Massage in a Time of COVID: Week 2

Posted on July 20, 2020February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

This past week, I saw 15 massage clients. That may have been a few too many appointments during COVID times – because I was pretty much dead by the end of the week. Mostly because Thursday and Friday both had four appointments each. By the time you spend half an hour cleaning and resetting the room after each one, it makes for a very. long. day. Everyone was still awesome and helpful and I truly appreciate that! Most everyone remembered their masks and got their health information filled out ahead of time, which definitely makes life a little easier.

WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK

I learned that between “COVID Brain” and generally having to re-learn and change my routine, I’m still kind of scattered and forgetful. It’s equal parts hilarious and embarassing. I’ve messed up a couple of appointment lengths, ending a little too early, which of course I didn’t charge for the part I forgot. The people I messed up with were gracious and understanding.

Since I have to let the disinfectant air dry for 10 minutes, my most frequent thing is forgetting to go back in and put the sheets on the table. I *mostly* catch that before you arrive, but a couple of you had to watch me put the sheets on (insert facepalm here). I’ve started setting a reminder alarm so I’ll get them on BEFORE your appointment.

Did you know there is an art form to disinfecting a yoga ball? You do now! Hold it between your feet, spray and wipe one hemisphere. Rotate and repeat on the second hemisphere! Or chase it across the room, a less efficient option.

THINGS I AM CHANGING A LITTLE

INTAKE PROCESS: I now have a second laminated form that I go over with you when you arrive. I’m asking the same COVID-19 symptoms & exposure questions plus a few that are screening you for potential clotting risks. The good news is, it seems like clots are potentially less of a risk for those who have had mild to moderate cases of COVID-19, so some of my anxiety around that is lessened a little.

HEALTH INTAKE FORM: Everyone will need to go in and review/update their intake form on MassageBook prior to each appointment. If you’re coming in weekly and we’ve been in contact, then we can do it bi-weekly. Other than that, I want to keep an ongoing track of any health changes and also make sure you’re looking at the COVID-19 policies each time.

30 MINUTE MASSAGES: I’ve decided to stop offering 30-minute massages for the time being. It takes at least a half an hour to clean, disinfect and reset the room between appointments, and I feel like a half-hour of massage followed by 30-40 minutes of cleaning and prep just doesn’t make sense at this time. If you have a gift certificate for a 30-minute massage or study break, you can apply it towards an hour massage. If you’re truly in pain and can’t afford an hour, contact me and we’ll talk.

SCHEDULE YOUR MASSAGE TODAY!

I have opened up online booking for all existing clients (this means if you have been in within the last year) through the end of August. I encourage you to book online. It’s still the fastest way to get your appointment. Playing text/email/message tag takes forever, more so now than before.

Meanwhile, wash your hands & stay negative!

THANK YOU AGAIN!

Massage & COVID-19 Risks: Close Contact

Posted on July 18, 2020February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

I’d like to start talking a little bit more about the risks of massage during COVID-19 so that you know what you’re getting into if you decide to come in for an appointment. To start with, let’s look at one of the biggest factors… close contact.

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We all have heard from the start of the pandemic… keep at least six feet away from each other – whether it was with or without masks. Now, the popular scientific community opinion is to wear a mask, but still stay six feet apart. I don’t know if you’ve had a massage recently… but we’re not six feet apart.

Working Around Close Contact Rules

So, I’m asking everyone to wear a mask and stay as far from me as my office space will allow until you get on the table. At this point, you’re still keeping a mask on, or are face down with the pillowcase acting as a mask. However, even though I have on an apron, mask, and face shield, we are nowhere near six feet apart. Sorry, but my arms just aren’t that long.

I realized how fleeting the protection is from the face masks and shield when I feel a puff of breath from a client. That means that somehow “vapors” from that client are still reaching me, and mine are probably reaching them. Granted, since we’re both wearing masks, the risk is greatly decreased, but as I like to keep saying THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES.

Well Great, Now What?

To start with, make sure the mask you’re wearing to your massage appointment fits well. There shouldn’t be big gaps on either side of your nose, blowing breath upwards. Nor should there be gaps pooching out at the sides, blowing breath out to the sides. (You might have noticed, I’m kind of all over the place during a massage.)

I’m wearing a face shield, which helps, but I think I’m going to look into one that actually fits the opposite way of traditional face shields. I like to call it the “half a doggy cone of shame”. The traditional top-down shields still leave space below for your breath to float up and mine to flow down, which is the part that is really close to you, especially when I’m working on your neck (and I don’t think you want me to skip working on your neck).

