The treatment tables at Family Physiotherapy are considered non-critical equipment as they only come into contact with at most, intact skin. PIDAC advises that for these surfaces a low level disinfectant should be used. At Family Physiotherapy, we use an activated hydrogen peroxide formulation (Virox) for disinfecting high touch hard surfaces such as treatment tables. For less frequently touched areas we also use a quartenary ammonium compound formulation that is applied to surfaces between patient use. The active ingredient in this product is alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride.
As per guidelines, carpeting is not present in treatment rooms. Carpeting has been associated with an increased risk of health care-associated infection rates in immunocompromised populations.
The therapists at Family Physiotherapy utilize evidence-based manual therapy techniques when appropriate and beneficial to your care and goals. Therapists disinfect their hands by either washing or using alcohol based disinfectants between patients. Some treatment tools are not reusable, such as disposal examination gloves and disposable acupuncture needles. These tools are discarded after use in appropriate receptacles.
Other treatment tools may be re-used, including reflex hammers, silicone cups, hand weights, electrodes and myofascial release tools. These products are placed in a “soiled” container which is routinely cleaned by our staff before being moved to a “clean” container.
The products used at Family Physiotherapy meet provincial disinfection standards against COVID-19. Physical distancing at the clinic will involve therapists staying in one treatment area for all of their patients. We will continue to maintain our high level of disinfection standards.
We've also made a number of changes to the policies and procedures of the clinic to improve distancing to keep everyone safe.Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario), Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee. Best practices for environmental cleaning for prevention and control of infections in all health care settings. 3rd ed. Toronto, ON: Queen’s Printer for Ontario; 2018.