MM Chapter 03B: Preventing Disease Transmission

Massage products include the massage oils, gels, creams and lotions you use during sessions or the spa substances you use during spa body treatments. Most therapists purchase massage lubricants in bulk sizes and then transfer the lubricant from the bulk container into smaller containers. Some therapists heat their lubricant before use so that it doesn’t […]

The purpose of cleaning the session room is to eliminate pathogens on objects, surfaces, and fabrics. In Chapter 2 (Types of Infectious Agents) you learned about bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasitic animals that cause disease. You also learned that these microorganisms might be transmitted in a number of different ways, including indirect contact and

Massage therapists often look to physicians’ offices and hospitals for guidance on cleaning supplies. This is a helpful practice so long as we remember that our needs are different because the environment in our facilities is different.   People visit physician’s offices and hospitals because they are sick. Contact with contagious patients, blood and other

In this chapter (Maintaining a Clean Massage Workplace), you’ll encounter the terms shown here. Flip a card to review the term definition. Previewing terminology leads to better comprehension and memorization of content. At any time, you can return to this section of the course and review terminology. Alcohol-Based Antiseptic An antimicrobial preparation containing at least

Activity 1: Proper Handwashing Protocol   Activity 2: What Should You Use?  Directions: Review the scenario and drag the label “Sanitizer,” “Gloves,” or “Nothing” to the middle of the screen. Your goal is to correctly differentiate when you should decontaminate your hands with hand sanitizer (“Sanitizer”), when you should wear gloves (“Gloves”), or when you

Massage practitioners are rarely in situations where they come into contact with blood or body fluid, but it can happen. A client may experience a leaky tampon and soil massage linens and the massage table with blood. A client may suddenly experience nausea and vomit in the session room, or get a bloody nose. BLOOD

As you already know from previous discussions, pathogens can travel in the air in small droplets. The practice of respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette aim to limit pathogens spread in this manner inside the health care facility. These practices apply to both clients and therapists. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with

Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to gloves, facemasks, respirators, protective eye wear, and special clothing health care professionals use to shield themselves from contracting a disease while working with patients. Massage therapists use gloves and facemasks as part of Standard Precautions when this PPE is appropriate. Gloves   There are different types of medical gloves

The term, hygiene, means conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness. In a massage practice, hand hygiene includes proper handwashing, proper use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, proper care of fingernails, and the removal of jewelry on the fingers and wrists. Proper Handwashing Proper handwashing is essential for maintaining the