FAQs

COVID Updated and New Normal Protocols. updated 6/2023

For all treatment sessions until further notice:

COVID pre-treatment form email ~  Mask Use Requested  ~  Absolutely no illness (that you are aware of). Please reschedule if you are not feeling well ~ 

What to expect when I arrive?

Prior to first treatment, all clients fill out a Confidential Health History Form which is reviewed at the first appointment to determine a treatment plan. The first session usually includes significant time discussing your responses on the form and any additional questions you may have. Thank you for understanding the importance of this practice.

I have never had a massage before what should I expect?

After a brief interview of the health history form and your goals for the treatment, you will be asked to get undressed to your comfort level. The therapist will explain table protocol and go over lotions and oils being used. They will then step out to allow you privacy while you undress and get on the table.

Do I have to take my clothes off?

No, you do not. Your comfort is the most important thing. If you are more comfortable leaving underpants or boxers on that is fine. You are always draped with light linen or a blanket.

Are there special preparations I need to do before the treatment?

It is best that you don't eat about 60 minutes before the massage. Please remove all jewelry and makeup or at least expect to do so when you arrive. It is always appreciated that you would take a shower after vigorous activity prior to your massage. If you are coming from the beach please remove sand before your arrival. Plan to arrive at least 5- 10 minutes before your scheduled time. If this is your first appointment 15 minutes is best.

Will I have to pay at the time of treatment or do you bill?

Yes, payment in the form of Cash, Checks, or Credit Card via SquareUp is expected at the time of treatment. We do not bill for treatments.

What about automobile accidents and legal documents?

We do not work with workmen's comp or personal injury lawsuits at this time.  We are happy to support your recovery process, however.   You are required to let your therapist know if your treatment is revolving around an automobile accident. We will expect payment in full and can provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance or attorney. Any additional information or reports beyond these receipts that they may need will incur a fee for service.

Will I get a reminder call or email before my appointment?

We do not make individual calls. We provide you with an appointment card or text when the appointment is reserved that clearly states the chosen day, date, and time. If we are given a current email, we do send a Courtesy Confirmation at the beginning of the week of your scheduled appointment.

What happens if I miss an appointment?

You are fully responsible for the reserved appointment you set. We ask for a modest 36-hour cancellation. Of course, more is appreciated if you know you will not be able to keep the appointment. If you don’t show up we must charge full payment for the missed appointment. If you arrive later than the scheduled time, we will always do our best to give you the time we can but we can not keep others waiting. We thank you for understanding.

NOTE: If you are not feeling well we kindly ask you to reschedule your session.

If I received a Gift Certificate but do not like massage can I get a cash refund?

No. All gift certificates are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. At this time we have stopped gift certificate purchasing. Please contact the office to learn about redeeming GC within the expiration time frame or scheduling an appointment for the person you'd like to have received the treatment instead of a GC.

Do you honor expired Gift Certificates?

Not if they are well beyond their expiration.   We do not have a policy of extending dates.  It is not our practice to sell gifts that will not be redeemed. If the Gift Certificate is well past expiration we, unfortunately, cannot honor it. We may, in some cases, honor a portion of the cost or charge an additional fee. You would pay the difference at the time of your session.

NOTE: We are only seeing clients with GC within the expiration time frame.  Missed GC sessions will be considered redeemed and no longer available for use.

Can I redeem a Gift Certificate from someone who used to be connected to your business or from another business?

Absolutely not. We accept only Adamsville Healing Arts Center Gift Certificates within a reasonable time frame of the certificate purchase date. Former therapists or other businesses will not be redeemed.  Please notify AHAC if you are using a certificate at the time of scheduling your appointment.

Why can't I use a gift certificate from Adamsville Massage or Adamsville Therapeutic Massage?

Unfortunately, those businesses are not Adamsville Healing Arts Center. They had different owners and have been out of business for well over 15 years.

Does Insurance cover Massage?

Not in Massachusetts. Although there are some policies that have umbrella terms. We suggest you call your representatives and discuss it with them. We are happy to provide you with a receipt for services, however, expect payment at the time of service.

