When choosing a massage studio, there are a lot of factors to consider: are they conveniently located? What are their rates? Are they open when you need them to be? Can you walk in, or are they by appointment only? What kinds of massage styles do they offer? Do they have positive reviews online? What does their social media look like?
But have you ever stopped to also consider their health and safety practices?
This often overlooked factor can really make or break your experience. No one wants to spend good money and valuable time on a massage only to find out that your massage sheets weren’t cleaned properly or that your therapist had a criminal history that put your safety at risk. You want to know that you have been cared for, and that every possible risk factor has been considered and addressed before you make your appointment.
Here at Soma Massage Therapy we strive to not only meet industry standards when it comes to safety, hygiene, and professionalism, but to exceed them. No matter where you choose to go, we hope that this list will help guide you when making a decision about your care.
Here are 20 ways that Soma Massage Therapy is protecting everyone’s safety:
Physical Safety:
- Sliding doors: When we moved into our flagship studio at 531 N Elm Street in Denton, Texas, the space was an open, empty shell that had been used as retail for over a half century. It was the perfect canvas for me to build the studio I had always dreamed about. One of the first things I wanted to make sure we added to our design was the use of sliding/pocket doors – because it’s a lot harder to block a sliding door than a door that latches, and being able to easily and quickly leave a room is important for safety.
- The air scrubber in our HVAC: Back in 2020 as businesses were closed due to the Covid pandemic, I did a lot of research on what it would take to open up safely when we were finally given the green light to do so. After all, we couldn’t keep 6 feet apart from you and still provide a massage, and the last thing I wanted was to be responsible for a covid outbreak amongst our clients our team members who were counting on us to keep them healthy! I discovered a device called an “air scrubber” that is attached directly to your HVAC unit and uses both UV light as well as low levels of hydrogen peroxide and ozone to scrub every particle of air in our studio and zap viruses and germs to improve safety and health. Y’all, it was ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS and I didn’t have that money – after all, we were completely closed, and I hadn’t yet received any grant money to help keep us open. Nevertheless, I dipped into our savings to buy this device because I knew it was the right thing to do, and I’m proud of that decision that I made.
When we moved into our new location a year later, I made sure to install another air scrubber into our HVAC yet again to make sure I continued to keep people safe. (I know I could have removed the old one from the old studio, but also I wanted to gift the new tenants with the benefits of that device, because keeping the wider community healthy will obviously have a positive impact on the health of my team and our clients too!). When the air scrubber needed to be replaced a few years later, I shelled out the money to replace it yet again, even though the pandemic is far behind us: because a healthy work environment is important, even if it means paying for an expensive and hidden device that no one sees and few even know about, but everyone benefits from.
- Those walls aren’t entirely soundproof (sorrynotsorry): But yes, that’s another safety feature. We know that sometimes the room next door can get a little chatty – we apologize for that, and continue to work with our therapists on noise levels when it occasionally comes up – but if there is a problem in one of those massage rooms, we want to be able to hear it and respond quickly. So, while white noise machines and soft music create a relaxing ambiance for your massage, our walls are thick enough to provide privacy but not so thick that we can’t hear if someone is in danger.
- Background checks: EVERYONE who works at Soma – whether they are a massage therapist, a manager, or an administrative assistant – must pass a comprehensive background check that goes back 7 years and covers all 50 states. This is not a requirement in our industry in Texas, but something additional that we pay for to ensure your safety as our clients. Anything problematic that would indicate that they are a threat to your safety means they don’t get hired. Full stop.
- Sobriety during sessions is mandatory: both our employees AND our clients must be sober while at Soma. This is included in our policy form that everyone signs prior to their first appointment here, and is signed annually as well.
- Human trafficking info posted prominently: This is required by the state, but I still want to point this out here since not every place will do this (even if it is state mandated). We post information conspicuously in our lobby on how to report signs of human trafficking to keep both our clients and our therapists safe. Unfortunately, human traffickers often used massage therapy as a front, and it’s important that anyone who enters our space knows how to report this if they suspect it. All massage therapists are required by the State of Texas to complete a human trafficking course every 2 years as part of their licensing requirements as well. For more information on how to identify human trafficking, we recommend this resource.
- Domestic Violence and Stalking resources available: We have ample handouts posted in our bathroom regarding domestic violence and how to identify stalking – and more importantly, ways to find help if you or someone you know is experiencing this. Please be sure to grab a flyer, brochure, pamphlet, or business card if you need one. They are in the bathroom hanging on the shelf by the sink – an obvious place for you to find them, but in a private space for you to take your time and look it over without your abuser hovering over you too.
