Massage Therapy Health, Hygiene, Sanitation & Safety Standards
Sources: Massage Therapy Principles by Salvo, Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage
Massage Therapists should take specific safety measures to protect clients and themselves from disease transmission. The best way to control disease is to stay healthy; rest, sleep, diet, body mechanics, exercise and healthy lifestyle
Ways to Control the Spread of Pathogenic Microorganisms:
Massage Therapy Health, Hygiene, Sanitation & Safety Standards
I. WASH HANDS OFTEN
- The number one source of microorganism cross-contamination is by contact with human hands.
- the best measure to prevent the spread of infection is hand washing.
Massage Therapy Health, Hygiene, Sanitation & Safety Standards
II. USE ONLY CLEAN LINENS & EQUIPMENT
- disinfect equipment and supplies before and after each massage therapy session
Massage Therapy Health, Hygiene, Sanitation & Safety Standards
III. BEGIN EACH DAY WITH A CLEAN UNIFORM OR SET OF CLOTHES
- shower/ bathe daily
- if perspiration is heavy or if clothes become stained, a spare uniform should be kept available
- cotton is best to absorb perspiration
Massage Therapy Health, Hygiene, Sanitation & Safety Standards
IV.USE A CLOSED LUBRICANT CONTAINER WITH A DISPENSING MECHANISM
- oil or lotion should never be put back into the container if you accidentally spill or pour out more than you need
- frequently disinfect your lotion container
Massage Therapy Health, Hygiene, Sanitation & Safety Standards
V. WEAR INTACT VINYL GLOVES, BANDAGE OR FINGER COT WHEN YOU HAVE AN OPEN LESION, FUNGAL OR SCABIES INFECTION ON YOUR HANDS
- any time the massage therapist has a break in the skin ( hangnails/cracks)
- any time the massage therapist has an infectious skin disease (wart, measles, scabies)
- when doing intraoral massage( TMJ treatment)
- when the client requests that the therapist wear gloves
- when the massage therapist does not feel comfortable without them
Massage Therapist Professional Hygiene Tips:
- Bathe daily and use antiperspirant
- Avoid perfumes, colognes, perfumed hair products, or scented lotions. Respect client’s sensitivities and allergies.
- If you perspire heavily, wear a sweatband or have a towel nearby to wipe off sweat
- Keep nails clean, short and neatly trimmed: long nails hide bacteria, to avoid scratching or pinching the client, professionalism
- Wash hands and forearms thoroughly after each massage. Never treat the face right after the feet.
- The massage therapist must never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when working on a client. This includes prescription drugs that affect mental or physical abilities.
