Pass On The Facial Or Any Service That Requires You To Remove Your Mask
Your best bet when deciding on a spa treatment is to apply the mask rule: If you have to take off your face covering, some experts say it may be best to skip it.
Fichtenbaum recommends skipping facials entirely because, by definition, youre unprotected during a facial so the risk factor goes up by a lot.
Ultimately, getting a massage or other spa treatments comes down to how comfortable you feel taking certain risks, Nanos said. Like many options in the COVID-19 era, nothing is going to be 100% safe but that doesnt mean that well-being treatments need to be totally off the table.
Were living through incredibly stressful times, and in many people, that stress and anxiety is manifesting itself in physical tension so I support getting as safe a massage as you can to help manage that pain, Nanos said.
And while youre looking after your well-being with a massage, make sure youre taking other health measures as well. That includes wearing a face mask in all public areas, washing your hands, staying home if youre sick and getting your flu shot.
Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.
Dont Get A Massage If Youre Sick
If you feel under the weather or even have the vaguest of vague symptoms, cancel your massage immediately.
Any potential COVID-19 symptoms like a fever or chills, a cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are enough to warrant a cancellation. The same courtesy should go for any other illness as well, like the flu or a general cold.
Does Massage Help With Pad
If your doctor gives you the greenlight and youâve talked with your massage therapist about PAD, itâs OK to try a massage and see if it helps you feel better. Thereâs not much evidence on massage for PAD, but several studies suggest it could help.
One study of 66 people with type 2 diabetes and PAD found that exercise and massage improved blood flow in the legs more than a placebo, which was a sham treatment with an unproven magnetic therapy device that was disconnected.
After 10 weeks of treatment or placebo, researchers noted differences between the two groups by measuring blood pressure in the ankles. A ratio of pressure measured in the ankle versus arms is one way to detect PAD, its sometimes referred to as ABI. If the arteries in your legs are clogged with plaque, the ABI may be lower than a value of 1. A low ABI is can mean a higher risk of CHD, stroke, or progressive kidney disease.
In the study, researchers found that exercise and massage together improved measures of blood pressure and flow in the legs. But, since this study looked at the two interventions together, itâs hard to say how much massage helped. Thereâs a lot more evidence that exercise, such as walking on a treadmill, helps people with PAD walk farther and with less pain.
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Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry Issues Expectations For Regulated Health Professionals During Covid
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has issued an important update for regulated health professionals in BC, including RMTs.
The update, issued March 23, 2020, provides expectations for health professionals regulated under the Health Professions Act when providing patient care in community settings.
The update does not apply to regulated health professionals when providing patient care in designated facilities or institutions regulated by the Hospital Act, the Health Authorities Act, the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, the Mental Health Act, or other relevant Acts.
Read the update from Dr. Bonnie Henry .
The first expectation listed in the update reads as follows: All non-essential and elective services involving direct physical contact with patients and clients should be reduced to minimal levels, subject to allowable exceptions, until further notice.
This is consistent with guidance provided to RMTs by Dr. Henry and CMTBC. On March 21, 2020, Dr. Henry ordered that personal services businesses involving close physical contact must close effective immediately. After CMTBC confirmed with Dr. Henry that the order applies to RMTs working in the community, the College communicated to all BC RMTs that they must immediately cease practice.
Dr. Henrys update outlines allowable exceptions and other expectations of regulated health professionals.
Are Massages And Acupuncture Treatments Safe During Covid
- Experts say it can be safe to get a massage or acupuncture treatment during COVID-19 if certain guidelines are followed.
- They urge people to check with businesses to make sure they clean tables in between visits and have sufficient air circulation in rooms.
- They also recommend that people decide if a treatment is a necessity or a luxury.
All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub and follow our live updates page for the most recent information on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health officials advise people to remain 6 feet apart during the COVID-19 pandemic, but for services such as massages and acupuncture, thats difficult to do.
So, should you cancel your appointment?
Experts say the answer is complicated.
Social or physical distancing is not really possible with massage and acupuncture. If the prevalence of COVID-19 in the local community is low and appropriate precautions are maintained, these services can be delivered relatively safely. That said, if the prevalence of COVID-19 infections is high locally, you might want to wait until the number of cases decreases, Dr. Michelle L. Dossett, MPH, an assistant professor of general internal medicine at UC Davis Health, told Healthline.
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Provincial Health Officer Issues Order Requiring Health Regulatory Colleges To Record Covid
An Order of the Provincial Health Officer was issued yesterday to prevent or reduce the risk of the transmission of infection with SARS-CoV-2 by health professionals.
