What To Expect:

Massage therapy consists of the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia) by a trained therapist. Various techniques are used by the therapist to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscle tension, improve functionality, reduce pain, speed recovery after injury, and promote overall health and wellness. The massage therapist conducts an intake interview to determine the specific needs of the client. Based on this interview, the therapist and the client work together to determine the course of treatment. Client confidentiality is protected unless disclosure is required by law or court order, or if it is absolutely necessary for public safety.

Each session is tailored to the needs of the client at that time. The therapist and the client will discuss the treatment plan for the session. Once a plan has been determined, the therapist will leave the client alone in order provide a private environment for the client to disrobe and to get on the massage table. While many clients choose to disrobe completely, the most important thing is comfort. Massage can be done while the client is completely undressed, completely dressed, and anywhere in between. During the massage, the client will be covered by a sheet, and only the area of the body being treated will be uncovered.

Communication is important during the session. The client should alert the therapist to any discomfort, at any time. Whether it is the amount of pressure, the temperature of the room or table, tenderness in an area being treated, bolster positioning, or any other environmental factors and details pertaining to the massage, the client’s comfort is crucial. The client has the right to end the session at any time, as does the therapist.

At the conclusion of the massage session, the therapist will leave the client alone to slowly get up from the table and get dressed. Once dressed, the client and the therapist will have another brief conversation about how the client feels, and they can plan for the next session.

Certain medical conditions and medications contraindicate massage. For this reason, it is important for the client to be open and honest about any existing conditions. Massage therapy affects the circulatory system, and it is possible that it could negatively affect clients taking certain types of medications or in the beginning stages of an infectious condition. In these situations, the client should contact the therapist at least 24 hours before the scheduled session to determine whether or not massage is appropriate at that time. 

Informed Consent:

At the first session,  the client will be asked to sign a consent form reading as follows:

"I understand that the massage I receive is provided for the basic purpose of relaxation and relief of muscle tension. If I experience any pain or discomfort during my session, I will immediately inform the therapist so that the massage may be adjusted to my level of comfort. I further understand that massage should not be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment, and that I should contact a physician or other qualified medical specialist for any mental or physical ailment that I am aware of. I understand that massage therapists are not qualified to perform chiropractic adjustments, diagnose, prescribe, or treat any physical or mental illness, and that nothing said during the course of the session should be construed as such. Because massage should not be performed under certain medical conditions, I affirm that I have stated all known medical conditions, and I have answered all questions honestly and completely. I agree to keep the therapist informed about any changes in my medical profile, and I understand that there shall be no liability on the therapist’s part should I fail to do so."

Policies:

Payment is due at the time of the session. If cancellation is necessary, it must be done at least 48 hours before the scheduled session. If a cancellation is made after this, the client will be charged for part or all of the cost of the scheduled session. When the client is late for a session, the session length may be shortened if the therapist’s schedule cannot accommodate a late start; the client may be charged for the full session even if it is shortened. The scheduled session will include the hands-on time and time for the interview beforehand (example: “60 minute massage”- client should allow for 75 minutes, 60 of which will be hands-on).