Policies & Disclaimers

Modesty

Breasts and genital tissue are never exposed or massaged under any circumstances. Prior to working deep tissue in the muscles fibers of the pectorals or superior adductor & hamstrings, I will show you how you can use a free hand to guard yourself, at the point where you feel it is appropriate. That way you can remain as relaxed as possible, even when doing delicate bodywork.

Disrobing

You can completely disrobe if you like as you will always be between the sheets and modestly draped. During deep tissue massage it is not always advantageous to disrobe completely.
In every case it is okay to wear underwear. I do need bras removed when performing table based massage. If only the upper body is being worked, the lower body only needs to disrobe if there is a comfort issue.
Please remove all necklaces, and earrings if we are working in the upper body region. You do not have to remove rings, bracelets or watches. However, if they can easily be removed and replaced; I invite you to do so.

Communication

Communication is up to you. If you would like to be quiet the whole session, I will not interrupt. Maybe only occasionally to make sure I'm being effective. This can be your opportunity to completely zone out and enjoy that dreamlike state that can occur.
If you have questions, ask away. If I have input, I am happy to provide it. Just one rule:
No sex talk. Not in joking form. Not in casual form. Not even using proper medical terminology. It is not conversation that would happen in any other professional client/therapist studio. Thank you for making that the only real line in the sand.

If at any time you are not comfortable, it is VERY IMPORTANT to communicate you need me to STOP.
Even if we have previously agreed on me working that area. You comfort is paramount. Let me know you need me to stop.

It is the clients’ responsibility to keep me informed of any current medical treatment, and to provide requested or required written permission from physician, chiropractor, physical therapist or other health care provider.

The client must also keep the massage therapist informed of any changes in his/her condition between sessions.

Feedback

During you session you can groan, moan, cry, grunt, curse the very heavens. How you manage deep tissue vocally is perfectly fine. I will listen, and do my best to use your vocalizations to direct my intensity and touch in addition to how I feel your tissue responding.

After your session, knowing how I did is very important to me. Not because I want my ego stroked or anything. I am genuinely interested in any expectation vs. actual massage deviation. While you are in a blurry post massage haze, I don't need too many specifics. But knowing some general satsfaction levels is important.

Payment Due After Service

After your session, unless you have prepaid, I will then collect the fees for the service.
I accept Cash, Credit Card and Apple Pay. I do not at this time accept Zelle.

You can split your total across various payment types.
I also offer prepayment online via Square. It is as easy as purchasing whatever denomination covers your session price, and then sending the Gift Card to me: sean@seanmccoylmt.com

Tipping Policy

I would rather a client reschedule, than tip.
Budgeting for massage is not common. Those who do it, understand its value. It is in both of our best interests for you to consider massage as a weekly, bi-monthly or monthly wellness practice.
To that end, skip the tip and reschedule!
With that said: If the budget is not a concern, then by all means tip me to perceived value! Puppy needs a new collar.

Cancellation & Fees

No worries, and none. Life is tough enough. If you need to cancel, for whatever reason at whatever moment in time - no worries. I'd rather get you rescheduled if at all possible.
If you cancel on me twice in a row: I will simply ask you to prepay the next session.

Scope Of Practice

I am not a doctor. I do not diagnose. I do not prescribe.
Because I am legally not allowed to do so.

I can tell you what I know about a subject. Possibly dispel myths or disinformation. I can and do recommend self-help exercises which you may choose to do, to prolong the effect of massage and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
But I can not make a diagnosis. And I can only prescribe healthy choices and behaviors.

All personal client information is confidential. Everything communicated during a session is held in complete confidence. Client’s records are available for their review upon request.
Dissemination of client personal information is done only upon client request for delivery to a professional care provider or under a court order.

Contraindications

Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present in the therapy room.
If you are currently under a physician’s care, please confirm first that you are eligible to receive massage. I can modify the session to accommodate most local massage contraindications. However, your physician will know if you simply should not receive massage at this time.
Due to massage’s effect on the lymphatic system, those who have just received chemotherapy, dialysis and other circulatory/lymphatic affecting treatments should wait at least 48 hours before receiving massage unless indicated otherwise by a physician.
Persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, recent surgery or fractures, phlebitis, fever should consult their physicians before receiving a massage, and will need a written consent from the physician before the massage can take place. Inform me of any restrictions that may apply.
Please inform me if you currently have any of the following: bruised areas, open wounds, break in skin, or recent burn. These items are not reasons to not receive massage, rather reasons to not massage a certain area.
Should I or the client contract a contagious disease that could be spread during the massage session (cold, flu, other droplet or airborne infections), each will inform the other. The decision to reschedule will be handled in a case by case fashion.

Must Love Dogs

Since I “work from home”, our cocker spaniel, Lily wants to be near me. In fact, trying to keep her out; is simply too stressful for both Lily and myself. She just has too much “Puppy Healing Energy” she wants to share. And during session, she will fall asleep under the table. Cocker Spaniels are a mostly hypoallergenic breed. She does not trigger my allergies. But, Lily is still a dog. So, if you are uncomfortable with her being present during your massage: I will need you to find a different massage therapist.
Just to be clear: Do not schedule, if you are unable to tolerate Lily being present during your session. Thank you for your understanding.