Question I work in a Spa. I have been licensed for about 3 years now as a massage therapist.
I was wondering about your thoughts regarding massage with someone who has been drinking. Where I work, many people come to indulge in lunch and wine, and then a couple hours later, come down to the Spa, get treatments, like massage.
Recently, I have had to refuse a woman who I brought into the massage room, asked her "how are you feeling today", and she responded "still pretty drunnk from lunch." I asked her if anyone had ever explained the contraindications of Massage and acohol to her before and she said no. I futher explained to her why it is not good and not encouraged to get a massage, while under the influence, and gave aher a couple options. Either an aromatherapy oil application----with no pressure, or she could try to sober herself up in the next couple hours, drink some water, and reschedule for a later time. She really wanted to massage, I apologized, and told her it was not in her best interest or mine to follow through with the massage.
I have been trying to look up specifics on the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and HOW'S, on this topic, and it's pretty sparce. I know I have the Right to refuse anyone who I am uncomfortable working on, but do you have anymore thoughts on the matter?
Lemme know~! Meagh xoxoxox
AnswerGreat question, Meagh.
Our standards of practice are pretty clear both in Ontario and BC where I've practiced - intoxication is a contraindication and you're well within your rights (and responsibilities!) to turn them down based on clear medical concern. You have the obligation to do no harm and they just can't give you proper feedback, and some conditions (even as common as minor internal bleeding, which on a micro scale we cause ALL the time!) is worse with increased blood alcohol levels.
Practically, though, 99% of the time there may be no medical necessity and so we as therapists can go either way, depending on our desires to bear the legal burden. If you did damage to her you would be very, very liable as the legalese says that you should not, but if you felt like it, give her a stern finger waggling and warn her for next time. She probably didn't even think of it.
--Glenn
