16. Specialty Service Policies: Cupping Therapy & Hot Stone Massage

Informed Consent
Cupping therapy and hot stone massage are optional enhancements. By scheduling or accepting either service, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the information below, had the opportunity to ask questions, and voluntarily consent to treatment.
These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition and are not a substitute for medical care.

Cupping Therapy
Cupping uses specialized cups to create suction on the skin, which may help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and support recovery.

Possible Risks and Side Effects
Temporary circular marks or discoloration, bruising, skin redness, mild swelling, tenderness, soreness, temporary tightness or sensitivity, lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, temporary discomfort, and rarely blistering, skin irritation, or minor skin injury.

Cupping Contraindications
Notify your therapist before treatment if you have pregnancy, a bleeding or clotting disorder, use blood-thinning medications, diabetes with impaired healing, cancer or current cancer treatment, fragile or easily bruised skin, varicose veins, active skin infections or rashes, eczema or psoriasis flare-ups, sunburn, open wounds, recent surgery, recent fractures or acute injuries, fever or contagious illness, or any condition affecting skin integrity or healing.

Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage uses professionally heated stones to help relax muscles and enhance therapeutic massage.

Possible Risks and Side Effects
Temporary skin redness, mild soreness or tenderness, increased sensitivity to heat, bruising, lightheadedness, fatigue, and rarely minor burns or skin irritation.

Hot Stone Contraindications
Notify your therapist before treatment if you have reduced sensation or neuropathy, diabetes affecting circulation or sensation, cardiovascular disease, poor circulation, uncontrolled blood pressure, multiple sclerosis or another neurological disorder affecting heat sensitivity, active skin conditions, sunburn, open wounds, recent surgery, acute inflammation, fever or contagious illness, pregnancy, or any condition affecting your ability to safely tolerate heat.
If stones feel too warm or uncomfortable, notify your therapist immediately.

Client Responsibility
You agree to provide complete and accurate information regarding health history, medications, allergies, injuries, surgeries, pregnancy status, and medical condition changes before each appointment.
Failure to disclose relevant information may increase risk and require modification or discontinuation of treatment.
Your therapist may decline or modify treatment if it is not appropriate or may pose a risk to your health or safety.

Assumption of Risk and Release
By accepting cupping or hot stone massage, you acknowledge the information, nature, benefits, and known risks; had the opportunity to ask questions; understand there are no guarantees; voluntarily assume ordinary and inherent risks; agree to report pain, excessive discomfort, unusual heat, dizziness, or unexpected reactions; and release and hold harmless the therapist and practice for ordinary risks and expected side effects when treatment follows accepted professional standards, except where prohibited by law or involving negligence or willful misconduct.

 

17. Health Information and Client Responsibility
Clients must provide complete and accurate health information on the intake form, including relevant medical conditions, allergies, medications, injuries, surgeries, pregnancy status, and any changes before each appointment. Clients are responsible for informing their therapist of any new or changed health information so treatment can be reviewed, modified, or declined when needed.

18. Emergency Procedures
For a serious medical emergency, such as a heart attack, stroke, choking, or seizure, 911 will be called immediately. For other urgent situations, the emergency contact listed on the client's intake form may be contacted. Clients are responsible for keeping their emergency contact information current.

19. Client Records
Client records, including intake and health information, will be retained for 10 years, subject to applicable law and professional requirements. Clients should keep their contact and health information current.

20. Appointment Reminder Consent
When clients schedule an appointment, they agree to receive appointment reminders by text message, phone, and email unless they tell their therapist how they prefer to be contacted. Appointment reminders are a courtesy and do not replace the client's responsibility to track appointment times.

21. Payment Disputes
Clients agree to contact Vitality Health Massage first to discuss and resolve payment concerns before filing a chargeback or payment dispute, when permitted by applicable law. This does not limit any rights provided by law.