Should I cancel my massage if I’m sick?
Short answer: Yes, please.
Long Answer: Yes, please. Thank you for calling and I hope you feel better soon.
Massage is great. You know this. But it’s not always a great idea. As cold and flu season approaches, it’s important that you know when it may be necessary to cancel your appointment.
Why?
When you are sick, your body needs rest. It’s strange to think about it this way, but receiving massage is an active task, it is not entirely rest. Massage causes change in the body, and your body has to work to maintain stability. Getting a massage when you are sick takes attention away from what the body really needs to do—–infection-fighting.
You’re not going to be cozy on the massage table. Sure, it sounds like a warm squishy massage table will be great. But the moment you put your already-stuffy head into that face cradle, you’ll realize the error of your ways. Gravity and pressure are not your friend here. Even if I do a great face massage to drain your sinuses, you’ll likely feel worse when you get off the table.
You could get me sick. Since most of the common winter viruses are contagious even before symptoms show up, I could pass your cooties along to more clients before I even know it is happening. Sharing is NOT a good thing when it comes to cooties.
When I get sick, I have to cancel clients and take a few days off work. Sure, as a responsible business owner I have a fund for these situations. But I would rather use that fund for a new bike helmet or a fancy new oil holster. So, I’m gonna try to stay germ-free.
It’s a deal. You’ll cancel so as not to infect me and my massage room, and I’ll do the same for you. We’ll keep each other safe.
When to cancel
• If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in the past 24 hours, or are still feeling punky from a recent bout of such things.
• If you’ve had a fever in the past 24 hours, or fever-related symptoms. This includes chills, aches, and fatigue. Even if you’re keeping the fever down with medicine, you’re still sick. The fever counts.
• If you are itchy, runny, and/or sneezy, and you’re not 100% certain it’s seasonal allergies. And even then, allergies may leave you so miserable, that the time on my table would be wasted time and money for you.
• If you are coughing constantly, or just a lot.
• If someone in your household is ill and you are feeling at all funky, please cancel.
With COVID-19 now present in our world, these guidelines are more important than ever. If you’re unsure about your situation, please call me / text / email me before your appointment and we can make a decision together.
But…what about the 24-hr cancellation policy???
• Call me.
• Leave me a message.
• Stay home.
• Get well.
• The cancellation fee will be waived.
I like you, but not your cooties.
Be well, and stay well.