As we deal with the repercussions of the global novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 epidemic, the massage therapy industry faces new questions about the practice and administration of massage therapy.
As a Licensed Massage Therapist and 15+ years massage business owner, I have some questions I’m pondering, and some thoughts as we deal with the crisis and look beyond.
Please note, these are personal opinions and not company policy statements. I am not a doctor or scientist giving medical advice. Like many people, my understanding of the epidemic grows each day.*
Questions:
- What safety measures can and should be taken by massage businesses and independent massage therapists?
- Do we need permanent changes or just follow standards during a COVID-19 outbreak?
- Can corporate chair massage or any type of group chair massage be performed safely? What special measures might be taken in that context to prevent any transmission of Coronavirus?
- Will massage consumers return to the same purchasing patterns as before the viral outbreak and will we see preferences shift in any particular direction?
In time and in hindsight we will know the answers to these questions. However, at this time as we face so much uncertainty, one can only begin to speculate.
Short and Near Term Industry-Wide Issues
It’s too early to say what long-term changes might be either mandated or preferred by consumers and the providers in the massage therapy industry. Looking at what we have to deal with right now and in the many coming months, there are options available that can make the practice of massage safer.
Some of these concepts may be applied more routinely in the future, regardless of an outbreak, if it makes things safer without being a heavy burden on therapists or clients.
Before we can get to that though, we must acknowledge that there are certain governmental executive orders at the state levels that are restricting the ability of various healthcare services and other types of services to operate. This includes massage establishments in many cases.
The one thing we must be careful about is misinterpreting these orders.
In some cases they may restrict a certain kind of activity, for example having a massage clinic or a massage parlor (or whatever they decide to call it in the order) but they may not expressly prohibits other activities, for example consenting individuals having one-on-one therapy at a private residence.
There are also currently orders using language such as “medically necessary” which can be vague and interpreted differently.
Body Well has many patients with medically prescribed therapeutic massage, so this is quite relevant to us.
But what about the person who had their therapy prescription run out, but they continue to pay out of pocket for weekly massage to control pain and give them normal daily function? Is that not medically necessary?
To that patient, it may very well be. The bottom line is that in most cases, it will be a decision much better left to the practitioner and the patients rather than left up to the government to decide.
Sanitation More Important than Ever
If in-home massage therapy is allowed, specific protocols and safety measures should always be followed.
These techniques help prevent the spread of seasonal cold, flu viruses, and COVID-19.
COVID-19 is more deadly than the flu. What more can be done to protect massage therapists and clients?
Increased Use of Masks and Respirators?
This is where we get into a discussion about the short, medium and long-term use of different types of masks when performing massage. In using the term “masks” we are also talking about N-95 respirators as well as more common surgical tape masks worn on the face.
The N-95 respirator, used by everyone from dentists to handymen doing renovation projects where there is a lot of dust, filters out much smaller particles than a regular mask. It also fits tighter around the nose and mouth.
This is a more medical grade option that protects both the wearer and those around them from respiratory infections.
A traditional face mask is still useful for catching coughs and sneezes, but doesn’t provide all the benefits of an N95 respirator.
In this sense it’s more about protecting the people around the person wearing it from infection (patients, clients). It also does provide some level of particle filtration, like larger droplets from a sneeze.
Anyone with Coronavirus symptoms should not give or receive massages. No exceptions.
Different Safety Levels During “Orange and Yellow Alert” Stages?
A compromised immune system requires an N95 mask for any visitor. In high infection situations, massage is likely not safe or permitted. During Orange alert stage, therapist and patient without symptoms of viral infection can safely meet at patient’s home with hygienic measures and N95 masks.
Think about it: doctors and dentists week around patients all the time with all kinds of potential viruses, including HIV. The key is, they learned how to do it safely for everyone involved.
Massage therapists should start considering new approaches in light of the Coronavirus pandemic and future challenges. In less critical stages, therapists can use a regular surgical mask during treatments.
This provides some level of protection for both without being too much of a nuisance.
It is not so common in the United States, at least it has not been in the past.
On Site Chair Massage and Coronavirus?
Our corporate clients at Body Well have wisely chosen to postpone services until the virus subsides. No one is at their offices to receive massages’ anyway!
But what about when things return to something closer to normal? Should we permanently implement some different protocols for chair massage services and the prevention of respiratory diseases like COVID-19?
Chair massage therapists should consider using face-mask protection more frequently to prevent becoming “super spreaders” when touching and breathing on multiple clients. Upgrading to an N95 rated mask during potential outbreaks is advisable. Sanitizing the face rest and areas touched by hands is critical.
I would rather have a chair smell like Lysol instead of lavender and prevent an infection, or even someone’s death!
Massage and the Future, post-Coronavirus
We are adjusting and will keep doing so to rebuild client trust and help people feel better.
Avoid seeking government involvement and focus on self-governing to prevent harmful restrictions like Florida Legislature’s action on auto injury therapy billing for Massage Therapists.
The massage industry will overcome current challenges and bounce back quickly post-COVID 19. Stay safe and we will rise again together.
Dan Melmed, LMT
Owner & Founder, Body Well Therapy