The Health Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventive Measures Orderis an information-sharing order, not a vaccine mandate. It requires all health regulatory colleges, including CMTBC, to record the COVID-19 vaccination status of all its registrants by March 31, 2022. If requested to do so by CMTBC, registrants must provide proof of vaccination or exemption. It also requires the College to disclose to the PHO or medical health officer, on request, registrant information regarding vaccination status and place of work, either in aggregate or by individual.
CMTBC is studying the Order and is consulting with the PHO, Ministry of Health, and other BC health regulators. The College will communicate further with registrants as additional information about this order is received.
Until that time, we ask that you donot send CMTBC any inquiries related to the Order, or any documentation of your vaccination status. CMTBC will be issuing further communications in that regard as soon as we are ready to do so, and we appreciate your patience in the interim.
Latest Guidance On Covid
RMTs are advised to read the latest guidance on COVID-19 from the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. Read the March 15, 2020 letter from Dr. Bonnie Henry .
What this means for RMTs
- RMTs who return from travel outside Canada are asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days. This is also referred to as social distancing. It includes daily monitoring of signs and symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing for these 14 days. People who have self-isolated can return to normal activities after 14 days if they have not developed any symptoms.
- To be clear, BCs Provincial Health Officer has asked health care workers who return from travel outside Canada and are not essential to the delivery of patient care to self-isolate at home for 14 days. CMTBC interprets this to include RMTs, and asks RMTs to consider this request in the context of the Code of Ethics, which provides guidance on ethical issues.
- The office of the Provincial Health Officer must attend to priorities in an ever-changing environment. If RMTs and/or their patients or other citizens need information about COVID-19, they are asked not to call the Provincial Health Officer, but to look for information on the following websites:
- BC Government, HealthLinkBC information for the public on COVID-19
As a health regulatory college, CMTBC will continue to follow the lead set by BCs Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
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Key Points About Provincial Health Officers Order On Data
On March 7, 2022, the Provincial Health Officer issued an Order that requires all health regulatory colleges, including CMTBC, to record the COVID-19 vaccination status of all its registrants by March 31, 2022. According to the Order, if requested to do so by CMTBC, registrants must provide proof of vaccination or exemption. The Order also requires the College to disclose to the PHO or medical health officer, on request, registrant information regarding vaccination status and place of work, either in aggregate or by individual.
To address questions about the purpose and scope of the PHOs Health Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventive Measures Order, please note the following key points:
CMTBC will continue to share further information with RMTs as it becomes available.
Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You To Know
We got the inside scoop on how to have the best rubdown ever.
Its no surprise that a massage can seriously soothe your mind and body, and you already know a solid rubdown has impressive health perks, like better blood circulation, amped immunity, anxiety relief, and even improved sleep quality. But beyond the obvious, theres a lot to wonder about the magic of massage. Few therapies are quite so up-close-and-personal, so to avoid awkward moments, wasted cash, and potential pain, its crucial to be in the know. We asked certified massage therapists for the inside scoop on how to have the best possible massage experience.
It’s Fine to Get Butt NakedWe get that it can be a little uncomfortable to strip down to your birthday suit in front of someone youve never met, but really, it’s totally normal. Remember, massage therapists are trained professionals and your undressing can actually lead to a better appointment. “Undress to the point of where you feel comfortable,” says Rod Cain, licensed massage therapist and owner of Rod Cain Massage Therapy in Burlington, Vermont. “A professional will keep you covered with sheets or draping where appropriate, but you should know that undergarments can sometimes get in the way of long strokes or pressure points and inhibit you from experiencing the best massage possible.
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Cdc: If You’re Vaccinated You Don’t Need To Mask Outdoors
When it comes to outdoor activities, the CDC released guidance Tuesday that vaccinated people do notneed to wear masks outside except if they’re attending a crowded event. Research has consistently shown that the risk of transmitting the virus outdoors is far lower than indoors.
But keep a mask handy. Linsey Marr, a researcher at Virginia Tech who studies how viruses transmit in the air, says masking outdoors still makes sense if you are standing close to and talking to someone for more than a couple of minutes and you don’t know their vaccination status.
“My general rules of thumb would be if I’m having a face-to-face conversation with someone and … they’re within arm’s reach for more than a minute or two, then I would mask,” Marr says.
Tips For A Successful Massage
Its important to remember that not every massage therapist is the same. Like psychotherapists, sometimes it takes a few attempts to find the massage therapist thats right for you. Not everyone likes the same type of style and pressure, so it makes sense to prefer working with some therapists over others.