AHAC Policies

At Adamsville Healing Arts Center, we understand that unanticipated events occur in everyone’s life. Unforeseen events such as car problems, traffic considerations, business meetings, and project deadlines, are just a few reasons why one might consider canceling a massage appointment.

In our commitment to provide a unique and outstanding massage experience to all of our clients and out of consideration for our therapists' time, we have adopted the following policies:

ARRIVAL FOR YOUR MASSAGE

Please arrive for your appointment 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. This allows you the time to fill out the appropriate client form (new clients), use the restroom, and simply settle in before your session. All massages have a specific time schedule and early arrival allows for a relaxed and unhurried experience. If late arrival is inevitable, your service(s) may be shortened in order to keep on schedule. The original treatment time will be charged.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please provide at least 36 hours' notice if you need to reschedule or cancel a treatment. This gives AHAC enough time to fill the slot if at all possible. If a client fails to cancel within 36 hours multiple times, they will be asked to pre-pay for future services and a credit card will be held on file.

LATE ARRIVAL POLICY

We regret that late arrivals will not receive an 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 and only with proper, advanced notification of your late arrival. The original reservation fee will be charged.

NO SHOW POLICY

Clients who fail to show up for appointments will be charged the full session fee they reserved. They may be asked to pre-pay for future services as well as leave a credit card on account. It is important that our massage therapists are compensated for reserved time slots.

Other Massage Policies

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 whom we have not seen for at least a year will also be asked to fill out this form.

NOTE: As of June 2021 clients will complete a Covid Screening each visit (accessible online).  If this is your first session with AHAC in 2021 a new intake will be required and sent for completion prior to your session.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

• AHAC Massage therapists are licensed professionals and are held to the highest standards of the Association for Bodyworkers and Massage Professionals (ABMP) and the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
• Massage Therapy is a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.
• Massage Therapists do not diagnose or prescribe for medical conditions nor are they allowed to provide treatment for a specific condition without a doctor's supervision. The massage therapist is required to refer you for diagnosis and to follow the recommendations of your physician.

RESPECT FOR CLIENT NEEDS AND BOUNDARIES

• AHAC Massage Therapists are happy to adjust pressure, temperature, and 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 massage at any time, and is free to leave; the therapy door is never locked.
• The client will always be modestly draped. Only the area being massaged will be undraped. The clients will be kept informed of the area to be massaged.
• Occasionally, an emotional response to massage occurs. If this happens, it is okay 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. Also, the low back, hip, and gluteal area will be massaged only with your permission and can be worked through the draping if requested.
• Sexual interaction or discussion of any kind between the client and the massage therapist is NEVER appropriate.
• We do not massage anyone under the age of 18 without the signed and present (unless the previous discussion) permission of a legal guardian.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONVERSATION

• The discussion between the massage therapist 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. We prefer to not discuss topics of a political, private, or sexual nature.

EXISTING AND NEW MEDICAL CONDITIONS

• It is the responsibility of the client to keep the massage therapist 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.

COVID PROTOCOLS

• Each session a new COVID screening will be required for completion prior to the treatment.
• Masks will be required by both therapist and client (waiver is considered if vaccination card is provided)
• Temperature checks will be required
• Fully vaccinated preference

Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is a summary statement of the standards by which massage therapists agree to conduct their practices and is a declaration of the general principles of acceptable, ethical, professional behavior.

Massage therapists shall:

• Demonstrate commitment to providing the highest quality massage therapy/bodywork to those who seek their professional service.
• Acknowledge the inherent worth and individuality of each person by not discriminating or behaving in any prejudicial manner with clients and/or colleagues.
• Demonstrate professional excellence through regular self-assessment of strengths, limitations, and effectiveness by continued education and training.
• Acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with clients and respect each client's right to privacy.
• Conduct all business and professional activities within their scope of practice, the law of the land, and project a professional image.
• Refrain from engaging in any sexual conduct or sexual activities involving their clients.
• Accept responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of self, clients, and associates.