PPE for Massage Therapists

A Comprehensive Overview of PPE for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers 

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be central to moving forward and reopening your massage or bodywork practice when the time comes. These resources give an overview of the types of PPE that you might use in your practice, along with helpful video demonstrations of how to use them properly, and resources for sourcing PPE for your practice. Be sure to be make sure you are abiding by any specific PPE guidelines and recommendations from your state and/or local government.

Please note that there is currently a shortage of PPE, with most supplies being redirected—rightly so—to frontline workers and health assistance staff (nursing homes, home health aides, etc.) who are still operating without the proper supply of equipment they need to work safely. ABMP believes it’s professionally unethical to divert supplies from this delicate supply chain for non-emergency equipment requests at this time. Consider other options for face coverings for you and your clients in the interim.

Video overview:

  • 2:07 Types of PPE
    • 2:20 Gown/Uniform
    • 2:48 Facial Protection
      • 2:59 Cloth Face Coverings
      • 3:33 Face Masks
      • 4:10 Respirators (N95s)
    • 5:31 Eye Protection & Face Shields
    • 5:58 Gloves
  • 6:30 Donning and Doffing PPE
    • 7:01 Donning and Doffing a Face Covering
    • 8:11 Donning and Doffing a Face Mask
    • 8:56 Donning and Doffing a Respirator (N95)
    • 10:32 Donning and Doffing Gloves

ABMP Resources

CDC Resources

News

Utah Proposes Rules for Lower Tiers of Massage Licensure

The proposed rules establish educational training, supervisory roles, examinations, renewal requirements, and unprofessional conduct for massage assistants and massage assistants-in-training. Express your thoughts and suggestions for how you think these massage therapy lower-licensing tiers should be regulated in Utah before December 15.

Vacancies on the Oregon Massage Board

There are two seats open to licensed massage therapists. You must be nominated by a massage organization for a vacancy, and ABMP can help nominate you. Let us know if you're interested and find out how to apply!

Massage School Programs at Risk Across the Country

The US Department of Education issued final rules on October 31 that will likely greatly impact clock-hour programs in states with minimum clock-hour requirements for licensure or certification, including massage therapy. The new rule is flawed and, if not changed, will cause devastating collateral damage to schools, instructors, students, and the public. Find out how you can advocate!

Blog

Benefits

Podcast: Beyond the Physical with Angie Parris-Raney

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren speaks with Angie Parris-Raney—Chopra Center Certified in meditation and Ayurvedic lifestyle—about some of the specific mechanics of the mantra meditation.

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: MassageBook

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