Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Some Office Policies You Should Be Aware Of:

Cancellation Policy
I understand that unanticipated events happen occasionally in everyone’s life. In my desire to be effective and fair to all clients, the following policies are honored:

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 give us 24 hours advance notice you will be charged the full amount of your appointment. This amount must be paid prior to your next scheduled appointment.

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.

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, your therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the length of the treatment actually given, you will be responsible for the “full” session. Out of respect and consideration to your therapist and other customers, please plan accordingly and be on time.

Monday, September 5, 2011

A Common Question From Clients: Clothing

As I have taken on new clients, I find that many of them ask the same questions.  One that is normally asked is whether or not they, as the client, need to be completely undressed for their massage.

The short answer is no.

Here is the Long Answer:

As a massage therapist, one of my goals is for my client to be comfortable, both physically and mentally. A client should never have to be naked if they do not wish to be, nor should they feel obligated to explain to their therapist why they wish not to be- this, just like receiving a massage- is a personal choice and should be respected.  Anyone who has experienced otherwise from their therapist should find a new one.

Your therapist should also provide you with ample privacy to undress or change and climb under the sheet and/or blankets on the table.   You should be allowed a few moments to get comfortable on the table and in your surroundings, before you ask your therapist to begin.  (This should go without saying, however I will say it anyways, my table is always cleaned prior to a clients arrival and fresh, clean linens are then placed over top for EACH client-it is inappropriate and rather uncomfortable for you to have direct contact with the vinyl.)

That having been said, there are certain times where less is more.  For instance- a hot stone massage can become more difficult with the additional layers. Although possible, the effect may not be the same.  It can also be more difficult to provide proper back work if the client chooses to keep their shirt on.

One of my main concerned when my client chooses not to fully undress is having the oils or product I am using on their skin stain their clothing.  This is why I always suggest to my clients that, should they chose to remain partially dressed,  it may be best to wear clothing they are not concerned about staining like an old t-shirt and gym shorts.

There are also times when it is far more convenient for my clients to remain fully or semi-dressed.  Massage requires draping of the body- covering private areas with a sheet- and, depending on the type of massage, can be time consuming and difficult.  I work a lot with athletes- providing them with both massage and stretching- and especially during the latter, it is far easier for them to wear athletic shorts and a snug top.  This allows for a better range of motion, without fear of exposing my client.

There are also times when there is absolutely no need for the client to be undressed.  A chair massage for instance is specifically designed for times when the client getting undressed would be inappropriate- such as in an office setting, or a waste of time- like during a massage on your lunch break.  I also offer hand and foot massages, and all that the client would need to do is roll up their sleeves or pants.  Also, regardless of whether I am using my table or chair, when I work at races, health fairs, etc, my clients remain clothed- for the sake of time and cleanlyness.

As always, whatever choice my client makes regarding how undressed they are during their massage is a choice I will always respect and will fully support.  Besides providing them with a great massage I always want my clients to be confortable around me and in my office.