Choosing a Massage Therapist
in COVID-19 Times

If you are a survivor of COVID-19, you will want to choose a massage therapist who interviews you carefully about your experience and symptoms, so that the massage can be adjusted accordingly.

 Because massage is an activity that affects the circulatory system, be especially sure to tell the therapist about any heart inflammation or arrhythmia, strokes, clotting issues, or other blood vessel-related problems that resulted from your illness. Also tell the therapist if you have lingering symptoms, including

• fatigue
• headache
• muscle or joint pain
• fever
• shortness of breath
• depression or anxiety

If you are  not vaccinated and are concerned about the risk of getting or transmitting COVID-19 during a massage therapy session, here are some questions you might ask when choosing a therapist who feels safe for you:

• Is the therapist vaccinated?

Vaccination is the best protection against getting a serious case of COVID-19. Researchers are still learning whether a vaccinated person can harbor and transmit COVID-19, but the current data is clear that people who are vaccinated are much safer than those who are not.

• Does the therapist practice state-mandated infection control protocols?

As of this writing, the state requires masks to be worn by both the massage therapist and client “except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability.” The therapist also is required to wear a smock or gown and eyeglasses or eye protection, and change between each client, in addition to the usual protocols for washing hands and linens and disinfecting surfaces.

For the most up-to-date regulations, click the button on the state website labeled Close Contact Personal Services Protocol Summary.

• What ventilation exists in the room where the therapist practices?

Is there a window that can be opened for fresh air circulation? Does the therapist use a HEPA air filter? If there is central heating and air, are the air filters upgraded to the highest level of safety (MERV 13 filters)?  Some offices also use humidifiers or foggers between sessions. All of these methods can help clear the air of infectious aerosols.

• What is the current infection rate in the town where the therapist practices? 

The state’s COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report  could be used as a rough estimate of how safe it might be to venture into the community for activities like massage. The current system gives cities and towns a color code of grey (lowest risk), green, yellow, or red (highest risk).

Keep in mind that the safety of a public activity in one community may be influenced by the level of infection in surrounding communities. For example, does a massage therapist in your town see only people who live in your town, or also people who work in town but go home to other, less safe communities?