What is the risk of getting a massage? Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that is spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person when they cough, sneeze or talk. So lets cut to the chase... ANYTIME you are in close proximity to another person during this time there is an inherent risk of contracting the virus. Due to the hands-on nature of massage, this means any massage holds risk. But how much risk? The level of risk may be entirely dependent on the safety precautions taken by both the massage therapist and the client since social distancing can not be applied. We have put together a risk profile for massage therapy practices during this pandemic:
Local authorities have placed guidelines for businesses to conduct services but ultimately it is up to the massage practice to implement their own safety protocols. We recommend contacting your local massage provider and ask about their safety protocols before receiving massage in order to make a conscious analysis of your risk. Are outdoor massages a plausible fix? As indoor closures remain imminent for much of the country, many personal service professions, including massage, have made the transition outside. There may be something strange about getting your hair done or receiving a massage outside in public, but safety calls and businesses must do what is required to provide a safe environment for their clients. However, it can be a nice change of pace says one client, "I never thought I would be getting a massage in a parking lot in my lifetime, but with the California weather and relaxing misting fan the experience was quite pleasant. Shades of a beach massage in Mexico." (Hamid Shirazi, client of Milestones Movement Therapy in Davis CA). According to the CDC, transmission of Covid-19 is far reduced in an outdoor setting. Combining this environment with other safety practices as outlined above may substantially reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 during a massage. The risk-reward cut-off Ultimately, it is up to each individual to make a decision of what level of risk they are willing to take on to experience the reward massage therapy brings them. If massage therapy helps you combat chronic pain, muscle tension, and stress then you may be more willing to assume risk. Conversely, if massage is purely a luxury for you, now may not be the best time to receive a massage. It is also important to consider the risk you give others should you contract the virus. If you live with or are in close proximity with anyone who is elderly or immune compromised, then you may want to consider waiting for your next massage. Getting a massage at Milestones Movement Therapy If you are in the greater Sacramento area, and see massage therapy as a necessity during this time, we would love to provide a safe environment for these services. Milestones is located in Davis California, just outside of the state capitol, Sacramento. We are currently monitoring the local guidelines for offering our services to the public. Whether we are offering outdoor or indoor massage based on the local California guidelines, we always follow the low risk criteria as shown above. When indoors we use Molekule Air Filters that have been proven effective against Covid-19 as an extra safety precaution. We offer full body sports massage or injury specific massage therapy for individuals looking to decrease muscle tension, chronic pain, rehab injury, and reduce stress. Check out our awesome massage therapists on our webpage!
8 Comments
Greg G
8/26/2020 01:34:04 pm
Miles, you are awesome with all the safety precautions you take and great guidance you offer on if a massage is “right for you” at this time.
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8/26/2020 02:15:23 pm
Thanks Greg! We are doing our best to navigate this difficult time and provide safe services to our clients.
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AuthorMiles G. CMT, CPT, FMS Miles is a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Functional Movement Trainer (CPT) and owner of Milestones Movement Therapy in Davis CA. Miles and his team specialize in taking clients from pain to peak performance.
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