Masking and Seasonal Illness Policy

Woman wearing a mask

The colder seasons are coming, and more clients are arriving with possible colds or allergy infections. If you know in advance that you have a cold, it is required that you reschedule your appointment. Please do not wait until the last minute. My cancellation policy still applies to same day cancellations. At minimum, I need notice the night before so that I have the opportunity to schedule someone else in your place.

I also want to discuss masking. If you are not comfortable being in a new environment or if you have autoimmune concerns and prefer to wear a mask, I highly recommend that you do what feels right for your health. Masking is completely your choice and comfort level. However, if you are sick and you arrive wearing a mask, I will send you home. That is strict policy, and the session will be charged. There is zero tolerance for last minute cancellations related to illness.

As for your therapist, I will not be masking. I do have a face shield available, and if necessary, I do wear face shields on occasion for clients who have cancer or autoimmune diseases. If that is still not comfortable for you, it may be best to find another therapist who meets your specific needs.

I want to clarify something about masks. Unless you are wearing a 3M medical mask, most cloth masks and disposable paper masks can harbor bacteria. This comes from my medical background and years of working in hospitals. Many people hang their masks on their rearview mirrors or reuse them far longer than recommended. The truth is that these masks should be replaced every thirty minutes, not every few days or once a month. If you arrive wearing a visibly soiled or worn mask, you will be asked to remove it. I will provide fresh masks for you, and they will need to be changed out during the session as needed. Cloth masks carry bacteria as well and can make you sick if not washed properly and frequently.

I do not have a problem with masks. I simply do not believe in wearing them in this environment. A massage setting is not a sterilized hospital environment. There are always possible contaminants. For example, a person with celiac disease cannot rely on guarantees that another client did not touch the door after eating something that contains gluten. I clean everything thoroughly, sanitize, disinfect surfaces, provide clean sheets, and maintain a high level of room hygiene. I use ozone on occasion, run air purifiers, and my Dyson alerts me of any air quality issues, including viral particles.

You are always welcome to wear a mask. Just do not require me to wear one. My goal is to maintain a safe environment while also maintaining clear boundaries and realistic expectations for a massage therapy setting.

With care and support,

Suzan (Susan) Walker LMT

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