COVID-19 / COLD / FLU Policies and Procedures
I understand that there has been a lot of discussion and debate surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. My personal and professional position is this: I am and have been taking the pandemic seriously and am following the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the CDC, the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), and the State of Colorado. While I respect different points of view I am committed to protecting my health, my client’s health and the health of my family. I am happy to talk in more detail with you if you have any questions or concerns.
So far, I have not been infected with COVID-19; I have been and continue to self-monitor for symptoms,
In the event that I test positive for COVID-19 I will notify all of my clients who may have been exposed and I will cancel all sessions until I have a negative test result.
Additionally, I don’t work when I’m sick with any cold / flu like symptoms and expect that my clients will likewise notify me to cancel a scheduled appointment if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
Feeling Sick? Text or call to cancel / Reschedule!
If you call to cancel a scheduled appointment due to illness you will not be charged for the session, even with less than 24 hours’ notice! However, if you arrive at an appointment with symptoms your session will be canceled, and you will be charged the full price of the session.
Symptom Check - these are just a few symptoms that you may experience with COVID-19 or another cold / flu virus, if you are feeling sick, call to cancel!
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Healing Hub and outcall Sessions
When you receive your appointment confirmation email please click on “Change / Cancel Appointment” and then on “Edit Forms” to read and agree to the COVID-19 waiver, the Cancellation Policy and the Intake Form ahead of your scheduled appointment.
Masks are not required at this time - this policy is subject to change according to local guidance. You are welcome to wear a mask during your session; I am happy to wear a mask if you would like me to.
All linens used during your session are clean; as always.
Scope of Practice, Boundaries and Sexual Misconduct in Massage Therapy
Massage is not a substitute for medical diagnoses or treatment. Please refer to your physician for questions regarding any symptoms you are experiencing.
I am aware that Sexual Misconduct is a problem that affects massage therapists and clients alike. My personal safety as well as your personal safety are very important to me. In an effort to raise awareness about the issue of sexual misconduct in the massage industry I am including this specific language to help protect us both and I encourage you to look for these policies at every massage studio / therapist you may visit. Please know that across the country some clients have been sexually assaulted by an otherwise qualified, professional massage therapist. This is an important issue for you, a massage client, to be aware of. This is not intended to scare you, but to inform you of this reality. I have been professionally trained to offer therapeutic massage that is aimed at promoting your health and well-being. The work that I do is non-sexual and sexuality is a normal an important part of a person’s health and well-being (for some, not all). I do my best to respect this while also creating clear and safe boundaries for what my work is about. Massage can be deeply relaxing, and generally my style is. One pathway to arousal is rest and relaxation. If you become aroused during a session, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong, or that anything sexual is going to happen - it means that your body is functioning normally and nothing more. It’s no problem and nothing needs to be “done” about an erection / sexual arousal. If you would like, I am happy to pause the session and guide you through breathing exercises until you feel comfortable continuing the session, alternatively I can move to your feet to help the energy move down and ground you. Sexual energy can be very healing (I am not talking about sexual activity or sexual release). Sexuality is a creative force in our lives and when we understand that it is simply a normal aspect of being human we don’t have to personalize it. Your arousal is not about me as your therapist personally. It’s simply a normal and common physiological response. With all of that said, any request for sexual acts will be considered a violation of the terms of the session and depending on the degree of boundary violation I may choose to end the session in which case you will be charged the full price of the session. Again depending on the degree of boundary violation I may also choose to file a police report. Communication is vitally important during your session. I take it as my responsibility to lead the conversation and create opportunities for you to speak up and let me know if something is not working for you.
What to expect for your session and Informed Consent:
Informed Consent means that I will describe everything that will happen during the session and will ask for your verbal and or written permission before proceeding with any techniques. You will have the opportunity to change your mind about techniques at any time. For example if you request abdominal massage I will ask you if you would like to receive the work over the sheet or directly on your abdomen, and if you request direct work we’ll discuss the draping you are most comfortable with (see “Privacy and draping” below). Plan to arrive 10 or 15 minutes early for your first session, this time will be used to collect and discuss your medical history information and to determine your goals for the session. Before the massage begins I will step out of the room to wash my hands while you disrobe to your level of comfort and get on the table under the sheet and blanket. I will knock on the door and ask permission before re-entering. During the session I will check in with you regarding pressure and techniques being used. At the end of the session I will step out of the room to wash my hands while you get off the table and get dressed, when you are ready for me to return simply open the door a little to let me know. We will have time to talk again at the end of the session; I may recommend specific stretches or other self-care tips in addition to answering any questions you have. If you have a question after you leave, please don’t hesitate to call me.
