Policies & Procedures

Scope of Practice

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 follow recommendations of your regular physician.

Arrival to Your Massage

Clients are asked to arrive 5-10 minutes early. This allows time to discuss your intake if needed and any health-related changes or massage preferences. All massages have a specific time schedule and early arrival allows for a relaxed and unhurried experience.

If late arrival is inevitable, your session may be shortened in order to keep on schedule. The original treatment time will be charged.

Cancellations and Reschedules

If you need to cancel or reschedule, I ask that you to do so as soon as possible, either online or by contacting me. There is no fee (unless it becomes consistent), but more notice allows me to offer that appointment to another client.

Missed Appointments

Should you forget or consciously choose to miss your appointment you will be charged the full appointment price. You will be invoiced and must be paid prior to any future appointment(s).

Illness

Should the massage therapist or the client contract a contagious disease that could be spread during the massage session, such as a cold, flu, or other infection, each will inform the other. The appointment will be rescheduled.

Confidentiality and Conversation

I treat all client visits and conversations as confidential. I will not discuss your visit with anybody without your express permission. You may choose to talk not talk during the massage. Conversation will be guided by the client’s direction.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is forbidden. Client understands that any illicit or sexually aggressive remarks, advances or gestures will result in the immediate termination of the session and client will be liable for full payment of the scheduled appointment.

Respect for Clients Needs and Boundaries

If at any time during your massage you would like adjustments made to pressure, temperature, music volume, technique, would like more time spent on a specific area, or for me to move on from an area, I am happy to make such adjustments.

It is up to you as to how much clothing you leave on. You will always be modestly draped and only the area being massaged will be undraped. If at any point you are not comfortable with anything, you are encouraged to speak up so I can make necessary changes to ensure your boundaries are being respected. It is your right to refuse any massage methods or end your session at any time.

Occasionally, an emotional response to massage occurs. If this happens, it is ok to express the feelings in my 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, will be viewed as solicitation, and reported to the proper authorities if the therapist chooses. The client will not be rescheduled if this occurs. The breast and genital area will not be massaged under any circumstances. Permission is needed before working close to these areas; otherwise a professional distance will be maintained.

Hip & gluteal area will be massaged only with permission and can be worked through the draping if requested. On rare occasions an involuntary sensual response to massage is natural and will subside on its own.

I have the right to refuse service and therapist or client may end the session at anytime. If therapist ends session due to Sexual Misconduct full payment is due. If the therapist feels at any point their safety is compromised, the session will be stopped immediately.

Informed Consent

Prior to each massage session, your treatment goals/preferences will be discussed with you. At your first visit 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.

Treating Minors

I do not massage anyone under the age of 18 without signed intake form from parent/legal guardian. I ask the parent to be present during the session and must be the one to schedule the appointment(s).

Existing and New Medical Conditions

It is the responsibility of the client to keep me 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. Clients must also keep me informed of any changes in health conditions.

For clients undergoing chemo and radiation therapies – Please have a doctor’s note that states the doctor is aware of and agrees to the desired treatment.

Gift Cards

SC Massages is not responsible for lost or stolen gift certificates. Gift certificates/cards cannot be refunded or redeemed for cash. Gift certificates/cards have no cash value. Gift cards may not be used to purchase other gift cards. If the service price exceeds the amount of the gift certificate, the redeemer is responsible for the remaining balance.

Refunds

I do not offer refunds on payments or deposits made to reserve a package or any prepaid services.

Changes to these Policies and Procedures

I reserve the right to make changes to these policies as needed. Changes may occur without warning and will be reflected on this page. If any significant change is made, I will provide notice of the change on this website (https://scmassages.com).

Thank you for your understanding, time, trust, and business.