COVID-19

All the massage therapy protocols and procedures used follow the guidelines for client and therapist interactions as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

The Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), of which Tim is a member, also has comprehensive guidelines to help massage therapy professionals and their clients remain safe and practice under the best possible conditions considering the COVID-19 challenges. All these guidelines and protocols may be found here.

The safety precautions adopted include:

• Asking COVID-19-related questions on the client Intake and Health Status and the Covid-19 Addendum form
• Including informed client consent language about the risk of infection on the Covid-19 Addendum form
• Use of online health intake processes
• Using appointment reminders to prescreen for possible COVID-19 symptoms
• Including a Covid-19 Addendum Update form for use at all therapy sessions after the initial intake
• Implementing cancellation policies that have no penalties or allow rescheduling for clients that develop cold or flu symptoms the day of their appointment
• Explaining the safety protocols in place for clients, including the wearing of masks, on the website and upon arrival for appointments
• Client and therapist, together, evaluating the client’s breathing comfort during the prone (face-down) positioning portion of the massage session
• Providing supplies for respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, including alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with 60%–95% alcohol, one-time use face masks, and tissues
• Therapist’s clothing is changed between clients, along with other standard hygiene protocols—no long nails, jewelry, open-toe shoes, flip flops, or sandals
• Therapist taking his temperature before each work day begins to ensure he is not presenting with any coronavirus symptoms
• Avoiding shaking hands or hugging with clients and keeping conversation before and after the session at a minimum
• Each client receiving a completely new table setup – table linens/bedding will be turned over completely for each client and nonpermeable barriers, like mattress pads, will cover the massage table
• Placing similar nonpermeable coverings on bolsters and pillows and using ready-made disposable face-cradle covers
• Opening treatment room windows, if feasible
• Implementing the Standard Precautions for all client care: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html.
• Using a no-contact thermometer to take the client’s temperature upon arrival
• Asking clients to use hand sanitizer (per CDC, at least 60% alcohol) before beginning treatment
• Confirming with the client that they are comfortable with the therapist applying hands-on work to their face or working through their face covering, as needed, to address sinuses, muscles around the temporomandibular joints, or lymph nodes in this area
• Cleaning all equipment, devices, and surfaces, including oil or lotion dispensers, between each client interaction per CDC recommendations