The Quebec government announced that while the Montreal area is on maximum alert and several services and activities will be modified or closed, massage therapy is a therapeutic sector essential service and may continue. The Health and professional services in private practice may remain open for services that require an individual’s presence. Massage therapy is therefore still permitted. Massage therapy must always be carried out in compliance with the interim recommendations of public health, the CNESST guide and the protocol of health standards. One of these protocols is that you will be given a standardized procedural mask upon arrival for your appointments.
And if the clinic is located in a private residence?
Yes, the ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux has confirmed that massages from a private practice space located in the home are permitted. (For the next month only myself and one (in person) client per day will be admitted to my massage therapy clinic to allow for ample airing out time, cleaning and safety precautions).
As you may know, Massage therapy in the province of Quebec resumed June 1st, 2020. The practice of massage therapy will be modified to protect public health for the foreseeable future. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, you can expect increased use of hand sanitizer, hand washing, disinfecting, masks, face shields, eye protection being utilized by your massage therapists. You will be required to wear a mask for parts or most of your appointment as instructed by your therapist. The massage therapist will be required to wear a mask during your appointment as well.
As Massage Therapists return work we will be advised by our associations, the provincial government and local health authorities about how to proceed. We will be trained and informed of proper hygiene, asepsis, infection prevention and control procedures to protect public health. You as a client, have every right to inquire, request and be informed of all the practices and procedures that your therapist is taking to ensure your and their health is kept safe. Should you have any questions or concerns, do raise them with your massage therapist.
On a personal note, I have resumed my massage therapy practice in Montreal. I expect that I will have limited availability for the foreseeable future, and will not be accepting same-day appointment bookings for a number of reasons. I am proceeding carefully and mindfully because I am deeply committed to your health and safety. I am following the direction of my professional association. As well I will continue to educate myself, as the situation unfolds, stay informed of best practices, and adapt to the changing public health reality. I have written about how COVID-19 has changed my practice and what precautions I am taking here.
Throughout this time I am available for your questions and can offer referrals to other skilled practitioners.
I hope to be an on-going (in-person and online) resource as we continue to navigate this brave new challenging world unfolding.
We will get through this together. In health, wellness and solidarity, be well,
