Update November 24th, 2020
As you read this update I'm hopeful that you and your loved ones are staying safe and in good health.
As we prepare for the upcoming holidays, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude, for your trust, loyalty, support, and flexibility during this time; thank you for your honesty, open communication, and cooperation with the safety measures and protocols that so far have been effective enough for keeping us safe, and making it possible to continue our therapy sessions, while doing our part to reduce the spread of this virus in our community.
Medical professionals have been warning us about the coming winter months, and we're now seeing a significant rise in positive cases all over the country, with Miami-Dade County as of Nov. 24th, ranked #3 for positive cases an...
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Update November 24th, 2020
As you read this update I'm hopeful that you and your loved ones are staying safe and in good health.
As we prepare for the upcoming holidays, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude, for your trust, loyalty, support, and flexibility during this time; thank you for your honesty, open communication, and cooperation with the safety measures and protocols that so far have been effective enough for keeping us safe, and making it possible to continue our therapy sessions, while doing our part to reduce the spread of this virus in our community.
Medical professionals have been warning us about the coming winter months, and we're now seeing a significant rise in positive cases all over the country, with Miami-Dade County as of Nov. 24th, ranked #3 for positive cases and #7 for deaths nationally (John Hopkins). A persistent failure to comply with the recommended safety and preventive guidelines has lead to a significant resurgence in positive cases, combined with the start of the flu and respiratory illness season, it's a perfect storm for our current outbreak. The CDC has released new urgent guidelines to prevent the spread and contagion of the virus during the holiday and winter months.
Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, if you or anyone in your household is:
- traveling (allow the recommended 14 days of quarantine after your return, before your next appointment)
- attending or hosting an indoor or outdoor family gathering with anyone that's not from your immediate household (currently lives with you; regardless of the number of people)
- were in any place or situation where wearing masks and respecting social distancing was not followed
Please cancel and reschedule any upcoming appointments as soon as possible, and allow a minimum of 14 days or more before scheduling your next appointment.
Please cancel your appointment if any of the following apply:
(see Updated Appointment Cancellation Policy further below)
- you've had a fever in the last 24 hours of 99ºF or above
- are not feeling well or experiencing even mild symptoms such as; shortness of breath and fatigue, sinus allergies or congestion, Flu like symptoms, sudden and unusual muscle or body-aches, sore throat, cough, new loss of taste or smell
- you've been exposed to anyone in the last 14 days who has been diagnosed positive with COVID-19, regardless if the person exposed is showing symptoms or not
- you or anyone in your bubble are currently waiting for any COVID-19 test results due to exposure
- you tested negative but only using a rapid or antigen test, and not the PCR nasal swab or saliva test following a possible exposure (due to a higher false negative results when using only rapid testing). You can reschedule your appointment only after testing negative through a PCR test. Virus incubation can be from 2-14 days, and spreading can take place 2 days before onset of symptoms, and contagious for up to 10 days after signs or symptoms first appeared
These measures are necessary due to the close proximity and personal contact that bodywork and massage therapy require; and most importantly to prevent and protect you, all clients, and myself from the spread and contagion of infectious diseases, mainly COVID-19 (coronavirus), during this current outbreak within our community.UPDATED APPOINTMENT CANCELLATION POLICIES
Amid the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19, I have modified the cancellation policy to offer greater flexibility. I hope this will alleviate any stress and hesitation you have about an upcoming appointment. If you need to reschedule for whatever reason, and especially if you are not feeling well, I understand and request for you to please contact me as soon as possible to reschedule. To further support you, there will be no penalties for cancellations due to illness. Pre-paid sessions will remain as a credit in your account for rescheduling.
- It is still required to cancel or reschedule your appointment 24 hours in advance to avoid full charge payment for your scheduled appointment (exception is only for situations due to illness)
No-shows
Anyone who either forgets or consciously chooses to forgo their appointment for whatever reason will be considered a “no-show.” They will be charged the full amount for their “missed” appointment.
Late Arrivals
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. Depending upon how late you arrive, your therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the length of the treatment actually given, you will be responsible for the “full” session. Out of respect and consideration to your therapist and other customers, please plan accordingly and be on time.
Refund Policy
There are no refunds; including Prepaid Sessions, Gift Certificates, or Massage Series. All Prepaid Sessions, Gift Certificates or Series are good for 1 year from the date of purchase. Whole or remaining Prepaid sessions, Massage series or Gift Certificates, are transferable to another individual one time only.
