Policies & Procedures

ARRIVAL TO YOUR MASSAGE

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled massage session in order to fill out appropriate paperwork (new clients), discuss areas of concern and session goals with the therapist, and prepare for your massage session. All sessions have a specific time schedule and early arrival allows for a relaxed and unhurried experience.

If late arrival is inevitable, your service(s) may be shortened in order to keep on schedule. The original treatment time will be charged.

LATE ARRIVAL POLICY

Please notify us if you will be late for your massage session. Late arrivals are subject to have their massage session rescheduled, altered, or shortened. In some cases, when our schedule will allow, we may be able to accommodate a partial or full session. This will be at our discretion and only with proper, advanced notification of your late arrival.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please provide at least 24 hours notice should you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment. Should you fail to give a 24 hour cancellation notice on more than one occasion you will be asked to pre-pay for all future services. We reserve the right to charge you the cost of the missed session on all forms of payment including gift certificates and massage packages.

NO SHOW POLICY

Clients who fail to show for their scheduled massage session may be asked to pre-pay for future services. We reserve the right to charge the cost of the missed session on all forms of payment including gift certificates and massage series.

HEALTH HISTORY/INTAKE FORM

First time clients will be required to complete a health history form to ensure their safety in the performance of services.

PAYMENT

Payment is due at the time services are rendered. We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Please be aware that a $35.00 fee will apply to returned checks.

Gratuities

Gratuities are greatly appreciated but not required. Service and gift certificate costs do not include gratuity unless otherwise stated.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

  • Massage Therapy is a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.

  • Massage Therapists do not diagnose or prescribe for medical conditions.

RESPECT FOR CLIENT NEEDS AND BOUNDARIES

The therapist is happy to adjust pressure, temperature, and music volume, and will gladly work longer on an area or move on should you request it.

The client will always be modestly draped. Only the area being massaged will be undraped. The clients will be kept informed of the area to be massaged.  In the case of Thai Bodywork, the client remains dressed.

Occasionally, an emotional response to massage occurs. If this happens, it is ok to express the feelings in our safe, nonjudgmental environment - or you may request privacy and end the session. You are in control.

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

Requests for sexual activity are not tolerated, will be viewed as solicitation, and reported to the proper authorities under the guidelines of the massage therapy policies and procedures. The client will not be rescheduled if this occurs.

The breast and genital regions will not be massaged under any circumstances. Permission will be asked before working close to these areas; otherwise, a professional distance will be maintained.

Sexual interaction of any kind between the client and the massage therapist is NEVER appropriate. On rare occasions an involuntary sensual response to massage is natural and will subside on its own in a few moments.

We do not massage anyone under the age of 18 without a parent/guardian's written consent. In addition the parent/guardian must be present at all times during the massage session.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONVERSATION

We value your privacy. We will never give, lease, sell, or otherwise disclose your personal information - period. Any information you provide will be held with the utmost care and will not be used in ways to which you have not consented to. The discussion between the massage therapist and the client is confidential. The client may or may not choose to talk during the massage. We are happy to listen to your conversation and share our professional expertise.

EXISTING AND NEW MEDICAL CONDITIONS

  • It is the responsibility of the client to keep the massage therapist informed of any medical treatment currently being taken, and to provide written permission from the physician, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc., that massage sessions may be continued.

  •  The client must keep the massage therapist informed of any changes in health conditions.

  •  We require a doctor's note that states the doctor is aware of and agrees to the desired treatment for clients that are undergoing chemo and/or radiation therapies. 

HEALTH CONCERNS

Therapeutic massage therapy has many physical and emotional benefits. These include treating muscle injuries, improving circulation, and fighting anxiety and depression. Massages are generally safe, but risks do exist for people with certain medical conditions. Because therapeutic massage therapy is contraindicated under certain medical conditions, it is very important to inform the therapist about all of your known medical conditions. Should there be any changes to your medical profile between massage session, please make therapist aware of said changes.

ALLERGIES

Many massages incorporate oils, lotions and aromatherapy products that can trigger allergic reactions in some people. This can often be prevented by discussing any known allergies or sensitivities with the therapist before the treatment begins so that she can adjust the type of products she uses to accommodate your needs.

BLEEDING DISORDERS & BLOOD CLOTS

Vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders or low blood platelet counts. Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, or weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer), or where there has been a recent surgery.

CANCER

Although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, they should consult their oncologist before receiving a massage. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist.

* IMPORTANT INFORMATION *

  • Do not use massage therapy to replace your regular medical care or as a reason to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.

  • If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether massage therapy would be appropriate for you, discuss your concerns with your health care provider. Your health care provider may also be able to help you select a massage therapist. You might also look for published research articles on massage therapy for your condition.

  • Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will ensure coordinated and safe care.