Covid-19
Is Getting a Massage Safe?
The short answer: Nothing is entirely safe right now. All we can strive for is safer. Massage Therapy is governed by the Department of Health. "There is no method to completely remove the risk of person-to-person spread of COVID-19 in a massage setting." Massage Therapy, along with other personal care, hands-on services - manicurists, pedicurists, hairstylists - are considered high risk.
It is up to YOU to make the best informed decision about YOUR health.
Following proper precautions make us safer! Hairstylists with COVID-19 didn't infect any of their 139 clients. Face masks may be why.
Pre-Session Screening:
- 24-Hour Pre-Session Check-in/Update.
- Have you experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms in the last 14 days or has a health professional asked you to self-isolate in the last 14 days?
- Have you been in close contact with someone experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms or have you cared for someone testing positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
- Have you been tested for COVID-19 in the last 14 days and if yes, what was the result?
To maximize safety:
- Please disclose if you have any symptoms of illness including a cough or digestive issues.
- No-touch Temperature Check upon arrival. (100.4 F or 38 C would require rescheduling.)
- Facemask when mandated or as requested. (I will provide if you do not have.) (*Pillowcase cradle 'mask' option is available while face down.)
- Sanitize hands. (Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be provided.)
Do No Harm
What You Can Expect From Me:
- Screening and Safety Procedures.
- Hand and respiratory hygiene. (aka Masking)
- No-Touch Temperature Check - mine, as well as yours. (100.4 F or 38 C would require rescheduling.)
- Ventilation for maximum air circulation.
- 2 HEPA Air Purifiers.
- Disinfected: Linens, dispensers, door handles, light switches, pens/pencils, clipboards, chair arms/backs.
- Client Follow-up at one week, and then again at two weeks. If a risk of infection exposure reveals, you will be notified.
- Massage/COVID-19 Safety Training, as well as AMTA CE's and mandates to keep educated, updated and informed.
Cancellations
The late cancellation policy for anyone who develops a fever or symptoms of illness is waved. Please call to let me know you feel unwell and I will cancel your appointment without charging you a fee.
COVID-19 and Blood Clot Concerns
The Simple Explanation:
COVID effects the lining of all vessels. This, along with the accompanying inflammation, does not allow blood cells to do their job. Oxygen, nutrients, hydration can’t get to tissues/organs/etc. As well, blood thickens.* Combine these factors and a host of fallout can ensue. (*This is why it is essential to stay well hydrated if you do have symptoms.)
The heart works harder to try to get necessary supplies to tissue/organs. Breathing becomes difficult because the supply chain is not completed.
The heart works harder to try to get necessary supplies to tissue/organs. Breathing becomes difficult because the supply chain is not completed.
COVID-19 survivor considerations.
Medical consent may be in order to receive massage.
Only your Doctor can determine if massage is right for you. If you have concerns, please consult with your Doctor to determine if massage would be contraindicated for your situation.
Side Note: Whether you use my services or another Massage Therapist, be aware of any unusual muscle aches. Don’t assume massage is the solution. Especially if there were no causative explanations. (Ex: lifting weights/exercise soreness, falling/notable explanations, anything pointedly out of their norm.)
Side Note: Whether you use my services or another Massage Therapist, be aware of any unusual muscle aches. Don’t assume massage is the solution. Especially if there were no causative explanations. (Ex: lifting weights/exercise soreness, falling/notable explanations, anything pointedly out of their norm.)
