Restrictions on massages now partially lifted

There is strict guidance as this is earlier than expected

THE GREEN VIEW

MASSAGE therapists in Scotland have been given the green light to start work from Monday ahead of England. However, only those with certain qualifications will be permitted to start seeing clients, with strict Covid-19 safety precautions in place, and therapists will have to justify that the treatment is for pain relief.

Sports and remedial therapists and manipulative therapists including osteopaths and chiropractors have been told they can operate.

The Scottish Government’s Business and Social Distancing Team said: “Professional sports massage, particularly for pain, can be considered a professional vocational medical service, so it would currently be permissable under the guidance that you can re-open your business.”

Massage therapists who provide other complementary treatments such as aromatherapy and reflexology will not be permitted to reopen at this stage.

The Scottish Massage Therapists Organisation (SMTO) said only sports therapists with a level four or five qualification will be permitted to work.

Therapists will also have to comply with restrictions on the length of treatment and time between clients, as well as PPE and hygiene standards.

Those who operate from home where clients would have to use the same entrance will not be permitted to start work until Friday, July 10.

Clients will also be required to sign Covid-19 disclaimers, with contact treatment kept to a maximum of 45 minutes.

The SMTO said: “There is strict guidance for this return as it has come earlier than expected.

“Only those with the qualifications mentioned can return using strict Covid-19 guidance issued by the SMTO where therapists must justify that the treatment provided is for pain relief only.”

Spas and firms offering complementary therapies were not included on a long list of businesses allowed to reopen in England from today.