Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/720675
C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 19 SPEAK YOUR MIND Gloves? No gloves? When have you had to make this choice while working with clients? I have been a massage therapist since 1998. I mix my own oils. I add essential oils into smaller quantities for clients. At one time, I had a lot of clients requesting lavender. Well, I began having what I thought were heart issues, and made an appointment to see the doctor. Meanwhile, I did my own research and shared with the doctor my thoughts that lavender might be the culprit, as I was absorbing it via my hands and breathing it in all day. The doctor agreed, so I began using gloves. None of my clients notice the difference of gloves, and my heart is great, so, I say yes to gloves! GEORGIA MACHADO KAMIAH, IDAHO I wear gloves when doing seated massage events and when I work at a drug and alcohol rehab center. When location, time, and quantity are factors, I feel more comfortable using gloves (i.e., there's no time to wash hands between clients, and the standard alcohol-based sanitizers don't work for the rehab patients). Gloves are wonderful over the top of clothing, and they provide extra grip. Also, people can be wet or sweaty, and it just feels more hygienic to use gloves. The cost is $20 for 500 good vinyl gloves. Well worth it. AGNES SHANLEY KEYPORT, NEW JERSEY FROM FACEBOOK I work with hospice patients, and I only use gloves when they have an infection that calls for precautions such as C. diff and MRSA (just to name two of many). In my private practice, I have not had reason to use gloves. MARYPAT PAYNE I do intraoral work, so I glove frequently. I have also used gloves with clients who have had MRSA diagnosis. I also had a seven-month period where I was dealing with fungus in my thumbnail. I wore a finger cot that I changed for each client. It was more uncomfortable for me than the clients. I felt it was the most hygienic and safest for them. TRACIE PLETCHER Gloves are good when a barrier is needed for managed contact between client and therapist. They should be an option at any point for that purpose—to protect both parties. It's ideal for all modalities, but a must for any intraoral techniques. MELISSA BAUER I have dyshidrotic eczema, and when I have a flare-up on my hands, I have to wear gloves. My clients are really understanding. AMANDA EICHLER Do you trade services with other MTs or health-care workers? How often and how do you make it work? Publication Date: Nov/Dec What's your cancelation policy? Do you enforce it? Publication Date: Jan/Feb Email your responses to darren@abmp.com. Your submission can be as short as you'd like and up to 250 words. Upcoming Topics