Think Outside the Appointment

Consider these risks and ask yourself if you are healthy enough to risk the chance of exposure. But also, think about beyond just you and me. I’m doing my best to stay healthy and not become exposed to COVID-19.

BUT.

What if I am? What if you get that call from me that says I had a client who tested positive for COVID-19? Do you feel like being in close contact with someone is worth the risk? Is there someone that you don’t want to bring that risk home to? It’s a lot to think about, I know. But it’s important to consider all the risks when deciding to schedule a massage during this pandemic.

As always, I appreciate your thoughtfulness and patience. Stay negative.

Massage in a Time of COVID: Week 1

Posted on July 12, 2020February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

How The First Week Went

This past week, I saw 8 massage appointments. It was mostly friends and a couple of people who had something like a million appointments canceled over the duration of the shutdown. (I may be exaggerating a tad). I want to THANK BIG TIME everyone who came in!

It was inspiring! People filled out the requested health forms without complaint, arrived wearing a mask, and let me check their temp with my no-touch thermometer on arrival. Some of you were so intent on being helpful, you tried hard to touch as few things as possible while you were there. You hand sanitized and kept your mask on for your massage, and I am so, so, grateful. It really helped make a stressful, scary time much more manageable.

WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK

I learned that yeah, for the time being, I’m going to need to leave the one hour space between appointments. It takes me 20-30 minutes to wipe everything down, let it air dry, and then get set up for the next appointment.

I learned/realized that one of the disinfectants I bought is a cleaner AND disinfectant, so I can save a little time using that. At the end of the day, I may use the separate cleaner and disinfectant just to give everything a good scrub and then let it air out until the next day.

I also learned that having people just request appointments was a big pain in the butt. So, you can schedule online like normal now!

THINGS I AM CHANGING A LITTLE

After my first day of trying to use the new Hands Heal EHR to take the appointment notes, I realized I hated it. So, literally the only thing it was doing for me was the fancy COVID-19 screening form. Nevermind that, then.

I’ve gone in and updated the intake form on MassageBook, it does have some symptoms screening questions, and I have added some information on the waiver page reminding you of policies and risks. I will be asking everyone to update that form before every appointment, even if you’re coming in more than once a month.

Today I’m working on a more thorough screening process for when you arrive for your appointment. I’ll be making a second laminated form to the one that I use for taking your notes that will be specific to COVID-19. There are some risk factors that are really hard to predict, particularly clotting risks. (Even if you don’t think you’ve had COVID) So, I’ll be asking you some specific questions to hopefully rule out those risks. I think I will probably also write a specific blog post about it if I can distill it down into bite-size morsels.

SCHEDULE YOUR MASSAGE TODAY!

I have opened up online booking for all existing clients. Right now the schedule is open through the first two weeks in August. I encourage you to book online. It’s honestly the fastest way to get your appointment. Playing text/email/message tag takes forever, more so now than before.

Be sure to review the COVID-19 Policies and High-Risk Client Policy before scheduling. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Meanwhile, wash your hands & stay negative!

THANK YOU AGAIN!

Safety Preparations

Posted on July 7, 2020February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

Let me preface this post with my recurring mantra… THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES. Meanwhile, I take your safety seriously, and will my best to make your massage experience as safe as possible. I just ask you do take the proper precautions on your end, so hopefully, we can all stay safe and healthy.

In the meantime, I wanted to give you a more thorough rundown of some of the stuff I’ve been doing around the office. These steps are based on a combination of guidelines from FSMTB, AMBP, the State of Maine, and other resources.

Personal Prevention

Face Coverings/PPE:

Everyone needs to wear a face mask.
If you don’t have a mask, I have one for you.
I will be wearing a mask and face shield during your massage, this includes a fresh mask for each client and a sanitized face shield.
A fresh apron is used for each session.
I will wear nitrile (latex-free) gloves if one or both of us have any open cuts/scrapes, or broken skin.

Hand Sanitizer: Bottles of hand sanitizer are available upon entrance to the office, as well as in the massage room.

In the Massage Room

The Massage Table: The table has a protective cover over the padding & table warmer that can be disinfected. It makes the table a little bit slippery, but you get to keep all the comfy padding. I disinfect all the hard surfaces of the table after each appointment.

Air Flow & Purification: The windows do not open. So, there is an air purifier in the office with HEPA filtration and UV sanitation that is in constant use throughout the day. A fan will be used to get air moving out of the office between appointments.

