Informed Consent
All details of treatments (areas covered, risks & benefits, duration, areas of concern & products used) are covered prior to the start of any treatment. Our goal is for treatment to be comfortable, effective and safe for everyone.
We will discuss the risks & benefits of the specific treatment proposed, areas to be treated, why it will be beneficial, any modifications needed as well as alternate options for treatment and draping options.
Only after all pertinent details have been discussed, and all questions have been answered can a patient give their informed consent to proceed with the specific treatment. Patients are empowered to stop, change or modify treatment at any time to ensure optimal personal comfort.
The initial treatment will include a bit more discussion & assessment time to ensure effective treatment and a complete understanding of what that entails.
Benefits & Risks of Massage Therapy
Most people are aware of the many benefits of massage therapy - such as; improved sense of well-being, relaxation, enhanced ability to sleep, decreased muscle tension, reduced pain & much more (new studies are frequently being published about this topic). Of course, as with most things, there can be risks associated with massage treatments - some examples being; nasal congestion, dehydration, dizziness and post massage soreness in the area treated.
Any specific risks based on current health conditions and medications being taken will be discussed prior to treatment, and any appropriate modifications may be made as necessary to ensure a safe and effective massage treatment.
What to expect at your First Appointment
First of all - Welcome!
If you haven't had a massage before - I hope to answer the most common questions below (but of course, if you have more questions - please reach out).
Timing
Initial appointments need to be at least 75 minutes to allow time to go through the pre-completed health history/intake form that is sent for completion in advance of your appointment. We also may need to do some assessment to ensure the most effective, safe & beneficial treatment for you, prior to the hands-on treatment time. Arriving 5-10 minutes prior to your booked time slot is also recommended to ensure we don't cut into the hands-on treatment time due to delays/late arrival. All subsequent appointments will also include a small amount of time to review any health changes or new concerns prior to hands on treatment time (this will all be covered within the booked timeframe).
Draping
Patients are provided with a private space to disrobe to their level of comfort prior to the massage treatment and will be covered with draping (opaque sheet, towel &/or blanket) throughout the massage. Only the area being worked on at any given time will be uncovered. If patients prefer to be massaged fully clothed or in tank top & shorts (for a more active treatment) this can also be accommodated - to ensure maximum patient comfort.
Payment Methods
Payment methods available are credit card, etransfer or cash. Sorry, no debit currently.
DIRECT BILLING to Insurance; I now direct bill to *MOST* Insurance companies - please confirm prior to any appointment if you are unsure if your insurance company is included.
*Insurance information, coverage and forms do need to be completed prior to your appointment in order for direct billing be used for your appointment. Patients are still responsible to pay any co-pay or amounts not covered by their insurance plan at the time of the appointment.
*Patients can also submit their own receipts for Registered Massage Therapy treatment received to their insurance provider for reimbursement (according to their coverage).
Cancellation Policy
All appointments require a minimum of 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. This ensures the ability to have another waitlisted patient the opportunity to be booked into the cancelled spot, with some notice. There is grace extended to a first-time cancellation with less than 24 hours' notice (*not a no - show* but actually contacting to cancel). Any subsequent cancellations (or any no-shows) will be required to pay the full treatment fee for the missed appointment. I value my patient's time, and appreciate the same in return.
Communicable Illness Prevention Plan
At Mint Massage Therapy, all linens are freshly laundered (with unscented detergent) and vigilant sanitization procedures are followed to mitigate the risk of transmission of any communicable pathogens. I ask that patients who are feeling unwell prior to an appointment, reach out to let me know and ensure that all parties are kept safe & well.
For any patients with compromised immunity or anxiety regarding communicable illnesses, the Therapist and/or patient can wear masks, if desired.