While the pandemic has been difficult for many, business owners have been affected on an economic level as well due to social distancing. Massage therapists rely entirely on in-person, hands-on service. That said, massage therapists had a really hard time during the first few months of the pandemic.
As we go through the COVID-19 crysis together, protecting everyone’s health should be of top priority. Since massage therapy requires interaction between the therapist and the client, the situation is far different compared to other industries.
Luckily, most states have allowed massage therapists to restore their working activities. Here are 10 important things to take into consideration before you start interacting with clients again.
8 Important Considerations Before Reopening Your Massage Business
1. Adjust your business according to any new laws and ordinances at the local, state, and national levels.
- Make sure you always follow the latest updates and guidance in your state
- It is mandatory to meet state laws and reopening regulations, regardless of any additional safety protocols you may choose to follow.
2. Your professional liability insurance must cover you for diseases such such as COVID-19.
- The American Massage Therapy Association ensures that there are no exclusions on your policy for COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. AMTA’s liability insurance information.
3. Follow the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards guidelines regarding COVID-19. Guidance includes:
- Facility cleanliness
- Disinfection
- Practitioner hygiene
- Recommendations for massage schools
4. Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing protocols for your massage room as well as any other areas of the workplace.
- Reopening Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting workplaces.
- Easy-to-follow reopening recommendations provided from AIHA.
- ISPA guidelines on cleaning and hygiene in spa settings.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE – masks, gloves, and clothing)
- WHO advice on when and how to use masks in the context of COVID-19.
- Detailed guidance on preparing your workplace and how to use PPE.
6. High-standard hygiene protocols.
- Handwashing is essential to protect yourself and your clients against COVID-19.
7. Booking practices must allow time to sanitize before therapy.
- Ensure to minimize contact during check-in and check-out.
- Demonstrate commitment to protecting your clients’ health.
8. Post signage in waiting rooms to remind people that they should follow the CDC Guidelines for virus spread prevention.
- CDC signs to place around the most common areas in your workplace as reminders to your clients and employees.
