It is our intention to provide our guests with a professional and therapeutic massage. The following policies and procedures serve as a guide for first-time and regular massage clients at Pure Health Massage & Bodyworks.
It is understandable that unanticipated events occur in everyone's life. Unforeseen events such as car problems, traffic considerations, business meetings, and project deadlines, are just a few reasons why one might consider cancelling a massage appointment.
In our commitment to provide a unique and outstanding massage experience to all of our clients and out of consideration for our therapists' time, we have adopted the following policies:
Arrival to your massage
First time clients need to arrive for your appointment 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. This allows you the time to fill out the appropriate client form (new clients), change and prepare for the service. All massages 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.
Cancellation policy
Please provide at least 48 hours notice if you need to reschedule or cancel a treatment. This gives us enough time to fill the slot. If a client fails to cancel within 48 hours multiple times (2 or more), they will be asked to pre-pay for future services.
Late arrival policy
We regret that late arrivals will not receive an extension of scheduled appointments. In special cases, and when our schedule will allow, we may be able to accommodate a partial or full appointment. This will be at our discretion and only with proper, advanced notification of your late arrival. The original reservation fee will be charged.
No Show Policy
Clients who fail to show for appointments may be asked to pre-pay for future services.
Informed Consent
Prior to each massage session, the treatment plan will be discussed with you. At your first visit with us, you will receive a copy of the massage therapy policies and will be asked to sign the consent stating that you have read the information, understand it, and agree to comply with the professional massage therapy policies and procedures. Clients who we have not seen for at least a year will also be asked to fill out this form.
Scope of practice
Pure Health Massage & Bodyworks therapists are licensed professionals and held to the highest standards of the American Massage Therapy Association. 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 nor are they allowed to provide treatment for a specific condition without a doctor's supervision. The massage therapist is required to refer you for diagnosis and to follow recommendations of your physician.
Respect for client needs and boundaries
The therapists are happy to adjust pressure, temperature, musical volume, work longer on an area or move on if you request it. The client may choose to: leave on as much clothing as needed for comfort, refuse any massage methods, stop massage at any time and is free to leave; the therapy door is never locked.
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. 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 will not be tolerated, it 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 area will not be massaged under any circumstances. Permission will be asked before working close to these areas; otherwise, a professional distance will be maintained. Also, low back, hip and a gluteal area will be massaged only with permission and can be worked through the draping if requested.
Sexual interaction or discussion 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.
Confidentiality and conversation
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. We prefer to not discuss topics of a political, private or sexual nature.
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 the massage may be continued. The client must also keep the massage therapist informed of any changes in health conditions.
FAQ's
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable,
quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You'll lie on a
table especially designed for your comfort.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the
client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear.
You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped
during the entire session.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.
Will I be covered during the session?
You'll be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In general, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if or when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term
aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an
initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased
energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for
days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage,
it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain,
improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and
physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular
tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork
is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce
anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork
inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the
practitioner asks general health questions. It's very important that you
inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you're
taking. If you're under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you
receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any
session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be
required.