General Stuff

Linen Storage: The sheets and other linens are in closed storage areas.

Dirty Laundry: After each session, the laundry is placed in a closed, step-lid container.

Trash Cans: The trash cans are now all closed, step-lid cans to help contain germs.

Table Covers: The cloth table coverings have protective vinyl over them for easier cleaning & disinfecting.

Disinfecting: I use a checklist to help thoroughly clean & disinfect every area of the office between appointments.

How I’m Doing: A dry erase board in the office has my temperature (morning and afternoon) and if I have any symptoms, as well as the number of contacts & places I’ve visited in the last 5 days. I’m also willing to use the touch-free thermometer to check my temperature on your arrival if you wish.

General Clutter: This part hurts my heart because I love all my gifts from clients and shiny doo-dads, but I have cut down on the number of things around the office that might collect dust and germs.

Self-Serve Items: The self-service baskets of mints, chocolates, and tea have been put away. The candy will still be out in small amounts for your sugar rush! Water will be available.

One more time: THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES. If you are coming in for a massage, I am trusting you to be honest with me about your health and your risks, as well as your potential exposure to COVID-19. Safety is a two-way street right now. See the COVID-19 Policies section for more details, and be sure to check out the High-Risk Clients section to make sure you’re not missing an important risk.

Thank you for your continued patience, cheerleading, and moral support!

Back to Massages: The Plan (So Far)

Posted on June 23, 2020February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

I’m so excited that you’re so excited to get back to getting massages! Here’s a little information to help keep things calm:

I have not picked an opening date yet. Don’t worry. It’ll come to me eventually, I’m considering a lot of different things (including Maine COVID-19 data) before I start scheduling.

I’m going to start with those of you I had to cancel three or more times over the last few months. I know a few of you have elected to wait a little longer, and that’s fine! Please take any health risks you may have into consideration.

I will reach out to you to schedule. I’m not ready to open up online booking just yet. It may be a little fussy, to begin with, but once we get going, I’ll open up online booking!

Since I’m going to start with an hour between appointments to clean and reset, this means probably only 3-4 appointments a day, 2 on Sundays. Once I get a feel for the cleaning routine, I may be able to shorten the time between appointments again.

If you have pre-scheduled appointments into late July & August, chances are we will keep them. I may just need to ask you to shift the time a little to allow for cleaning.

Please be patient and we’ll get back to massages again soon ❤️

Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions!

Massage Changes in a Time of Changes

Posted on June 20, 2020February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

COVID-19
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Okay friends. We’re getting serious now, and I need you to know some things. Massage in the age of COVID-19 is not going to be the same as it was before we closed, changes are afoot. Things are going to be pretty different, and probably a pain in everyone’s butt.

But here’s the thing… I’m adjusting my mindset to think about these changes as adding to the existing culture of care at Birch Tree Wellness. This is about taking care of you. It’s about doing what I can to help you with your pain and stress, PLUS having you arrive healthy and leave healthier.

There Are No Guarantees

In lieu of a cure, vaccine, or other intervention for COVID-19, there is no way right now to reopen a massage practice without changes & protocols to protect all of us. Until that changes, there is no guarantee that that we will come away from our interactions unscathed. As I write this, COVID-19 cases in Orono & Old Town are estimated at 1-5 probable/confirmed cases. In Bangor, 43 probable/confirmed cases. In Penobscot County, 101 confirmed, 2 deaths. We’ve been pretty lucky so far, but it’s far from over.

What I’ve Been up to Recently

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My previous newsletters/posts have been mostly about the supplies that I’ve been putting together in order to provide a safer massage experience. But let me tell you, that was just the tip of the iceberg. I’ve climbed out of my gardening cocoon and really started diving into all of the information out there.

I have taken two online continuing education courses outlining all that is entailed in creating a safer (note: not SAFE, just SAFER) massage practice. To give you an idea of what we’re working with here, here are some of the main sources I am referencing. I’ve also been reading numerous articles & books.

PPP: Protocols & Procedures in Progress

Information overload, right? Tell me about it! In a nutshell, this is what I’m doing to ensure your safety (and my own) while continuing to deliver the pain & stress relief you need. What I’m asking of all of you is to remember, I’m not doing it to be a pain in your ass.

