Massage After COVID-19

Posted on February 3, 2021February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

Ideally, you need to let them know well before your appointment date. You need time to connect to discuss how serious your case was. It may also be necessary for you to reach out to your healthcare team for feedback. The best plan is to talk to them before you make an appointment.

Why Worry About Massage After COVID-19?

The biggest concern is the risk of blood clots associated with COVID-19. While blood clots have primarily been seen in patients hospitalized with severe cases, there are still a lot of unknowns. Autopsies of patients who have died from COVID often show severe clotting, which contributed to multiple organ failure and death. You can read an interview about COVID-19 and clotting issues written by a massage pathology eductator here.

Massage Gets the Blood Moving

One of the benefits of massage is that it improves the flow of blood through your muscles and organs. A massage stroke presses down on your muscles, stretching and warming them. Those muscles have blood vessels supplying them, and that same motion pushes the blood in the direction of the stroke.

Maybe you noticed that these strokes are often deliberately pushing blood towards your heart. Once there, it travels to the lungs for fresh oxygen, and then back through your organs and muscles again. Because of this, it is possible to dislodge a clot and send it traveling through you body to create big problems.

What Does My Massage Therapist Need to Know?

You may have noticed they keep asking you about your ability to exercise and increase your heart rate/respiratory rate. They’ll want to know if you’ve had any new or unusual muscle aches or pain. It’s also important to know if you have seen any unexplained marks, rashes, bumps, or other lesions on your skin. These are all screening questions to help rule out blood clots.

So please, don’t be embarrassed, don’t brush it off. Let your massage therapist know and answer their questions honestly. They are trying to keep you safe!

COVID Exposure: How Close Is Too Close?

Posted on November 19, 2020February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

COVID-19 is creeping in around the edges, friends, I’ve had to discuss with a few clients what is “too close” when it comes to COVID exposure.

How few people between you and a positive COVID test is too few? Our faces are pretty close to each other when I work on your neck and shoulders, even with a face mask and shield.

What if your spouse has a coworker test positive? Is spending time with a person outside who was exposed via their child’s school too close? These situations have presented themselves recently, and the clients and I agreed to err on the side of caution.

At this time, if someone who lives with you is exposed at work or elsewhere, or if you are notified of a risk of exposure, please cancel your appointment. Within a few days, you’ll know if the people between you and the positive individual have tested negative, or shown signs of illness, or you can get yourself tested (find a testing site near you). Then, we can discuss getting you rescheduled.

If you aren’t sure about what you should do, please feel free to contact me to discuss. As I’m often in with clients during the day, the best way to reach me is via email or text. I can quickly respond to you between appointments and disinfecting.

As always, if you’re not feeling well, definitely reschedule. You can review symptoms and my COVID-19 policies here. Unsure if getting a massage is safe for you? Read more about my High-Risk Client Policy here.

Many of you worry about my losing income/business, and you are awesome. However, I would rather reschedule one appointment than risk making a dozen clients sick and closing for weeks. Thank you for continuing to be understanding and helping me keep massaging during this pandemic.

Massage In A Time of COVID: Week 7

Posted on August 24, 2020February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

Holy $#*! It’s August

Welcome to massage in a time of COVID week 7. As it works out for most of these newsletters, I started this one has a one month update. Then, life got in the way and it’s now something more like a month and a half-ish update. Things are still going okay, everyone coming in has been fantastic about wearing masks and being patient and understanding. I range anywhere from “This is good, we got this!” to “OH MY GOD WHAT AM I DOING?!” but as Dory says “Just keep swimming!”

I’ve settled into the cleaning and disinfection routine pretty well. It takes about 20 minutes to get everything wiped down. Then, it needs to air dry for 10 minutes or so before I put linens back on the table in preparation for the next appointment. I found I have to set an alarm reminder or I might forget to put the sheets on!

A few things that have been tweaked as time progresses:

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COVID exposure reminder

I now have a card with a date range to give you that reminds you to contact me if you learn about exposure to COVID-19 or test positive.
MassageBook should automatically send you a request to update your intake form the day before your appointment. I’m double-checking that you’ve updated that instead of emailing or texting a check-in.
Please wait 14 days to schedule if you have traveled out of the state.
Please wait 14 days to schedule if you have had visitors from out of state that you haven’t been able to socially distance from.
There’s a written policy for COVID-19 exposure on my website.

University of Maine Students Returning to Orono:

If you are a regular client, but just returning to Orono for classes, please wait 2-3 weeks before scheduling a massage.
Regular clients employed at the university: I’ve talked to many of you about exposure risks, testing, etc. I trust you to be aware of your risks, and I believe most of you are getting tested regularly. Just let me know how things are going.

Meanwhile, I’ve opened up the schedule through October. Just keep in mind that there’s always a chance we may have to cancel your appointment if cases in Orono increase too much or (God I hope not) I get exposed.

Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay negative, my friends.

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.

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!

Massage Changes in a Time of Changes

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

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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 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?