No Longer In Business

16/11/2020

Martha Metzker Massage is closed for business indefinitely. The Wellness Center in Columbia where I rented space has closed permanently, and I am not currently looking for a new space. I have not ruled out the possibility of returning in a few years when the worst of the pandemic is behind us -- but in the meantime, please feel free to send me a private message if you have any pre-purchased sessions that were not redeemed and I'll make sure you get a reimbursement. Thank you for your business, your trust, and your friendship over the years.

03/06/2020

Dear Clients and Friends,

Yesterday, some massage professionals were given permission to reopen their massage practices in Maryland. I am technically classified as an RMP and not an LMT, (an unfair and somewhat political distinction in my opinion but that’s a debate for another day). What this means practically, for the time being, is that I am not currently among those who are allowed to practice. However, there is more to it than just that…

Even those therapists who are allowed to practice at this time must follow a 45-page protocol which includes the acquisition of many supplies that I don’t currently use and would need to order prior to reopening. In addition, the wellness center where I rent space would need to be state-certified as a medical facility, which would require my landlord to complete many upgrades, and they have instead decided to close their doors. Therefore, I would need to find a new place to practice, even if I took the steps to upgrade to LMT status.

There is growing evidence that Covid-19 is a blood vessel disease instead of a purely respiratory one, which explains the high prevalence of blood clots, strokes, and cardiovascular complications in addition to lung issues. Blood clots are a contraindication to massage because they can become dislodged through physical manipulation. The medical community does not always understand or take seriously how our massage affects the public – but if you ask most massage therapists what their biggest professional fear is, they will tell you that it is giving someone a stroke – and this was true even before the advent of Covid-19. But now, the systemic issues that Covid-19 present, particularly in asymptomatic people, create a frightening liability that our malpractice insurance is clearly trying to side-step, telling us to have clients sign waivers, clearing us to perform massage. Such contracts are iffy at best, and do not protect us if something were to happen.

In my earlier correspondence, I stated that I would certainly be back when this mess was over. I am now not so sure. I have been a massage therapist for over 15 years, and I love what I do -- but I am not certain what will happen with my practice, or even with the profession of massage therapy in general at this point.

In the event that I am forced to close my business indefinitely, I will of course, provide a refund those who have pre-purchased unredeemed sessions. I am currently exploring my options and will get back to everyone very soon.

Stay healthy, and be kind to one another,

Marty

18/05/2020

OK, yes, I know that sometimes older individuals still innocently use the terms "parlor" and "masseuse" without meaning any offense, and in those cases, I don't say anything because I think it's the intent that matters. However, there *is* a reason we don't use those terms anymore, and HoCo should know better.

P.S. No, we're not open and don't expect to be anytime soon.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Howard County Government Howard County Government Offices

Let's. 👏 Get. 👏 It. 👏 Together. 👏

08/05/2020

Dear Clients,

As some business begin to reopen, a few clients have reached out to me about when I will be open again, so I wanted to touch base.

As of this posting, Massage Therapy is still not one of the businesses that have been cleared to reopen by the state. Even if it were, I simply would not feel that I could ethically operate at this point -- nor would I feel safe for myself and my family. Even if I wore a mask and gloves, it's such an up-close and high-contact activity that I feel it's simply too great a risk. I certainly do intend to reopen eventually. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to put a date on when it will be safe (or safe enough).

If you purchased a pre-paid package with me before this all began and you're not comfortable waiting for an indeterminate period of time, (or if you're unable to wait due to financial reasons,) please drop me a line and I will not hesitate to issue a refund for your balance, no questions asked and no explanation necessary. Otherwise, I assure you that I will be back -- someday -- and that your sessions never expire.

Thank you again for your patience. Please stay safe and healthy,

Marty

18/03/2020

Dear Friends,

I had originally hoped that I would be able to continue seeing a few of my more-in-need clients during less-crowded office times during this crisis. However, in light of current events, I am officially closing my practice until at least the end of March, at which time I will re-evaluate.

Please know that I do not make this decision easily, but as I have learned more about flattening the curve, it seems to me to be the only responsible course of action. It is also noteworthy that as I write this message, that I am myself sick with what I believe to be merely a slight cold. I currently have no reason to believe it is anything other than the common cold, but since testing for Covid-19 is not currently available and some carriers only have mild symptoms, there is, unfortunately, no way for me to know.

If you are among those who have purchased a package, I ask for your patience. Please be assured that you will eventually be able to redeem all of your sessions. (However, it's extremely important to me that no one feels taken advantage of, so if you are suffering hardship and truly cannot wait and need a pro-rated refund, please contact me and I will honor your request.)

Thanks again to all my amazing clients for all your understanding and patience during this time.

12/01/2020

14/04/2019

I've had several folks trying to find my regular website wind up here, so in case you're looking for it, my website is www.MartyMassage.com. It has a lot of the same info that's here but in more detail. You can book using my online scheduler, learn about me and my office. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me! Thanks!

Martha Metzker, Massage Therapist in Columbia MD

14/02/2019

Forgot about Valentine's? It's not too late! Just click and print an Instant Gift Certificate (or email it if you prefer.) They'll never know that you haven't been planning this for weeks. Best gift ever!

https://marthametzker.boomtime.com/lgift

13/02/2019

Flowers are nice, but a massage is better. Design your gift certificate, preview it, and print it instantly (or email it if you prefer). Boom! Your loved one gets an amazing Valentine's Day gift and you come out smelling like a rose.

31/12/2018

I will be open on New Year's Day! Relax, recover, and start the New Year right!

Science Gal FAQ: I heard that massage can be detoxifying &/or a good way to get rid of a hangover. Is that true?

Answer: Not really. While a gentle massage can be very soothing if you have a hangover, deep tissue massage in this state is discouraged. For years, massage therapists (including me, based on bad info), implied that massage "works out toxins". We sited the fact that your p*e is dark afterwards as evidence of bad stuff being expelled. In all likelihood, this is actually rhabdo (excess myoglobin in the blood, in this case due to crushing the muscles) -- which is actually harder on the kidneys. Of course, even mild exercise can cause minor rhabdo so it's not something to panic about. But it's not a great idea when your kidneys are already working overtime to deal with a night of partying.

The best way to get rid of a hangover, is lots of water, an aspirin or ibuprofen (but not too much...again, kidneys!) -- and rest/relax. I can help with the relax part. :)

I will be open on New Year's Day starting at 11AM, by appointment only. Happy New Year!

To Schedule: https://marthametzkermassage.fullslate.com/
To Learn More About Me: www.martymassage.com