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We’re all in this together. I love you all, and I will be beyond heartbroken if any one of you contracts COVID-19 as a result of your visit to my office. So, please… brace yourselves for a new norm for a time. It’s not forever, it’s just for now. Here are a few of the protocols I’m working to put in place:

Before Your Appointment

Update your online health intake form
Health check in 3-7 days before your appointment
Health check in 24-48 hours before your appointment
Wait in your car or outside until 5-10 minutes before your appointment

At the Office

Mandatory face masks worn for the entire time you’re in the office
Hand sanitizer will be made available for use upon arrival and any time you need it during your appointment
COVID-19 symptom screen upon arrival for appointment
- If you have ANY symptoms, or your temperature is over 100.4°, we will need to reschedule your appointment
Signed informed consent about the risks associated with COVID-19

On My End

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I will be wearing a mask during your entire appointment
Daily self-screening. I will have a white board posted with:
- My morning & afternoon temperature
- If I have any COVID-19 symptoms (even if it’s *just an allergy cough)
- How many people I have been in contact with, in the last 5-7 days
Protocols for what to do if I or a client have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19
Closing protocol in the event of COVID-19 exposure
Cleaning checklist for after every appointment

I’m pretty sure there’s more, but I think you get the idea! As the new policies are written, you’ll find them on my Policies Page. I know you’re probably freaking out about the face masks. There’s a way I can set up my face cradle so that you don’t have to wear the face mask when you’re face down. BUT you need to wear it the rest of the time. Also, yes, I will be using a touchless thermometer to check your temperature. Keep that in mind if you’re biking, walking, or running to the office.

I Repeat: We’re All In This Together

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I know this is a lot of stuff. That’s why I wanted to get it out now, while I work on my end to make it all happen. On your end, it’s mostly just being patient with me, being willing to jump through a few hoops, and being willing to keep that mask on. Be honest with me about your health and your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

I also need you to weigh the risks for yourself before you schedule. Watch the numbers of cases in our community. Think about your own health risk or the risks to those you are caring for. As I said in the beginning, there are no guarantees, we can just do the best we can to try to be safe, and maybe get a little massage in the process.

I still don’t have a firm date that I’ll begin scheduling appointments. I’ll be starting with many of you I had to cancel over the last several months. Stay tuned for more details, information, and to get an idea of what the appointment schedule will be like. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Stay safe. Wash your hands. Be good.

Massage & COVID-19

Posted on March 12, 2020February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

UPDATE 4/3/2020: This post was originally written on 3/12/2020, before COVID-19 had really even gotten a foothold in Maine. At a later date it’ll be updated to reflect general sanitation practices. At this time, my office is closed at least until the end of April, 2020.

I’ve been chatting with my massage clients in recent days about concerns around both the influenza virus and COVID-19. I’m always concerned and careful about sharing germs, particularly in flu season. I see clients of varying ages and health levels and I want to keep all of us healthy.

Hygiene and sanitation are of huge importance to a massage therapist regardless of what bugs are going around. Besides cold and flu season, there are plenty of reasons to make sure we’re not sharing germs or pathogens. Here are some of the preventive measures I take in my office:

Basic Sanitation Practices

Using a fresh set of sheets for each client, laundered in hot water.
Wiping down the table, face cradle, and other surfaces with disinfecting spray between each appointment.
Washing my hands before and after every massage, with hot water & soap, for at least one minute.
Using a hand towel or paper towel to open and close doors before and after washing.
Avoiding touching my face with my bare hands during your massage.
Sanitizing my hands halfway through your massage.
If I’m not feeling well, I will ALWAYS contact you and let you know.

This is how I operate even when there isn’t a pandemic concern. Given the concerns about COVID-19, I have begun instituting a few upgrades to wellness and prevention here in my office. These primarily involve things I’m doing here at the office, but I also need your help.

New Things Happening Here:

Avoiding face massage unless you have a particle issue you want to address (TMJD, headaches, etc).
Periodically disinfecting door knobs and other surfaces in the office with a food grade disinfectant.
Diffusing an essential oil blend that promotes immunity (I will turn it off if I know someone is coming in with asthma or other sensitivities).
Working on providing extra hand sanitizer for clients (thank you, panic buyers).

What You Can Do:

Health and sanitation are a two way street (maybe more like a busy intersection, but you get the idea). Here are some things you can do to help:

Use common sense and a little caution. If you’re not feeling well, I’m not going to charge you for rescheduling your appointment.
DO NOT come in for a massage if you have the flu, a cold, or God forbid, COVID-19.
For more information, check out the post “Should I Cancel My Massage If I Am Sick?“
If you come in actively sick, I’m going to ask you to go home, to protect both myself and your fellow clients.
Wash your hands before you come into the office. (Check out this article that explains the effectiveness of hand washing!)

