Massage & Bodywork FAQ's
Before You Arrive
If you have never experienced professional massage, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, or energy or sound healing before, you may have some questions about what to expect or what you should do to prepare beforehand. Below are our policies and guidelines, some suggestions for preparing yourself for bodywork, what you can expect from us as licensed healthcare professionals, and general aftercare advice.
Scheduling
You can schedule your appointment online using any of the "Book Your Appointment Now" buttons on the website, or by calling the office at (716) 396-0060. If we are not able to pick up due to being with clients, please leave a detailed message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Confirming Your Appointment
All appointments require confirmation with credit card information through our scheduling software prior to arrival to properly reserve your spot, as well as protect against no-call/no-shows. We do not see your card information other than the last four digits and expiration date, and we cannot edit this information in any way. Your card will not be charged until the session has been completed. Accepted forms of payment include cash, check, major credit cards, and HSA/FSA cards; you may choose your preferred payment method at checkout. To view our Cancellation and No-Show Policies, please see the bottom of this page.
New Client Intake Form
Once you have confirmed your appointment, new clients will be able to fill out our intake form. Please fill this out with as much detailed information as possible, and do so before you arrive for your first session so that we can begin right away. Clients who do not fill out intake forms ahead of time will be required to do so upon arrival, with that time being taken out of the scheduled session.
What to Wear
Wear clothes that you are comfortable in for before and after your session.
- For Myofascial Release and Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, it is recommended that men wear underwear and/or gym shorts for treatment, and women wear a sports bra and gym shorts or a two-piece bathing suit. Please do not apply lotion or moisturizer before an MFR or LDT session.
- Swedish and Therapeutic Massage sessions are performed best when done on bare skin, but we always recommend you disrobe to your comfort level so that you can have the best experience possible.
- Energy Healing and Sound Healing sessions are done with the client fully clothed.
- Public Sound Baths are performed in the classroom, with attendees laying on yoga mats. Warm, comfortable clothes are recommended, as these sessions are an hour in length and you may get chilly. Yoga mats, blankets, eye pillows, and pillows are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Hydration
Staying adequately hydrated is important for overall health, and it is especially important before and after getting body work done. Please make sure to stay properly hydrated before and after your session, particularly if you are coming in for lymphatic drainage.
Sobriety
As performing massage and body work on anyone who is under the influence is highly frowned upon and not recommended by health professionals, we request that you arrive sober for your session. If you are visibly intoxicated upon arrival, your appointment will be cancelled and you will be responsible for the full cost of the session that was to be provided.
Professionalism
As Licensed Massage Therapists, you can expect that we will be clean, courteous and professional in appearance and behavior. As our client, we hope and expect that you will treat us with the same courtesy. Any illicit or sexually suggestive remarks or advances will result in immediate termination of the session. You will be responsible for the full fee for the scheduled appointment and will not be able to re-book any further sessions with Ouroboros Therapeutic Arts in the future. In the case of solicitation, the authorities will be notified as will our professional colleagues.
Scope of Practice
While the benefits of massage and bodywork include relaxation, therapeutic, recovery, and medical purposes, please note that it is not within our scope of practice to diagnose illnesses and/or ailments, mental health concerns, or prescribe medication. Myofascial release, massage therapy, and energy and sound healing sessions are not substitutes for medical care or therapy.
If you believe you are suffering from a physical or mental ailment, please contact your primary doctor or mental health professional. If you do not have a mental health counselor, we recommend Demire Coffin-Williams, LMHC, of Holistic Wellness and Recovery. Please visit his website for more information.
If you believe you are suffering from a physical or mental ailment, please contact your primary doctor or mental health professional. If you do not have a mental health counselor, we recommend Demire Coffin-Williams, LMHC, of Holistic Wellness and Recovery. Please visit his website for more information.
Aftercare
Each session will be different, so aftercare suggestions may vary from session to session. Generally, we recommend healthy movement that feels good for your body, drinking plenty of water to maintain hydration levels, and making sure you're getting proper rest. For personalized suggestions, speak to your therapist after your appointment has been completed.
Illness Prevention Policy
To help prevent the spread of illness, especially during the cold and flu seasons, and to help keep both your therapist and other clients healthy, we respectfully ask that you please reschedule your appointment if you have any symptoms of illness, including but not limited to:
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Contact us as soon as possible to reschedule or cancel your session. Please note that if you have knowingly been sick in the days leading up to your session and you reschedule or cancel within the late cancellation window, you will be responsible for the late cancellation fee.
Cancellation and No-Show Policies
- Cancellation Policy - If you can no longer make your scheduled appointment, it is your responsibility to inform us ahead of time. Cancellations are to be made no less than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. You will not be charged a cancellation fee when canceling more than 24 hours ahead of time.
- Late Cancellation Policy - If you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before your scheduled time, you are responsible for paying a late cancellation fee of 50% of your originally scheduled service.
- No-Show Policy - For any appointment that results in a no-call/no-show, you are responsible for paying for the full cost of the scheduled appointment. We will do our best to contact you, and you will be considered a no-call/show if you do not arrive within 10 minutes after the start time of your appointment with no communication that you are running late. Failure to pay for a no-call/no-show will result in no longer being able to book with Ouroboros Therapeutic Arts until the fee has been paid, and future appointments will require a 50% non-refundable deposit for services requested.
- Rescheduling Policy - If you need to reschedule your session, please do so more than 24 hours in advance by using our online portal or by contacting us directly. Chronic rescheduling will result in cancellation of the appointment, with future appointments needing to be scheduled with us directly and a 50% non-refundable deposit for services requested.
- Exceptions - Exceptions to the above for such things as illness, weather and emergencies will be given on a case-by-case basis.
By scheduling a session with Ouroboros Therapeutic Arts, you agree to all terms listed above.