Should I Close My Massage Practice Because of Coronavirus?

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In this Post: The question, “Should I close my massage practice because of coronavirus?” is one that is weighing heavily on the massage community! And it isn’t an easy decision! Here’s my take. 

My heart is heavy as I write this! The coronavirus, COVID-19, has reached us. We have yet to feel the full ramifications, but indeed there will be many! 

Massage therapists across the country have already shut down their practices, myself included. Many more will have to. 

With so many unknowns, fears run high! 

I went to the grocery store twice last week and had to talk myself out of complete melt-downs. It is emotional to see empty shelves and not know what all this means for our loved ones, our communities, and our financial well-being. 

Making the decision to close my practice for the foreseeable future was NOT easy! Trust me, I lamented! But in the end, it felt like the socially responsible thing to do! 

Should I Close My Massage Practice Because of Coronavirus

After spending hours researching what is occurring in Italy, I could no longer live in my bubble. This pandemic is real. People are dying, and we have a chance to flatten the death curve – to help healthcare workers catch up to the demand they are about to experience.

When I look back at how this all plays out, I want to know I took steps to save lives and protect my community! 

If you are debating whether to close your practice, PLEASE READ Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now Politicians, Community Leaders and Business Leaders: What Should You Do and When?

Now to be fair, I’ll admit a week ago, I was looking at this from a completely different perspective! But this article got me. It simplified things in a way I could relate to!

My sincere hope is that you have a financial safety net to help you weather this storm. 

But I know the reality, that many of you do not. If you fall into this category, don’t panic. There are things you can do. 

How To Best Weather this Storm

Do you have creditors? 

If so, contact them. Many have set up COVID-19 departments. They are actually offering loan deferment options. What do you have to lose by inquiring? Nothing, the answer is nothing. Call. 

Contact your state representatives. 

There are stimulus packages currently being discussed. However, as many of us are independent contractors and sole proprietors, we may not be covered by the current proposals. Let your representative know your work situation and that you are at high-risk. 

Here is a copy of the letter I sent to my representative. Please feel free to edit and send it to your representatives! 

I hope you can help – I represent a high-risk profession, massage therapists. 

As America begins to panic and the government is becoming more proactive about how to help, I am noticing that my profession, my business, and my workers are not going to benefit from any stimulus package that may be passed.

I have owned a wellness spa for the last 12 years in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Working in the service industry and touching people puts us at high risk along with medical professionals, and with tourism being the number one industry in Steamboat, we anticipate a sharp drop in work.

It appears that the stimulus package does not cover independent contractors; please be aware this is the majority of the people working in the profession of massage therapy. Many are sole proprietors of their own business or independent contractors for businesses like mine. 

Thanks for taking the time to read and make some noise! 

Keep track. 

Keep track of lost revenue so that if a stimulus package is passed, you can prove what your lost income would have been. 

Enlist the help of your clients. 

Years ago, I tore my ACL and had to get surgery. Knowing that this was going to hit me hard financially, I offered clients the opportunity to purchase slightly discounted massages. The caveat, they couldn’t use the massages until I was fully recovered. 

It was amazing how my clients rallied to help me through this financially tough time. Many of our clients are not affected as greatly as us by social distancing. They are looking for ways to help those affected. Use this generosity to your advantage!

Cut out expenses.  

Now is the time for frugality. We really don’t know the full implications of this pandemic. Do you have subscriptions you can drop? Food delivery services, cable, subscriptions… Get smart and cut them out now.  

In the meantime, hunker down and join the Facebook group, Massage, health practitioners, and COVID 19. Massage, health practitioners and COVID 19

This is a great place to stay abreast of new developments for our industry. 

The calmer we can stay, the easier it will be for us to weather this season! Please, keep your chins up and know that this too shall pass.