Massage is Proactive, Too

A potential public health crisis is causing stress for us all. Remember, getting a massage is actually a proactive step you can take right now to boost your immune system, relieve stress, and help you sleep.

Wellness Starts at Home

Meanwhile, you know the drill: wash your hands, eat your vegetables, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. Stay tuned for updates on how you can boost your immune system and stay healthy.

Take care of yourself and be well. ~Tricia

Should I Talk During a Massage?

Posted on December 30, 2017February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

Your time in my office is all about you, so if you’d like to talk go right ahead. It’s important to remember, however, that this is a time for you to relax and enjoy the experience. While I don’t discourage talking, I do encourage you to relax. Just let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss.

In many instances, people who are nervous may start off talking to ease their anxiety, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation. For others, it may be the only time you feel you have to get things off your mind, and if you need to vent, I’m okay with that!

The important thing to know is that there are times when you need to speak up. If I’m doing anything to make you uncomfortable or painful, you should let me know immediately. You should also let me know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if I need to change the pressure (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you during your massage – speak up! It’s all about you!
Be Well,
Tricia

Massage Misconceptions Aren’t Always Funny

Posted on June 11, 2017February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

Stop Perpetuating Massage Misconceptions

In June, 2017 a CBS Sunday Morning “comedy” segment was burning through various massage therapist networks. The premise of the opinion segment was that massage is weird, and brought up many massage misconceptions. Some massage therapists did find it funny; others, it made angry. I certainly didn’t find it funny, but most of all, I’m concerned that a respected network would allow the perpetuation of negative stereotypes and discourage people from trying a legitimate form of therapeutic care.

You can view the segment with comedian Jim Gaffigan on the CBS News website HERE. In case you watched the segment and it made you question the validity of massage therapy or the motives of licensed massage therapists, I’m happy to address some of his commentary here.

“Massages are decadent and weird. They’re always from strangers. We get massages from strangers because we can’t count on the people who love us to touch us.”
~Jim Gaffigan

Misconception: Massage is Only a Luxury

Maybe taking the time out for a massage DOES feel decadent. We have busy lives, we have other financial obligations, and many of us have gotten horrible at self-care. The human race needs to stop shaming people for taking care of themselves. I’ll keep saying it until I don’t need to anymore… What you give to all of your obligations and the people you care about is only as good as what you allow back in. When your body finally gives out, who will take care of all of it then?

Your massage therapist doesn’t have to be a stranger. I personally love meeting my clients ahead of time, and if you want to meet at the office and ask questions before you schedule an appointment, I’m happy to do that. Check out massage therapists at local events when they are offering chair massages, it’s a great way to try out their massage style, meet them, and put a person behind the name.

As much as we might love touch from the people we love, it’s true that often the best we can hope for is the occasional shoulder or foot massage. A licensed massage therapist has studied long hours to learn about muscles and systems of the body, how they all work, and what types of massage work best for particular issues. Not to mention, they learn how not to hurt you and how to avoid areas where they could damage nerves or even bone.

“What do we know about massage therapists? They like to rub strangers for money while they listen to the “Avatar” soundtrack. That’s a red flag. Those are the traits of a serial killer.”
~Jim Gaffigan

Misconception: Massage Therapists are Only In It for the Money

Most licensed massage therapists are members of a national organization such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) or Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). These organizations maintain a code of ethics that defines ethical and professional conduct. States have their own laws and rules for licensing massage therapists. You can read Maine’s here, or search for your state’s massage therapy licensing laws. Choosing an individual who has gone through the rigors of schooling and licensing will keep you much safer than going to someone who has not.

More importantly, YOU are in control of your massage. TALK to your massage therapist. Call them ahead of time, ask questions. Ask questions when you get there. Ask them DURING the massage if you don’t understand something they are doing. If you don’t like something they are doing, tell them to stop. If you want the session to end, tell them.

Misconception: I’m Overexposed During a Massage

When you come to my office for a massage, you are always appropriately covered with a sheet or blanket. This enables you to fully undress (or undress to your comfort level) for your massage while maintaining modesty. If you have any concerns about undressing, please don’t hesitate to talk to me about it. I leave the room and allow you to undress and get under the covers in privacy. During your massage, I’ll uncover only the part I am working on and leave the rest of you covered.

Many people get into massage therapy because they genuinely want to help people. Massage can increase your mobility, improve your circulation, reduce pain, improve your mood, and help you sleep better. What is weird and decadent about that?