New Protocols for In-Office Appointments:In addition to the already high standards of daily sanitation maintenance, personal health and hygiene practices applied in my practice and required in the massage and bodywork profession, I will continue taking extra precautions to protect and prevent the spread of viruses in my clinic by implementing these additional measures:- you are required to complete and update your medical history online intake form
- there will be a pre-appointment screening either by phone call or text message
- thoroughly disinfecting and sanitizing the entire treatment room and equipment after every appointment using EPA approved disinfectants
- keeping the air quality in my office clean and safe by using a medical grade (HEPA) certified, high efficiency particulate air purifier
- blocking out 30 minutes in between appointments for cleaning and disinfecting
- temperature check upon arrival using an infrared no-touch forehead thermometer
- face masks must be worn in order to enter the building, and in any common area such as the lobby, halls, or restrooms. A formal request was issued by the buildings property management company. (only exceptions are for those with existing medical conditions that prevents them from wearing a face mask)
- facemask must be worn during therapy by both client and therapist. If breathing is difficult during the face-down position, an accommodation can be implemented. (again only exceptions are for those with existing medical conditions that prevents them from wearing a face mask)
- face masks must cover the nose and mouth at all times; material should be per CDC recommended guidelines such as made of cotton cloth, surgical mask, or N95
- it is preferred to arrive for your appointment having previously showered following any exercise activity
- hand sanitizer will be provided as well as access to restroom sinks for proper handwashing
- facial tissue will be provided for personal use during proper coughing and sneezing etiquette
- the use of nitrile latex-free gloves can be implemented if preferred by the client or therapist during treatment
- you can pay in advance when scheduling your appointment online, or use mobile pay during in person check out
- only you (the person receiving therapy) is allowed in the room, no companions allowed during this time due to social distance requirements for COVID-19 safety and prevention. Companions can wait in the building's lobby sitting area (mask required), or in your vehicle.
I will continue to adhere to all the recommended safety and preventive guidelines for both my practice as well as my personal and family life. I will immediately notify all clients, should I, anyone in my household, or any client, test positive for COVID-19.
Also, if either of us should experience COVID-19 type symptoms within a 14 day period of our last interaction, each party should agree to notify the other.
As I take every reasonable precaution to protect myself and my clients, please understand there can be no guarantee made that either you or I will come away from our interactions unscathed. If you choose to receive massage/bodywork, the risk here will be mutually shared despite any enhanced safety protocols. If you choose to venture out into the community and patronize local businesses, and in this case seek out massage therapy/bodywork, you must be aware of this risk given the information currently available about COVID-19, relative to your personal health status, and to those you live with or are responsible for. The choice is yours to make. I ask that you acknowledge the following waiver should you decide to seek massage therapy/bodywork at my office.
I understand that, because massage therapy/bodywork involves maintained touch and close physical proximity over an extended period of time, there may be an elevated risk of disease transmission, including COVID-19. I acknowledge that I am aware of the risks involved and give consent to receive massage and bodywork from Christian Ruiz, LMT.
If you agree, I'll be happy to see you soon. If not, that's ok and I will certainly respect your decision to wait for a later time in the future.
With great humility and gratitude I appreciate very much your understanding and support. Please contact me if you have any questions. Otherwise I look forward to seeing you in our upcoming appointment.
Disclosure:
Any form of Massage/Bodywork Therapy provided by Christian Ruiz, LMT, is not to be considered or interpreted as a medical treatment, a medical diagnosis, a medical treatment plan, or as a substitute form of therapy for any medical condition. Massage/Bodywork is not appropriate care for infectious or contagious illness; conditions such as the Common Cold and Flu, Stomach Ache, Cough, Strep Throat, Conjunctivitis (pink eye), Allergies, or any other infectious or contagious illness are contraindications for receiving Massage/Bodywork Therapy. You must cancel your appointment as soon as you're aware of any infectious or contagious illness. Your therapy session will be refused if you show up sick or ill. If you have or suspect that you have sustained any type of injury or illness, please see a medical Doctor prior to requesting or receiving any form of Massage/Bodywork Therapy.
Conditions requiring medical diagnosis and/or physical rehabilitative treatment or exercises will be referred out.
Massage/bodywork is a highly effective form of alternative therapy that can facilitate the body's ability to heal and recover sooner through a conservative approach when dealing with stress, physical pain and soreness due to an increase in physical, mental and emotional demand. It's highly effective and beneficial in helping maintain an optimum level of overall health, performance and injury prevention, when incorporated into a regular wellness routine.
Please complete the medical intake form prior to your session, sent to you as a link with your appointment confirmation email. If you don't find or receive the link, please contact me so I can resend it.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Location in South Miami
5901 Southwest 74 Street Suite 213
South Miami, Florida 33143
Parking is free in any of the two outdoor Lots on 74 Street; one to the West of the building and the other to the South.
Please do not park under the building, that is reserved parking and enforced, you may get the boot lock, and be solely responsible for any violation payments.
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