Policies for Therapeutic Massage in Chicago
Provided by Solace Clinical Massage
Here you will find the business policies for Solace Clinical Massage. I've included information on payments, cancellation fees, communication, and other requirements. These policies may be subject to change. If you have any other questions about my business, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Standard business hours
All hours are by appointment. As of March 2012 appointments are available Tuesday mornings and early afternoons, Wednesday afternoons and early evenings, Friday mornings and early afternoons, and Saturday afternoons.
Fees, payment, gift certificates, tips
As of March 2012, all sessions are $85 per hour. Other session lengths are available. Gift certificate sales are charged these same prices and do not expire. I accept cash, check, and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover) as session payment. If session prices are raised, all clients will be notified. Full payment is due at the time of service. Detailed prices are listed on my Massage Prices page.
Package plans may be available. As of March 2012, five one-hour massages can be purchased for an up front cost of $400, $5 off of each session price.
While the thought of tipping is appreciated, this is a healthcare setting and tips are not accepted. Any tips will be donated to the Massage Therapy Foundation. There are many other ways to show your satisfaction with the treatment, including referring a friend and scheduling another appointment.
Returned checks due to insufficient funds will incur a $5 fee.
Insurance is not accepted as a form of session payment. Some insurance companies will reimburse clients directly for massage services, and the responsibility for pursuing this option lies entirely with the client.
Confidentiality
Personal healthcare information will not be shared without written consent, except in situations required by law.
Scope of practice
Massage therapy is for the purpose of stress reduction, relief from muscular discomfort and increasing blood and/or lymph circulation. The massage therapist does not diagnose illness, disease, or any other physical disorder. Any information provided is for educational purposes only and is not diagnostic or prescriptive in nature.
I am an Illinois licensed massage therapist. I am certified in pre- and post-natal massage, oncology massage, and Dr. Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage. I perform work for which I am qualified, and refer my clients to appropriate specialists when work is not within my scope of practice or not in the client's best interest. Clients are draped with a sheet or towel at all times during the session. Only the parts of the body being worked on are exposed at any time.
Cancellation and lateness
24 hours notice is requested for all cancellations and rescheduling. Each client has one free "pass," to cancel an appointment with less than 24 hours notice with no penalty. If a client cancels an appointment the second time without at least 24 hours advance notice, a $20 fee will be charged for that and all subsequent missed or canceled appointments with less than 24 hours notice. Not showing up for an appointment without notice is considered a cancellation in this policy. Emergency cancellations are determined at the massage therapist's discretion.
All appointments canceled by the massage therapist with less than 24 hours notice will receive $20 off the session fee at the next appointment.
Clients should always plan to arrive a little bit early for the session in order to have time to use the restroom and get situated properly on the massage table. I want each client to have the full time that has been scheduled but may not be able to add extra massage time to make up for lateness. The full charge will be applied to appointments where the client arrives late.
Communication
Clients are expected to state all known medical conditions and are responsible for keeping the massage therapist updated on physical health and any changes, including changes in medication.
If a client experiences any pain or discomfort during the session, she or he should immediately inform the massage therapist so that the pressure and/or strokes can be adjusted to the level of comfort.
All appointments will be confirmed 48 hours ahead of time by phone, text, or email. Clients can request a preferred method of confirmation. New clients will also receive a follow-up phone call 48 hours after the first session.
I can be contacted by phone between the hours of 8am and 9pm for questions and scheduling, or by email or text at any time. I will return all messages within 24 hours unless I am out of town.
Inappropriate behavior
This is a professional healthcare environment and either the client or the therapist have the right to end the treatment at any time due to inappropriate behavior. Sexual harassment is not tolerated. If the massage therapist's safety feels compromised, the session is ended immediately.
Hygiene requirements
Both client and massage therapist will adhere to socially accepted levels of hygiene including minimal perfume or cologne.
Children
Children under the age of 18 will not be treated without written parental consent. Children can attend a parent's treatment session only if the noise and distraction do not disrupt the session or any other therapist using the office.