Terms & Conditions – Martension

Version: 21 September 2025

“A few clear guidelines at Martension help us create a safe and enjoyable experience together.”

“By booking a massage appointment at Martension, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions below.”

1. Definitions

In these terms, the following definitions apply:

Martension: the massage practice of Maarten Boersma, located in Haarlem.
Client: the natural person who books or receives a massage/treatment.
Session: any massage or treatment performed by Martension.

2. Purpose of the sessions

Massages at Martension are aimed at relaxation, awareness, and restoring balance. They are not a substitute for regular medical care and are not intended to diagnose or independently treat medical conditions.

3. Health, pregnancy and contraindications

Martension reserves the right to refuse or discontinue a session in case of doubt regarding the client’s health, injuries, complaints or contraindications, and may advise the client to consult a physician or medical specialist first.
Massage treatments are not provided during the first trimester of pregnancy. In later stages of pregnancy, massage may only be considered after prior consultation, as Martension is not specialized in pregnancy massage.
Where applicable, explicit approval from a treating physician or medical specialist may be requested, after which follow-up appointments may be considered.
Clients who are under medical treatment or use medication are advised to consult their physician in advance and to inform the therapist prior to the session.

4. Age requirement

Martension offers massages to clients aged 18 and older.
Younger clients are only welcome with written permission and the presence of a parent or guardian.

5. Client responsibility

The client is responsible for providing complete and accurate information during the intake. Only then can a session be carried out in a safe and responsible manner.

6. Liability

The effects of massage differ per person. Martension is not responsible for responses outside the normal effects of massage, especially when information has been withheld or provided incorrectly.
Martension is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings.
Any liability is always limited to the amount paid by the client for the relevant session, or, where applicable, to the amount covered by the professional liability insurance (Balens).

7. Hygiene and environment

Martension provides a clean and hygienic practice space and materials.
Martension is a home practice, located on the second floor and only accessible via stairs. The practice is therefore not accessible for clients with limited mobility or those dependent on a wheelchair or lift. Clients are responsible for safely entering the staircase and practice space.
A cat is present in the household but does not enter the massage room. The practice space itself is clean, hygienic, and pet-free.
Clients are expected to attend their appointment in a clean and presentable state.
Mutual respect, hygiene, and appropriate conduct are expected from both sides.

8. Communication & feedback

During the session, there is always space to indicate what feels comfortable or uncomfortable. The client remains responsible for communicating their own boundaries and preferences.

9. Access and behavior

Martension reserves the right to refuse a session in case of contraindications or if the client is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Erotic or sexual massages are not part of the services offered. Clients requesting such services will be asked to leave the practice immediately and will no longer be welcome.
In cases of inappropriate behavior or boundary violations, the session may be terminated immediately without refund.

10. Late arrival

If the client arrives later than the scheduled appointment time, this will be deducted from the session time. The full fee remains applicable.

11. Appointments and cancellations

Sessions are by appointment only and can be booked through the website.
Clients may reschedule an appointment independently up to 24 hours in advance through the online booking system or by contacting Martension directly.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the appointment will be charged 50% of the session fee.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment will be charged in full, as the scheduled time is reserved exclusively for you.
A first-time cancellation may be waived once as a courtesy.
In the event of a no-show, the full session fee will be charged.
The timestamp of the booking system or email will serve as the binding record of cancellation or rescheduling.

12. Payments

After the session, the client receives a digital invoice with a payment request (iDeal link).
Invoices must be paid within 14 days of the invoice date.
Cash payments are not possible.

13. Gift vouchers and discounts

Gift vouchers are valid for one year from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated.
They cannot be exchanged for cash and cannot be extended.
Discounts or promotions cannot be combined with gift vouchers unless explicitly stated otherwise.

14. Rates

Martension reserves the right to change rates.
For already booked appointments, the rate valid at the time of booking will apply.

15. Force majeure

Martension is not liable for failure to fulfill obligations due to force majeure, including illness, technical failures, fire, government measures, pandemics, or other circumstances beyond Martension’s control. In such cases, appointments will be rescheduled or canceled free of charge.

16. Privacy

All personal data provided by the client will be treated confidentially and used only for the execution of services or to comply with legal obligations. Martension complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Data will never be shared with third parties without written consent.

17. WGBO (Dutch Medical Treatment Agreement Act)

Martension operates in accordance with the Wet op de geneeskundige behandelingsovereenkomst (WGBO), the Dutch Medical Treatment Agreement Act. This means that:

Informed consent is always required: a session will only take place with the client’s permission.
Clients have the right to access their file.
Files are, in principle, stored for 20 years, unless the law or circumstances allow for a shorter period.
Data is stored securely and confidentially, in accordance with Dutch legislation.

18. Wkkgz (Dutch Healthcare Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act)

Martension falls under the Wet kwaliteit, klachten en geschillen zorg (Wkkgz), the Dutch Healthcare Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act. This means that:

A complaints procedure applies.
Clients with a complaint must first contact Martension (via email: [email protected]).
If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, the client may turn to the independent complaints officer and disputes committee.
Martension holds professional and business liability insurance with Balens.

19. Governing law

These terms are exclusively governed by Dutch law.
Disputes will be submitted to the competent court in the district of Noord-Holland.
In case of discrepancies between the Dutch and English version of these terms, the Dutch version shall prevail.

20. Final provision

By agreeing to these terms, the client declares that he/she will not hold Martension liable for side effects or aftereffects that may result from a massage.