Massage Associates of the New River Valley

Overall Policies

Specific guidelines are listed for aquatic bodywork below; for more conventional bodywork services it is also important to observe the following:

If you are in the first several days of a cold or flu, or even if you feel you may be coming down with a cold or flu, bodywork may make you feel worse; it is better to re-schedule your appointment. We do consider this an appropriate “emergency” cancellation. Toward the end of a cold, massage may make you feel better.

If you have any significant changes in your health or well-being, please contact us to see if it's appropriate for you to come for your appointment. At times we may request you check with your physician.

Cancellations and No Shows

Clients are requested to notify us 24 hours in advance in case they must cancel an appointment unless it is a bona fide immediate emergency; this gives other clients potential access to the appointed time. With less than 24 hour notice in a non-emergency situation the client is responsible for 50% of the charge for the appointment. In case of a client who gives us less than 2 hours notice or who simply does not show up for an appointment, in a non-immediate emergency situation, the client is responsible for 80% of the charge for the appointment.

Aquatic Bodywork Guidelines

Aquatic Bodywork is a form of warm water hydrotherapy and massage encompassing many differing techniques. It is holistic in nature; that is, it acknowledges that a human being is not only physical, but emotional, energetic and spiritual, as well. The client receives gentle movements and stretches, while held in warm water that relaxes and nurtures the body, mind and spirit. Being floated in water reduces pain, releases stress, opens the heart and quiets the mind. Freeing muscles in a weightless environment is the cornerstone of an aquatic bodywork session. Supported by water, the client is moved with the rhythm of the breath in ways impossible on land, resulting in greater flexibility. We have received 100 hours of training in Watsu, with Harold Dull, its originator. If you are interested in seeing a video clip about Watsu, featuring Harold, there is a link on our web site.

Thunderstorm Policy

Thunderstorms are prevalent in Virginia during the spring and summer months. Lighting could pose a risk while in the pool. If the therapist observes lightning he/she may discontinue the session.

If time allows the session will be postponed until the storm passes and the session will continue from the point it was interrupted. If this is impractical the following policy is followed:

If the session is ended within fifteen minutes of the scheduled end time, the session will be considered complete for that day and the client is responsible for full payment; the additional fifteen minutes will be added to any future appointment(s). If a thunderstorm interrupts a session halfway through the time, the client will only be charged for one half session. If the session is interrupted within the first fifteen minutes no payment is required and the session will be rescheduled .

How to prepare for your Aquatic Bodywork Session

If this is your first session please fill out our intake form and speak with one of our therapists. We will explain in detail what you can expect during your session. We highly recommend viewing Harold Dull's video on Watsu (see web site).
Please shower within two hours before your session. It's important to remove as many body oils before entering the pool so please use soap. If you are unable to do this let us know so we can make arrangements to use the shower located on the premises.
Bring a bathing suit.
We will supply towels but you may bring your own if you wish.
We have ear plugs or you may bring a preferred type, if you have a problem with water in your ears.
If the weather is cold bring a warm hat. There is a hair dryer in changing room for wet hair.
We suggest you use the bathroom in the changing room before you get into the pool. If you find that you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the session please let your therapist know and we will stop the session long enough for you to use the restroom.
If you have a copper sensitivity let us know. We use copper disinfection rather than chlorine system.

Contraindications for Aquatic Bodywork : we will re-schedule your appointment or suggest a different modality if you have any of the following:

fever over 100 degrees
uncontrolled epilepsy
cardiac failure
significant open wounds
respiratory disease of vital capacity less than 1500 cm2
severe urinary tract infection
severe respiratory tract infection
blood infection
tracheotomy intravenous lines, heplocks, hichman line, external collection devices
bowel incontinence
menstruation without internal protection
infectious disease

Relative Contraindications - may not be appropriate / necessary precaution may need to be taken

skin infections with drainage
small open wounds (can be covered with tegraderm)
uncontrolled blood pressure (moderate high blood pressure OK, very low blood pressure; ask doctor)
unstable angina, cardiac arrhythmia or other cardiac considerations (ask doctor about warm water)
cerebral hemorrhage (should wait at least 3 weeks after bleeding has ceased; ask doctor)
multiple sclerosis - may not tolerate warm water well (depends on client and whether in flare-up)
absence of cough reflex (would need to be monitored closely)
ar thritic cervical spine (caution neck position, especially hyperextension)

Range of motion precautions - client needs to get doctor permission

recent total hip replacement
recent surgery, especially spinal surgery
acute ligamentous instability
recent bone fracture
Pain with spinal or peripheral joint range of motion - many can be treated with modifications to technique; we request client feedback during session
back/neck pain - bulged/herniated disc, facet irritation, spondylolethesis, arthritis ( we will avoid extreme positions of spine)
frequent ear infections – (may be appropriate to use ear plugs or medication)
Excessive vertigo (dizziness) or other vestibular disorders – work will be performed more slowly than usual; client feedback requested