In this Post: With long-reaching implications from the virus, expectations for massage clients post-COVID are something we need to consider as we begin to reopen our massage practices.
Communication is crucial in the massage industry. Even more so now, amidst CORONA 2020. As we begin reopening, we need to be prepared to communicate effectively with our clients.
Part of your reopening strategy should be to have thought through answers before getting bombarded with questions.
By preparing in this manner, it will be a lot easier to maintain strong and healthy boundaries.
You will find that clients have varying comfort levels around coming to see you. Some will think the extra precautions the states are mandating absurd, while others genuinely appreciate the efforts to contain the spread. Be aware that these extremes WILL occur. Some of your most loyal clients may shock you with how they react to your precautions.
Remember that everyone has their motivations for acting the way they do. Sometimes there is more to what meets the eye. Often what you see is merely scratching the surface of why someone acts in a particular manner.
So be gentle (yet firm) and kind in how you enforce your new policies and procedures. We all could use a little more kindness out there right now!
Expectations for Massage Clients Post-COVID
On an individual bases, we all need to figure out what changes to make to our businesses. Specifics will vary for everyone.
Here, I have included a sample letter of points you may want to address with your clientele. Remember that this is only a sample. You may find pieces you love, pieces you hate, and pieces you want to elaborate. Feel free to cut and paste and use for your own purposes.
This letter is intended to be communicated to clients prior to arriving at your office.
A Letter to Massage Clients,
Due to the nature of the coronavirus, a few things have changed since the last time you came in for a massage. Some of these changes are being mandated by the state, while others are precautions we are choosing to take to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Thank you in advance for honoring our new policies and procedures.
Please:
- Fill out the online COVID intake form before arriving.
- Wait in your car until I text or call that I am ready for you to enter the building.
- Put on a mask before you enter my establishment. Continue to wear the mask the entire duration you are on-premises.
- Remove your shoes at the door. Disposable foot covers will be provided.
- Upon entering the premises, you will be asked to wash your hands thoroughly.
- Your temperature will be taken before entering the treatment room.
- If you are sick, even in the slightest, please cancel your appointment. You will not be charged.
I care about your well-being, the well-being of all of my clients and their families, and my family. So, remember that as annoying as some of these changes may be, it’s better than not getting a massage at all! At least, I think so!!!
Please, if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to me. I am happy to clarify any of these points.
Sincerely, Your Massage Therapist
You also may want to consider if you are going to take new clients or only work on existing clientele – if you will work on someone who has recently traveled, and how you feel about working on tourists. As well as how to communicate the changes you are implementing to ensure your clients health and well-being.
I’d also like to suggest that as you begin to book appointments, you ease back in. As you adjust to new ways of doing business, don’t fill your schedule to the brim. This could be overwhelming on so many levels!
Physically we are not conditioned to massage as we did pre-COVID. Mentally we are reprograming our brains to function differently. And, most importantly, emotionally. Emotionally, we have experienced trauma – trauma that has left our senses dulled and a little frazzled. Allow yourself grace as you slowly begin to resume massage.
And lastly, make sure that you are staying current on all of the regulations in your area. Be nimble and ready to switch directions quickly if the need arises!
Maybe all this feels daunting. Remember that just because you are ALLOWED to reopen, does NOT mean that you have to!!! If you are sitting on the fence, please read my post: Resuming Massage After The COVID Crisis. And know that you ARE supported in your decision!
Again, clients are going to have varying levels of receptiveness to your new policies and procedures. By spending time to really think through all the possible questions you may receive and how you want to respond to them, you will eliminate stress and be able to stand firm in your morals. Good luck out there! And please, share with me how your reopening goes!
