Melissa Claire Nelson, LMT

Good news... we're working on new protocols!

An infographic for massage therapists! Are you ready to return to work during the pandemic? Zoom in to find out! There's something here for your governor, too.... I've included the links in notes below. (MTs who share: I suggest you include the original post with the links.) (EDITED to remove my remark about dissent.) ***** LINKS from infographic: (Video) Hayden, M., Werner, R., Thompson, D. A discussion on the potential changes coming due to Covid 19 to the massage/bodywork professions (April 20, 2020). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN_IpPWkX9k&feature=youtu.be Cates, C. Your governor is not a massage therapist. April 21 blog post at Healwell, https://www.healwell.org//your-governor-is-not-a-massage-/ Koplen, M. Massage therapy and coronavirus: 4 reasons why masks and clean surfaces aren’t enough. Massage (April, 2020) https://www.massagemag.com/massage-therapy-and-coronavirus/ MT & COVID FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/covidandmassage/ US Dept of Labor, OSHA. Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

This is NOT a political post but rather, a heartfelt letter. Our GA Governor has decided that my businesses can reopen this Fri April 24th. As a Massage Therapist, I spend at least an hour in close contact, breathing the same air, as my clients. As part of my treatment, I encourage deep breathing. In between clients, I have always wiped down the face cradle, the lotion bottle, the door knob. I wash my hands a lot throughout the day, a whole lot. I take all my sheets, towels,... face cradle covers, pillow cases, and blankets home to wash in my family's washing machine, being careful not to mix loads. In fact, I do a LOT of laundry. I try not to overwork or to get run down. I may be exposed to viruses from time to time and sometimes I catch them. I do not work when I am sick. Many of my clients have complex medical histories that have sought out bodywork for wellness, pain reduction, or as a way to manage their symptoms. A good percentage would fall into the immune compromised category. I have a history of bronchitis, especially when I was a smoker. In 2012, I contracted Pneumonia while working at an Oncology Facility, and spent 4 days in the hospital. Traditionally, Massage Therapists do not wear much in regards to Personal Protective Equipment... what we are delivering is hands-on contact and one-on-one connection. Moving forward, that will have to change. We know to use Universal Precautions, meaning we are supposed to treat everyone like they DO have a contagious condition... we try to measure up to that ideal. Our Massage Therapy Professional Organizations do not have new guidelines for us. No word from our Massage Board. No widespread, effective testing for Covid-19. I have some homemade cotton masks though. I have no safe plan to open the doors this Friday. More will be revealed. Be well my friends.

In a similar way, patients step into the sick role when they don their hospital gowns. In this role, they are exposed, vulnerable and deidentified, contrary to the authority and protection conferred by the white coat. They relinquish control