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We're Open, Tallahassee: Breathe Massage Family Practice relieves stress of pandemic with physical touch

Posted at 6:19 PM, Sep 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-23 18:19:56-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — With the economic uncertainties from the coronavirus, we here at ABC 27 are shining a light on businesses that are doing their part to help out the community while keeping their business open.

A local business is helping you breathe and relax during the pandemic.

For two years and counting, Breathe Massage Family Practice has been providing the Big Bend area with massage therapy for pain relief and chronic condition management.

After reopening in June, owner Nicole McDermott wanted her clients to feel safe and comfortable seeking therapy during a pandemic.

So, she introduced additional-sanitation measures and made some changes to the client experience.

"We're very, very aware of the safety procedures and we want to make sure that you're having a safe experience on the table while we are providing a very critical service," said McDermott. "Our waiting room is closed. It's a contactless payment system. I change my shirt in between clients. Every single thing in my office that a client could possibly touch gets cleaned thoroughly."

McDermott has been practicing massage therapy for over 15 years and believes that it could be beneficial to health, especially during a pandemic.

"Massage therapy helps people with a physical connection," McDermott said. "Physical touch helps to stimulate chemicals in our brain, that have to do with happiness, with bonding, and without that touch, we're seeing some of the mental health effects of that now. We're definitely at a place where therapeutic bodywork is essential."

If you're a business supporting our community, we want to hear from you.

ABC 27 has made it easy to submit your own business.

This is not just Tallahassee. South Georgia small businesses, we want to hear from you too!

Click on the We're Open, Tallahassee tab at the top of the ABC 27 website. Then, tell us your story by filling out the section to the right.

It's our way of letting people know you are open for business, and how they can support you.