Massage is an Essential Service

Massage is an Essential Service

During the COVID-19 pandemic, spas and other massage vendors have had to suspend massage operations. Meanwhile, most people are unaware that massage remains available as an Essential Service when it’s medically recommended.

With the additional stresses of fear, isolation, frustration and lack of touch, massage is more essential now than ever to support optimal health and resilience to diseases like COVID-19.

You can receive massage treatments if you have a medical referral on file with your provider. 
 
To obtain a medical referral for massage, email or visit your healthcare provider and let them know how you feel massage would benefit you. Mention the symptoms you are experiencing that can be addressed by massage, such as:

Chronic stress
Anxiety
Depression
PTSD
Fibromyalgia
Muscle or joint pain
High blood pressure
Insomnia
Digestive disorders
Headaches
Poor circulation
Chronically tight muscles
Sports injuries
Soft tissue injuries or strain
TMJ disorders
Disrupted or restless sleep
Arthritis
Myofascial pain
Edema/swelling
Immobile muscles or joints (such as frozen shoulder)

If you suffer from any of these conditions, you’re a candidate for a Medical Massage referral. 

Ask your MD, Naturopath or Chiropractor to provide you a massage referral on their professional letterhead. See the sample email/letter below for ideas of how to request this.

Sample Doctor’s Letter (actual content in regular writing, suggestions in italics):

Dear (Doctor’s Name),

I have been experiencing the following medical symptoms: (list any/all related medical conditions from the above list) and feel confident that massage therapy can help address these problems.  

(If you have experience with massage, say something like this): 

I have experienced the benefits of massage before, and notice that when I get a massage I experience relief for my symptoms, such as (list any noted benefits here).   

I am writing to request that you, as my health care provider, provide me a referral for medical massage therapy.  With personal health care services being shut down due to COVID-19, I would like to feel assured that I can receive massage to alleviate my symptoms as an essential health care service.  I appreciate your support in this matter, and know that you will want to help me achieve optimal health.

Thank You (or, Sincerely),

Your name  
When you acquire your medical massage referral, email a copy to your massage provider.
 
Once it is on file, you may contact your provider to schedule your massage.

All safety guidelines are observed to protect you and your provider.

Only ONE note must be attained.

Your note will be kept on-file and applied to all future massages.  

You do NOT need to obtain a separate note for each massage.

You may obtain a note from your MD, Naturopath or Chiropractor.