Chair Massage Policies & Client Rights
Chair Massage Rates
Rates are determined on an individual basis and an estimate given to company or individual before event.
Prices may vary but in general the hourly rate of $1.33/minute plus a travel fee if applicable is the standard unless otherwise determined. The inflation affects the cost of fuel and cost of laundry, equipment, and cleaning supplies, so the above rate may no longer be up to date. Today is 5/4/2023.
Clients have the right to a clean, safe, and relaxing environment and to be treated with professionalism, dignity and respect. Clients have the right to stop a session at any time. Clients have the right to tell the massage therapist not to touch or massage any part of their body they state. The client has a right to choose to keep as many clothes on as they prefer, including head coverings, masks, and shoes. Clients do not have to share personal details or history but if they have PTSD or have history of abuse or violence they need to let the massage therapist know of any triggers such as certain music/noises/smells/being touched on the back of the neck, etc..
Clients must have the ability to communicate their needs, goals and questions. This includes giving their own health history and communicating the reasons for their visit. If language is a barrier, clients can have an interpreter be in the room. If hearing or speaking is a barrier, clients need to be able to use other methods to be understood or have a guardian or caretaker present.
DRAPING:
During a chair massage the client will always be dressed. If for some reason it is necessary to take a shirt off, breasts, exposed chest and belly, will be covered and privacy given (especially in public events.) Regardless of self identified gender and anatomy, the general rule is NO BARE NIPPLES EXPOSED as in accordance with ethical boundaries and Oregon law. There are exceptions to this rule for infants and toddlers and small children but privacy, consent, guardians present, are all discussed before the session if it is necessary. What if I don’t have nipples? For post mastectomy clients, the draping policy still applies unless receiving a table massage in an enclosed and private space with written breast massage consent.
BOUNDARIES:
HAPPY ENDINGS—Not Happening
Any sexual inquiries made of the massage therapist will end the massage immediately. I screen new clients before the massage on the phone or through the booking website and communication RED FLAGS usually prevent this from happening. Solicitation in the state of Oregon is illegal and if the client violates this boundary the cost of the massage will still be charged 100% as a BULL**** I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO DEAL WITH TAX.
Boundaries and respect go both ways. If at any time a client feels uncomfortable or the massage therapist exhibits inappropriate behavior or at any time is acting unprofessional they have the right to stop the session immediately and report them to the authorities/and or Oregon State Board of Massage.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
Conversations and medical history taking is confidential. I maintain HIPAA Compliance (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in collection and sharing of information. Written consent and signature is obtained during client intake and booking online with HIPAA Compliant ClinicSense software. Client files are kept securely on ClinicSense and although Country Massage has gone “paperless” there are some physical client files kept securely and locked in accordance to HIPAA requirements and procedures. Clients have the right to ask for their file of notes and treatment history at any time to be printed or sent via pdf file to their email address or healthcare provider or legal representative.
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY:
The client has a responsibility to give an accurate history of medical conditions (this includes pregnancy) or active treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, hormone replacement therapy, physical therapy, or injury. The massage therapist reserves the right to refuse massage services if a medical condition requires a written referral/prescription/statement by healthcare provider that massage therapy will not harm the client or exacerbate the condition.
THE APPOINTMENT: Session times vary but the standard seated massage is 25 minutes long with a 5-10 minute space between clients to allow for client intake and sanitizing. If the client is late the massage therapist cannot guarantee the full time if needing to keep others appointments on time. The full amount will still be charged. In the case of the therapist being late or is unable to provide massage services due to unforeseen circumstances, the invoice will reflect a reduced price and Country Massage Gift Cards given to those who missed out to equal the cost of their on-site massage.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule or cancel. Clients who cancel with fewer than 24 hours notice may be charged 10% of their service total.
NO SHOW POLICY: If a client gives no advance notice and doesn’t show up to their appointment, they will be billed a 10% fee and future sessions must be paid in full before the appointment. For workplaces and companies providing massage services to their staff, if an employee does not show after signing up, the time is still charged 100%.
EMERGENCIES:
In the case of an emergency, the cancellation and no show policy will be waived. These are what I consider emergencies: Sudden illness, sickness, or death in family, friends or pets. Loss of childcare or vehicle/transportation issues. Adverse weather, loss of electricity or water, natural disasters, and epidemics. Any new diagnosis that is contraindicated for massage or known infectious skin condition including exposed or unhealed open wounds or incisions. Mental health issues like major depression, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder,) anxiety, and mental disorders such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD,) bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, can be physically debilitating. Chronic pain associated with ongoing health conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, scoliosis, PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder),chronic fatigue syndrome is also considered an emergency and contraindicated if it prevents the client from attending their scheduled massage. If you are a first responder and a call goes off before or during the session or a healthcare provider or 911 dispatcher or other situation where you cannot leave your shift for the safety of the public or patients under care.
What I don’t consider as emergencies: “Pregnancy brain,” “I just forgot,” being on your menstrual cycle, having menopausal hot flashes, poor time management, your phone died/broke, forgot to add it to calendar, got lost, football, basketball, or other sports games were on at the same time, indigestion, seasonal allergies, inebriation caused by alcohol or use of legal or recreational drugs, “I fell asleep after having cannabis edibles.”
Payment: Cash, Check, VISA and Master Card, Square Terminal, Google or Apple Pay, Venmo, CashApp, insurance
Gratuities: Gratuities are welcome but NOT MANDATORY. If billing insurance for service, I cannot accept gratuities.
MINORS:
When booking online or having a chair massage at an event or workplace a guardian must speak with the massage therapist beforehand and give consent.
INFORMED CONSENT: Prior to each session, the treatment plan will be discussed with you. At your first appointment you will receive a copy of the massage therapy policies and will be asked to sign the consent stating that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with our policies and procedures.
SCOPE OF PRACTICE IN OREGON:
OAR 334-010-0025 Practice of Massage
(1) Massage treatment may include, but is not limited to:
(a) Client intake and assessment;
(b) Practice of massage or bodywork;
(c) Post massage assessment and recommendation; and
(d) Documentation.
(2) Massage treatment does not include:
(a) The application of high velocity/low amplitude force further defined as thrust techniques directed toward joint surfaces;
(b) The use of equipment or devices that require a prescription; or
(c) Making a medical diagnosis.