COVID-19 Safety Training Class Notes
Massage In A Time of COVID and Massage Mastery Summit: Moving Past COVID-19
Coagulopathy
Endothelial damage leads to:
- Loss of O2-CO2 exchange in lungs and everywhere else
- Microvascular clotting in skin (petechiae, COVID-toe, other signs) and internal organs
- Macrovascular clotting (stroke, heart attack, PE, other infarctions)
Risk of stroke from coagulopathy
Heart Damage
- People with pre-existing CVD at highest risk. Some patients develop new heart problems
- Viral attack on myocardium, plus immune response and inflammation
- Hypoxia and thick blood = Extra load on heart function
- Stress cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, heart failure
Kidney Damage
- Viral attack on nephrons, inflammation
- Tiny infarctions, damage to glomeruli
- Low tissue perfusion, hypoxia
- Can require temporary dialysis
- May cause long-term damage
Liver Damage
Some patients show elevated enzymes that indicate damage:
- Viral attack on hepatocytes
- Inflammatory response
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI)
Many cases clear without treatment:
- Some require ongoing liver support
Muscle and Joint Pain
Severe, deep, unrelated to physical activity. Several possible factors:
- Chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia-like symptoms
- Hypoxia, poor perfusion of muscles and joints
- Tiny emboli
- Rhabdomyolysis (especially with focal pain) Can lead to kidney damage
CNS Damage
Virus may access the Central Nervous System via the olfactory nerve, axonal transport
- Viral particles have been found in CSF
- Cerebral hypertension, encephalitis
- Depresses respiratory drive, vicious circle
- Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, seizures
- Agitation, memory loss, poor concentration
Sensory function changes
- Loss of taste, smell
- Numbness, paresthesia in extremities
Additional Research Articles/Links
Blood Clotting and COVID-19: How Serious Is It?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2020/05/07/blood-clotting-and-covid-19-how-serious-is-it/?sh=2f01811563e6
COVID-19 and its implications for thrombosis and anticoagulation
https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/135/23/2033/454646/COVID-19-and-its-implications-for-thrombosis-and
COVID-19-Related Coagulopathy https://www.abmp.com/updates/blog-posts/covid-19-related-coagulopathy?fbclid=IwAR345FJ5yPT2hQ8V_PoDDjAWgDMQsS2t4vBqbp-WX_HqUoA1XoGpkI6W4Z8
MASSAGE AND BLOOD CLOTS: WHAT WE KNOW (SO FAR) ABOUT DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS & COVID-19 https://www.massagemag.com/massage-and-blood-clots-what-we-know-so-far-about-dvt-and-covid-19-123826/?fbclid=IwAR0_zLwCzyOPrhTntnpShnYg7suRIm-nSgoocnnsfp3dK05Hrdvhbd7hajc
Pathologist found blood clots in 'almost every organ' during autopsies on Covid-19 patients https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/10/health/what-coronavirus-autopsies-reveal/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0UP9Ec7xifiXa99JN74X44lTWqXqkLSmfA0QodXs6u13ApyJ3dPmmmmrw
First Comprehensive Review of COVID-19's Effects Outside the Lung Published https://www.technologynetworks.com/diagnostics/news/first-comprehensive-review-of-covid-19s-effects-outside-the-lung-published-337301?fbclid=IwAR1nOOFWJss4qrgiDsdOptmjgsiE4MF5gTdbso3xW9xOCMr-9HxxB-JUMVQ#.XwyIc8PkwG8.facebook
COVID-19-Related Coagulopathy https://www.abmp.com/updates/blog-posts/covid-19-related-coagulopathy?fbclid=IwAR345FJ5yPT2hQ8V_PoDDjAWgDMQsS2t4vBqbp-WX_HqUoA1XoGpkI6W4Z8
MASSAGE AND BLOOD CLOTS: WHAT WE KNOW (SO FAR) ABOUT DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS & COVID-19 https://www.massagemag.com/massage-and-blood-clots-what-we-know-so-far-about-dvt-and-covid-19-123826/?fbclid=IwAR0_zLwCzyOPrhTntnpShnYg7suRIm-nSgoocnnsfp3dK05Hrdvhbd7hajc
Pathologist found blood clots in 'almost every organ' during autopsies on Covid-19 patients https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/10/health/what-coronavirus-autopsies-reveal/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0UP9Ec7xifiXa99JN74X44lTWqXqkLSmfA0QodXs6u13ApyJ3dPmmmmrw
First Comprehensive Review of COVID-19's Effects Outside the Lung Published https://www.technologynetworks.com/diagnostics/news/first-comprehensive-review-of-covid-19s-effects-outside-the-lung-published-337301?fbclid=IwAR1nOOFWJss4qrgiDsdOptmjgsiE4MF5gTdbso3xW9xOCMr-9HxxB-JUMVQ#.XwyIc8PkwG8.facebook