For months now, we’ve been social distancing, working from home, washing our hands, and wearing masks to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Many of us have foregone haircuts, social gatherings, and more to stay safe. We’ve gone over math lessons with our kids. We’ve turned our kitchen tables into home offices.
So now that things are beginning to reopen is it safe to attend physical therapy during the pandemic? How does physical therapy stand up to the rankings of safe or risky behavior?
Our bodies still need physical therapy; pain or discomfort doesn’t go away because of a virus. True Sports Physical Therapy has implemented a wide range of screening measures, guidelines, and disinfection procedures to protect you. What do you need to know about attending physical therapy in the age of the coronavirus?
At True Sports Physical Therapy, we are doing everything we can to keep our patients safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve implemented health screening procedures and our “new normal” that includes aggressive preventative measures to ensure your safety when you enter our clinic so that you can continue your physical therapy treatment.
Is it safe? Here is everything we are doing to protect your wellness and keep you as safe as possible during these unprecedented times.
Our Employees
Your safety starts with the behavior of our employees, who are following all social distancing guidelines as much as possible. Additionally, our employees will wear masks and gloves, receive daily temperature screenings, and practice good hand hygiene, following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Our staff members are washing their hands frequently and always in between patients.
Employees are also asked a series of screening questions each day to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, including questions about how they are feeling and potential contact with others who have tested positive for the virus. Employees who do not pass this health screening are sent home to follow social isolation guidelines as appropriate.
Our Patients
But what about the other patients who come pass through our doors? Our coordinators are working closely with all of our patients to ensure that anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms does not come to True Sports Physical Therapy.
In keeping with this, we ask that you reschedule your appointment if you are experiencing any symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus, including:
…Cough
…Shortness of breath
…Chills
…Fever
…Sneezing with nasal discharge
…Other cold or flu-like symptoms
In addition to asking our patients to self-evaluate for any COVID-19 symptoms, our patients also undergo screenings each time they walk into our building, including a temperature check and a brief series of questions. Patients who do not pass our screening are not allowed to complete in-person therapy until they have received a negative test, or are symptom-free for the recommended amount of time.
The nature of sports therapy means that wearing a mask can be incredibly challenging during physical exertion. Masks are required in Maryland except while in the actual act of exercising. It is strongly recommended that our patients follow these mandates and also that they wear face masks whenever possible for the health and safety of all of our patients and employees.
Your health is our number one priority. If you are at a higher risk of serious complications involved with contracting COVID-19 or you have pre-existing conditions, we can implement further social distancing practices so you can still maintain your physical therapy while limiting your exposure. We can schedule your sessions in private treatment rooms or schedule your appointment during low-traffic times so you feel completely comfortable while undergoing treatment at Trust Sports Physical Therapy.
Our Facility
We are limiting the number of patients in our clinic, and we have also restricted the number of guests to only essential family members and caregivers. These non-patient guests are asked to remain in the waiting area.
Our staff uses an EPA-approved cleaning agent to wipe down all surfaces that have been touched by patients, like cardiovascular exercise equipment, weights, machines, countertops, treatment tables, door handles, handrails, and other high-touch and hard surfaces.
Painless Scheduling Options
At True Sports Therapy, we never want you to feel like you have to come in because you have an appointment if you are feeling under the weather or suspect you’ve been exposed to someone who may have the virus. During a pandemic, you should never be penalized for making a safe, smart choice.
We have waived all cancellation and missed appointment fees to make your life easier, and to make your choices easier. This is also done to protect you, as it is an added encouragement for all of our patients to stay home if they are ill, or if they have been exposed to the virus.
Times are uncertain right now. For some of our patients, we understand even with strict protocols in place, you may not feel safe coming into our facility to receive treatment. That’s okay.
We are all being faced with difficult choices right now. For our patients who feel safer staying home, we have transitioned in-clinic sessions to Telehealth appointments so we can help our patients via their phone or computer if they don’t feel comfortable entering our facility.
What does a telehealth session look like? You’ll have a secure video chat with one of our clinicians from the safety and comfort of your own home, but your appointment will otherwise be very similar to an in-person visit. You can even receive injury assessments, initial evaluations, and full treatment sessions via telehealth, while still getting the individualized care you’re used to having with our team at True Sports Physical Therapy.
Your health is of utmost importance to us, which is why we’ve worked diligently to provide you with safe, uninterrupted physical therapy appointments, whether they are in-person with us, or via telehealth sessions.
News of the spread of the virus can change seemingly by the hour. At True Sports Physical Therapy, we are actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and staying up-to-date on all of the best practices as outlined by the CDC.
We are working diligently to update our in-clinic procedures as information emerges to create the safest possible location for your physical therapy treatment. That’s why from the very beginning of this pandemic, we have worked to create a space where our patients and employees are protected as much as possible. Want to learn more about our telehealth options, or schedule an in-person appointment? Get in touch with our team at the location nearest you.
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