Last update: June 2022

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Hours + Appointments + Payments 
What to Expect ... Pre-, Mid-, and Post-Therapy
What to Expect from Paula​
Perfume Policy
​What Not to Do
New or Nervous?
Consultations and Confidentiality​
Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Fees
Calculation of Rates
Referral (Incentive) Program​
Gifting
Insurance and Receipts
Mail

Hours

  • By Appointment Only
  • 10 AM - 4 PM, until further notice
  • Last appointment must end by 4 PM

Appointments

  • Paula has always been a member of the vulnerable population and also suffered COVID pneumonia with lingering effects. As a consequence, appointment availability is dependent upon her health status. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.
  • Before requesting an appointment, read and agree to all that is on this page. 
  • Contact Paula to request an appointment or to be put on the waitlist.
  • Last minute appointments are not accepted. If you are hurting and cannot wait at least 72 hours to be seen, please go to your nearest emergency facility for help.
  • ​Please book with certainty of attendance. Small, private practices, like Paula's Body Shop, cannot easily accommodate cancellations or rescheduling.​

Payments

  • After your appointment has been set, prepayment is required:
    • New clients pay the same day as booking an appointment, or else appointment will be cancelled.
    • Returning clients pay anytime prior to appointment, or by cash during appointment. If paying by cash, please say so at time of booking. 
  • Use Pay link, here or under the Appointments tap at the top of any page, when you are ready to make payment.
  • Payments are processed by Square, and Square accepts: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, JCB, UnionPay, most HSA/FSA cards, and Square Gift Cards.​
  • Payments are nonrefundable, but are transferable to another person.
  • NEW: Donations from patrons now accepted to cover costs not passed down to clients. App software doesn't permit entering your own amount, so it is configured to accept amounts in multiples of $500. 

What to Expect ...

Pre-Therapy

  • Please arrive on time, not early. There are shops and cafes around the corner on Amsterdam, should you arrive sooner than expected. 
  • If intercom is not working, text your arrival to 212-663-8366.
  • Remove shoes after entering the office, and wash hands and face at sink. 
  • During pandemic and flu season, client and therapist are to wear a health mask from start to finish. Standard surgical masks are easier to breathe in. 
  • A person who has difficulty trusting will have a body that will have difficulty letting go, so please do your best for your sake. If you need help with this, let your therapist know - at the start of your appointment.
  • Paula shares copious amounts of information for your benefit, so please limit questions to clarifying ones - and help keep the conversation about the work.
  • Disrobing is preferred for the use of oils, ointments, and palpation, but disrobing is optional. Your comfort is more important than the use of oils. When you are asked to get on the table, disrobe in private to your comfort level and cover yourself with the sheet. In most cases, you will be asked to lie face-up.

Mid-Therapy

  • Report any pain, discomfort, or fear immediately, not afterward.​
  • It is common to need to use the restroom during a session, even more than once. Please feel free to do so as needed.
  • Potential unexpected responses you may experience during therapy are: sinus congestion, lower blood pressure, appearance of old/forgotten memories, and release of emotions. Physical arousal is also natural, but is not to be acted on.
  • If used, gua sha and cupping may bring color to the skin's surface through a therapeutic siphoning action. The coloring is temporary and does no harm. It may look like a bruise, but it is not a bruise.
  • Note: Immune-compromised individuals will receive a gentler, but no less effective session, appropriate to their condition. Eg. Cancer patients receiving chemo, radiation, immunotherapy, or clinical trial.
  • If Paula discovers that there is more going on than meets the eye, so to speak, she will say so and ask you to return at a future date to finish what was started.
  • Occasionally, clients need more than Paula can give them. If this happens, you will be referred out or to another medical professional. ​​​

Post-Therapy

  • There are 2 recovery periods: 72 hours for soft tissue therapy; 5 full days for bone-level therapy.
  • Your recovery period may include fatigue, soreness, headache, cold- or flu-like symptoms. This is less likely if hydrated and you don't overdo physical activity.
  • Hydrate with enough plain, non-carbonated water. Use Mayo Clinic formula: Drink half your weight in ounces, daily. (140 lbs = 70 ounces of water/day.) Coffee, tea, alcohol, fruit juice, and sugary drinks do not count - these dehydrate. Dehydration may be the leading cause of chronic pain and inflammation in some people.
  • Even if you feel better, unless told otherwise, engage at-most in only your normal activities during your recovery period. Do not overdo, or you risk injury.
  • Although rare, if you experience side effects that are dramatically different or longer than stated here, email Paula within your recovery period to see if there is a quick fix for it.
  • All forms of bodywork can open a window to underlying emotional or physical issues that may or may not be known to you, and yet are valuable to healing. If you experience strong emotional response or fatigue beyond your recovery period, inform Paula and seek the appropriate medical support for your situation.
  • Want to know when to return after your visit is over? Determine your own, unique return rate.​

