COMMITMENT TO YOUR HEALTH & WELL-BEING
I am committed to sourcing and following the highest standards and practices available in the massage therapy industry. As I practice in Quebec, I am also following and regularly checking the recommendations of Institut National de la Santé publique du Québec (National Institute of Public Health of Québec (INSPQ), the Québec government, and the CNESST. My professional association's recommendations are here.
My Preparation Process
I stay very informed, keep my social contacts to a minimum, keep a mindfulness practice and care for my general health and immunity every day. I am attentive to physically distancing, hand hygiene everywhere necessary and taking care to stay healthy and follow public health directives in every way. I air out the massage space minimum of 2 hours prior to client's arrival. Before and after every session I wash my hands and arms thoroughly with hospital-grade anti-bacterial soap, a scrub brush and hot water for a minute. Floors, doors, surfaces and touch surfaces are washed and disinfected before and after each session. I pre-screen the health status of all clients and guests and as I am required, will be wearing a procedural mask and protective eyewear when you arrive.
As of January 27, 2021, the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) has made changes to the interim recommendations for therapeutic care sector in private practice (in French only). It now states that “when the client receives care, it is recommended that the client also wear a quality medical (procedure) mask, given his proximity to the worker for an extended period of time”. So upon arrival at your appointment, I will be providing you with a standardized procedural mask to wear during your session.
ASEPSIS / INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL
My massage space is a clean room, that only myself and you as a client enter while wearing masks.
All doors, floors, touch surfaces, the massage table and massage tools, objects in the space, linens are cleaned and disinfected before and after each session. And of course, my own personal hygiene is of critical importance, and I take care to follow best practices here as well.
I wear a mask while dressing and setting the space and massage table for each client session. I wear clean gloves and a mask while sterilizing equipment that I will use during your sessions. I wear a uniform and protective eyewear that is washed and disinfected after each client, I work with. I wear a new procedural mask with each client. You may bring your own mask or I can provide you with a disposable mask should you require one. I do not require you to wear a mask while lying face down. If I will be doing extensive therapeutic work around your head or neck, I may request that you wear a face-covering while we are in closer proximity.
My practice space is thoroughly aired out, a specialized air conditioner as well as a Bionaire air purifier is used in the space prior to client arrival, as well as after.
I use Health Canada approved cleaning and disinfecting products. With a particular emphasis on those which are proven effective against the COVID-19 virus, as well as other viruses, bacteria, and germs. These include but are not limited to bleach, 70% rubbing alcohol, Germosolve 5 All-in-One, Lysol All In One Disinfectant Spray, and hospital grade anti-bacterial hand soap. (See my post Cleaning Products post for details and information about what I am using.) Alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel is available for clients, upon arrival.
I use and have on hand both washable linens and towels as well as disposable sheets should you have a preference. If you have any questions or concerns about the cleaning and disinfecting products and protocols that I use, or if you have allergies or sensitivities, please don't hesitate to contact me. I welcome questions, am happy to accommodate and am always updating my policies, procedures and protocols in light of new information.
HOW COVID-19 HAS CHANGED MY PRACTICE
Going forward I will be limiting the number of clients I work with till further notice. Same I am exclusively available to those individuals I've worked with previously, are regular and reliable, and I will be giving priority to those clients who are committed to their health and well-being.
Virtual Support
If you are in an at-risk category (over 70, immunodeficient or immunosuppressed, chronically ill, or a pregnant) I am offering online guided self-massage instruction and body-based virtual coaching to help ease some of the physical stress of this time.
Also, my massage practice has become paperless! All health intake information is now digitized and or discussed in person. Health Information is stored on an encrypted server with a Canadian company. There will be a Covid-19 pre-screening intake the day before your session.
Payment
I am encouraging clients to book and pay for their sessions online, by e-transfer or some form other than cash or cheque. Although, I will continue to accept all payment types (cash, credit, cheque, bank transfer), just let me know your preferred method of payment, and I will make arrangements.
Space & Practice Procedures
Clients will be scheduled with enough space between each session to ensure ample preparation, ventilation, time for transition, cleaning, and disinfecting. Your appointment will not overlap in any way with any other, to ensure social distancing and adequate time for airing out and cleaning of the entire space. There is limited access to the studio space prior to your appointment. You will have to wait outside or in your car until the front door is unlocked 5 minutes prior to your appointment.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, the new practice space is no longer accessible via elevator and there are two flights of stairs. It is not ideal for those with mobility limitations, knee injuries or other kinds of restrictions that make climbing stairs difficult. When you arrive, allow me to open all doors for you, and show you where to proceed. I will escort you around the space, and show you where to put your personal effects. Please refrain from touching anything unnecessarily.
Policies and Paperwork in Light of The COVID-19 Pandemic
All forms are filled out prior to booking confirmation and before you arrive at your appointment.
Lateness & No-shows
In order to organize my time efficiently preparing for your session and effectively disinfecting everything for your safety, more time, research, supplies and care go into preparing your session than ever before. Late and no-shows (without notice) cannot be tolerated. While I am flexible, please understand that I am taking extra measures to be available to and offer massage safely to those who need it. This makes my daily availability schedule extremely limited. I may not be able to accommodate late arrival to appointments without notice, given that the time required to clean, disinfect and air out the space between sessions is extensive.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
While a 24-hour notice of cancellation or rescheduling is required and expected, there is no fee for same-day cancellation should either yourself or myself are not feeling well. I want to ensure we can be transparent and honest about our health status and take appropriate steps to care for ourselves without fear of penalty. I encourage you to reschedule rather than cancel your appointment to ensure you can still access a massage at a good time for you.
At the end of your session - you will be issued a digital receipt for you and the insurance receipt for your health insurer sent to your email!