Policies & Procedures

Cancellation Policy and Fees

Your therapy times are reserved exclusively for you. I value your business and ask that you respect the office scheduling policies. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance.

Any cancellations with less than 24 hours of notice are subject to a cancellation fee, which would be 50% of the session rate. Clients who miss their appointments without giving any prior notification will be charged in full for the scheduled service. I recognize the time of my clients and myself is valuable and have implemented this policy for this reason. When you miss an appointment, I not only lose your business, but also the potential business of other clients who could have scheduled an appointment for the same time. 

All services require a credit card or gift certificate to guarantee a reservation so please have your credit card and/or gift certificate ready when booking. You will not be billed unless there is a late cancellation or no show. Upon checkout, guests may choose their method of payment and are not obligated to use their credit card for payment.

Arrival to Your Massage Treatment

Please arrive for your appointment 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. This allows you the time to fill out the appropriate client form (new clients), change and prepare for the service. All treatment sessions have a specific time schedule and early arrival allows for a relaxed and unhurried experience. If late arrival is inevitable, your service may be shortened in order to keep on schedule and the original treatment time may be charged.

Late Arrival Policy

All treatment sessions have a specific time schedule therefore late arrivals may not receive extension of scheduled appointments. In special cases, and when the schedule will allow, I may be able to accommodate a partial or full appointment. This will be at my discretion and only with proper, advanced notification of your late arrival. The original reservation fee will be charged.

No Show Policy

At Hands & Heart Massage Therapy, I understand that unanticipated events occur in everyone’s life. Unforeseen events such as car problems, business meetings, and children’s illnesses are just a few reasons why one might consider canceling a massage appointment. However, I ask that you call if you cannot keep your appointment. Clients who miss their appointments without giving any prior notification may be charged in full for the scheduled service.

Informed Consent

Prior to each massage session, the treatment plan will be discussed with you. At your first visit you will be asked to sign the treatment consent form stating that you have read the information, understand it, and agree to comply with the professional massage therapy policies and procedures. 

Scope of Practice

I am a licensed professional and held to the highest standards of the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy and the American Massage Therapy Association.

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.

Licensed Massage Therapists do not diagnose or prescribe for medical conditions. I may refer you to a medical doctor for diagnosis or treatment. My services are not intended as an alternative for proper medical attention for specific conditions. Please refer to a medical doctor for any specific condition which requires medical treatment.

Respect for Client Needs and Boundaries

I am happy to adjust pressure, temperature, musical volume, work longer on an area or move on if you request it.

The client may choose to leave on as much clothing as needed for comfort, refuse any massage methods, or stop the massage at any time.

The client will always be modestly draped. Only the area being massaged will be undraped. The clients will be kept informed of the area to be massaged.

Sexual discussion or interaction of any kind is NEVER appropriate. If this type of soliciation occurs, the session will be terminated immediately and payment will be due in full. 

Confidentiality and Conversation

I treat all client visits and conditions as confidential. As such, I will not discuss your visit with anyone without your express permission.

You may choose to talk or not talk during the massage. Conversation will be guided by the client’s direction.

Existing and New Medical Conditions

It is the responsibility of the client to keep the massage therapist informed of any medical treatment currently being taken, and, if necessary, to provide written permission from the physician, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc., that the massage may be continued.

The client must also keep the massage therapist informed of any changes in health conditions.