FAQ

Do you require a health questionnaire of your clients?

Due to the 2019-2020 outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, we are now required to take extra precautions with the intake of each client, health history review, as well as sanitation and disinfecting practices. Before your first session, you will be required to complete a quick and simple Intake Form to let me learn about your medical history and desired results from the session. Those information are important to give me the chance to discuss about treatment techniques (if necessary) based on your goals, medical history, and stress-related or pain-related problem areas. During the session, I may alter my approach or concentrate on areas of particular discomfort as necessary.

Are you a qualified/insured massage therapist?

Yes. I am a Certified Member of the ABMP - The leading massage therapy association in the U.S. and fully insured with it. I graduated from the Healing Hands Institute, in Richardson, TX. and I have been practicing as a Licensed Massage Therapist under the Texas Department of State Health Services, and more recently through the Florida Department of Health.

How often should I book a session?

For acute pain, 4 or 5 sessions may be sufficient. For chronic conditions be around a long time the treatment may be longer. I also recommend clients to book regular sessions to help reduce many symptoms such as excessive fatigue, stress from exercise, aches and pains and stress-induced headaches and medical symptoms.

What type of massage oils/lotions do you use?

I do not use oils but a range of tested, safe, natural and organic massage lotions from SacredEarth Botanicals®. Most of them are not fragranced but some slighly are, depending on modalities, skin sensitivity and preferences. Should you have any particular preference, please do not hesitate to let me know. Also please do not forget to let me know should you suffer from any allergies or skin conditions. About SacredEarth Botanicals® Massage Lotion SacredEarth Botanicals® unscented massage lotion is light and provides excellent absorption while retaining great glide and workability. It is rich in organic polyunsaturated oils and organic botanical extracts for a calming, therapeutic experience. Unscented, hypo-allergenic and vegan. Ingredients:

• Organic Sunflower Oil - rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E to aid
• skin hydration
• Octyl Palmitate - from palm oil, adds glide
• Vegetable Glycerin - humectant
• Organic Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice - skin moisturizer
• Glyceryl Stearate - emulsifier
• Cetyl Alcohol - a thickening agent from palm oil
• Stearic Acid - emulsifier
• Panthenol (Vitamin B) - humectant
• Allantoin - from comfrey flowers, soothes the skin
• Organic Lavender Extract - relaxing ingredient
• Organic Arnica Extract - calming ingredient
• Organic White Tea Extract - antioxidant
• Organic Chamomile Extract - soothing ingredient
• Tocopherols (Vitamin E) - antioxidant
• Organic Jojoba Oil - emollient
• Organic Borage Oil - emollient
• Sodium Carbomer - thickening agent
• Phenoxyethanol - preservative
• Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin - preservative

How should I dress for my massage therapy treatment?

Before your massage, you will be asked to undress at your level of comfort and lie down on the table underneath the top sheet, for most modalities. You are welcome to wear underwear underneath the sheet if it’s more comfortable for you. During your massage, your therapist will only undrape the areas that are being worked on to respect your modesty. Shortly afterwards, your therapist will walk in to begin your session. The heating pad on your table can be turned up, down or off, and a blanket is provided but can be removed to suit your needs.

What will I be massaged on?

I use a professional massage table and clean linens & towels in every therapy session. Armrests, bolster & pillow are also provided to add to your comfort during treatments. The heating pad on your table can be turned up, down or off, and a blanket is provided but can be removed to suit your needs.

If I enjoy the treatment, and would like to prolonge the session, may I do so?

Unfortunately, it is subject to my availability and it might be difficult for me to accomodate same-day changes. Please feel free to consult me.

Can a single massage therapy session “fix” me?

There’s no definite answer to this question. Some people walk away from a single massage therapy session feeling immediate relief, others have felt a physical improvement from their massage session the next day or a few days later, and some have required a series of regularly scheduled massage therapy sessions in order to notice significant improvements.

What are contraindications and what do they mean in massage therapy?

Please also read Covid-19 questions related. In massage therapy, contraindications are restrictions on what kind of massage treatments can be offered to a client based on medical factors. Total Contraindications
When you have any of these conditions, please do not book a massage:

• Fever
• Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu, no matter how mild it may seem
• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol-including prescription pain medication
• Recent operations or acute injuries
• Neuritis
• Skin diseases

How long is a massage therapy session?

I provide full 60, 90 or 120 minutes massage sessions. Just make sure to have completed your Client Intake Form before coming, to arrive 10 minutes before your actual appointment during your first visit, and then at least 5 minutes before your next massage sessions. Please plan some extra time to find my location and a parking spot, and to use bathrooms. Unfortunately, if your massage session starts late, I will have to reduce your treatment time to ensure that the next clients will be able to receive a full service.

