Huffington Post: Is it safe to get a massage during the COVID-19 pandemic? Experts weigh in
UC expert says yes, if both parties take the proper precautions
To ease stress during the pandemic, some people turn to massages to relieve tension. But, as is the case with many situations since COVID-19 hit, the question is whether or not that is safe behavior.
The Huffington Post turned to some experts, including Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC Division of Infectious Diseases to weigh in on the topic.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC Division of Infectious Diseases. Photo/Joe Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
Fichtenbaum says yes, it's probably safe to go to a spa for a massage if both parties are practicing the appropriate safety precautions.
You should wear a mask at all times during your massage, even when you’re facing down, Fichtenbaum said. Your therapist should be wearing one too.
“There’s all this rhetoric about masks right now, and it’s really confusing to people — people think they’re wearing a mask to protect themselves, so they say, ‘Well, I’ll take my chances,’” he said. “But that’s not how we should be looking at this. You’re wearing a mask in large part to protect others, like your massage therapist, from you. That’s the point in all of us doing this together.”
Lead image: Unsplash
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, read more #UCtheGood content, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
To ease stress from the pandemic, so people are turning to massages as a way to relieve tension. But like in a lot of situations since COVID-19 hit earlier this year, the question is whether or not that is a safe behavior.
The Huffington Post asked some experts, including Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC Division of Infectious Diseases to weigh in on the topic.
Related Stories
Tips to avoid headaches this holiday season
December 15, 2025
A University of Cincinnati migraine expert offered a list of potential headache triggers around the holidays, and how you can try to avoid them, to 91.7 WVXU News. "There are a number of different factors that make this a very headache provocative time," said Vincent Martin, MD, professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine and director of the Headache and Facial Pain Center at the Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
Local couple uses royalties from children's books to give gifts to kids in need
December 15, 2025
A local couple has found a unique way to give back to those in need this holiday season. Vic and Laura Troha wrote two children's books together, and this year, they are using the proceeds to buy Christmas gifts for Hamilton County foster kids. The couple are both graduates of the University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences and met the day they graduated.
The hottest toys this holiday season
December 15, 2025
Local 12 turned to Lindner College of Business associate professor-educator of marketing Roseann Hassey to explain what’s got the trendiest items flying off the shelves.