Below are the protective policies and procedures to ensure your massage is a safe and secure place for you and your therapist to facilitate the healing that you need. Frequently asked questions are also listed so you know what to expect from your bodywork session! Please read through them & prepare any questions you may have before your session.
Guest Responsibilities
- Massage or Bodywork that receive is for the purpose of relaxation, stress reduction, and the relief of muscular tension. If the guest experiences pain or discomfort during the session, they must immediately tell the therapist to adjust the pressure and/or technique to their personal level of comfort.
- The guest must record all of their current and historical medical conditions and answer all of the intake questions honestly to the best of their knowledge. The guest must keep the therapist updated as to any changes in their medical history throughout their bodywork journey and understand that there shall be no liability on the therapist’s part should they forget to do so.
- Massage or Bodywork should not be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment; and that the guest should see a licensed physician or qualified medical provider for any mental or physical ailment that they may be aware of.
- The guest will be draped during the entire table massage, and that only the body part being worked on will be exposed. Draping of the pubic/genital area, gluteal cleavage, and female breasts will be used at all times during the session for all clients. If at any point during service, the guest may feel uncomfortable for any reason, they will request to terminate the service, and the therapist will immediately end the massage/bodywork session.
- All parts of the client’s body may be massaged but will not include the male and female pubic/genital area nor female breast. Any areas of the body that the client wishes to be avoided during the massage/bodywork session or that may need to be avoided due to a contraindication will be listed in this form and verbally confirmed with the therapist before service.
- I understand that any illicit or sexually suggestive remarks or advances will result in immediate termination of the massage/bodywork session. In the event of the therapist terminating service for said inappropriate behavior, the guest that booked the appointment will be held responsible for the full service charge.
Late & Missed Appointment Policy
- Failing to provide adequate notice for any rescheduling or cancellations effectively prevents that service time from being utilized by the therapist and other clients in need. When this occurs, the appointment time and preparations become a cost to the therapist, which damages their ability to continue business and practice.
- If there is a need to reschedule or cancel within 24 hours of an appointment, the guest who booked the appointment will be held responsible for 20% of the scheduled service charge.
- In the event of a “no-show” to an appointment or fail to cancel 24 hours in advance, the guest will be held responsible for the full scheduled service charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork is usually performed with the client nude while covered by clean sheets; however, it is entirely up to you what you are comfortable wearing. You should undress to your own level of comfort & the therapist will accommodate you. You will be properly draped for warmth and modesty during the entire session.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, get comfortable on the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A full-body session will include work on your neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs, and feet. However, you may request to have only one or several specific areas to focus on for the entire session.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In general, for Swedish massages, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help regulate your nervous system and increase circulation to tense musculature. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to target deeper areas of tension and relax larger muscle groups. 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 pain so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not actively resisting pressure and movement.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are as many types of massage and bodywork as there are massage therapists! Various techniques utilize different strokes, including percussion & tapotement, gliding & effleurage, stretching & petrissage, precise focused pressure, and more combinations of these. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for your healing.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the upcoming session or your own preferences. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will gently move you or tell you what assistance from you is needed throughout the session (such as turning over on the table). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to their comfort. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask. If you are someone who has trouble quieting their mind, you may be able to relax more easily chatting with your therapist throughout your session!
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s important that the safety intake form is filled out diligently before you begin your session and answer general health questions asked by the therapist. It is very important that you inform the therapist of any health conditions or medications you are taking. If you are under a medical provider’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive verbal clearance from them for massage or bodywork prior to any session.
J.D. Bodywork 