What's the environment like at Swiss Heaven Spa?

The Whispering Woods Center is a tranquil space and a “phone-free” zone from the lobby back, in order to ensure the peace of all clients. During your massage therapy session, you’re welcome to talk (or not) with your therapist. Keep in mind, though, that voices carry through the hallways, so please remember to be courteous to other clients & professionals.

What kind of payments do you accept?

DURING COVID-19 CRISIS, THE FOLLOWING POLICY APPLIES: Cash should be avoided to reduce the risk of possible contamination. Please use Google Pay, Apple Pay, Paypal, Zelle, Venmo or your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover). If you are unable to use a credit card, please have the exact fee ready as no change will be available. IN NORMAL TIMES, WE APPLY THE FOLLOWING POLICY: Whether you're ordering/booking online or paying directly at the office, you can pay for your appointments and purchases with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. We also accept contactless payments via Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo and Zelle. Cash is accepted but change may not be available, please plan accordingly.

Where should I park my car?

Free parking is available around the Whispering Woods Center, but make sure to allow yourself ample time to find a parking space because it can become quite full during busy times.

How do I cancel an appointment?

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment by yourself using your account. Or text (305) 922-7637 or email contact@swissheavenspa.com (voice messages will not be accepted).
- CANCELLATION FEE: 50% of the cost of treatment (or the full redemption of voucher) will be applied to missed or canceled appointments without minimum 24 hours advance notice. If there’s simply no way of avoiding a short-notice cancellation, clients can send a friend or family member to enjoy the treatment!
- RESCHEDULING POLICY: Clients will not be able to book another appointment until the cancellation fee paid in full. Any future bookings will require a 50% deposit.
- LAST MINUTE APPOINTMENTS: Appointments made within 24 hours are automatically subject to cancellation fees.
- LATE ARRIVALS: No fee will be charged but the appointments will end at the scheduled times, as the timely care provided to other clients cannot be compromised. If the late client wish to reschedule instead, the cancellation fee will be applied and any future bookings will require a 50% deposit.
- HOW TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE: You can cancel or reschedule your appointment by yourself using your account. Or text (305) 922-7637 or email contact@swissheavenspa.com (voice messages will not be accepted). - COVID-19 POLICIES: If you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath, we request you to postpone your appointment: Please contact Swiss Heaven Spa by text (305) 922-7637 (no voice messages) or e-mail contact@swissheavenspa.com as soon as possible, or cancel your appointments using the booking system. There will be no cancellation fee at this time in the event of illness, as long as you contact Swiss Heaven Spa by text or e-mail before the scheduled appointments. However, for any cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, clients will not be able to reschedule for 14 days from the scheduled date of treatment and any future bookings will require a 50% deposit. Clients who miss their appointments without giving any prior notification will be charged the regular cancellation fees.

Do you accept insurances?

Unfortunately, Swiss Heaven Spa does not currentenly bill insurance companies but is able to provide elecronic receipts for massage therapy sessions.

New Intake Form

Current and new clients will be asked to complete the updated Intake form, which has been modified to follow insurance guidelines. Prior to each appointment, a specific Precautionary Coronavirus Screening & Liability questionnaire must be filled out to ensure services may be received. Forms are available online and must be completed before visiting the spa as we are now 100% paperless. We are unable to schedule any appointments without these forms being completed prior.

New Schedules

Opening hours have been updated to accommodate changes to pre and post-session protocols, as well as to eliminate the overlap of clients. In addition, due to school closures, summer camp cancellations and limited childcare, operating hours are currently reduced. Bookings cannot be made several weeks ahead at this time ( Online Booking remains the best way to view current openings).

People over 65, pregnant women & people who have underlying health conditions

In accordance with stricter shelter-in-place recommendations to protect our more vulnerable populations, Swiss Heaven Spa will not provide services to clients with compromised immune systems, clients aged 65 or above, or clients in other elevated at-risk categories (including pregnant women) at this time.

Treatment Restrictions

Some specific treatments are currently unavailable, such as longer treatments (why?), pregnancy massage (why?), facial and hand massage, corporate massage..

Early Arrivals

Clients are expected to arrive for their appointments 5-10 minutes prior to their scheduled times, but no more than this. Clients who arrive early should send a text to their therapist and wait in their car. The waiting area is not available at this time.

