DISCLAIMER, WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INFORMED CONSENT,
AND CLIENT POLICIES
Exhale with Jo – In-Home Massage Therapy (Virginia)
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1. DISCLAIMER
Massage therapy provided by Exhale with Jo is strictly for relaxation, stress reduction, and relief of muscular tension. Massage therapists are not medical doctors and do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any medical condition. Information shared during sessions or on intake forms is used solely to tailor an appropriate massage session.
Massage therapy is not a substitute for medical care. Clients should consult a licensed medical professional for any conditions requiring medical attention. If the therapist believes massage is contraindicated or unsafe, services may be declined or postponed.
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2. WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
By receiving services from Exhale with Jo, the client acknowledges and agrees to the following:
1. Assumption of Risk:
The client understands that massage therapy includes physical touch, pressure on soft tissues, and table or chair positioning, all of which carry some risk of soreness, discomfort, dizziness, or minor injury. The client voluntarily assumes these risks.
2. Disclosure:
The client affirms that all relevant health information has been fully and accurately disclosed. The client agrees to update the therapist of any changes to their health or medications before each session.
3. Liability Release:
To the fullest extent permitted by Virginia law, the client releases and holds harmless Exhale with Jo, its employees, contractors, and representatives from any and all liability for injuries, damages, or losses arising out of or related to massage services or the client’s failure to disclose health conditions.
4. Environment & Safety:
For in-home appointments, the client agrees to provide a safe, accessible, smoke-free, and hazard-free environment for the therapist. The therapist reserves the right to end a session if the environment is unsafe, unsanitary, or inappropriate.
5. No Guarantees:
Results vary based on individual circumstances. No guarantee of outcomes, pain relief, or symptom resolution is made.
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3. INFORMED CONSENT
By receiving massage therapy from Exhale with Jo, the client understands and consents to the following:
1. Nature of the Treatment:
Massage includes manipulation of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues using techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, stretching, and other modalities within the therapist’s scope of practice.
2. Draping & Boundaries:
Professional draping is used at all times. Only the area being worked on will be undraped. Client and therapist boundaries must be respected at all times.
3. Right to Withdraw Consent:
The client may ask the therapist to adjust pressure, stop a technique, or end the session at any time. The therapist may also end a session if boundaries are violated.
4. Contraindications:
The therapist may decline or modify treatment if the client presents with a condition where massage is unsafe.
5. Touch Consent:
The client consents to appropriate therapeutic touch within industry standards and Virginia law.
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4. CLIENT POLICIES
A. Appointment & Cancellation Policy
- 36-hour notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
- After 3 cancellations you will be blocked from booking services.
- Cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged 100% of the service fee.
- If the therapist arrives and the environment is unsafe, hostile, or inappropriate, the session will be canceled and the full session fee will apply.
- If the therapist must cancel due to emergency or illness, clients will be notified as soon as possible and may reschedule without penalty.
Travel & Setup Requirements for In-Home Sessions
- Client must provide space for a massage table (approx. 6 ft x 10 ft).
- Pets must be secured during the session.
- The therapist must have clear, safe access to the home.
- Excessive stairs or distances may incur additional setup time or travel fees depending on location.
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B. Payment & Financial Policies
- Payment is due at the time of booking.
- Accepted payment methods: cash, credit/debit card, mobile payment found on booking page.
- Returned or failed payments will be subject to a $25 fee.
- Packages or memberships (if offered) must be paid in full at purchase unless otherwise stated.
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C. Refund & Return Policy
- Massage services are non-refundable once performed.
- Prepaid sessions, gift certificates, and packages are non-refundable but may be transferred to another person with prior approval.
- Products (if sold) may be returned unused and unopened within 14 days for store credit only.
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D. Client Responsibilities
Clients agree to:
- Provide accurate and updated health information.
- Communicate preferences, discomfort, or boundaries during the session.
- Maintain personal hygiene before appointments.
- Arrive prepared for the therapist’s setup at the scheduled time.
- Keep pets and distractions managed during the session.
- Refrain from drug or alcohol use before appointments; intoxicated clients will not be treated and will be charged the full session fee.
- Respect all professional boundaries—any inappropriate behavior results in immediate termination of the session with full payment due.
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5. AGREEMENT
By booking or receiving services from Exhale with Jo, the client acknowledges they have read, understood, and agree to this Disclaimer, Waiver and Release of Liability, Informed Consent, and Client Policies.
E. Minor Policy (Clients Under 18 Years Old)
Exhale with Jo provides massage therapy to minors in accordance with Virginia laws and professional ethical standards. The following policies apply to all clients under the age of 18:
1. Parent/Guardian Consent:
A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign all intake forms, waivers, and consent documents prior to the minor receiving massage therapy.
2. Parent/Guardian Presence:
- For minors ages 0–15, a parent or legal guardian must remain in the room for the entire duration of the session.
- For minors ages 16–17, a parent or legal guardian must be present in the home and available at all times during the session.
3. Appropriate Draping & Boundaries:
Professional draping is used at all times. Only the area being worked on will be undraped. The session will be modified to remain fully appropriate and comfortable for the minor and guardian.
4. Scope of Treatment:
The therapist will only perform services appropriate for the minor’s age, physical condition, and therapeutic needs. Certain modalities (e.g., deep tissue, certain stretches, or advanced techniques) may be limited or avoided.
5. Right to Refuse or Stop Treatment:
The therapist reserves the right to decline or discontinue treatment if:
- The minor is uncomfortable or unwilling to participate
- Accurate consent is not provided
- The environment is unsafe or inappropriate
- The therapist believes massage is contraindicated for the minor
6. Behavior & Environment Expectations:
Guardians are responsible for ensuring that minors behave appropriately during the session and that the treatment environment remains safe, quiet, and distraction-free.
By booking or receiving services for a minor, the parent or legal guardian acknowledges and agrees to this Minor Policy.