Though the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be approaching its end-state, there are still many worries, particularly in the personal and wellness sector. As a result, many people wonder about a massage during covid, and if it’s safe to do.

 

If you’re interested in getting a massage during this strange time, you’re in the right place. Below will discuss if it’s safe, massage restrictions, and the current CDC guidelines for the subject. By the end, you’ll know if this is something you should consider doing and why a massage is beneficial during a pandemic.

 

Is it Safe to Get a Massage During COVID?

As long as you and the massage therapist you’re seeing are doing the recommended CDC guidelines for a massage, it should be perfectly safe. The basics include mask-wearing, sanitation between clients, proper hygiene, and vaccination against the virus.

 

Realize there is always a risk with COVID-19, even with the proper measures in place. These measures are meant to make it less likely for you to get the virus, but that possibility always remains. Still, a massage can significantly reduce stress and fight inflammation, essential during a pandemic.

 

Massage COVID Restrictions

Though restrictions vary depending on where you live, most personal and wellness studios have some restrictions set up in their business. At least, there have been changes to the business when compared to 2019. Nevertheless, below will highlight some general COVID-19 restrictions you can expect at a massage studio.

Local Law

The first and most crucial part of COVID-19 is the local law related to a massage during covid. For example, some U.S. states have barely any restrictions while others are stricter with mask-wearing and mandates. 

 

Similarly, the law varies throughout Canadian Provinces and the rest of the world. Either way, be aware of what laws are set up for where you live so you know if getting a massage is even possible right now.

Click here for an outline of COVID-19 guidance for personal and wellness services in Alberta.

Mask

Generally speaking, the most common requirement for a massage service is to wear a mask while getting the massage. The massage therapist usually wears one throughout the service, with the customer expected to wear one depending on the business and location. No matter where you are, expect a mask requirement.

Hygiene and Cleaning

After the mask requirements, most personal and wellness studios enforced stricter hygiene and cleaning requirements for their business. Most of these requirements are required by local law. Examples include disinfecting the surface after each client, having hand sanitizer by every door and exit, and proper hand-washing from the workers.

Other PPE Equipment

Besides masks, some areas and massage studios require their massage therapist to wear other PPE equipment such as gloves, face shields, dividing protective glass, and a surgical gown. Though this isn’t the case everywhere, expect to see some protective measures.

Vaccine Mandate

Some businesses and places in the world require you to be vaccinated to enter their business. The most common example in the U.S. is New York City’s restaurant policy, similar throughout Canada. If you’re not vaccinated, you may need to check if you’re allowed into the massage studio.

Limited Cancellation Policy

Though this isn’t necessarily a COVID-19 restriction, many massage studios have a harsher cancellation policy than they previously did. With the pandemic causing such a jolt to local businesses, it makes sense for massage studios not to be as relaxed with cancellations. Massage studios need the business, so try to be sympathetic.

 

CDC Guidelines for Massage Therapists 2022

As great as it is to know the basics of what to expect with a massage during covid, it’s equally valuable to know it from the business end. Understanding what a massage studio has to do to ensure your safety will help you know if a massage studio is following the recommended protocol.

Click here for the in-depth CDC guidelines for massage therapists in 2022.

 

Create a Workplace Safety Plan

The CDC’s outline for massage therapists typically begins with a workplace safety plan. The safety plan discusses essential information such as sick leave, what to do if a customer or a worker has COVID-19, and all local laws to follow. It’s valuable for all of the workers at the massage studio.

Take Action If a Worker or Client Has COVID

Though the CDC has changed its quarantine requirements, there is a general agreement that people who contract COVID-19 need to isolate. That isolation requirement means the massage studio needs to take action if a worker or client has COVID-19. It’ll help keep everyone involved safe.

Develop Hazard Controls to Prevent Spread

Hazard controls reference the process of putting someone in isolation if they’ve been exposed to the virus. It also references the means of eliminating worker congregation and super spreader practices.

Though vaccines have helped put that worry of exposure aside, the CDC still recommends a variety of hazard controls to prevent spread. Remember to click on the CDC guide to know what this means.

Disinfecting and PPE Equipment

The last and most typical area understood from the CDC guidelines involves cleaning, disinfectant, and PPE equipment. The CDC recommends that massage studios enforce a mask policy while ensuring proper disinfectant in-between clients. 

Again, these policies vary depending on where someone lives, but it’s still a part of the CDC recommendation. Whatever equipment is necessary to help reduce the spread while ensuring a business can still operate is ideal for most business owners in this practice.

 

Want a Massage During COVID in Edmonton? Visit Soul 2 Sole Studio

We appreciate you checking this article on the idea of getting a massage during covid. If you feel some hesitation about getting a massage, feel free to reach out to the massage therapist you’re interested in to see what they’re doing to keep you safe. Stop by or contact us at Soul 2 Sole Studio in Edmonton if you’re looking for a massage. Now three locations in Alberta.