policies
All hours are by appointment only.
arrival
Please arrive 10-15 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 massages have a specific time schedule and early arrival allows for a relaxed and unhurried experience.
If late arrival is inevitable, your massage may be shortened in order to keep on schedule. The original treatment time will be charged.
We regret that late arrivals will not receive extension of scheduled appointments. In special cases, and when our schedule will allow, we may be able to accommodate a partial or full appointment. This will be at our discretion.
cancellation
Please honor the commitment of our staff to serve you by notifying us a minimum of 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel. This gives Balanced Oak enough time to fill the slot and notify interested clients looking for time. Our cancellation fee is 50% of the cost of the service or forfeiture of voucher or certificate on file if less than the minimum notice is given. Late arrival will deduct from your scheduled treatment time and you will be responsible for the full cost of the service length reserved.
no show
A “No Show” will incur a 50% charge which will need to be paid before any further sessions can be reserved.
illness
If you are sick/contagious, please reschedule your appointment for another time. At least 24 hours notice must be given prior to your scheduled appointment. If less than 24 hours is given, you will be charged 50% of the cost of the service. If you fail to show and/or do not call, you will be charged 50% of the cost of the service.
informed consent
Prior to each massage session, the treatment plan will be discussed with you. At your first visit with us you will receive a copy of the massage therapy policies and will be asked to sign the consent stating that you have read the information, understand it, and agree to comply with the professional massage therapy policies and procedures. Clients who we have not seen for at least a year may also be asked to fill out this form.
scope of practice
Balanced Oak’s Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) are NOT physicians and cannot diagnose or prescribe for medical conditions nor are they allowed to provide treatment for a specific condition without a doctor’s supervision. The LMT is required to refer you for diagnosis and to follow recommendations of your physician.
respect for client needs
Your LMT is 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, stop the massage at any time and is free to leave (session is charge in full). The client will always be modestly draped. Only the area being massaged will be undraped.
Occasionally, an emotional response to massage occurs. If this happens, it is OK to express the feelings in our safe, nonjudgmental environment – or you may request privacy and end the session. You are in control.
professional boundaries
Requests for sexual activity will not be tolerated, will be viewed as solicitation, and reported to the proper authorities under the guidelines of the massage therapy policies and procedures. The client will not be rescheduled if this occurs.
The breast and genital area will not be massaged under any circumstances. Permission will be asked before working close to these areas; otherwise, a professional distance will be maintained. Low back, hip & gluteal area will be massaged (if needed and only with permission) and can be worked through the draping.
Sexual interaction or discussion of any kind between the client and the massage therapist is NEVER appropriate. On rare occasions an involuntary sensual response to massage is natural and will subside on its own in a few moments.
We do not massage anyone under the age of 18 unless accompanied by parent/guardian. The parent/guardian will be present in the massage session.
confidentiality & conversation
The discussion between the LMT and the client is confidential. The client may or may not choose to talk during the massage. We are happy to listen to your conversation and share our professional expertise, but prefer to not discuss topics of a political, private or sexual nature.
existing/new medical conditions
It is the responsibility of the client to keep the LMT informed of any medical treatment currently being taken, and 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.
payment
All payments are expected to be made by the end of the scheduled appointment. Future appointments may be delayed until payment obligations are fulfilled. Payment is accepted in the form of credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), or cash. All packages must be paid in full prior to the session(s).