First Time Clients
Appointments with first time clients include a 15-25 minute information session to go over the Client Intake Form and a Medical History. I will work with clients on consultation to determine massage needs and special requests. I will cover the steps involved in a session and set your goals for the session. It will then be followed by the scheduled massage. After the session, we will have time to make sure we accomplished what was set forth at the beginning of the appointment.
The need to have medical information of the client
It is necessary to have information about your medical history so the therapist can plan for a massage session that is safe and effective for you.
General Contraindications
For certain medical conditions massage therapy is generally contraindicated (that is, massage should be avoided at this time). These include systemic contagious or infectious diseases (including the common cold), acute conditions requiring first aid or medical attention, severe instability, hypertension, significant fever, and any acute flare-up inflammatory conditions. Please keep the massage therapist updated on any changes in your medical profile and understand that there shall be no liability on the therapist’s part should you forget to do so.
Statement of Confidentiality
A massage therapist will safeguard the confidentiality of all patient/client information, including patient/client records, unless disclosure is required by law or court order. Any situation which requires the revelation of confidential information should be clearly delineated in records of massage therapists. Confidentiality of our clients and their sessions will be honored with one noted exception: Any revealed illegal activity or questionable activity involving minors, as required by law.
Late Arrivals
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. Depending upon how late you arrive, the therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the length of the treatment given, you will be responsible for the “full” session. Please plan accordingly and be on time.
Cancellations
24-hour advance notice is required when cancelling an appointment. This allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment. If you are unable to provide 24 hours’ advance notice you will be charged the full amount of your appointment. This fee will be charged to your credit card on file. Gift certificates will be voided in lieu of the fee.
No-Shows
Anyone who either forgets or consciously chooses to forgo their appointment for whatever reason will be considered a “no-show”. They will be charged for their missed appointment.
Under the Influence
Clients will refrain from alcohol and/or drug use for at least 12 hours prior to the massage session. If you are taking or have taken prescription drugs for pain management or anti-inflammatory purposes in the past 12 hours, please notify the massage therapist prior to the session’s beginning for re-scheduling. Most massage professionals recommend avoiding alcohol before a massage. Since massage releases toxins from the muscles into the bloodstream the effects of alcohol become heightened after a massage, and not in a pleasant way. The overload of toxins in the bloodstream puts an additional strain on the liver beyond just drinking dehydrating alcohol. Because massage supports increased blood flow, drinking alcohol before a massage is not recommended. If you show up intoxicated or under the influence, the therapist has the right to refuse service and you will be charged for the session.
Hygiene
Coming to your massage therapy session with a clean body is imperative for the health and safety of both the client and massage therapist. Personal hygiene is mutually respected on both the part of the client and the massage therapist. Should either part fail to uphold their hygiene responsibilities, services for that session will be postponed.
Avoid Eating Right Before
It is best to not eat for at least 90 minutes before your massage treatment and only a light meal at that time. The body needs time to digest your food. The digestion process directs the blood flow away from your peripheral tissues and concentrates it on the digestive tract. Massage draws the blood flow to the area tissues being worked on, therefore drawing the blood away from the digestive tract causing poor digestion and possible discomfort.
Draping
Draping will be used during the session – only the area being worked on will be uncovered. In general, massage is given while you are unclothed. However, you may choose to wear undergarments or a swimsuit. You will be covered with a top sheet throughout your session. Clients under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the entire session. Informed written consent must be provided by parent or legal guardian for any client under the age of 17.
Sexual Impropriety
This is a healing environment and there is zero-tolerance for sexual innuendos, language, touching, behavior, etc. The session will end immediately, and the client will be charged full price if such an occurrence takes place.