FAQ & Policy

imageI have a gift certificate that is expired, will you still take it?
I will allow a 2 month grace period on all expired gift certificates. If you use it within 2 months of the expiration date, you will receive full value for it. A Gift certificate that is past this 2 month grace period will be considered inactive.  You may reactivate it by paying 10% of the present value of the service when you redeem the certificate.  At my current prices, this means that you can get a one hour massage on an expired gift certificate for $8.  This fee is imposed to cover cost increases since the time the certificate was issued and for additional record keeping for certificates that are expired. You must still have the actual certificate, as they are automatically set to a zero balance in the system after 1 year.

Will you donate a massage to my favorite charity auction?
I get a lot of requests to donate.  The good news is, there is a lot of charity going on in Charlottesville.
The following restrictions apply to charitable donations:
1) I will donate to your auction if you are an active client, meaning that you have paid me to give you a massage within the last 6 months.
2) The certificate will be for a free half hour massage.  Either the charity, or the winner may add additional time at the regular rate.
3) The gift certificate will expire 12 months from the date of issue, not the date of the event.
4) I reserve the right not to donate if requests have been at a high level for a particular quarter.

How far in advance do I need to make an appointment?
My online scheduling system and answering service require 4 hours notice before the appointment start time.  Planning ahead makes it more likely you will be able to reserve the time you want.  The easiest way to make an appointment is to create an online account.  Then you can view my schedule for the whole month.

I want to invest in wellness & wish I could come every week.  How can I save money on massage?

Referral Rewards- Save $20.
I will send you a post card worth $20 off a one hour massage for every person that you refer to me who comes in for a paid massage.  You may use a reward immediately or accumulate several rewards to the point of getting a free massage.  You must be an active client to receive a reward.
Package Discount-Treat yourself to a free massage.  Buy 5 massages of the same type and get the 6th one free.  Packages are paid for in advance, expire one year from the purchase date and are not transferrable.  Final price $66 per one hour massage.  An excellent value!
Active Client Discounts-$15 off your 60 or 90 minute session up to 5 times a year. To get these promotions, be sure that I have both your current email and postal address and that you come in for a massage at least once every 6 months.
Loyalty Cards- Bring your card to each paid session.  After 5, your 6th session is 50% off with your full card.
Facebook Fan- Become a fan of New Life on Facebook and remain a fan.  Ask for a $5 discount once per calendar quarter as an ongoing reward.  Facebook is also an easy was to refer your friends and family to New Life, and they can take advantage of the "fan" discount too.  See the link on the front page or links page of this web site to become a fan.

Do you make house calls? 
Almost never.  I work in my office on Berkmar Drive.  I will go to a client's house if I already have a working relationship with them and they are experiencing a special circumstance that requires a home visit. I will also consider doing a home visit if a new client is referred to me by an existing client, chiropractor, physician or physical therapist.  I do not go to hotels.  Extra fees for travel will apply.

How is pregnancy massage different from regular massage?
Pregnancy massage takes into account the changes in physiology, posture and musculature that occur in the woman's body during pregnancy.  The weight of the developing baby adds strain to muscles and joints that are already in a state of laxity due to hormonal changes.  Massage can help relieve tension in these sore muscles. In addition, massage during pregnancy, can be an important factor in reducing stress in the mother which contributes to a healthy pregnancy.  If you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, please let me know so that I can adjust my massage technique to your special needs.

Why Should I come to New Life for massage instead of somewhere else?
Quality of Care
When you come to New Life, your therapist is always Jennifer Lewis, CMT.  You have consistent, quality care adjusted as your therapy needs change week to week.
Premium Features of the Massage Room
Great care was used in designing the therapy room to insure your comfort. Thick, soft flannel sheets for provide increased comfort and privacy. A temperature controlled memory foam massage table and memory foam face cradle are adjusted to your specifications.  A fountain and adjustable music volume provide a perfect soundscape for relaxation.
Pricing and Session Length-more massage time, less money
Time-Provided you arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time, your massage will last the full hour, not the 50 minute "spa hour" that so many larger business have now adopted.
Price-If you purchase a package, the final price per hour is $66, as low as you will find in Charlottesville for a full hour. Unlike most franchises, the purchase of a package does not require automatic monthly payments or membership fees.  You have a full year to use 6 sessions.  So even if you come every other month, a package from New Life is still a great value. 
The low priced $20 stress buster allows everyone to experience massage no matter what their budget.
Tip-At all spas and franchises the receptionist will ask you to tip the therapist.  This adds to your total cost paid per hour.  You will not be asked to tip at New Life.  I would prefer that you consider me part of your health care team like your doctor, dentist, or physical therapist.
Convenient Scheduling
You may schedule your appointment online from your computer when it suits your schedule.  In addition, I have a 24 hour receptionist who answers my phone when I am busy or if it is after hours.  She can help you with scheduling and gift certificate purchases.
Active client discounts
There are additional discounts and savings opportunities that occur throughout the year for clients who get a massage at least every 6 months.

General Practice Policies

Your Massage Session and Draping  Please arrive clean and without perfumes, lotion or cologne.   After the therapist discusses your goals for the session, she will leave the room and allow you time to disrobe to your comfort level.  People have varying levels of modesty and different levels of experience with massage.  When making your decision about how much clothing to remove, keep in mind that the only part or your body that will ever be exposed during the session is the part that is being worked on.  At all other times, you will be covered by a sheet (and blanket, if desired).  Strict draping protocols are adhered to as require by the therapist‘s professional affiliations.  Also understand that the more clothing is removed, the more effectively the therapist can work.
Massage sessions are NOT of a sexual nature.  If a client behaves in a sexual or provocative manner at any time, the session will be terminated immediately, the client will be asked to leave and will be denied any future appointments.  Full fees will be charged.
Payment  I accept cash, checks, Visa, Master Card, Discover Card and American Express, payable at the time of service. 
Cell Phones Please remember to turn off all electronic devices or leave them in your car so you may receive the full benefit of your massage without interruptions.
Scheduling Sessions are by appointment only.  Please arrive a few minutes early. If you arrive late for your appointment time, you will be given the option of receiving massage for the remainder of your scheduled time slot at the full session rate.  Since other clients are scheduled after you, adding the missed time onto the end of the session is not possible.
Cancellations   As a courtesy, please allow 12 hours notice for cancellations.  If 12 hours advance notice is not given, a cancellation fee will be charged.
Inclement Weather  In case of severe weather, some appointments may need to be rescheduled.  The therapist will contact you should this situation arise.


If you have specific questions not answered by elsewhere on this site, please fill out the form on the "contact" section and I will answer your question to the best of my ability.