At Durham Bodywork, we've created procedures to promote greater safety in giving and receiving massage during the global pandemic. Our processes have been developed in collaboration with each other, with the requirements of the NC Health Department and further recommendations from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards in mind.
A foundational belief of our organization is that the health and healing of all people is deeply intertwined. The impacts of COVID-19 are demonstrating this truth. At the beginning of June 2020 (concurrent with massage being allowed under phase 2 of reopening in Durham), we implemented a pre-appointment screening process, mask wearing in our space, and expanded our existing sanitation protocols. We are continuing to update and evolve our practices as the science improves our understanding of the pandemic. There are parts of this process where we need your involvement - this allows you to contribute to the safety and well-being of our entire community, while feeling safer receiving massage.
Please feel free to contact your therapist, or info@durhambodywork, if you have questions or concerns about any of our protocols. We are happy to help you assess if massage is supportive and within your risk tolerance and safety needs.
There are 4 parts to our practices:
1. Pre-screening
2. Mask wearing / personal sanitation
3. Space sanitation
4. Touchless payments
PRE-SCREENING:
Screening in advance of your appointment means there is less chance of someone entering our building with symptoms or a positive diagnosis (please note that asymptomatic transmission continues to be a risk.) This pre-screening is required for all clients and therapists. It is designed to be transparent between client and therapist, while protecting the privacy of both individuals.
24-48 hours in advance of your appointment, your therapist will complete a brief screening questionnaire to assess their own temperature, COVID-19 status (if known), and any current symptoms.
You will receive an email with your therapist's responses, and a link to a similar questionnaire. You can also go straight to this form in advance of your appointment, right here. **PLEASE COMPLETE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE at least 12 hours in advance of your appointment.** The questionnaire will take approximately 3 minutes to complete and results will be sent to your therapist. Please note, your therapist can also talk you through this questionnaire over the phone, we want this process to be easeful and flexible so you can participate with as little friction as possible.
COVID-19 testing: Free testing is now available at the Walgreen’s on Lasalle Street in Durham. We don’t require testing before appointments, and it can provide a level of comfort. Here is the link to get started: www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing
If you do not have access to a thermometer, your therapist may contact you to ask about symptoms that would indicate a fever. We have a no-touch thermometer and will ask to take your temperature at the time of your appointment.
If you, or your therapist, has any question about whether your appointment should take place, either of you can initiate a conversation via phone. Both client and therapist screening forms contain contact information to support this. We commit to *not* holding an appointment if either client or therapist has had a fever or a positive diagnosis during the prior 14 days.
MASK WEARING AND PERSONAL SANITATION:
Masks are required in Durham where social distancing is not possible, and therefore required in the common areas (waiting room, hallways, and bathrooms) of our building at all times, and in our treatment room. We want you, and the clients that follow you, to be as safe as possible, therefore we require masks to be worn for the duration of your massage.
Please wear a mask to your appointment, and have it in place prior to entering the building. If you arrive without a mask, your therapist will bring you a disposable one and ask you to put it on before entering the space. Your therapist can discuss strategies to support your ability to breathe comfortably, including options for positioning on the massage table.
Please arrive recently showered, in laundered clothes.
On entering our space, please use the hand sanitizer on our front counter, or proceed directly to our restroom to wash your hands.
Note: Our therapists are in these practices with you.
SPACE SANITATION:
We are accustomed to a high level of sanitation in general, and the risk of COVID-19 and clinical recommendations within our field have us clarifying and expanding our practices.
Fresh linens and blanket are used for each client. Used linens are securely stored to avoid contamination.
The table surface, face cradle and floors are disinfected after each client.
Doorknobs, side table, and any other surfaces you may touch are disinfected after every client.
All high-touch surfaces in the space and building are disinfected at least daily and throughout the day as needed.
We have an air purifier with a HEPA filter running in our treatment room at all times.
We have replaced our client seating to reduce risk of potential contamination.
TOUCHLESS PAYMENTS:
Our massage therapists determine their own policies on receiving payment, and all offer touchless payments either in advance or at the time of your appointment. If you are bringing cash to your appointment, we have envelopes on hand for you to place your cash in.
Thank you for participating in making our space and our practices as safe as possible! Touch and hands on care are so important in general and at this time specifically. We’re grateful to be working with you to lessen the risk, so that we can be of service to you and other clients who are ready to return.