Top 4 Considerations for Massage with COVID-19 Survivors

The conversation around COVID-19 and massage has largely been about how to safely reopen our practice to limit exposure for ourselves and our clients. As we are now several months into the pandemic, the conversation is beginning to shift to how we can and should be treating COVID-19 survivors. What are the specific needs of this population?

The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) recently held a webinar on this very topic with Ruth Werner, who is known for her pathology expertise in the massage industry. Click here to view the webinar or here to read Ruth’s article in Massage and Bodywork Magazine. 

Here are the top 4 considerations we gleaned from these resources: 

1. Gather detailed intake information

If your client has had COVID-19, gather as much information as possible on their current health status, symptoms, and treatments. Check out our blog about COVID intakes with a downloadable PDF!

2. Using Light Touch

Due to many COVID-19 survivor’s issues with circulation a conservative approach is recommended. Gentle massage for relaxation and/or assisted stretching is a great starting point when beginning work after the client has recovered. 

3. Breathing Techniques

COVID-19 survivors have been through serious physical and emotional trauma. Not only does breath work help to regulate the nervous system for mental and mood challenges, but it has the added bonus of gently rehabilitating the respiratory system which has been challenged during their illness.

4. Following up with the client

The client’s symptoms and existing troubles associated with COVID-19 may change over time, and it’s important to stay in communication with the client to see how their massage experience affected them - both positively and to address any concerns they may have. 

Yomassage is on the forefront of what the massage industry may be trending towards because of COVID-19 and the influx of survivors seeking relief. Yomassage focuses on engaging the parasympathetic nervous system through gentle movement and stretch, breathing techniques, and light to medium therapeutic touch. 

Click here to find out more about Yomassage and how to become a Certified Yomassage Therapist. 

If you want to join the Yomassage community, you can do so through our free Yomassage Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/yomassage. 

For more info about Yomassage, follow us on Instagram and listen to our podcast!