The month of April was unlike any other in history. 

April 2020 saw many of our businesses closed, our streets clear, and most of us taking shelter in our homes.  We all strove to abide by the safety protocols put in place to protect us from the dreaded novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

Recently, with the ease of restrictions, some businesses have opened their doors with reduced hours.  However, depending on the industry, reopening may still be delayed. Hairdressing salons, gyms and complementary medicine practitioners like your osteopath or chiropractor are a few of those.

COVID-19 has undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on every facet of our lives.  Three months ago, very few foresaw how our lives would be changed, and as we look toward the future little is certain.

Despite the uncertainty, we can take courage from each other’s stories and borrow from others’ strength.  Yello sought out Grenada’s Osteopathic Clinic to learn how as a very “hands-on” practice, they are functioning with the new safety measures in place.  We were sure their story would be of great interest.

The staff at the clinic has been serving the Grenadian community with great dedication and expertise for the past five years.  The small team attend to clients with a vast array of ailments such as joint pain (neck, back, hip and knees), as well as headaches, earaches, sports injuries and menstrual pain.  Additionally, the clinic offers treatment for arthritis, Carpa*l tunnel syndrome, Sciatica, Bell’s palsy, even colic in babies. 

Osteopath, Sonia Robert, shares how COVID-19 has impacted the team and their practice:

When you first heard of COVID-19 did you think it would have an impact on us here in Grenada?

When I first heard of COVID -19, I followed the news attentively. Immediately, I knew it was going to be a threat globally.  I hold Chinese traditional medicine in high regard, and I felt that if they couldn’t control it using natural herbs and roots, then Allopathic (mainstream) medicine would struggle also.

Once it hit Europe and the USA, my immediate concern was ‘how’ it would affect Grenada, not ‘when’ or ‘if’.  So, I quickly started working on building my family’s immune system.  At the office, we began carrying out deeper sanitisation.  We also closed our doors about a week before it was mandatory for businesses to do so.

One of our clients had been in Italy just weeks before so we knew it would be possible to have imported cases in the region.   We acted swiftly to prevent infection and to protect our families and clients.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Grenada Osteopathic Clinic’s service?

Because we understand how dangerous the virus is, and the ease with which it spreads, we are currently closed.  We are presently working out the safest and most effective way we can reopen our doors while protecting our clients and ourselves.

Currently, we are waiting for hospital-grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), but these are in limited supply worldwide, and we believe first preference should go to the frontline workers who are in the hospital.  As such, we are waiting patiently for what we have ordered. 

In the interim, while looking at what is happening here in Grenada and worldwide, we are strategising new work protocols.  I am liaising with osteopaths and healthcare workers in private practice worldwide to gauge the risk factors. 

We want to create a working model for Grenada’s Osteopathic Clinic.  However, the current trend seems to be suggesting it’s too early to open fully.  The fact that some people with the disease are asymptomatic, meaning people affected may not be aware they are carriers, is still cause for concern. 

Ultimately, we are trying to be led by science and not emotion as the temptation is to open up fully because our clients need us.   However, we have to remind ourselves that currently, there is still a risk.

With the social distancing protocols in place, all businesses have had to find new ways to interact with their customers.  What have you found to be effective?

I work with a limited number of clients through video chat.  For these sessions, I show basic demonstrations using my children as models. 

Though unconventional, I have been able to demonstrate some massage techniques, stretches and exercise. I intend to provide that option to more of our clients. I am currently working on that.

I hope that if people gain some relief, they will be willing to work on themselves; do some self-care.  Because, when we reopen, unless it is an emergency, we don’t want people venturing out for osteopathic treatments.

Do you think the virus will have a long-term impact on your industry?  If yes, in what way?

I don’t want to be pessimistic.  However, so little is known about the virus still, and the little we do know some people are reluctant to take seriously. Such responses to the virus risk further spread and could prolong the situation.

I think some techniques and interaction will have to be adapted.  Generally, I use a lot of breathing techniques within my treatment, and at the moment that is risky even in full PPE. 

We have always sanitised our treatment rooms and equipment between clients and that will continue.  Now, we will have to change our uniforms between each client. 

Also, we will be treating half the number of clients we managed before, and this will have financial ramifications for us.   Our concern has always been people before profit, so we will not be too stressed by the economic fallout.

What advice would you like to share with your clients regarding COVID-19?         

As much as it is possible, stay at home.  Also, use your mask and sunglasses when you are out and interacting with others.  Stay vigilant; be aware of what you are touching and what you do with your hands.  I tend to lean on things, so I have to keep reminding myself not to do so.

Additionally, build your immune system using a combination of lime, ginger, garlic and our Grenadian honey. 

Also, exercise regularly, no matter how basic.  Stretches are excellent as they can do a lot to reduce restriction and tension in the body. And, stay informed with local news.