Melt’s Safety Plan

since the onset of covid-19, we remain focused on creating the safest possible space for our clients and Melt family of LMTs and staff. we want to share the changes we are implementing toward this ultimate goal:

Revised, may 2024

updates to client visits:

• In the common spaces at Melt, masks will now be optional.

• Once in the treatment room it is between you and your LMT to decide on a masking protocol that makes you both the most comfortable. Defer to the needs of the person (client or LMT) most risk averse.

• If you know you have a strong masking preference, please mention this when booking your session so that we can ensure you are working with an LMT whose preferences match your own.

• If you know you are sick, please contact the desk to reschedule. If you are unsure (maybe it’s allergies) but still want to come in, please mask up to protect everyone else.

Space sanitization and ventilation:

• We've added air purifiers to the common areas as well as having one in each treatment room. While there is a lot of ongoing research about the effectiveness of air purifiers, recent research suggests they can reduce the risk of transmission of other viruses similar to Covid-19. Certified HEPA filters specifically can be very effective, certified to capture 99.7% of particles. To be most effective, the air needs to get to the filter and be circulated through at a high rate. That's why the purifiers we chose to put in each of our treatment rooms have a very high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and deliver clean air 5 times per hour. 

• Windows will be opened as much as possible to let in fresh air. Open windows have exhaust fans to further circulate fresh air into the room while keeping the temperature comfortable even in colder weather.

• Each treatment room including all surfaces will be disinfected between each client.

• Bathrooms, doorknobs, shared surfaces, will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.

Reducing Traffic/Health screening

• We have relaxed our 24-hour cancellation policy when it comes to reasons related to Covid-19. If a client feels at any point before the start of their appointment that they have become a potential risk, they will not be charged for canceling.

• Becky and Alexis (owners of Melt) will serve as Site Safety Monitors and make sure all aspects of the safety plan are being implemented daily and working effectively. 

Covid-19 Updated Policies/Procedures

the presence of Covid-19 in our community has posed many challenges to the safety and success of our massage practice. we have explored and researched tirelessly to develop protocols that meet our new standards of safety and mitigate the risks of receiving massage during this time. our plans can only be successfully executed with the cooperation and support of everyone that walks through Melt’s door. to ensure the safest environment possible, we ask that you thoroughly read through our updated policies and adhere to them at all times during your visit. Your safety and the safety of the Independent Lmts that call melt home means everything to us. so we thank you!

Health screening:

• We ask that clients complete intake forms ahead of their arrival at Melt. If forms are not complete upon arrival, clients will be asked to fill them out before heading into their session and the session will still need to end on time.

• If you are feeling sick, develop any concerning symptoms prior to your visit, or have had any exposure to Covid-19, we ask that you get in touch with us as soon as possible and reschedule your session.
  

Cancellation & Payment

• Covid-19-Related Cancellations: We have relaxed our 24-hour cancellation policy when it comes to reasons related to Covid-19. If a client feels at any point before the start of their appointment that they have become a potential risk, they will not be charged for canceling. We ask that clients let us know as soon as issues arise out of respect for the therapist.
  All other Cancellations: If you need to change or cancel, we ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice. Late cancels will be charged 50% of the session cost. Clients who cancel within 1 hour of their appointment or who do not show up/inform us will be charged in full.

• All payments take place online - clients have the option of prepaying or Melt’s virtual desk will charge them the day of their session.

Covid-19 + Massage

We have been closely following the research regarding the risks of receiving massage while covid-19 exists in our community. We wanted to provide you with some resources so any client who wants to be equipped with the knowledge that’s currently out there can do so when considering whether to get massage during this time. we have done our best to identify all of the aspects of the typical massage experience that are risky and minimize the risk wherever possible (you can learn about everything we have done by reading our safety plan). we believe we have made the experience “safer” and as safe as it can possibly be given the circumstances. however, we will always be transparent with our clients and will never claim that receiving massage is “safe” while covid-19 is still present.

we know everyone is factoring in the risks in their own lives when deciding what activities to engage in during this pandemic and if we can help in any way with your decision to receive massage, please always feel free to reach out to us.

resources related to massage & Covid-19
(we will continue to update these links as more information comes in)

Topic: Covid-related Coagulopathy as it relates to massage

• Covid-Related Coagulopathy, Take 3
  by Ruth Werner

  https://www.abmp.com/updates/blog-posts/covid-related-coagulopathy-take-3-conversation-hematologist?fbclid=IwAR0yYRvZPSsTE38Xht9uiIXHp2lGyt1rtxMoJJeJAoEzHN8xH7idti-5UUA

• Covid-19-Related Coagulopathy
  by Ruth Werner
  https://www.abmp.com/updates/blog-posts/covid-19-related-coagulopathy