), Diarrhea / other GI symptoms (some presentations are showing these symptoms)
- We will take your temperature at the building’s entrance door.
If you’re uncertain whether a cough / sneezing is “just a cold or allergies,” we cannot take that risk at this time. Please hold on your appointment (or switch to telehealth temporarily) until the cause is clear. If you've had a cough with an established previous medical cause, let's discuss that together first.
We will all get through this together, and come out stronger in many ways. If you are struggling with your progress at home, I’m here to help when you’re ready. Telehealth is still an excellent choice, as well.
If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. While the risk is never zero, we are doing all we can to keep you safe. We’re here when you’re ready.
Keep an eye out for additional updates, and visit our website for the most up to date policy.
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| | | | | Dr. Chris Sovey, DPT, RN, BSN Phone: 616-803-9829 |
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