Policies and FAQs

 

Here’s some things that you may be wondering

“I’m late!”

Text or call me that you’re running behind. Depending on my schedule we can adapt the session (shift a scheduled 90 minute massage to a 60 minute massage) or the time lost may need to come out of the session and paid in full. 

“I’m early!”

Great! I may still be finishing up with a client, so rather than knocking, just text me to let me know that you’re here and I’ll open the door when I’m ready for you. If you don’t have a cell phone, just wait for me to open the door or knock at your appointment time.

“I’m sick!”

Please let me know as soon as you feel like you’ll have to cancel and we’ll reschedule. I still require a 24 hour notice to not incur a fee as I’m unlikely to be able to recoup the lost funds by filling your slot with less than 24 hour notice.

“I need to reschedule or cancel”

I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Cancellation notices made after 24 hours before your appointment time result in owing the amount of the session. I know how life can be and time is elusive so there may be occasional exceptions but please don’t plan on that and reschedule with as much heads up as possible. thank you!

“Do I take all my clothes off?”

Its totally up to you! There will always be a sheet on top of you covering whatever areas of the body I’m not working on. I’ll uncover your back while working on your back, uncover one leg while working on that leg, etc. For specific hip or lower back issues, not wearing underwear can allow for some massage techniques that aren’t as accessible with more fabric (but still possible!). Your comfort is most important and that may mean undressing completely or leaving on underwear, leggings, boxers, or a bra.

“Am I supposed to tip?”

I set my rates accordingly so that you don’t have to. If you are feeling flush and generous, I’ll accept the extra, but its not expected. If you are using the sliding scale, pick the rate that works for your budget at the time and simply pay that.

“Do you do FBSM?”

After googling when someone asked me this, I learned its a euphemism for sex work. While massage is touch based and therefore sensual, the work I do is not sexual in nature and I don’t touch people’s genitals. Sex work is real work and if that’s the service you’re looking for, I can offer some referrals, but it isn’t what I offer. Failure to respect this boundary of mine will result in the session ending early, the cost of session still owed in full, and termination of our therapeutic relationship. 

“i Have a gift certificate!”

If you were gifted a paper gift card, please bring it to the appointment. If you have to cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, your gift card will expire. All gift cards (electronic or paper) expire after one calendar year.

“How frequently should I get massage?”

This is also a personal choice that depends on what feels financially accessible and what kind of care you’re looking for! I’ve had clients come see me once a week for one month to receive frequent targeted work with a specific pain and then after that come in once a month or more sporadically. Coming in for a regular massage sets a routine and the work we accomplish together with your healing goals can build. Irregular sessions or just when in acute stress, we won’t be able to build off of your last session; that said triage massage when in crisis or when we can occasionally afford it, is really important care that I’m available for! Whatever the frequency you’re able and can afford, I support. I recommend booking monthly or bi-weekly to set a routine, a budget, and put the appointment on your calendar ahead of time. This regularity can result in better sleep, improved range of motion, relief of joint and muscle pain, improved circulation, and stress relief. Who wouldn’t want that regularly?

Still have questions? Send them my way stclaudemassage@gmail.com