Now more than ever we’ve come to see why Feel Amazing really is different
The topic of this post has been on our minds but the current lockdowns have brought it to our attention as a matter of importance to an area of our work, so we’d like to address this with you.
Feel Amazing Wellness Centre is open as an essential service under NSW Health guidelines. We have it listed on our website and are able to provide necessary health related treatments that include remedial massage, chiropractic, acupuncture and dry needling.
So, why have we been open and able to work as essential workers when others weren’t?
We have been inundated with questions about why we are open and many clinics are not. It comes down to being industry recognised, trained and experienced health professionals. This year has highlighted the differences in our centre from so many clinics that haven’t been able to open for business. Let’s look at why this is the case…
One of the services we offer is remedial massage, which is to relieve health-related symptoms and concerns. As a business with a COVID safety plan, we are committed to safe and health oriented practices and can prove this through our care and registered procedures. On top of this, we are a team of professionals. We are not a massage parlour and so are approved to treat clients. We are aware that some massage therapists are not working due to COVID safety concerns. This is a separate issue to being able to work as essential workers.
Unfortunately, there are a large number of massage clinics out there where only one therapist is registered and trained accordingly, but the rest of the therapists are not. This is not only a health and wellbeing problem but also a public health and insurance cost problem. Many insurance companies are continually reducing the rebate for massage because of this very problem, lobbying the government to take away private health fund benefits.
While our Feel Amazing Wellness Centre treatments can help you relax, which is an important part of self-care, it is the science and knowledge behind the way we work that matters most. The feel good benefit is really a bonus! We know from having studied anatomy and physiology why massage helps the body’s musculoskeletal system and how to adjust our techniques to address your individual needs. We know the benefits of massage to mind and body but it is our standing as a committed health care provider that raises us way above the rest.
The actual process each team member goes through to be able to work at Feel Amazing actually has a lot to do with the private health fund providers and industry association membership. There is a process undertaken to be a health professional before being given a provider number. For a client to be able to claim with private health funds the health professional who treats them must achieve certain levels of qualification, have a minimum required number of hours experience, be committed to ongoing further education each year, to be able to then renew their association membership and keep that provider number. At any time our records can be audited to prove we are who we say we are and that we have treated the client booked in to see that practitioner.
So, if you aren’t registered you aren’t a recognised provider, so not an essential worker. What I would suggest to you is that regardless of where you go for a massage, make sure you are supporting someone in the industry that has done the right thing – studied hard, become registered with an association and can give health fund rebates.
It’s actually been a validating experience for us to be recognised by leaders in healthcare and from government agencies. It’s meant we’ve been recognised for the value of our services and the importance of helping our clients get through these COVID related times. It also means we’ve been busy and had to adjust to the changing needs of our clients and the guidelines we continue to follow. We’ve also had new clients seeking treatments because these other businesses weren’t open. But that’s why we are here, to help each and every one of our clients to Feel Amazing again.
We know that a lot of people are dealing with unprecedented stress, the impact on the body from poor ergonomics working at home, dealing with difficult times, juggling relationships, family demands, changes to routine and exercise options, often all without seeing the friends and support networks that usually help us through. So it’s important to make self care a priority and dare I say a little extra patience is still needed. Coming out of lockdowns doesn’t mean we have to say Yes to all the demands that might be made on us and we can only do so much. Just give it time, we’ll get through it.
I want to thank all of the clients who have stood by us during these trying times and for being flexible when needed. It’s a new world out there but you can take each step ahead knowing you have a committed team of professionals behind you. We are still the same friendly faces (even behind the masks!) but we’ve also stepped up and most of the team are now fully COVID vaccinated. We’ll continue being open 7 days a week. Just book ahead so you don’t miss out. (After all, we can only be so amazing at any one time Haha!)
Finally, to the team at Feel Amazing who have worked so hard throughout the lockdowns and been willing to keep going to work and support people who are stressed, in pain and needing some extra one on one care, thank you too. You’ve been amazing in your support to not only our clients, but to one another. It’s heartwarming to see the bond we have and I hope we can take an easier breath again soon. You really are amazing people.