With the new CDC guidance on masking, people are wondering how that affects massage therapy and therapists. I found this thoughtful article from Ruth Werner helpful.
For those who are not massage nerds who like to read the details about these kinds of things, here’s where I stand as of today:
I have had one shot of vaccine. I won’t be fully vaccinated for about three weeks yet. I tell you this not to brag or pressure anyone else into vaccinating, but because it may be a factor that will be relevant to you if you are considering scheduling an appointment with me. Being vaccinated is at this time an exercise of privilege, as the numbers of vaccinated people still vary widely according to class, race, and other medical considerations. I will not ask anyone if they are vaccinated, nor will I at this time treat anyone differently based on their vaccination status.
I am still masking, at the very least, until I and everyone in my household is fully vaccinated. I will probably continue to mask myself as long as there is significant risk of covid exposure in the community. I haven’t yet determined what threshold I will use to judge that risk.
I am still asking clients to mask while I am in their presence. This extends to anyone else present while I am in your home for a massage. The industry standard that seems to be emerging is to allow clients to remove the mask when in the prone (face down) position on the table. This doesn’t seem like a great idea to me, but I’m willing to compromise if you feel it is necessary. The mask will still be required at all other times, on and off the table, as long as I am at your location.
Because of these precautions, I am enjoying massage and the people I meet through my profession. I welcome new clients and look forward to meeting you.
Further protocols are on this page.
Rachel Creager Ireland, LMT 