AD : Annette Doskas Massage Therapy
592 North Street N0P1M0 Dresden, ON, Canada

I’m not ready to open yet, but here is some information that you’ll need to know before I do resume treating again

Hello everyone! In light of the news release that came out last night regarding certain health providers being able to reopen, it was as surprising and exciting to me as it was all of you! Unfortunately though, the situation is not as cut and dry as that announcement made it seem. As Premier Ford pointed out : "It’s important to note that this does not mean that all health services will be available on May 27," Premier Doug Ford’s office told CTV News Toronto. Rather, healt...h regulatory colleges are now in the process of developing guidance to ensure high-quality and safe clinical care that must be met before services can resume." I did receive a statement from my regulatory body, the College of Massage Therapy of Ontario last night, and it states : Prioritize clients with essential care needs while gradually resuming practice. Massage Therapy treatment is considered essential when the client’s overall health or function would considerably decline if treatment were not provided (i.e. lead to hospitalization or other serious health consequences); So what does this all mean? It means that I effectively will be running a triage of what cases are deemed essential & urgent once I am able to open my door, very similar to the Phases we’ve already seen with other businesses reopening. However, for me to even unlock that front door there are many criteria that need to be met, from many angles. I need everyone to be completely honest with me with screening. I need to revamp the clinic space. I need to adjust my scheduling and treatment times. I need to protect you and I need to protect my family. Simple things like : I need the proper PPE, specifically medical masks that are still in high demand for our front line workers. CMTO will not permit me to use fabric ones. I need each of you to get a mask. The list is lengthy and even though I am working diligently to get back to you, it will take some more time. So for those who have messaged me asking if they can book an appointment ; I sincerely appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart, but the answer is : -Not Yet-. I will let you all know when the day arrives that the answer changes, so that we can start prescreening and discussing all the ways you will see treatment has changed. But bottom line is I’m still waiting on a shipment of masks, at the very least. And I’m trying to keep you all safe, which matters the very most. Please be patient, and take care!

This is from Jeri, a massage therapist in Owen Sound, and she very accurately hits the nail on the head for what many RMTs want our clients to know. It resonated with me, and she has kindly provided permission to share it https://www.jeriroberts.com//the-future-of-massage-thera/

I didn’t say much yesterday because I was already having a bad day. But this has bothered me enough to have me lay awake thinking about it : yesterday I went to the office to water my plants, only to find that someone had stolen the 2 mini trees that I had out front of my office. Now they were getting a little worn, I admit, because my mom had given them to me the first year that I opened (will be 6 years this November) but it was a slap in the face none the less. It truly s...ucks that as a business that has had to close because of the pandemic, who is trying to figure out what the future holds for me, and trying to make it by when I cannot work, still has to worry about further insult to injury because of people literally taking anything that is not nailed down! I hope whoever took them enjoys them... I hope it’s worth it. At least then I’d feel less taken advantage of because at a time when communities are supposed to come together for support, there are still ones who don’t care and prey on others. It’s sad, but overall I guess I’ll get over it. It wasn’t worth much other than salt in a wound but another lesson learned : watch your stuff, people. Not everyone cares as much as you do See more

Shared from the RMTAO ; Physical distancing requirements can make many people feel lonelier and more socially disconnected, which research shows can increase pain and reduce function for people suffering from chronic pain. There are some things people with chronic pain can do to help manage their pain and maintain their quality of life.

Hello everyone! I’ve been thinking of you all so much during this closure and hoping you’ve all been doing well. I’ve experienced some of my own difficulties in processing my feelings during this pandemic, but I know some of you will be feeling it even more so - maybe in physical ways. The RMTAO shared a link regarding the impact of this pandemic in regards to individuals with chronic pain. If you are comfortable doing so, feel free to follow the link and add your voice to the research study being conducted. Stay safe, & stay healthy! Quote : Researchers from Université de Montréal are seeking people with chronic pain to participate in a study about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with chronic pain.

Please note : the office remains closed due to provincial state of emergency COVID-19 precautions. No new clients/appointments will be scheduled until further notice. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these complicated times. Stay safe & stay healthy!