COVID-19 Notice and Protocols

I have tried to stay up-to-date on all the latest in recommended COVID-19 guidelines, training, and research articles and will continue to do so as things move forward. The resources and information I have utilized can be found here. I realize this seems like a lot and it might feel overwhelming or like your sessions will not be the same. Things are different right now, but they won’t be forever. I can promise you that I will do my best to continue to deliver the high quality care you are used to receiving from me and provide a calm, relaxed environment within which you can receive that care. The precautions I am taking and requesting of you are listed below. Let’s work together to keep each other safe.

Before the session:

  • I have added a very high quality HEPA air purification system that filters 99.97% to .3 microns and 99.5% to .003 microns (viral level). The full suite unit will filter the air in the whole suite 4-5 times per hour. For added measure, I will also be using a personal HEPA purifier unit in the treatment rooms. These are pretty quiet units, so you can continue to expect a quiet, relaxed atmosphere,

  • I have installed washable carpet protectors in the treatment rooms to allow for easier and quicker sanitization between patients that should minimize aerosolization of viral particles.

  • Washable barriers have been added to the Thai mats and all pillows/bolsters and will continue to be used on the massage table.

  • Automated hand sanitizer dispensers and individualized tissue packets are now available throughout the suite for your use.

  • I have removed most “shared” contact items that cannot be readily sanitized, such as pillows and brochures. For the time being, I have also closed the self-serve water, tea, coffee station.

  • I ask that you bring as little as possible to your visit, consider bringing only your keys and form of payment.

  • Only one person will be allowed in the suite at a time. Therefore, early arrival for meditation or relaxation time will not be possible in the present circumstances. The exception to this is if you are a parent to a minor or an elder caregiver who may need to stay during the session. It is recommended all others wait outside.

  • Pre-screening will be done online via the health intake form and day of visit screening will occur immediately prior to your session.

  • If you feel ill on the day of your appointment, please cancel. I will do the same. Massage is not advised if you have symptoms. There is no penalty for canceling your appointment due to illness.

During the session:

  • I will use a mask during all in-person interactions, and I EXPECT that you also wear a mask during your visit. I will have a few masks available to you, should you not have one.

  • If you are worried about mask use while face down and your ability to breathe on the treatment table, we can work in a side-lying position with your mask still on OR currently you may opt to remove the mask ONLY when face down in the face cradle and use the enclosed pillow case barrier that I can attach to the face cradle (note: this may change if regulations or research indicates this is no longer safe). If you opt to use this method, please remember to use the ear loops for mask removal and keep the mask underneath you. Simply flinging the mask off, and tossing it anywhere defeats the point of utilizing this option and causes greater risk of exposure to me. During traditional Thai bodywork sessions on the mat, you must wear your mask the ENTIRE time. This work is different and you will not be face down in a face cradle during this kind of session.

  • I have gloves available and will continue to use these in situations that warrant. They are not necessary for use during every massage during this COVID-19 pandemic; however, I am happy to wear them during your session if it would make you feel at ease. I request that you do NOT wear gloves to your appointment.

Following the session:

  • Boxed water will be available to take with you should you desire. Just let me know. During COVID, the self-service water and tea/coffee stations will be closed.

  • Samples to take and products for purchase are still minimally on display and available to you. I ask that you do not touch the items, I will help with whatever you need.

  • I will continue to employ superior cleaning and disinfectant protocols between each patient visit and maintain a binder of all cleaning and disinfectant products and use recommendations, along with a checklist of the protocols (let me know if you would like to see this).

  • All sheets, pillow cases, towels, and blankets utilized will be carefully removed following each session, sealed in an enclosed laundry hamper, and will be laundered each evening.

  • All surfaces, including tables, mats, pillows, counters, lotion bottles, floors, seating, clothes hangers, light switches, door handles, eye wear, thermometer, tablet/credit credit card reader, etc. will be cleaned and sanitized per the specified protocols following each session.

  • Any treatment room garbage from post session tissue use, etc. will be emptied into the enclosed suite garbage.

  • I will change into a fresh set of scrubs/Thai wear, replace any head covering, and don a new mask covering following each session.

  • I will continue to practice all social distancing and PPE guidelines and recommendations outside of the office. I hope that you are choosing to do the same.

  • Specifically, if you believe you have been exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19, have traveled out of the area, and/or you have contracted COVID-19 you will be asked to wait at least 14 days before scheduling and/or to show that you have received a negative COVID-19 test. This measure has been put in place out of respect for all of the different patients I treat, I ask that you also respect it and honestly report whether any of these have occurred.

If Illness Occurs and Disclosure of Illness:

You should understand that I commit to contacting you in the event myself or another patient in my office tests positive for COVID-19 if you have been in the office during the exposure timeline. To protect myself and other patients, I ask that you also contact me if you should feel ill within 2 weeks of your visit date. In response to potential exposure, I will close my doors for 2 weeks or until I test negative for COVID-19. I will ask that you not return to the office for care until you also have been quarantined for 2 weeks or have tested negative for COVID-19.

Additionally, in this event, just as any other medical facility, this means that your name and contact information might be shared with the state health department. Your contact details will only be shared in the event they are relevant based on suspected exposure date, and only for appropriate follow-up by the health department.

Symptoms for Which You Should Self-Monitor:

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Digestive upset

  • Sinus congestion

  • Loss of sense of taste or smell

  • Fatigue

  • Shortness of Breath

  • Sudden onset muscle soreness (not related to an activity)

  • New marks, bumps, spots, rashes, or other skin lesions (especially on feet)

  • Discomfort with exertion or exercise and use of anti-coagulant (blood thinning) medications are conflicts of interest due to the risk of clotting and stroke associated with COVID-19

  • Higher risk patients who have chronic lung disease, heart conditions, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, moderate to severe asthma, morbidly obese patients, and/or patients over the age of 65 may want to wait longer before receiving massage. If you believe you are in one or more of these higher risk categories, please contact the office beforehand to determine your level of risk and whether or not massage is appropriate at this time.

Consent to Treat During the COVID-19 Pandemic:

I cannot guarantee that if you present for an appointment and follow these new precautions, you will be 100% protected from this virus. However, should you choose to schedule an appointment you acknowledge that close contact with people increases the risk of infection from COVID-19 and you acknowledge that you are aware of the risks involved and give consent to receive therapeutic massage and/or energetic work at Journey to Wellness, Inc.