1. Business Information
Business Name: DART – Dakin Athletic Recovery & Therapy
Owner/Operator: Hester Dakin, BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Therapy, HCPC Registered
Email: hester@dar-therapy.com
Website: dar-therapy.com
Professional Memberships: Society of Sports Therapists; Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
DART operates as a sole trader providing specialised sports and exercise therapy services in Newark, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom. All services are delivered by qualified, insured professionals adhering to the highest industry standards.
2. Definitions
For these Terms, the following definitions apply:
- “Client” means any individual (aged 18 or over, unless accompanied by a guardian) who books, purchases, or receives services or goods from DART.
- “Services” means the sports and exercise therapy treatments, consultations, assessments, or related activities provided by DART, as detailed in Section 4.
- “Appointment” means a scheduled session for Services, including the date, time, duration, and location (in-clinic or virtual, where applicable).
- “Deposit” means any non-refundable advance payment required to secure an Appointment.
- “Goods” means any physical products, such as recovery tools, supplements, or equipment, sold by DART.
- “Practitioner” means Hester Dakin or any other qualified, insured therapist authorised to deliver Services on behalf of DART.
- “Confidential Information” means any personal, medical, or financial data disclosed by you to DART.
- “Force Majeure Event” means any unforeseen circumstance beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemics, strikes, or government restrictions.
3. Professional Standards and Scope of Practice
3.1 DART is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based sports and exercise therapy Services by fully qualified and insured Practitioners. All treatments are performed in a safe, hygienic environment compliant with UK regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and guidelines from the Society of Sports Therapists.
3.2 Services are provided solely for therapeutic purposes related to athletic recovery, injury management, and performance enhancement. They do not constitute a medical diagnosis, prescription, or replacement for professional medical advice from a qualified physician.
3.3 Before any Service, you must complete and submit a detailed health questionnaire (the “Consultation Form”). This must include full disclosure of your medical history, current medications, allergies, pre-existing conditions, recent injuries, and lifestyle factors. Failure to provide accurate information may compromise treatment safety and efficacy.
3.4 DART reserves the absolute right to: (a) refuse Services if they are contraindicated based on your health profile; (b) modify or terminate a session if risks arise during treatment; or (c) refer you to a medical professional for further evaluation. No refunds will be issued in such cases.
3.5 Practitioners maintain continuous professional development (CPD) and hold public liability insurance up to £5,000,000 per claim, with professional indemnity coverage. Certificates are available upon request.
4. Services Provided
DART specialises in personalised, non-invasive sports and exercise therapy to aid athletes, active individuals, and those recovering from musculoskeletal issues. Our approach integrates holistic assessment with targeted interventions to optimise recovery, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.
Services are delivered in 45-60 minute sessions (unless otherwise specified) and may include one or more of the following, based on your initial consultation:
- Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy: Deep tissue manipulation to alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and accelerate recovery from training or competition.
- Dry Needling / Medical Acupuncture: Precise insertion of fine needles into trigger points to release myofascial pain and restore neuromuscular function.
- Myofascial Cupping Therapy: Application of suction cups to mobilise soft tissues, reduce adhesions, and promote lymphatic drainage.
- Shockwave Therapy: Non-invasive acoustic wave treatment for chronic tendonopathies, plantar fasciitis, and calcific deposits to stimulate healing.
- Gait Analysis and Movement Correction: Video-based assessment of walking/running biomechanics, followed by corrective exercises to prevent injury and improve efficiency.
- Injury Assessment, Treatment, and Rehabilitation: Comprehensive evaluation of acute or overuse injuries, with tailored rehab plans including progressive loading and functional training.
All Services commence with a 10-15 minute consultation to confirm suitability. Virtual consultations are available for initial assessments via secure video link. We do not offer emergency medical care; for urgent issues, seek NHS or A&E services immediately.
Pricing is transparent and listed on our website; sessions start from £15. Packages or memberships may be available for regular clients, subject to separate terms.
5. Booking, Payment, and Pricing Policy
5.1 Bookings can be made via our website (using secure third-party software like [e.g., Acuity Scheduling]), email, or telephone. All requests are subject to availability and confirmation by DART.
5.2 A Deposit of 50% of the session fee (or full payment for sessions under £[e.g., 60]) is required to secure an Appointment. Deposits are non-refundable as per Section 7.
5.3 Full payment is due at the time of booking for online purchases or before the Appointment for in-person sessions. Late payments may incur a 5% administrative fee.
5.4 Accepted payment methods include major debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfers, and cash (exact change preferred). All transactions are processed securely under PCI DSS compliance. No surcharges apply for card payments.
5.5 By providing payment details, you authorise DART to charge the agreed amount, including any fees for cancellations, no-shows, or additional services. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed within 14 days via the original payment method.
5.6 Prices are quoted in GBP and inclusive of VAT (where applicable). We reserve the right to adjust pricing with 30 days’ notice, except for confirmed bookings. Unpaid invoices may be referred to a collections agency, with you liable for all recovery costs.
5.7 Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase and are non-transferable unless specified.
6. Client Health, Consent, and Aftercare
6.1 Informed consent is mandatory. By booking, you confirm you are physically able to participate and have no contraindications. The Consultation Form must be signed (electronically or in person) before treatment.
6.2 You warrant that all information provided is true, accurate, and complete. DART relies on this for safe practice and accepts no liability for adverse effects from omissions or inaccuracies.
6.3 During sessions, Practitioners will explain procedures, risks (e.g., temporary soreness from dry needling), and benefits. You may withdraw consent at any time without prejudice.
