Clarity in times of uncertainty
changing COVID regulations, personal boundaries, self regulating with moss embroidery
The next three months are going to be an intense time for most of us. We are being asked to pivot our thinking and daily practices related to COVID and create a profound societal shift. I know there will be an increased need for tending our bodies and nervous systems, and I am glad to have the skills and training to support you through this.
We all have individual complexities and I am reluctant to add another barrier to seeking support, or another decision for you to make in a time already heavy with daily decisions. But I find clarity and transparency helpful in times of uncertainty. So here are my work practices and boundaries; both personal ones and the regulations I need to follow.
I need to screen every person, every time before I see you. The risk to all face-to-face health care workers in these first few months of opening up is very high. I want to be safe and I want the people I see to be safe. I will be considering your exposure and movement in the community, your personal and family risk level (babies, elderly, immuno-compromised), and your protective layers (vaccinations, fitted 3 layered masks, eye protection, ventilation etc).
Osteopaths are restricted to urgent critical care only. I've had to learn the new skill of triaging people based on their needs. Online bookings are closed so I can manage this individually by text, email or phone. These are the criteria for face-to-face treatment at the moment:
to alleviate severe pain or functional deterioration
to prevent an increase in longer term care needs
if your physical condition is affecting your mental health
time sensitive care such as pregnancy, postpartum, pre or post surgery, change to medication, or developmental delays
I'm hoping these restrictions will ease in the coming months, so you can seek care whenever you need it.
Balancing my own health and capacity. I am seeing fewer people, less often because of the extra load of living through a pandemic. And the additional task of triaging everyone. This means I have less availability at a time of increased demand. Which is hard, because I want to help everyone as soon as possible. Please be patient while I juggle this. I am usually able to help you within a week or two if needed.
On a lighter note, I have created a daily practice for the month of October. There is a simple prompt for each day that may help you embrace change by focusing on the beauty of life. I find any type of daily practice a useful way of self regulating in times of stress and uncertainty (as you can see from my moss embroidery too).
Reach out if you are in need of support, if you are confused about whether you can or can't have treatment or if you just want to talk things through.
Thinking of you,
Emily