- Reporting inappropriate behavior and blocking clients: We have clear protocols at Soma on how to report clients who act inappropriately during their sessions to ensure that they don’t return. And while it sucks to have to ban a client from Soma, I have done it repeatedly in the years we’ve been in operation and never flinch when it needs to happen. Sometimes we can flag someone as being inappropriate just by the conversation we have with them over the phone or text. When that happens, we refuse service and do not book that appointment. Whenever possible, we’ll block their number so they can’t call back the next day and try again with someone else. Sometimes a client has been with us for a number of years, and begins to act inappropriately through their language or actions, even when there was no prior history of this type of behavior. When that is reported to management, we investigate further and block that client from returning again – cancelling future appointments, refunding unused gift certificates, etc. When necessary, we also file a police report. Even long-time paying clients of Soma have been banned from seeing us again in the future. People. Before. Profits. All day, every day. Your safety will ALWAYS be our priority. Full stop.
- Not working alone: regardless of which location you are seen at, you and your therapist will not be alone in the building. At least one other person will always be on site. We do this to protect your safety as well as ours.
- Proper hygiene and sanitation: Again, this is regulated by the state, but not every studio is consistent or attentive to this important area. Not only is every Soma massage therapist constantly washing their hands (both before AND immediately after your session), but we also spray down the tables and face cradles with a disinfectant in between each session. Then we wipe all surfaces (counter tops, light switches, chairs, stools, cabinet pulls, etc) with a disinfecting wipe. Every client gets a new, freshly washed set of sheets, a fresh, clean, new blanket, and a new face cradle cover or pillowcase. All hot stones, massage cups, and other massage equipment/tools get washed and disinfected in between every session, and all lotion/oil/cream is properly stored and only doled out in individual quantities specific just to that particular session and client — no double dipping! We have a professional cleaning crew come to our studio once a week for a deep clean, but we also make sure to maintain the bathroom and all common areas several times a day to make sure that we are keeping the studio clean, germ free, and inviting.
- We passed our TDLR inspection with flying colors: we are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and are required to maintain a certain level of sanitation, professionalism, privacy, and safety in order to keep our license. That means that on occasion, a TDLR inspector will visit massage establishments completely unannounced and conduct a surprise inspection. Our last inspection was no different: an investigator arrived unannounced, looked everything over top to bottom, inside and out: how did we store our supplies? Where did we keep our intake forms? How did we document our work? Did all therapists have accurate licenses and were they displayed publicly? Is laundry being done properly? Do we have all the necessary elements required to be considered safe, hygienic, professional, and secure? We passed with a 100% on the first try, and it was no surprise: it’s not just me as the owner that takes this seriously – it’s everyone on our entire team. You don’t get an A+ from the TDLR inspector unless EVERYONE is doing their job the right way.
Emotional Safety:
- Our poster that shares our values: This unique poster was designed as a birthday gift for me from one of our previous therapists (thanks, Grace!). It so perfectly encapsulates our aesthetic and vibe here at Soma: all are welcome and all are safe here. We post this prominently in our lobby so that everyone who walks in our doors knows what our values are. We also have this printed on the backs of our Soma-branded t-shirts so that when we’re out in public, people know that Soma is a safe place to be.
- Training on inclusive language: every employee receives information on “best practices” when working with our transgender and nonbinary clients, which translates to best practices when working with the general public. Additionally, we do our best to not misgender anyone when speaking with them (our front desk staff has extensive training on this especially, since it is often difficult to know someone’s gender identity just by the sound of their voice on the phone). We also include a place on our intake forms that every client fills out asking them what pronouns they would like us to use. If you would like for us to update your name or pronouns on your account at any time, please let us know and we’ll take care of it ASAP!
- We invite Denton County Friends of the Family to our staff meetings: the last few years, we’ve invited a representative from DCFOF to speak with us about ways we can keep our clients and ourselves safe in such a private and intimate space. Some of the topics we’ve talked about include how to clearly communicate boundaries, how to give our clients more agency and consent during their sessions so that they always feel like they are in control of their bodies, how to discretely excuse ourselves from inappropriate or dangerous encounters with clients without escalating anything that could put us at risk, and of course, we revisit our safety policies and procedures as a team to make sure we’re doing all that we can to keep everyone safe.
