Client/Practitioner Expectations
The first session begins with an interview and health history. You are asked a series of questions and an assessment is performed. Keep in mind that privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. During the session, clients are covered and draped with sheets and towels, uncovering only the body part to be worked on. The genitals are never exposed or massaged. Massage sessions may start with the client lying face up or face down, depending on the purpose of the session. Clients can ask for different parts of the body to be worked on or not worked on, and are encouraged to discuss this with the therapist at the beginning of the session. During the session, clients are encouraged to relax, and inform the therapist if anything makes them uncomfortable, either physically or psychologically. Talking may occur during the session, but often we will ask you to talk with us before or after, as the massage session may take a good deal of concentration. If something feels uncomfortable during the session, please speak up immediately. We want to know as soon as possible. The sessions don’t vary much in length. You might be sore after an injury massage session for one to two days. Be sure to tell your therapist if this occurs. If you are sore for longer than two days, the massage therapists needs to know so that the massage can be adjusted to be gentler.
Followup treatments will continue to include questions and assessments previous to the treatment. This is to ensure that you are treated safely. Following the treatment re-assessment and home care are provided. The length of time for these questions ,assessments and home care will vary depending on the nature of the visit.
Appointment Policies
Each session has a time limit. This includes the assessment. The first appointment, which includes a history and an assessment, lasts approximately 1 hour. If a client is late for a treatment session, the session still falls within the allotted time slot. If we are late, the session lasts the full time booked or the treatment rate is discounted. If you wish to cancel an appointment, you must do so 24 hours in advance, or you are charged for the full amount of the session. We have an answering machine and messages can be left there. Please include the time and date you are booked to ensure cancellation. Emergency cancellations aren’t charged for at the practitioners’ discretion.
If I need to cancel an appointment, I will do so within 24 hours whenever possible. We do not do house calls. We see clients from 6:45 am – 8:30 pm Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri and 9:00 – 8:30 pm Thursday, Saturday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Subject to change without notice) We return phone calls in-between appointments when we are working at the clinic. If our receptionist is working, calls will be returned in 15 minutes.
Fees
If during our assessment we determine with reasonable certainty that our work won’t help you, we end the session at that time and you aren’t charged for the initial appointment. Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made prior to treatment. I accept, Cash, Cheques, Debit, MasterCard and Visa. I do not bill clients nor provide direct billing for insurance.
There is a $25.00 NSF fee for any returned cheques.
Sometimes private insurance companies reimburse clients for massage therapy services. It is best to get in touch with your insurance company to see if my services are covered by your provider. We provide you with a receipt but can’t guarantee that your visit will be covered by your insurance provider. Fees are generally not raised more than once per year
Professionalism
Our profession ascribes to a code of ethical behavior, which is available upon request. We follow all of the statements in this ethical code and have strong beliefs that practitioners and their clients shouldn’t engage in intimate social relationships. We are governed by many acts and those acts are administered by the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario). These acts are in place for your (the public’s) protection. RMT’s (Registered Massage Therapists) in Ontario must abide by the laws as set out by these acts. Personal and professional boundaries are respected at all times. We perform services for which we are qualified (professionally, physically and emotionally) and able to do, and refer to appropriate specialists when work in not within my scope of practice or not in the clients best interest. We customize our treatment to meet the client’s needs. We keep accurate records and review charts before each session. We respect all clients regardless of their age, gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, body type, political affiliation, state of health and personal habits. We reserve the right to refrain from working on a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sexual harassment is not tolerated. If the practitioner’s safety feels compromised, the session is stopped immediately.