Revisiting Covid Procedures

I am a member of the professional organization Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. In a time when the US suffered a lack of clear guidance and leadership, I’ve been grateful that the leadership of ABMP has established recommendations for practicing massage, as well as stating unequivocally when they don’t believe it is appropriate to practice at all.

This week, Ruth Werner revisited the recommendations, based on how our knowledge of the disease has evolved. I am encouraged to see that most of my procedures and preferences are supported by a highly respected leader in the field of massage therapy.

Practices that are newly confirmed include:

• Risk of exposure is considered to be reasonably low when the positivity rate is at or below 5%. This is the standard I have chosen as a guide for when I suspend and resume working.
• Air quality is stressed, which supports my preference for working in a room with at least one open window, and offering special prices if it is feasible for a session to be conducted outdoors.
• Wearing masks throughout the massage is still recommended for both client and therapist, regardless of vaccination status. The article suggests double masking, though I’m not asking that of clients at this time, because the little evidence I’ve seen about double masking didn’t indicate it made much of a difference. My own masks all contain either three layers of cloth, or, more often, two layers of cloth and a non-woven foam layer. In addition, at this time I am generally adding a second single-layer gaiter.
• While surface contamination is no longer considered to be a primary source of Covid transmission, disinfecting surfaces is still recommended. I don’t ask clients to sterilize their entire homes; but I do appreciate if you use a disinfectant wipe to wipe down surfaces in your home that I might touch, such as doorknobs and the faucets where I might wash my hands before and after treatments. I wipe down my table after treatments before I pack it up; this does add a few minutes to the time that I am in your home, but it minimizes the chance of spread from client to client.

We are in unusual times, with frequent changes to what we expect for and from each other and ourselves. I am grateful to clients who are willing to work with me through these challenges as we explore new ways to support your wellness.