Frequently Asked Questions
CODE OF CONDUCT/CODE OF ETHICS:
A Place To Begin (APTB) is founded on the profound belief that every client should be treated with the utmost respect. Therapeutic Massage is about respecting the human body. We honor the tradition of restoring & preserving balance of Body, Mind & Spirit through RESPECTFUL THERAPEUTIC TOUCH IN A SAFE & PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT.
All of our clients, & customers can expect the HIGHEST level of professionalism demonstrating respect for the dignity and rights of all individuals by providing a clean, comfortable, & safe environment that is free of judgement for all services, using appropriate & skilled draping procedures, giving clients recourse in the event of dissatisfaction with treatment, and upholding the integrity between practitioner & client that is shared within the therapeutic relationship.
At APTB, we have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for ANYONE whose behavior during sessions/services/treatments contain ANY LEVEL OF SEXUAL IMPROPRIETY in behavior or language. OUR THERAPISTS HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE any service, at any given time-during any session should INAPPROPRIATE ACTIONS, GESTURES OR REQUESTS OCCUR.
We are professionally Licensed and Certified Massage Therapists, Practitioners, & Body Workers. We adhere to very strict National and New Jersey State Laws & Regulations including code of conduct & code of ethics for all services offered.
For details about our professional code of ethics that our entire staff adheres to, please see below:
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your service will take place on board our 37 Ft. motor coach that has been transformed into a well-appointed day spa.
Must I be completely undressed?
You should undress to your level of comfort. Traditionally, massage and bodywork services are performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you!
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For modest guests ~ we suggest your clothes (tops & bottoms) are loose enough to be able to access neck, shoulders, arms--and pants that have the ability to be "rolled up" to at least the knees if you would like to enjoy foot treatments (socks would also need to be removed during any foot treatments.) Please consider NOT wearing your favorite garments since it is likely products will come in contact with them.
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Bathing suits, tank tops/cotton shorts or leaving undergarments on are also great choices for remaining clothed while still enjoying a wonderful spa experience!
For full body scrubs & wraps, traditionally, the client is unclothed so as not to get product on undergarments; however if you prefer to have them on, please consider NOT wearing your favorite undergarments since it is likely products will come in contact with them.
A Place To Begin's professional staff of licensed massage therapists ALWAYS consider modesty to be of the utmost importance for ALL guests & we adhere to the strict policy of proper draping techniques that expose ONLY the area being worked on. All other areas are respectfully covered at ALL TIMES for a comfortable & professional spa experience.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
All of our services are directed toward relaxation. In general, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps to hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax,
But ALWAYS feel comfortable to communicate to your therapist if/when you need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. For more information on what the experts are saying about the medical benefits of massage, visit our "Benefits Of Massage" page to see a great collection of fun, interesting & educational videos by clicking the button below!
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why before you begin your session, the practitioner asks you general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
Gratuities:
When we sit down at a restaurant there is usually no confusion about gratuities for the servers who are taking care of us for an hour or so during our meal. But, when it comes to the wellness & spa service industry, tipping can be a bit confusing. We hope this information will help you understand a bit more about gratuity in the world of massage & bodywork!
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Is gratuity expected?
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Is gratuity required?
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Is the gratuity included in the pricing of the service?
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How much of what I pay for my services go to the practitioner?
These are all important & valid questions!
The average gratuity is usually 20% of the Total "Original Price" of services even if the service is discounted or gifted to you. This is ONLY a guideline....it's never set in stone! Many feel so wonderful after their service they offer more than 20% for their practitioner's efforts. But please keep in mind you should ONLY EVER offer what you can afford AND what you are comfortable with--IF you are inclined to say thank you with a gratuity!
If your therapist/practitioner is working for a company/business they may be salaried (not very common), hourly, or paid a small percentage on each service (very common)--or some combination of the three. Gratuities are never promised or guaranteed by companies/businesses to the therapist/practitioner.
Every company/business is different in how they pay their therapists/practitioners. But, across the entire industry there is one common theme regarding gratuities......They are almost always exclusively at the discretion of the receiver of services (with some exceptions relating to larger groups for private & corporate spa parties & packages where a gratuity may be incorporated)
At A Place To Begin, OUR POLICY IS...Gratuities are NOT included with our services*** AND they are NEVER required; but they are genuinely (and deeply) appreciated by a staff of therapists & practitioners who work exceedingly hard exerting a tremendous amount of physical, & spiritual energy to ensure your spa experience is peaceful, relaxing, & restorative by placing you at the center of healing. Gratuity is a wonderful way to say “Thank You" to your therapist for all of their effort & energy (both physically & spiritually) they have placed into your well-being.​
***GRATUITIES are not included on our regular menu, of services ~ however they May be included
in various Spa Party packages/Corporate packages.