Massage Therapists Appreciate Your Patience & Support!

We understand these are frustrating and confusing times. Stress levels for many are at their peak. All we want to do is grab a moment to relax, to come in and get a much needed massage. Trust us, we understand, and now even more than ever before we want to be here for you!

This novel (new and mysterious) Coronavirus is uncharted territory, not only for doctors and other mainstream health experts and professionals around the world, but for those of us in allied health fields too. We are humbly asking for your continued patience as we try to sort through the information and determine what our present course of action should be. We wish it were cut and dried, but as information is updated almost daily, you may find that our stance on available therapies and appropriate actions must change too.

Last month we adjusted our illness policy to include the considerations for symptoms relating to the Coronavirus, but as incidences of COVID-19 begin knocking on our regional back door, and the risk of asymptomatic infection rises too, we are facing decisions that may affect you, and the treatments we can offer you. Here's a brief synopsis of why:

1) MASSAGE THERAPY IS CONTRAINDICATED (NOT ADVISABLE) FOR ACTIVE ILLNESS. Cold, flu, and we can only safely assume Coronavirus symptoms too can be exacerbated by receiving massage while active viral infection is present. Additionally, receiving massage in the early stages of flu can increase the severity of illness as it progresses. Because this Coronavirus is heretofore uncharted territory, but acts much like the flu in its symptomatology, we are following recommendations for flu protocol and asking clients not to come while suffering any symptoms of cold, flu or other respiratory infection (runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough, sneezing, body aches, difficulty breathing, etc).

2) CORONAVIRUS IS ESPECIALLY CONTAGIOUS. Though there are conflicting reports, according to medical experts we have trusted and followed for years previous to now, we are inclined to believe that Coronavirus is significantly more contagious than the average flu, in addition to being highly dangerous to immune compromised individuals (although our younger, "healthier" populations are surprisingly being affected too). At present, in conjunction with increased sanitation efforts, we have opted to focus our efforts on keeping immune compromised individuals safe and limiting their exposure by restricting access to our facility by persons who may have had potential exposure themselves. As Coronavirus nears our community boarder, however, the time will inevitably come where we will simply have to assume that virtually everybody has been exposed to this virus, and anyone, even if asymptomatic (without symptoms), is likely infected or already recovering. Again, as the spread of this illness continues, our approach may change. We are presently debating what our next move will be. Our main goal (wherever possible) is to try and help keep our client's immune system up and otherwise aid them in staying healthy.

3) OTHER PREVENTATIVE MEASURES MORE EFFECTIVE. While massage therapy has been proven to help boost immunity, it is meant to be used as a preventative measure while individuals are essentially healthy. There are times when it is not advisable to receive massage therapy, as outlined above, but there are other therapies that can be used for boosting immunity (even more effectively), as well as inducing relaxation. We are working to fully implement these other therapies for your benefit should the time come that we are not able to provide you with your standard massage therapy.

4) WE ARE REQUIRED TO CONSIDER LOCAL AND FEDERAL LAWS, AS WELL AS OUR OWN HEALTH AND SAFETY. It is a constantly shifting arena. New information, new mandates, new professional and personal considerations to make. We are doing our best to abide by the laws and regulations being made, and of course, try to help keep everyone healthy and safe.

We know that some of you have ended up frustrated by social distancing and isolation requests/mandates, particularly those who have found it necessary to travel into areas where there have been incidents of COVID-19 and your potential exposure has almost been guaranteed. Once again we are asking you to please hang in there with us, as we are doing our best to navigate this sea of confusion. Our approach to your care during this time may be changing by necessity. We are actively doing everything we can to remain a viable and safe part of your wellness routine. If you have questions or concerns relating to massage or other wellness options, including home care, please feel free to give us a call -- we're happy to talk to you at any time. We apologize for any inconveniences to you in all of this, and thank you most sincerely for your patience and understanding!

The Great Escape
Massage & Wellness Center LLC
Chadron, NE 69337
308-432-4558