Frequently Asked Questions
- How can massage help? Massage can be used for relaxation or to address a specific complaint. Massage has been shown to have physical and psychological effects. Some benefits of massage therapy may include:
- Physical relaxation and stress and anxiety reduction
- Improved circulation and cellular functions
- Relief for tight muscles and in turn, release of nerve compression that contributes to conditions like sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Greater flexibility and range of motion
- May help heal scar tissue as well as tendon, ligament, and muscle tears
- What takes place during a massage? A few forms need to be filled out by the client prior to the massage. These include a medical history as well as an informed consent form. All forms are kept on file and updated during subsequent visits. General questions will be asked to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Certain assessments and testing may be used to evaluate your condition.
It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. There are certain medical conditions where massage is contraindicated. It is important to tell of any allergies. Moon Dog Massage only uses unscented lotion that is nut and paraben free.
During your massage, it is required that the therapist uses proper draping techniques to assure that only the body part being worked on is exposed. At no time are private parts or women’s breasts exposed. Work on glutes are done over the sheet. Proper draping techniques enable the therapist to address specific muscles in the glutes, hips and thighs without any exposure to private parts. It is important to respect the placement of the draping and to not “move” the sheet for the therapist.
The therapist will advise you how to lay on the table and ask that you undress to your comfort level. The therapist will then leave the room to allow you to undress and get on the table under the sheets. When the therapist returns, your massage will start. The therapist will check in with you throughout the massage to see if the amount of pressure being used is appropriate and will adjust her touch accordingly. It is important to remember that this is your massage. At no time should the massage be painful. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
- Do you have a late cancellation policy? It is requested that at least 24 hours notice is given if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. It is understood that some issues may arise when this is not possible. If you have a fever, have been in the hospital, have been vomiting or had diarrhea within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment, or it begins a couple of hours prior to your scheduled session, or your children are ill and need you at home, please cancel. There will be no charge for these types of cancellations. Hazardous weather is also a reason to cancel and will not result in any charge.
The first missed session that is cancelled less than 24 hours before appointment and not related to health or weather will result in no charge. Recognizing that we do set aside the scheduled time just for you, have other clients to consider and have to maintain a smoothly running business, we do find it necessary to charge for appointments that are repetitively changed on the day of the scheduled appointment. This fee is $20.00. This must be paid prior to your next appointment. People who have cancelled the last minute or have failed to show up for a scheduled appointment more than once will be asked to guarantee future appointments with a credit card. Refusal to provide credit card information will result in termination of our relationship.
No-shows
Anyone who either forgets or consciously chooses to forgo their appointment for whatever reason will be considered a “no-show.” They will be charged for their “missed” appointment.
Late Arrivals
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. Depending upon how late you arrive, your therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the length of the treatment actually given, you will be responsible for the “full” session. Out of respect and consideration to your therapist and other customers, please plan accordingly and be on time. -
Do I need an appointment? Yes. It is advised that you try to schedule your appointment well ahead of time, preferably 48 hours ahead.
- What forms of payment do you take? Cash, check, and credit card. Sales tax is applicable. There is a fee for returned checks.
- Can anyone get a massage? Massage therapy is great for all ages. Of course there can be contraindications when massage should not be performed due to illness and some medical conditions. If under a doctors care it is advised and in certain situations required to get a doctor’s approval before massage therapy. Children under the age of 18 need a parent’s consent form signed and the parent needs to stay during the session.
- What do I need to bring for my session? Yourself!
- Will the massage hurt? Massage should not be overall painful. That being said, there are certain times when a a client will experience discomfort.When the body is experiencing pain, it reacts with tension. During deeper work, discomfort is normal and will be felt if there are inconsistencies within the tissues. This can be a “good hurt”. The therapist should work within the client’s comfort level and pain tolerance at all times.
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