I am a MA and RI based massage therapist who has been sensitive to both the immunologically-vulnerable and those with allergies and chemical sensitivities for many years.

I continue to wear a silicone respirator to see clients and an N95 for day-to-day activities outside the office and ask clients to wear a well-fitting N95 that I provide or one of their own when in my office or waiting room. I have a variety of styles of N95s, including lightweight duckbills that allow for more space around the nose and mouth. Clients are screened the day before and at the time of their appointments, and I self-monitor for symptoms constantly. I currently test when I notice any changes in my health that overlap with COVID-19 symptoms and encourage clients to do so also.

Time between appointments is currently 45 minutes during which box fans (and occasionally a third oscillating fan), an open window, and two air purifiers facilitate air turnover while I wipe surfaces with a medical grade/EPA approved disinfectant.

Throughout the pandemic, I have worked with outdoor ventilation and continue to do so. A table warmer, multiple heating pads, and a space heater have mitigated the cold as some measure of outdoor air during treatments and substantially more following them has helped mitigate the potential spread of airborne illness. (Because I have been so active in facilitating air exchange, I have not been using a CO2 monitor.)

I remain up-to-date on vaccinations, COVID-19 and flu included, and encourage clients to stay up-to-date also.

For clients with allergies and/sensitivities, air exchange also helps remove scents clients may bring into the office and an essential oil that I may have used with a client. I typically offer to use either peppermint, lavender, or lemon in a carrier oil. Linen is laundered in a fragrance free, hypoallergenic detergent, and canvas bags laundered in the same way are provided for each client’s clothing and personal effects. I also use fragrance free soap in my office and avoid disinfectants with fragrances.

I sincerely welcome and encourage questions and suggestions for improving safety and comfort.