All across the country massage therapists are ready to start helping clients again. Some massage practices are already open and some are preparing to re-open. We are all in different boats, but we’re in the same storm so let’s do this together and support each other. Stress is at an all time high and your massage therapy services are NEEDED now more than ever.
So, after working this out in practice and inside my head, I believe this massage protocol for Coronavirus/COVID-19 will work for most massage therapists. I also have included a Coronavirus/Covid-19 Massage Liability Waiver Form.
Coronavirus Checklist for Massage Therapists
Schedule clients via phone or online calendar.
*Liability Waiver for the client and intake forms should be available online as well as payment if possible.
Space client appointments apart to give you time to clean
**Disinfect and prepare the massage table, room, and lined wastebasket.
Clients should text on arrival and sit in the car until you call them in.
Guide the client to the massage room, and clean the door handle inside and out if they touched it, before you touch it again.
Have the client undress and mount the massage table WITH A FACE MASK ON
Tie back hair.
Wash hands.
Don Scrub Shirt.
Put on gloves.
Put on N95 or surgical Mask and or washable cloth mask over that.
Complete Massage Services.
Have the client get dressed and maybe put linens in the wastebasket.
Have the client stay in the room to make appt and payment via phone.
For Cash, place in a Ziploc bag and wash with clothes and linens.
Take note of anything the client touched.
Walk the client to the door and lock, so they can't re-enter.
Fold linens inward and place in the lined wastebasket.
Fold linens inward and place in the lined wastebasket.
Clean & Disinfect!
You can use Glass Plus to clean with, and then an EPA registered disinfectant for the two-part process. However, Clorox disinfecting wipes claim to both clean and disinfect everything. Keep in mind this is not open-heart surgery.
Wipe the following:
- Massage Table, Face Cradle Cushion, including the cradle frame.
- Lotion Dispenser
- Counters
- Chairs
- Door Handles on both sides.
- Wall & Light Switches
- Phone,
- Clothes Hook
- Hangar
- Desk
- HighBack Chairs
- Bathroom
- Sink
- The bottom of your shoes.
iThe above list is merely a guideline to get you started. I’m a permanent makeup technician, and it is a similar procedure. If something doesn’t apply, then add, subtract or change the order of the list. It is merely a guideline that should prove helpful to our new normal.
Place scrubs in a lined wastebasket and tie it shut and place it in a larger bag. Spray the room with Lysol if you have it and shut the door. Leave room for 10 minutes. Remove gloves and place in a lined garbage pail with foot flip-top lid. Also, be sure to wipe the bottoms of your shoes.
Wash hands with a disinfectant soap for 20 seconds. If you have to leave room to get to a bathroom, use a disinfectant wipe and wipe door handle too.
Practice this procedure and get comfortable with it. Know this won’t be how it is forever.
When you get home, put on gloves and untie garbage bags and carefully dump them in the washing machine along with the clothes you have on. Throw away gloves, wash hands, and jump in the shower before you greet your family or your fur babies.
My massage liability insurance, as I understand it, does not cover me if I make someone sick or vice versa. But, the 14-day incubation period may make proving transmission problematic in a lawsuit anyway.
Michelle D. Mace an LMT of over 20 years, is the founder of The Barefoot Masters®. We develop unique massage CE that save the hands of therapists. With over a dozen courses to choose from, there is something for everyone. For more information: TheBarefootMasters.com or get on our Email List to get informed about massage issues or for upcoming classes. NCBTMB Provider #403532-0.
*3 States: Montana, Connecticut, and Virginia do not uphold liability waivers. However, I have read that most states do. Read the disclaimer below.
**Disinfectants should be EPA registered.
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, nor is this to be considered legal advice. I invite you to Google the above information. Nor is this a guarantee that a COVID-19 transmission won’t occur. It is a guideline that should help you get started.