Privacy and draping
The massage will be performed on a massage table and you will be draped using a sheet and blanket. You may completely undress, or wear as much clothing as you are comfortable with. Privacy is of utmost importance and you will have complete privacy in the massage room to comfortably prepare for your session. I have been trained in professional and discreet draping techniques, your breasts and genitals will never be exposed during the session even while turning from one position to the next. If you request pectoral massage, abdominal massage or gluteal massage, I will check with you on your preferred level of draping, and again your genitals will not be exposed at any time. Draping should feel comfortable and secure, you should not feel exposed at any time.
Communication regarding comfort and pain
This massage is for you! The time that you are paying for is for your benefit. I will be in communication with you regarding pressure and depth of stretch to ensure the work is in line with your level of comfort. Please let me know if any of the techniques used are uncomfortable or seem inefficient for your goals. Even deep work should not be painful. Your participation and communication is welcome and encouraged in order to make your massage experience the best it can be.
Referrals/Scope of Practice
In some cases, I may see that it would be best for you to consult another healthcare specialist before I perform a massage. Also, in some cases, after a massage, I may suggest that you seek consultation with another healthcare specialist. Should this situation arise, I will fully explain why I recommend any such consultation.
Confidentiality
When you enter my office, you are entering a therapeutic relationship with me. Your confidentiality is a priority. Anything communicated verbally or in writing within this relationship is guaranteed to remain private and protected. I find that it is in both our best interests to keep the relationship on a therapeutic level. If we happen to meet in public, I will only acknowledge you if you acknowledge me first; this is in order to protect your privacy, and is not meant to be rude.
Cancellation / Lateness
I understand that sometimes things come up that require a change to a scheduled appointment! I am happy to accommodate you, free of charge, as long as you notify me at least 24 hours in advance. If you need to cancel the session with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged 50% of the cost of the session. If you do not call to cancel your appointment and do not show-up you will be charged the full session price. If you are running late, please call to let me know. If you arrive within 15 minutes of your start time I will do my best to carry out your full session, as long as it does not interfere with other clients. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your start time your session will be shortened and you will be charged for the full session. I will adhere to this policy as well. If I need to make a change to your appointment less than 24 hours in advance, I will discount the session by 50%.
Hygiene
I respect the close nature of massage, and you can expect me to be clean and free of odor and strong scents (no perfume, cologne, cigarette smoke or body odor), I ask the same from you and will offer a washcloth, soap and towel if you need to wash-up before the session. The table is cleaned and made up with fresh sheets for each session. Please let me know in advance if you have any allergies to any oils or lotions.
Eating
For your comfort, I suggest that you refrain from eating within an hour of the start time of your session.
Intoxicants
For your safety, I will not perform massage on an intoxicated client. It is a risk to your health and goes against the goals of therapeutic massage. If you arrive to a scheduled session intoxicated you session will be cancelled with full payment due.
Payment and Gratuities
Full payment is required upon booking your session. Refunds are given for sessions that have been cancelled or rescheduled according to the “Cancelation Policy”. I have a flat-rate system - meaning no tips! I set my prices to be in line with the local market and reflect what I’m comfortable charging. In 2019 I switched from a “Gratuities appreciated but not expected” system to a no-tipping system. I feel it simplifies the payment process, you know what the price of the massage is before you come in. If you love the massage you receive from me, please consider leaving me a review on Google or send a review using the form you receive via email following your session. If you are not satisfied with your session I want to know that too! I realize it can be difficult to provide negative feedback to a therapist in the moment / face-to-face, the review form that is emailed following your session is submitted anonymously unless you choose to identify yourself so that I can help to resolve the issue. I do encourage you to let me know if anything is not up to your standards / expectations! Your feedback helps me to improve as a therapist, positive or negative.
*More on tipping if you are interested in why I chose my flat-rate system: Tipping has been a custom in massage for a long time. Massage therapy falls into several categories depending on the practitioner and the place of work: Service Industry, Healthcare Industry and the Sex / Human Trafficking Industry. Tipping is used in the Service Industry and can be traced back to a system of discrimination against minority groups. Specifically in the United States the origin has been linked to discrimination against emancipated slaves during the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War (How Americans Tip at Restaurants Has a Troubling History | Time). Its use in massage chains like Elements, Massage Envy, Hand and Stone and many, many others is a way for the owner of the establishment to transfer some of the cost of paying their employees to you, the customer (the same as during Reconstruction.) Its current use in the Sex / Human Trafficking Industry is typically used in a scenario such as this: The massage establishment will offer a very low price ($25 massage!) and the solicitor / customer will offer a cash tip in exchange for sexual services. This can cause confusion in the Therapeutic Massage Industry where some clients believe that tipping can be used as a bribe for sexual services, for these reasons I have decided to go with a flat-rate system. However, most of the industry accepts tips so it’s best to check with the office / therapist where you are receiving your session.