Alert Level 2 means an exciting return to work for close contact professions.

Chamber member Bureta Physiotherapy is one of those businesses and they look forward to seeing customers again in person, but given they have been working through Alert Level 3 and 4, it’s hardly their first week on the tools.

Director Blair Jarratt says they have been offering online consultations with their clients, thanks to the Government-funded Telehealth service.

While physiotherapy can be perceived as a ‘hands-on’ health support, Blair says that’s really 10% of the aid they give – with 90% of it being education, exercise therapy and psychological support – and moving into online methods has highlighted how their team can help with the mental health aspect of recovery.

“Injuries can be very psychological and that can be compounded when you’re home bound,” he says. “Sometimes clients think if you don’t touch their injury, you haven’t helped them, so it has forced a perception shift.”

He says going forwards the team may look at mixed delivery options – both in person and online – to help increase their aid abilities, especially for those that are time poor.

“If it is for follow-up or post-rehab support, you can just hop on while you’re in the office, instead of driving across town and back. We can still make it a worthwhile interaction in some cases.”

Hear our interview with Blair as to how they have been impacted by COVID-19 and the changes they are making as a result. 

*Please note, this interview took place at early stages of the Level Two guidelines.

In accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines, Bureta Physiotherapy has a robust double screening process and people identified as a risk will not be seen face to face. Therefore, it is unlikely a mask is required unless a patient requests for their comfort or they are an at-risk patient (such as over 70, immunocompromised etc).