How you can safely get massage during COVID

Being in the midst of a pandemic is incredibly stressful, so it’s only natural that you’d want to unwind with a soothing massage. Even as cases continue to rise and we enter the third wave, some people may feel compelled to act now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in many parts of the world.

Is getting a massage, considering the fact that it is actually legal, a good idea

Experts claim it depends, as it does with so many things during COVID-19. It is best to avoid direct communication with others as often as possible if you are high-risk or often come into contact with someone who is. Apart from that, if you do intend to go, you must exercise caution and be mindful of the dangers. Whatever the case might be, there is a risk involved, namely the risk of getting within 6 feet of another human being. Symptoms: When two people come together, even though none of you has any symptoms, there’s always a risk of infection,” said Carl Fichtenbaum, an epidemiologist with the University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine’s division of infectious diseases. You run the risk of exposing yourself to the infection as well as spreading it to your therapist when you have a spa session. People don’t have to absolutely rule out getting a massage, according to Fichtenbaum, if both parties take the requisite safety precautions.

People are looking for a way to relieve their stress right now, and I don't blame them,” he said

On their website, the American Massage Therapy Association, a non-profit organisation that connects and advises massage therapists, has a wealth of information about what studios and therapists can do to stay safe for themselves and their clients. It recommends therapists to wear masks at all times and studios to schedule appointments in advance to allow time to clean and prevent contact in the waiting room, as well as follow the CDC’s cleaning and disinfection guidelines, among other things.

Here's a rundown of what you should include

For all times, a face mask should be worn. Even if you’re lying down, you can wear a mask during your massage, according to Fichtenbaum. It’s also a good idea for your therapist to put one on.

Choose a place that limits your proximity to others to the greatest extent possible

Another important aspect of massage safety is selecting a good location for your care — particularly because not all spas are created equal. Fichtenbaum’s general rule is that having a massage at home is the best choice, and that smaller massage studios are preferable to larger spas after that. “studio to see whether they do house calls or if they know of someone who does. You can also schedule a massage with an online massage service. Before making a decision, look at each company’s COVID-19 requirements. Apart from sanitising everything and wearing your mask, the most important job is to choose a location in your home with good airflow. If you have the choice, set up shop outside; otherwise, place the massage table near an open window.

Massage rooms

If you don’t want to invite a massage therapist into your home, a smaller local studio might be the next best thing for airflow. “A lot of large spa massage rooms aren’t as well-ventilated as smaller, more mom-and-pop studios,” said Georgine Nanos, a family physician in Encinitas, California, who specialises in epidemiology. “Good ventilation is important, so do your homework ahead of time: Is there a purifier in the room? Do you have access to a window? Is there something that can move the air? The better the airflow, the better.” Massage therapy: Of course, cleanliness is essential. Since the guidelines of the American Massage Therapy Association are not legally binding, ask your massage studio to go through their procedures with you ahead of time. Do the sheets get changed after each massage? Do they sanitise all of the surfaces in the room, including the tables where you placed your belongings, between clients? While surfaces do not appear to be the primary mode of COVID-19 transmission, Fichtenbaum believes it is prudent to be vigilant. If you want to save money, don’t use essential oils. Aromatic massage oils should probably be avoided, according to Fichtenbaum. They also urge people to breathe deeply because they smell so good, but that’s probably not the safest thing to do during a pandemic, he advised.

Sneezing

Sneezing or coughing droplets are the most common way for the virus to spread from person to person, and taking deep breaths improves the risk of inhaling those respiratory droplets. Although wearing a mask reduces the risk of inhaling them during a deep breath, there isn’t enough evidence to back this up, according to Fichtenbaum. That’s why, when you’re having your medication, he feels it’s best to play it safe and keep from taking deep breaths.

If you're sick, don't get a massage

If you’re feeling under the weather or have even the tiniest of symptoms, you should cancel your massage right away. Any COVID-19 symptoms, such as a fever or chills, a cough, sore throat, lack of taste or scent, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing, are enough to cause the appointment to be cancelled. The same courtesy can be extended to any other disease, such as the flu or a common cold.

Avoid having a facial or some other facility that allows you to take off your mask

When it comes to choosing a spa treatment, the mask rule is your best bet: If you have to remove your face covering, some experts recommend avoiding it. Fichtenbaum advises against getting facials because you’re unprotected by design during a facial, so the risk factor skyrockets.

Massage

Having a massage or other spa treatments ultimately comes down to how comfortable. You are with taking chances, according to Nanos. Nothing is going to be 100 percent safe in the COVID-19 period, but that doesn’t mean that well-being therapies have to be entirely ruled out.

Physical tension

We live in extremely stressful times, and for many people. The stress and anxiety manifests itself in physical tension. So I recommend getting a massage as soon as possible to help relieve the pain,” Nanos said. And, if you’re getting a massage to take care of your well-being, make sure you’re still taking some health precautions. Wearing a face mask in public places, washing your hands, staying home if you’re sick. And having your flu shot are all recommended.