Massage Therapy amid COVID-19 – Is It Safe?

Wow! Our lives have changed a lot recently and now we get to navigate a new world as we venture out again. Massage therapy is on many of our minds right now as we look for ways to address stress and tension, but is it safe? There are still a lot of unknowns regarding COVID-19 and how it spreads, but I am taking my responsibility seriously by implementing precautions to keep my clients safe during massages.

Cleanliness has always been important

Offering a high contact service, I have always taken measures to keep my Overland Park massage office and treatment room clean. COVID-19 is a new threat but I have always had to consider other contagious illnesses that could spread, such as colds or flu. Frequent hand washing, clean linens and towels for each client, and thorough office cleaning each night have always been part of my routine. It is important to me to offer a clean and relaxing location for massage therapy. I have always resisted working on clients when I do not feel well and have asked clients to reschedule if they do not feel well.

More Precautions

Now I am taking it even further with added precautions including:

• Checking my own temperature every morning
• Screening all clients for symptoms or exposure to COVID-19
• Sanitizing all surfaces between clients
• Airing out the office between clients with fresh air
• Allowing only one client at a time in the office, including the lobby area
• Wearing a mask and requiring every client to wear a mask
• Wearing gloves when appropriate
• Running an air cleaner during the session
• Maintaining social distance before and after each massage session
• Requiring no-contact payment

This is not an exhaustive list, but it shows some of the steps I am taking to protect myself and my clients. Steps will be improved or added as time goes on. Please feel free to reach out if you have any suggestions or specific questions about my entire protocol.

What you can do to help

There are things you can do as a massage client to help reduce the spread of disease such as:

• Reschedule if you have any reason to think you are contagious
• Wear a face mask
• Show up to your appointment on time – not early or late
• Pay ahead of time by credit card or Venmo (no fees!)
• Touch as few surfaces as possible once you arrive
• Use the hand sanitizer provided to reduce your chances of exposure
• Turn your phone off before you enter the building
• Do not wear jewelry
• Bring your own water bottle

Not yet sure about a regular massage?

Currently I am offering 60 minute massage sessions, a new 45 minute Fabulous Foot session that includes massage and reflexology, and a new 30 minute Back & Neck Soother session. If you are wanting to relax and rejuvenate but are not sure about a regular massage, try one of the new offerings. With a 6′ distance between our masked faces, there will be less opportunity for exposure with the foot session and it benefits the entire body. And the 30 minute session allows you to be face down the entire time, so your exposure is less. Please reach out with any questions regarding the new offerings.

Please be patient

Most importantly, understand that your massage therapy session will be a little different during this time. With masks, gloves, and social distancing, it will not be exactly the same as before but it will still be a relaxing and therapeutic experience. Although many of these steps are required by the state and/or the county, they are important considerations to keep all of us safe. Once you are on the massage table and the session begins, you can relax. I cannot wait to see you again!