I am writing on behalf of myself and those who work in my industry, massage therapy, who feel that the time for us to be able to return to work has come. We have been patiently waiting to again be able to earn a living in the hard-earned trade that we love, after having sacrificed our income, our stability, and the success of our businesses, with little to nothing in return. Times are uncertain for us all, but I believe there is enough information for us to cautiously begin to offer our services again to the public.

Of course, we are more than ready to implement a new, high level of sanitation and safety precautions. There has been a lot of discussion within our industry on how to go about this. It’s not a new concept to any massage therapist. We train for sanitation when we train to perform massage therapy, such as how to use PPE, and how to avoid transmitting pathogens from client to therapist, or client to client. Many, like myself, have had additional training beyond even the initial requirements, and are happy to learn any new protocols that may be recommended by the DSHS and the CDC. We are ready to rise to the occasion as healthcare professionals, and meet the necessary safety standards to be able to serve our clients. We can control the flow of clients, screen them for illness, space them sufficiently apart to never be in each others’ presence, and have plenty of time to sanitize and prepare before the next client arrives.

Speaking of being healthcare professionals, we have always been required to do a health intake for every client, and keep notes about each session. We must keep these records secure, as they are official health records, and subject to the laws of HIPAA. We are held to the same standards as many other health professionals, such as chiropractors and physical therapists, who have been allowed to continue working throughout this pandemic. And yet, we are not treated with anywhere near the level of respect by our own government, and seem to have been easily pushed aside and ignored in our plight.

We are being financially devastated by these extended forced closures. There is no way to sell massage therapy to go, or online. When we cannot work directly with clients, our source of income is cut off completely. Many of us are self-employed, and the business expenses have not gone away, yet there has been no help in sight for most. I, and many others, have not been able to tap into funds from the SBA or receive any unemployment benefits. The process for UI has been very difficult, and TWC is impossible to reach. The solution to these problems is for us to be able to return to work.

Unfortunately, us massage therapists have not had a voice speaking for us. There are not nearly as many of us as some other industries that are speaking up, and we have never had representation on the advisory board for the state. I am asking you, as my representative, to please be a voice for me, and others like me. To speak up to our governor on our behalf, so that we can return to the work we love, the work where we belong.

Thank you!