MASSAGE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
First, I am so excited to welcome you back to Health & Harmony! As you will discover, massage during a pandemic is going to look a little different than it has in the past. Below you will find a breakdown of those changes as well as a brief discussion of the risks we still face at this time.
Risks
As much as we would like for this whole pandemic thing to be over, unfortunately we’re still not quite there. Because the nature of massage involves close, sustained contact, I am continuing to utilize a number of mitigation efforts both for the sake of you and your loved ones as well as me and mine. As we now know, COVID-19 is transmitted primarily through droplets and aerosols in the air that are released through coughing, sneezing, laughing, talking, etc. Having vaccines available now certainly brings a significant reduction of risk, but with variants developing that can have higher transmissibility and greater possibilities of severe illness, I continue to use the best tools available to reduce the risk for all of us.
​
For those who have recovered from COVID-19, there is a possibility of longer-term effects that we will navigate carefully as needed. Primarily, blood clots are a major contraindication for massage (situation where we need to avoid massage because it could be harmful), so a clearance from your doctor may be necessary in some situations.
​
As stated on my home page, only new clients who have been fully vaccinated will be considered for limited openings. I am fully vaccinated and boosted.
Before your Session
There are two Google forms that will be required before you receive a massage during this time. The first will be completed once and is a Risk of Infection statement (for new clients this is included in the Intake Form). The second will be completed before every session, preferably the day before your massage, and provides information about symptoms, exposure to COVID-19, and includes current mask protocols (I will be continuing to wear a mask). Both of these links will be provided when your session is scheduled.
Session Changes
These are the measures I am utilizing to reduce risk as much as possible at this time.
1.
I will be scheduling a longer gap between appointments to allow for expanded cleaning and disinfecting protocols. All surfaces that you may come in contact with during your time in my office will have been disinfected with an EPA approved cleaner. I will be running a HEPA air purifier during your session and then will turn it to the highest setting between sessions for maximum filtration. I have added a wipeable cover to the table to provide a barrier for the fleece pad underneath.
2.
If you arrive within 10 minutes of your scheduled massage appointment, you are welcome to come inside where we will do a verbal intake about any current issues you wish to focus on for your appointment. If you arrive earlier, please call or text to make sure I'm ready before coming inside.
3.
The COVID-19 Intake Form completed the day before your massage will have current information on mask requirements or recommendations. This is subject to change based on local infection rates. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I will continue to wear a mask at all times.
4.
Upon entering, remove your shoes (and jacket or coat if you are wearing one) and leave them at the coat rack.
5.
Following our verbal intake, proceed to the bathroom to wash your hands. After washing your hands, you can undress and get on the table. All clothing must either be stored on the chair or hanging on the back of the door of the treatment room. Personal items such as jewelry and glasses can go on the plate on top of the cabinet by the chair. I will wash my hands immediately before beginning your massage
6.
After your session, I will wash my hands as usual. After I leave the room, you may also wish to wash your hands before dressing and coming out.
7.
Payment will continue to be accepted by card, check or cash. I will have you insert your own card in the reader, and there will be no signature required. My reader does support contactless payments from Apple Pay and Google Pay.
8.
Scheduling may be done on the phone or following your session. Online scheduling is not currently available.
9.
If there are any changes to your health in the 10 days after your appointment, or if someone you have been in contact with prior to your massage has a positive COVID-19 test, please contact me immediately.
Thank you so much for your cooperation in helping make your massage as safe as possible during this time. If you have any questions about any of the information or procedures above, do not hesitate to contact me. I can’t wait to see you again!