Kristie Garduno, owner of Clients Kneaded Mobile Massage, suggests getting a recommendation from a friend or coworker if youre looking for a new therapist as well as reading plenty of online reviews. But above all, she suggests finding a therapist that hears you.
As long as the therapist pays attention, he/she can adjust every other variable, she explains. And of course, also find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. Massage is all about relaxing, so if you cannot get comfortable enough to relax, the time is wasted.
Once you find a massage therapist you like, stick with them, Lisson says.
My best advice for making massage a part of your wellness routine is to develop a relationship with a licensed/certified therapist that you can trust, she adds. Always seeing a different therapist increases your chances of getting a massage from a therapist with bad intentions.
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No Registration Fee Refunds In Case Of Covid
CMTBC has heard from several RMTs asking if they will receive registration fee refunds if they renew their practicing registration for 2022, but then withdraw from practice if a provincial COVID-19 vaccination mandate is imposed on RMTs and other private health care providers.
Although there is no such mandate as of today , on October 14, the Provincial Health Officer did impose a vaccination mandate on health care providers practicing in the public system. CMTBC advised RMTs of this development in a news story and newsletter released on October 15.
The October 14 PHO order and subsequent updates included a notice that a broader vaccine mandate would be imposed at some point in the future. Despite that notice, however, CMTBC is not yet aware of the timing or the exact terms of a COVID-19 vaccination mandate that would apply to RMTs.
With respect to refunds, CMTBCs position is that an RMT who renews as practicing for 2022, but subsequently chooses not to practice because a vaccination mandate is imposed, and the RMT chooses not to be vaccinated would in most cases not be eligible to receive a refund of their practicing registration fee . CMTBCs Bylaws allow for refunds of registration fees in limited circumstances only, such as disability or illness that render an RMT unable to practice. Refunds are generally not issued to registrants who are able to practice but who decide not to do so for personal reasons.
You Can Get A Massage But Should You
You can weigh the risk similar to a barbershop or salon, says Usama Bilal, assistant professor in the Urban Health Collaborative and department of epidemiology and biostatistics at Drexel University. As long as there are measures put in place to ensure safety, these activities seem to be lower risk than some indoor activities, such as restaurants and bars.
Just like getting a haircut, a massage is considered less risky than dining out mask-less amidst crowds. But there are still plenty of risk factors: Youll be indoors, usually in a small room, for upwards of 30 to 90 minutes. And theres no staying six feet away from the massage therapist.
As a result, you should always be mindful of COVID-19 rates. Currently, those are increasing both locally and nationwide, and the reality is, numbers arent predicted to get much better this winter.
Its a risk-benefit scenario, but right now with the percentage of positive tests were dealing with in Pennsylvania, the risk probably outweighs the benefit, says Krys Johnson, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at Temple University. I personally invested in a hand-held massager from Amazon. You can get ones with longer handles so you can reach your back.
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If you do choose to go for it, there are ways to at least lower some of the risk.
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A Face Mask Should Be Worn At All Times
You should wear a mask at all times during your massage, even when youre facing down, Fichtenbaum said. Your therapist should be wearing one too.
Theres all this rhetoric about masks right now, and its really confusing to people people think theyre wearing a mask to protect themselves, so they say, Well, Ill take my chances, he said. But thats not how we should be looking at this. Youre wearing a mask in large part to protect others, like your massage therapist, from you. Thats the point in all of us doing this together.
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Maintaining A Safe Environment For Our Clients & Therapists:
In addition to the high standards of hygiene already practiced in our spas, we have implemented additional sanitisation and social distancing measures to protect the health and safety of clients and staff during this time of COVID-19.
- Ensuring hand sanitiser is provided for all clients and spa staff.
- Ensuring therapists thoroughly wash hands pre, during and post treatment.
- Being vigilant with hygiene standards ensuring all surfaces such as benches, floors, machines and product are cleaned with a high-grade disinfectant regularly during the day and between clients.
- Ensuring all towels are newly laundered and replaced between each client.
- Following an end of day checklist to ensure all areas have been cleaned and sanitised ready for the following days trade.
- Using disposable paper towel at all bathroom vanities and in the treatment room.
- Ensuring social distancing requirements are adhered to and limiting the number of people in spa.
- Clients can request their therapist wear a mask and/or gloves.
- Clients can request a mask and/or gloves for themselves.
- Spa Teams will adhere to all state government requirements involving the wearing of face masks in the workplace.
- Requesting that unwell clients reschedule their treatment for a later date.
- Spas will comply with all government protocols around QR code check ins and collection of client information.
- Spas will comply with all government directives relating to density limits in spa and social distancing requirements.