What to Expect from Paula

  • Clients come to Paula because they need help with pain from injury or disease, surgery prevention or prep, or general prevention and healing. These are serious situations that sometimes involve fear or mistrust.
  • If there is fear or mistrust: 
    • Manual therapies can be literally blocked by your body, preventing the very healing you come in for;
    • You may suffer from the effects of trauma, in which case just being aware can improve your outcomes;
    • Your therapist can sense fear and mistrust which can reduce their focus, ability, or both, which may also prevent the very healing you come in for;
    • Fear or mistrust can also manifest as a challenging or unhelpful attitude resulting in the same risk of reduced outcomes.
  • Conquer fear and mistrust:
    • Tell your therapist the truth, and let yourself laugh a little - whatever it takes to break the tension and create understanding;
    • Understand that effective bodywork may appear mechanical but is not. Great bodywork involves intense awareness, tactile listening, and accurate responsiveness, all of which work best in a mutually trusting, respectful environment.
  • Also, when you hire Paula, you are paying for her expertise, so please be open to her way of healing, even if it flies in the face of what you believe to be true.
  • In the past, Paula worked so hard to gain a client's trust that she erred in her communications by being too relaxed and friendly, leading clients to socialize, even debate. That is neither healthy nor sustainable, and Paula apologizes to those that she has confused, albeit unintentionally.
  • As always:
    • All communications are for your benefit;
    • If, out of habit, Paula is too casual, it is an attempt to help you relax and trust, not to socialize or debate;
    • You are free to accept or ignore her insights and professional advice - it is your body and your choice;
    • If any communications make you uncomfortable, it is okay to ask for a less-informative session;
  • Please limit questions to clarifying, needs-based, and on-topic questions.​ 
  • Your understanding and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
  • If any of the above makes you feel uncomfortable, Paula may not be the right therapist for you.

Perfume Policy

  • Plan to arrive fragrance-free, whether from lotions, oils, or perfumes. This is an allergy and health issue for Paula and possibly you, too: Serious Health Issues Linked to Fragrance Chemicals.
  • Unfortunately, a few clients repeatedly ignored the no-scent requirement, causing Paula illness and increased hyper-sensitivity to fragrances. Therefore, any presence of synthetic scent may result in both service refusal and fees.
  • Antiperspirant/deodorant is fine, except for Axe. 
  • Your understanding and acceptance of this policy is greatly appreciated.
  • In general, whenever you have a doctor appointment, visit a hospital or sick friend, or receive complementary or integrative care, you are both wise and considerate when you arrive clean and fragrance-free.

What Not to Do

  • Do not receive bodywork for obvious contraindications, but also: Respiratory illness, blood clot risk, or while under the influence of recreational drug/alcohol use.
  • Do not see paula for 1-2 weeks after returning from out-of-town travel during flu season. Use best judgment whenever around sensitive, high risk individuals, of which Paula is one.
  • Do not forget to inform Paula at the start of your session if you are planning any strenuous activity within 72 hours of seeing her. Normally, it is wise to avoid above-normal activities for 72 hours after your session. 
  • Do not exhibit disrespectful behavior or attitude for it will be treated as bullying and the session will end with no refund. 
  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after any bodywork session. There are many reasons, but one is that it reverses at least some of the therapy you just paid to receive.
  • Do not ask for extra time while in session, even if you are willing to pay for it. Paula is a naturally generous person and has often gone overtime to help clients, sometimes at her peril. Since COVID, this is no longer an option. 
  • Do not hang out to chat after the session is over. It's understandable!
    • You may have lots of questions afterword, but please save them for your next consult unless it's an important question that cannot wait. You may also visit the Post-Session-Help page for answers.
    • You may be feeling so good or spacey that breaking the inertia to get outside is difficult. You will not be rushed, but do make an attempt to leave the office once dressed. You may finish grounding, if need be, at a nearby cafe like The Hungarian Pastry Shop across from the peaceful and world renowned grounds of St. John's Cathedral.​

New or Nervous?

  • Don't fear or discredit bodywork! It's often about finding the right therapist for you.
  • You have a right to prioritize your health, and manual therapies do wonders for most people.
  • If this is your first time getting therapeutic massage or bodywork, or if you have a bad experience and are concerned about trying again, these may help: What Should I Know Before I Go?​ or FAQ.

