Is it Safe to Get a Massage? Your Questions Answered.

There are few things more relaxing and rejuvenating than a full-body massage. Now that some are returning to life as (a new and maybe-improved?) normal, many are re-evaluating which of our old habits are safe and cleared for participation. One of the first on my lists of activities to investigate was—you guessed it—massage! As a mom of 3, who has been battling the pandemic-parenting blues and many stressors that accompany life-in-lockdown, my body and mind were craving some me time. So, I went ahead and gathered all the important, post-pandemic-massage information I could from Diana Morrison, Senior Manager of Service Development and Innovation at Massage Envy. Here is what Morrison had to say about the benefits of massage and the pandemic safety protocols in-play at Massage Envy locations nationwide.

We Need a Massage Now More than Ever

Okay, no investigative journalism required here—this pandemic has caused a tremendous amount of stress on everyone! Working at home while helping our kids distance-learn, missing out on things that offer us balance like gym classes or dinners at our favorite restaurants and missing our loved ones (and human touch in general), have left us stressed out, anxious, scared and quite frankly pretty darn stir crazy! And that level of stress sure does a number on our well-being. Morrison says, “stress can affect both our mental and physical well-being by triggering changes in our endocrine system and disrupting the overall homeostasis in our bodies.” How will that manifest itself in our daily life? Morrison says, “you might experience symptoms of stress such as headache, muscle aches and pain, fatigue, or even a compromised immune system. You may be putting in double and triple duty these days, and the impacts on your body can add up fast.” There is no doubt that now, more than ever, we could all benefit from a great massage.

The Benefits are Plentiful

I usually head out for a massage simply for the immediate benefit of relaxation. I rarely think of the longer-term, deeper benefits of the practice. Morrison shares, “research on the benefits of touch shows that massage can help calm cardiovascular stress, reduce emotional stress, and boost your body’s immune system.” And don’t underestimate the emotional benefits of unplugging for 60-90 minutes, “receiving massage also provides you the opportunity to practice mindfulness and peace of mind. Mindfulness is one of my favorite aspects of massage.” I prefer the quiet and stillness of the room during a massage, but some prefer chatting and that’s okay, too, “at any Massage Envy franchised location you are always welcome to chat as much or as little as you want during your session.”

Safety Measures are in Place

After a year of staying as far away from others as possible, constant hand-sanitizing and mask-wearing, it is only normal to feel a bit apprehensive about returning to pre-pandemic activities that require human touch. However, franchises like Massage Envy have taken extreme measures “to make consumers feel safe and comfortable. Of note, we are 100 percent franchise-owned and operated. Across the brand’s over 1,100 locations in 49 states, Massage Envy franchised locations are required to follow specific standards to help protect the wellbeing of every member, guest, and employee.” Employees are required to wear masks at all times and complete training in infection control and prevention. According the healthline.com. the CDC reports that massage and acupuncture are safe if certain guidelines are followed. “[The CDC] urges people to check with businesses to make sure they clean tables in between visits and have sufficient air circulation in rooms.” Morrison reports that between every session, Massage Envy franchised locations are required to remove and replace sheets, properly disinfect all surfaces and tools. They also change air pads and filters “regularly according to the manufacturer’s directions.”

There is no One-Size Answer

Ultimately, there is no one-size answer that fits for everyone; some will feel safe with the strictest protocols in place and others will still err on the side of caution. As with any decision, the best we can do is arm ourselves with knowledge and trust our own intuition. I, with my worries and fears (and mother’s guilt) set far aside, embarked on the mission to de-stress and pamper myself with a 60-minute massage about a month ago and I have to say, I’d do it again. As a matter of fact, I am headed back in a few weeks for another one. If you aren’t comfortable going to get a massage just yet, then perhaps you should consider enlisting a loved one to treat you at home to the massage you so desperately deserve!