Massage in a Time of COVID-19
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and MRSA, and Impetigo, and Influenza, and...
COVID-19 is one of many pathogens that having direct physical contact and/or sharing an airstream place us at a higher risk of contracting. Because we knew almost nothing about this virus, I did not want to risk my healing arts practice becoming a viral pipeline, so I shut down Solace Therapeutic Massage for most of 2020 and 2021. While stressful, I used a lot of that time to educate myself about what a safer massage practice means in response to airborne pathogens. Based on what I have learned so far, here is what I do:
COVID-19 is one of many pathogens that having direct physical contact and/or sharing an airstream place us at a higher risk of contracting. Because we knew almost nothing about this virus, I did not want to risk my healing arts practice becoming a viral pipeline, so I shut down Solace Therapeutic Massage for most of 2020 and 2021. While stressful, I used a lot of that time to educate myself about what a safer massage practice means in response to airborne pathogens. Based on what I have learned so far, here is what I do:
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Ventilation: To improve the quality of our shared airstream, I keep windows open during sessions when possible. During inclement weather and for clients with severe allergies, I use a Blueair Classic 280i, an air purifier that is appropriate for my office's size and that kills viruses and bacteria. I also continue to space appointments at least 45-minutes apart to allow the room's air to turnover 3 to 4 times between clients.
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Cleaning & Disinfecting: I continue to follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting my tools, equipment, and surfaces. I also use eco-friendly, FDA-approved hypochlorous acid in a fogger to disinfect my tools, equipment, and the entire room (including the furniture and carpeting). Hypochlorous acid (HOCI) is produced by our immune systems, and is non-toxic for humans, animals, and plants. See also this NCBI-NIH review of hypochlorous acid use in an oral surgeon's office.
Source adapted from Ian M. Mackay & James T. Reason. Ilustration by Rose Wong.
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Masks & Vaccines: I am fully vaccinated, and I wear a mask when requested as well as with clients who have conditions that make them immuno-compromised.
Prior to the 2020 Pandemic, I was apathetic about the flu vaccine. Not anymore. I intend to keep up with my seasonal vaccinations and encourage others who can to do the same. |
Resources for Massage Therapists and Students:
For science-based information about COVID-19 and our occupation, I welcome you to join this Massage, Health Practitioners and COVID-19 Facebook group.
I also encourage you to check out this online course about Back-to-Practice Guidelines by Healwell.
Finally, if you would like to improve the air quality in your office but cannot afford a fancy air purifier, check out these instructions for turning an ordinary box fan into an effective and inexpensive air filtration system.
For science-based information about COVID-19 and our occupation, I welcome you to join this Massage, Health Practitioners and COVID-19 Facebook group.
I also encourage you to check out this online course about Back-to-Practice Guidelines by Healwell.
Finally, if you would like to improve the air quality in your office but cannot afford a fancy air purifier, check out these instructions for turning an ordinary box fan into an effective and inexpensive air filtration system.
