by Pete Whitridge

It’s just over a month away from my intended myofascial workshop in Gainesville and we find ourselves continuing to wrestle with the unknown in our world and more specifically, in my chosen, beloved, very hands-on profession. 

When will I be able to teach again, offer bodywork again, be in close contact with my fellow human beings again…safely? For the present, I’ve suspended hands-on classes until further notice. I hope to resume offering my Myofascial Components of Pain classes starting in September 2020. Bob Lee and I have closely followed the Safe Opening/Return protocols from various massage industry groups, the CDC, and the Department of Health. We both feel it is premature to open up the massage school for hands- on classes at this time. 

Everyone’s health and safety are top priorities for Bob and me and everyone associated with FSM. I wouldn’t feel ethically in alignment with my pledge to offer safe practice by presenting in-person classes prematurely. In addition, my professional liability insurance policy has currently been suspended by AMTA, and the Florida Department of Health clearly views massage therapy as a non-essential practice (both of these on hiatus until further notice). 

Once cleared to practice again, we will all need to evaluate our current workplaces for health and safety adaptations. How can we keep ourselves and our clients safe? For now, it’s an evolving process. Since this is new territory, the protocols are still being defined. Some of the leading educators and researchers in our profession are speaking and writing about the considerations and accommodations which will need to be addressed. 

Here are some current references for further consideration on the topic of reopening for business. 
(Video) Hayden, M., Werner, R., Thompson, D. A discussion on the potential changes coming due to COVID-19 to the massage/bodywork professions (April 20, 2020).  
Cates, C. Your governor is not a massage therapist. (April 21, 2020)
Koplen, M. Massage therapy and coronavirus: 4 reasons why masks and clean surfaces aren’t enough. Massage (April, 2020)
MT & COVID FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/covidandmassage/ 
US Dept of Labor, OSHA. Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

As most of you know, I am in love with massage. I love everything about being a therapist and a teacher. I must admit that I miss massage so much it hurts. This poem is an ode to my last class in March that changed from an in-person Business Skills course in Asheville to a distance learning Zoom marathon. I thought I would share them with you, my tribe. 

Love letter to Massage 

I’m a teacher without students, 
I talk to a computer and see faces 
But can’t hear the question 
Because you are muted. 

Then you realize, 
You’re in a bubble, 
Where only you can be heard 
And unmute yourself. 

Then the question comes. 
We interact, 
Look into each other’s eyes 
And we connect. 
We cross the void 
To sit in each other’s hearts. 

Be well friend, all is not lost 
We will meet again 
And touch and be touched. 
You will hear again the breath 
Of the one you’ve known… 
You will feel the edges of the bones 
And the meat of the muscle… 
You will give pressure… 
Get feedback… 
Yeah, that’s the spot,

Dive into the connective tissue web, 
Surf the glide, 
Use the breath to add internal pressure. 
It’s a dance and an art, I miss it so much! 
I miss the room, the vibe, the tribe. 

Breathe in, and breathe out 
In and out, in and out. 
Find your breath, 
Be here now, 
Let the words fall away. 

Listen to sounds of the outside. 
The cars going by, the birds, 
dogs, children… 
Let it all in, 
And then let it go… 
Go within, 
Breathe and be, 
Breathe and be. 

I love you tribe, 
I love you massage. 
I love you life. 

Be well, P>