- We all sign a Code of Ethics: All employees of Soma Massage Therapy sign and agree to a code of professional ethics. Our ethics code is based on this fantastic example provided by the American Massage Therapy Association.
- Gender neutral bathroom signage: while we have a single-stall bathroom that is inherently unisex, not all bathroom signs are created equally. That’s why we replaced the binaried male/female bathroom sign that the contractor installed with one that just says “gender neutral restroom”. It’s the little things like this that can help our nonbinary clients feel more welcome!
Safety Beyond Our Doors:
- Donations to organizations to align with our values: One of our core values is the deep understanding that if we want our clients to be healthy and thriving, then they need to live in a community that is healthy and thriving as well. Our efforts and desire for safety must extend beyond our doors. That’s why we are constantly donating to organizations in our community that align with our values and mission. While not an exhaustive list, here are just a few examples from years past:
- Providing scholarships for Hispanic students in Denton ISD through an annual donation to the League of United Latin American Citizens.
- Donating to numerous area nonprofits including the Greater Denton Arts Council, the ACLU, Friends with Benefits, the Denton Public School Foundation, Pridenton, Empty Bowls, Denton County LOSS Team, and the Denton Rotary Club (among others)
- Providing massage gift certificates to various local organizations to help raise money for their efforts through silent auctions, raffles, etc. Some orgs have included the Denton Benefit League, OUTreach Denton, Giving Grace, Explorium Denton, and about a bazillion PTAs and public schools in the area (support those public schools, y’all. They need you!)
- Our ongoing “Massage for a Cause” initiative continues to provide valuable supplies to organizations that have included the Linda McNatt Animal Shelter, Interfaith Ministries, CASA, Chauppadi, Love Pacs, various food banks, Communities in Schools, and more. More information about our Massage For a Cause program can be found here.
- Articles in industry related publications: One of the biggest reasons I’m excited about franchising Soma Massage Therapy and bringing this business model to communities across the country is not only the ability to help thousands of people feel better daily, but to transform the massage industry as a whole and better serve our communities and clients. That’s why whenever I’m invited to write an article for a massage-specific journal or magazine, I usually focus on writing about inclusive practices that not only make your massage studio more successful, but helps your clients feel safer, more welcome, and respected in your space. A few of those examples can be found here and here.
- Speaking at massage schools: another way to transform the industry is to get in front of the massage therapists of tomorrow! I’m always delighted to be a guest lecturer at massage schools, where I can share our inclusive practices, safety protocols, and professional expectations so that these future practitioners can consider these factors when searching for jobs upon graduation, or things they’d like to implement in their private practices someday too.
- My personal advocacy as the mother of two LGBTQ children: both of my children are part of the LGBTQ community, and every decision I’ve ever made has been one that has kept their well being and safety in mind, too. Someday they’re going to grow up and move away (shhhhh, I don’t like to talk about it), and I want to know that there are places in the world where they will be safe. By making Soma as safe as it can be, I’m trying to also manifest this same intention in businesses across the country. I have a deep and unwavering commitment to the safety and equality of the LGBTQ community, and transgender youth especially. For over a decade, I have stood firm against elected officials and have fought for equal protections under the law. You can see some of my public advocacy work here, here, here, and here. I’m committed to making the entire world a safer, better place – and that begins in with Soma Massage Therapy.
How to choose the best Massage Therapist or Studio for you:
This is an ongoing conversation, and I’m always looking at more ways to improve safety for everyone – not only those who enter our space at Soma Massage Therapy, but those in the wider community. We all have an effect on each other, and we hope that the good that we do here in our studio will ripple beyond our doors to benefit everyone else too. Let us know if we’re missing something that needs to be addressed by filling out this contact form on our website.
We hope this list has been helpful for you when deciding where to go for your next massage – because simply having a certificate on the wall and a bottle of lotion isn’t enough to ensure that your therapist is going above and beyond to protect your physical and emotional safety. Do your due diligence when researching a massage studio or massage therapist: read their Google reviews (here are ours), ask your trusted friends who they recommend (as well as why – their preferred massage style might differ from yours!), consider this list above as good questions to ask when you call around, and as always, feel free at any time to stop your massage if something doesn’t feel right to you.
Additionally, here are a few extra resources that you can use when doing your research. We hope this is helpful, and no matter where you go, we hope you have a wonderful, therapeutic, comfortable, and safe experience!
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (FYI: if your massage studio isn’t listed as an approved massage establishment, or if your massage therapist isn’t found on this website, they are operating illegally and should be reported)