Late Arrivals

If a client arrives late, his/her session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow his/hers, personal responsibilities and new sanitation procedures (it takes 10 minutes for some cleaning products to effectively kill pathogens). Given those facts, and the other protocols necessary, depending upon how late a client arrives, the therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the length of the treatment actually given, the client will be responsible for full cost of the cost of session. Out of respect and consideration for the therapist and other customers, clients are asked to plan accordingly and be on time.

Cancellations & No-Shows

Cancellation Fees & Vouchers Redemption
- CANCELLATION FEE: 50% of the cost of treatment (or the full redemption of voucher) will be applied to missed or canceled appointments without minimum 24 hours advance notice. If there’s simply no way of avoiding a short-notice cancellation, clients can send a friend or family member to enjoy the treatment!
- RESCHEDULING POLICY: Clients will not be able to book another appointment until the cancellation fee paid in full. Any future bookings will require a 50% deposit.
- LAST MINUTE APPOINTMENTS: Appointments made within 24 hours are automatically subject to cancellation fees.
- LATE ARRIVALS: No fee will be charged but the appointments will end at the scheduled times, as the timely care provided to other clients cannot be compromised. If the late client wish to reschedule instead, the cancellation fee will be applied and any future bookings will require a 50% deposit.
- HOW TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE:: You can cancel or reschedule your appointment by yourself using your account. Or text (305) 922-7637 or email contact@swissheavenspa.com to cancel or reschedule your appointment (voice messages will not be accepted). - COVID-19 POLICIES: If you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath, we request you to postpone your appointment: Please contact Swiss Heaven Spa by text (305) 922-7637 (no voice messages) or e-mail contact@swissheavenspa.com as soon as possible, or cancel your appointments using the booking system. There will be no cancellation fee at this time in the event of illness, as long as you contact Swiss Heaven Spa by text or e-mail before the scheduled appointments. However, for any cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, clients will not be able to reschedule for 14 days from the scheduled date of treatment and any future bookings will require a 50% deposit. Clients who miss their appointments without giving any prior notification will be charged the regular cancellation fees.

Cash

Cash should be avoided to reduce the risk of possible contamination. Please use Google Pay, Apple Pay, Paypal, Zelle, Venmo or your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover). If you are unable to use a credit card, please have the exact fee ready as no change will be available.

Social Distancing & Handshaking

Social distancing of at least 6 feet will be exercised at the entrance of the room, hallways, waiting area, for the restrooms and lobby and handshaking will not take place at this time. Insurance also recommends eliminating casual conversation and remaining in "minimally necessary in-session conversation mode" through the duration of the session.

Hand Washing

Clients must wash or sanitize hands prior to the start of all services, using the bathrooms and the alcohol-based hand rub provided.

Face Mask

Clients are required to wear a face mask covering both the mouth and the nose, in all common areas of the building, and of the Spa before, during, and after the treatment. A face mask will be provided to clients who do not have one. Clients should not book any appointments at this time if they are unable to wear a mask for health or comfort reasons. The therapist will be wearing a face mask and a face shield throughout the duration of her shift.

Other PPE

As prior to the Covid-19 crisis, the therapist will only be wearing gloves during specialty treatments (eg. body wrap), but not during massage, except at the client's request. The therapist will be changing clothes between appointments.

Treatment Room

On top of the standard linen changing and surfaces sanitized with an EPA-approved disinfectant after every client, additional precautions will now be taken: Blankets & pillows will not be available anymore until they are safe to be used again. Double sheets and towels will be provided instead to offer comfort, warmth and modesty. The face cradle will be topped with a pillowcase, leaving a large hammock-type pocket underneath that could catch client aerosols when they are prone.

Drinks and Toiletries

Soft drinks and toiletries (disposable combs, hair ties, cold & hot towelettes, etc) will still be offered to all guests at no additional cost, but will not be available in self-service anymore (on-demand only).

Updated Policies In Response To COVID-19

Amid the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19, policies have been modified to offer greater flexibility to clients and to provide a higher level of safety for you, my family and for myself. I hope this will help with any stress and/or hesitation you have about an upcoming appointment. Please be advised that there are currently no methods to completely remove the risk of person-to-person spread of COVID-19 in a massage/treatment room setting. In lieu of a cure, vaccine, antibody tests or other intervention for COVID-19, there is no guarantee that clients and therapists will come away from their interactions unscathed. It is important to understand the risks, even when wearing PPE. The CDC offers this risk assessment with various PPE scenarios. I am also required to take extra precautions with the intake of each client, health history review, as well as sanitation and disinfecting practices in order to adhere to new insurance requirements and the recommendations provided by the different states Department of Health, in which I am licensed, but also to the CDC & WHO guidelines.