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Policies

As a certified massage therapist and registered member of the Association de massothérapeutes et naturopathes du Quebec (AQTN), I adhere strictly to a Code of Ethics and follow all professional guidelines as outlined on their website and below. 

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Code of Conduct

To ensure the safety and security of both client and practitioner, I ask that you read the following before your first appointment and sign a policy document prior to or during your initial session. 

General Procedures

Shiatsu is traditionally performed on a mat on the floor, and occasionally on a massage table or chair. Clients remain fully-clothed and practitioners apply pressure using a variety of strokes and body leverage, without the use of massage oils or scented products.

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ARRIVAL

Clients are expected to arrive on time for their appointment, without having consumed drugs or alcohol the day of our session.

 

ATTIRE

Please wear clean, comfortable clothing for your Shiatsu session (clothing that is light, loose and easy to move in, preferably cotton or other breathable fabric).

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FOOD & DRINK

It is preferable to abstain from food one hour prior to the appointment.

 

The studio is a scent-free environment and every effort is made to reduce possible allergens and irritants for the comfort of all clients

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*Please Note: Shiatsu is not recommended for anyone with hypertension, blood disorders or with acute inflammation.​

Cancellations & Late Arrivals

Every effort is made to ensure that appointments begin and end on time, so that you may enjoy the full benefits of your massage. It is requested that you provide at least 24 hours notice should you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. You may reschedule or cancel a booking by phone or via email.

 

CANCELLED APPOINTMENTS

Appointments cancelled by the client with less than 24-hour notice will be charged at 50% the rate. Clients who miss their appointments entirely and without prior notification may be charged for the scheduled service. If an appointment must be cancelled by the practitioner with less than 24-hours notice, a new appointment will be scheduled at the client’s earliest convenience and a coupon for a free session will be provided.

 

LATE ARRIVALS

It is understandable that late arrivals are sometimes unavoidable. If you anticipate that you are going to arrive late, please communicate with me via e-mail or by phone as early as possible in order to adjust the timing, session length and rate, as needed. 

  • If a client arrives late to an appointment, without due notice, the session time will be shortened in order to keep on schedule and the full rate will be charged. 

  • Should a client persist in presenting to their scheduled appointments late, it may result in the termination of the working relationship.

  • If the practitioner is late to an appointment, the full session length will be honoured.

COVID-19 Protocol

As required by the current COVID-19 government guidelines, I will present in professional attire with a procedural mask as well as any other professional protective equipment deemed necessary. The studio is disinfected and sheets and pillowcases washed on high-heat and changed between each client session.

 

MASK PROTOCOL

Clients will be asked to wear a mask before entering the premises. No proof of vaccination is required. As of August 2021, I am fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. I reserve the right to refuse clients who do not comply with the preventative measures required.​

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PRESENTING WITH SYMPTOMS

If you are presenting symptoms of the COVID-19 virus or another viral infection, you are expected to communicate this to me in advance of your session. If necessary, appointments will be rescheduled (without penalty) to ensure the protection of all other clients and to allow you time to fully recover.

 

CONTACT TRACING

I ask that clients inform me if they test positive for the COVID-19 virus or any variants within one week of our session. A record of client appointments is kept in order to communicate with all those possibly affected. ​

Confidentiality & Disclosure of Medical History

All client visits, health conditions, and session details are treated as confidential and filed in a locked cabinet on site. Your name, personal information and the circumstances surrounding your session will not be discussed with anybody outside of the practice without your express permission. On occasion, and with your consent, the practitioner will communicate with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible care for you.

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During our first meeting, we will go over your medical history and any known health conditions that could impact the work. For returning clients, please inform me of any changes to your health or new conditions. This information will be kept strictly confidential, as per our confidentiality policy.

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It is your responsibility to inform me of any medical treatment you are currently undertaking and, if necessary, to provide written permission from your physician or other health practitioner (osteopath, physiotherapist, etc.), that the massage may be continued.

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If you are undergoing chemo and/or radiation therapy, a note from your physician is required prior to our session, stating that they are aware of and agree to you seeking out massage therapy as a supplementary form of support.

Client- Practitioner Relationship

Shiatsu - as with any form of bodywork - relies on a healing touch and the mutual consent of both practitioner and client.

 

INFORMED CONSENT

In order to preserve the foundations of respect, care and safety at the core of this practice, I will discuss the session plan with you prior to each massage and we will review a consent form together at our initial meeting, which you will be asked to sign acknowledging that you have read and understood the information presented and agree to the policies and procedures outlined.

 

BEHAVIOUR & LANGUAGE

The studio is a place of safety, healing, and respect. Inappropriate and unsafe behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated. 

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If any words or actions - on the part of the client or the practitioner - are deemed inappropriate, disrespectful, aggressive or violent, the session will be terminated immediately and the client will be asked to leave. This includes sexually-suggestive comments, gestures and propositions, which have no place within the client-practitioner interaction, be it prior to-, during- or after a session.

Fees & Payment

As a certified Shiatsu practitioner, my fees reflect my training and level of experience, and have been set in order to make this work as accessible as possible. My current rates are clearly outlined on my booking page. Rates are subject to change, with two months notice for existing clients.

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METHOD OF PAYMENT

Payment is to be made at the time of the session and may be made via Interac electronic transfer to isoma.shiatsu@gmail.com.

 

REFUNDS

On the rare occasion that an appointment is disrupted or must be cut short due to external circumstances out of your control, the full fee of the session will be waived.

 

NO-TIPPING POLICY

I adhere to a no-tipping policy. My rates are set with fairness in mind, aiming to make Shiatsu massage as accessible as possible, while covering the costs of the practice and adequately compensating my work in session and in preparation for your visit. 

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