Consultations and Confidentiality

  • To serve everyone honestly and competently: 
    • No advance consults are given
    • No advance information will be given as to what methods Paula might use or how she might approach your particular situation
    • Medical history is taken at time of appointment not before. Note: This is less important than most people realize because most diagnoses are for insurance and medication purposes, not for resolving or improving the issue.
    • Almost all conditions can be improved through connective tissue (fasciae) therapy under skilled hands - except for blood clots and bad attitudes. If you are high risk for blood clots, get permission from your medical professional for bodywork of any kind. We all have bad attitudes on occasion but they don't contribute to healing, so please leave yours at the door.
  • During the consultation portion of your visit, be upfront with your objectives, health history, and any appointment-related fears you may have. 
  • No post-therapy consults are given. Please keep track of your changes and save your questions for your follow-up appointment consultation.
  • Follow-up appointment consultations are about documenting what changed and for how long, so please keep track!
  • Confidentiality and privacy are guaranteed.
    • Paula is passionate about sharing information, and may share stories about similar conditions, but to highlight a lesson learned, current research, or to bring comfort.
    • No identifying or overly specific information will ever be shared.
    • For the most-shared stories, permission has been asked for and received.

Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Fees

Please book with certainty of attendance. Small, private practices, like Paula's Body Shop, cannot easily accommodate cancellations or rescheduling. Should you need to cancel, regardless of reason, keep the following in mind:
  • You may reschedule your  appointment at any time with at least 48-hours notice, although one week's notice is more helpful. 
  • If less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours notice is given, 50% of the session rate will be considered the cancellation/rescheduling fee, and must be paid prior to any future booking.
  • If no notice or 24-hours or less notice is given, this is a no-show with 100% of session rate as the fee, and must be paid prior to any future booking.
  • Any cancellation, reschedule, or no-show of any reduced-price session will result in the loss of whatever free time or discount was being used for that appointment.​

Calculation of Rates

  • Paula keeps rates as low as she can afford to.
  • Paula does not reduce quality of care under any circumstances.
  • Paula's goal is to prioritize issues and accomplish as much as possible in the allotted time.
  • As a sole proprietor, Paula is unable to offer free or discounted services aside from what may be stated or marketed as a special. For free or discounted services, please contact larger, more funded operations. (While not at all the same, Tui Na is the Chinese Medicine version of connective tissue therapy as well as Thai massage. Both are available at affordable rates throughout the city. 

Referral (Incentive) Program - deferred until further notice

  • Existing clients may earn $50 off any session (except for the Quick fix) for each new client they refer who completes a regularly priced Extensive - the session that is recommended for all new clients.
  • For each qualified referral, you will receive an email stating the cumulative amount earned.
  • There are no time restrictions, but only one, $50 credit may be applied per qualified session booked.
  • Be sure your referral mentions you and be sure they book the Extensive, the one recommended for new clients!
  • To claim, mention at booking time that you would like to to claim your $50 credit.
  • Refer your active, licensed MDs, and earn $100 in credit!
  • Due to professional licensing laws related to conflict of interest, massage therapists, acupuncturists, doctors, chiropractors, and other licensed healthcare workers are excluded from receiving incentives for referrals of their own patients.
  • Any cancellation, reschedule, or no-show will result in the loss of any discount being used for that appointment.
  • To all who make referrals, whether you claim your discount or not - Thank you for helping me to help others and for helping to sustain my practice. I am deeply honored and grateful. ~ Paula

Gifting

To give a loved one a session with Paula, Contact Paula with:
  • Your name;
  • The session you would like to purchase; 
  • The name, email address, and phone number of your recipient.
Either you or Paula can inform your recipient of your gift. If you want Paula to inform your recipient:
  • What day/time would you like it to go out?
  • What message from you, if any, would you like included?
  • You will be bcc'd when the email goes out.
Once these decisions have been made, send payment through the standard Pay tab.

Note: If you already have a prepaid gift voucher from an earlier booking system, please leave a note about your gift voucher during booking.

Insurance and Receipts

  • Digital receipts for credit card payments are automatic. 
  • Receipts with added insurance information are available, upon request, for submission to insurance and/or flexible/health spending account plans, and are usually emailed within 48-hours after your appointment.
  • Contact your insurance company to see if and under what conditions massage therapy is covered.
  • Unfortunately New York State insurers offer little to no coverage for this valuable therapy.
  • In Washington state, massage is covered 100%, because the head of the insurance industry there knows the health benefits of massage. So, please feel free to contact your State Representative and demand access to this remedial and preventive care.

Mail

  • Square is used to make paying easy and to send transactional emails. Please check your spam folder, first, should you feel you are missing an important email.
  • Please whitelist emails from...
    • @squareup.com
    • @messaging.squareup.com
    • @communications.squareup.com
  • The easiest way to whitelist an address is to add the full, specific address to your contacts as emails come in, as well as mark them "not spam" if they happen to have landed in your spam folder.
  • Paula doesn't like spam any more than you do. Therefore, only a few marketing emails per year will be sent from Paula's Body Shop, usually from a direct mail service, to advise you of important information or changes. 
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