COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Policies and Procedures

In the world of massage and bodywork, the work provided must require skin-to-skin contact.  As a bodyworker I, along with my clients, must all make necessary changes in the new normal of existing with COVID-19.  I hope that all of my existing and new clients will understand and adhere to my new policies which allow me to operate within the guidelines set down by the following bodies:  Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB),  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Maryland Department of Health.  Some changes have taken place, both in my private studio and with my practice protocols.

Making an appointment:

• Before booking online, please monitor your health and please advise if you have had any exposure to COVID-19. If exposed, you will be required to self-quarantine for 5 days or until you test negative and then monitor your health, post exposure.

Day of the appointment:

• Monitor your health (temperature and any symptoms) and if you experience any symptoms or there is a low-grade temperature above 100.4 F, the appointment will need to be cancelled and rescheduled at no cost.  Even if you are exhibiting cold-like symptoms, it is advised that you not receive massage, as that can exacerbate your illness.

• Please arrive wearing a mask. If you do not have one, I will make available disposable masks for you to keep. While laying face down, I have constructed a barrier that will make it possible for you to lay in the face cradle without a mask. I will be wearing a mask during the entire appointment.

• When you arrive at the studio, hand sanitizer will be available.

• If you are a new client, I will have you read and sign a COVID-19 Informed Consent form, which states that you understand that close contact with people increases the risk of infection from COVID-19. By signing this form, you acknowledge that you are aware of the risks involved and give consent to receive massage or bodywork.

• All surfaces that a client will come in contact with, including chairs, desk, floor, table, face cradle, bolster, light fixtures, door knobs, counters, bathroom fixtures and the doorbell, are cleaned and sanitized before and after a session with CDC approved cleaning agents. The sanitizer is left on all surfaces for up to 10 minutes and then wiped clean with a sanitary cloth. All linens and towels are changed between appointments. A buffer of time is allowed for me to thoroughly clean between appointments.

Clients at high risk:

• Chronic lung disease

• Moderate to severe asthma

• Heart conditions

• Compromised or suppressed immunity

• Severe obesity (BMI of 40 or higher)

• Diabetes

• Chronic kidney or liver disease

Thank you for your understanding. If we all play our part during this challenging time, we will eventually get back to a life that we all would love to live. – Le Pettipaw, LMT