Coronavirus, Massage & You: What you need to know.

Ok, we well know that the Coronavirus is officially here (aka: SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19). Yet most of us will go on with our normal routines amidst the frightful news programming. We are, by no means, balking, as Coronavirus can, for some, be life threatening. As far as massage therapy goes, there are a few things you should know:

1. HANDWASHING IS YOUR BEST FRIEND. While threats of "super bugs" like Coronavirus appear to be on the rise, it's best to invest in a better hygiene routine (if you don't have one already). Soap, hot water, and scrub, scrub, scrub, forearms to fingertips and everything in between.

We especially appreciate your washing your hands before your massage too, as this will help protect you and other clients too.

At the Great Escape, being the seasoned massage therapists that we are, we're near obsessive when it comes to washing our hands! Coronavirus or not, we always diligently wash before and after each massage (and all the day long in between), as year round we like to avoid exposure to flu and other hand-borne bugs too. You can rest assured that receiving your massage here, never will a dirty hand touch you!

2. CORONAVIRUS IS MOST EASILY TRANSMITTED THROUGH TOUCHING CONTAMINATED SURFACES AND THEN TOUCHING THE EYES, NOSE OR MOUTH.

While our "72-hour symptom-free" policy stays in force year round, making it very unlikely that anyone visiting here would have an active case of COVID-19, we also strive to keep any surfaces you might come into contact with sanitized efficiently and regularly.

3. "DO NOT FEAR." REMEMBER, STRESS, AFTER ALL, CAN NEGATIVELY IMPACT YOUR IMMUNITY. It's important to remember that Coronavirus "does not appear to cause serious disease in most people who are fundamentally healthy". However, for anyone who suffers with a compromised immune system, an autoimmune disorder, or chronic respiratory problems, it is wise to take the utmost precautions.

We do work on individuals with compromised immune systems. It's especially important to be truthful with your massage therapist. If there have been any symptoms of cold, flu or other communicable illness within the last 72 hours prior to your appointment, please call and reschedule. Please understand, if you have had symptoms within the last 72 hours, we simply cannot work on you (this is for our compromised clients, as well as for you; active illness is contraindicated for massage).

Once again, for our clients seeking massage therapy or other services here, we are asking you to be especially considerate of other clients that also seek treatment here. PLEASE RESCHEDULE if you or anyone in your circle of acquaintance are sick with COVID-19, and wait for 72 hours after symptoms subside before rescheduling (whether with COVID-19, or any other contagious thing).

Please also be aware that, according to the CDC, Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and may appear two to 14 days after exposure. We would ask that anyone with a known exposure not arrive for their appointment here until after the incubation period has passed, and you have remained symptom free for at least two weeks. Please call in advance to cancel if you are suffering any symptoms of illness.

4. TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF YOUR OWN HEALTH. Get plenty of rest, avoid junk food, get plenty of sunshine, drink adequate amounts of water each day, exercise, eat lots of healthy fresh fruits and veggies, and spend time in the fresh outdoor air. All of these things in combination will help ensure you are able to stay healthy.

If you are healthy and wish to stay that way, or if you have a compromised immunity due to stress, surgery, age or chemotherapy, regular massage can be part of an excellent self-care routine that can help keep you healthy as it has been known to reduce stress hormones, aid detoxification, deter stagnation, and therein help boost the immune system.

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A couple other notable points. Face masks really don’t help, unless you’re sick already. And if you are already sick, leading health experts say "stay home and away from others" so that they do not become infected too.

Again, according to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and may appear two to 14 days after exposure.

Have other questions? Need to reschedule? Want to know more about how to boost immunity? We're always here and are happy to help 308-432-4558.

The Great Escape
Massage & Wellness Center LLC

*NOTICE: We're not doctors, nor do we diagnose, cure, or prescribe for anything. All of the information contained herein is for educational purposes only. Use at your own discretion. If you believe you're sick, visit your primary care provider, as always. P.S. Many clinics and hospitals are asking that patients not visit their facilities except for emergencies, or other such necessary things. It may be wise to contact your local health care office to ask what their current suggestions are for visiting in light of COVID-19.