6.4 Post-treatment aftercare instructions (e.g., hydration, avoiding strenuous activity for 24-48 hours) will be provided verbally and in writing. Compliance is essential for optimal results; non-adherence may void any outcome guarantees.
6.5 Results vary by individual factors (e.g., age, compliance). DART does not warrant cures or specific improvements but commits to best-practice delivery. Repeat sessions may be recommended for chronic conditions.
7. Cancellations, Rescheduling, and No-Shows
Our policy ensures equitable access to limited appointment slots and covers administrative costs. All times are in BST/GMT.
7.1 Notice Period: Cancellations or reschedules require at least 48 hours’ advance notice via email, phone, or online portal.
7.2 Late Cancellations/Reschedules: Notice within 24-48 hours incurs a 50% fee; within 24 hours or no notice results in full session charges.
7.3 Rescheduling Limits: One free reschedule per booking if notified >48 hours in advance. Subsequent changes within policy windows are charged as cancellations.
7.4 Abuse Prevention: Repeated patterns of late cancellations to exploit loopholes (e.g., booking then cancelling to avoid fees) will result in full charges for all affected bookings and potential blacklisting.
7.5 Deposits and Refunds: Deposits are forfeited on cancellation <48 hours. Full refunds apply only if DART cancels due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., illness), with alternative dates offered where possible.
7.6 No-Shows: Full charge applies. A second no-show within 6 months requires pre-payment for future bookings; three instances may lead to service termination.
7.7 Exceptions: Genuine emergencies (e.g., verified medical issues) may qualify for waivers at DART’s discretion, supported by evidence (e.g., doctor’s note). Force Majeure Events excuse both parties.
7.8 Notification: Use hester@dar-therapy.com for changes. Verbal notices must be confirmed in writing.
8. Liability, Indemnity, and Risk Acknowledgement
8.1 Services are provided with reasonable care and skill by qualified Practitioners. However, physical therapies involve inherent risks, including bruising, fatigue, or temporary exacerbation of symptoms. You participate at your own risk.
8.2 DART, its Practitioners, and affiliates shall not be liable for: (a) any injury, loss, or damage arising from inaccurate health disclosures or non-compliance with aftercare; (b) indirect, consequential, or punitive damages; (c) losses from third-party actions (e.g., parking issues); or (d) disruptions due to Force Majeure.
8.3 Our maximum liability is limited to the fee paid for the specific Service in question. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death, personal injury from negligence, fraud, or breaches of statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
8.4 You agree to indemnify and hold DART harmless from all claims, costs, and expenses arising from your breach of these Terms, misuse of Services, or provision of false information.
8.5 In-clinic clients must wear appropriate attire and follow hygiene protocols to mitigate risks.
9. Sale of Goods
9.1 All Goods comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015, being of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.
9.2 Returns: Unused Goods may be returned within 14 days of delivery/receipt for a full refund (excluding shipping). Faulty Goods have a 30-day return window with free returns.
9.3 Shipping: UK delivery is £[e.g., 4.99] standard; international rates vary. Risk passes to you on delivery.
9.4 Descriptions and prices are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change. We reserve the right to cancel orders if the Goods are unavailable.
10. Privacy and Data Protection
10.1 DART is the data controller and processes personal data in strict compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Our Privacy Policy (available on the website) provides full details.
10.2 Data is collected for booking management, treatment delivery, payment processing, and (with consent) marketing. We share minimally with insurers, payment providers, and regulators.
10.3 Records (including medical notes) are stored securely for 7 years post-treatment for legal/insurance purposes, then securely deleted.
10.4 Your rights include access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection. Contact us at hester@dar-therapy.com to exercise these. Complaints may be escalated to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
10.5 Our website uses cookies for functionality; see our Cookie Policy for opt-out options.
11. Client Conduct and Equality
11.1 We foster a safe, inclusive environment. All interactions must be respectful; discrimination based on protected characteristics (e.g., under the Equality Act 2010) is prohibited.
11.2 Prohibited conduct includes harassment, violence, substance influence, or unauthorised recording. Breaches result in immediate session termination, no refund, and potential reporting to authorities.
11.3 Clients must arrive 5-10 minutes early, in clean attire, and with silent phones. Late arrivals may shorten sessions without a fee adjustment. Minors require guardian consent and supervision.
12. Website Use and Intellectual Property
12.1 The website is provided “as is” for informational and booking purposes. Access is at your own risk; we disclaim warranties for interruptions or viruses.
12.2 All content (text, images, logos) is DART’s intellectual property, protected by copyright. Personal use is permitted; commercial reproduction requires written consent.
12.3 Links to external sites are for convenience only. We bear no responsibility for their content or privacy practices. User-generated content (e.g., reviews) must be accurate and non-defamatory.
13. Amendments to Terms
13.1 We may update these Terms to reflect legal changes, service expansions, or operational needs. Significant amendments will be notified via email or website notice at least 14 days in advance.
13.2 The latest version is always posted on www.dar-therapy.com/terms. Your continued use post-amendment constitutes acceptance.
13.3 If any provision is deemed unenforceable, the remainder remains valid.
14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
14.1 These Terms are governed exclusively by the laws of England and Wales.
14.2 Any disputes shall be subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. We encourage amicable resolution first; contact us to discuss. Alternative dispute resolution (e.g., via CEDR) is available if preferred.
14.3 For EU/EEA clients, rights under local consumer laws are preserved.
15. Contact and Complaints
For queries, bookings, cancellations, or complaints, reach us at:
DART – Dakin Athletic Recovery & Therapy 📧 hester@dar-therapy.com 📞 07835 750315 🌐 www.dar-therapy.com 📍 103A Main St, Balderton, Newark NG24 3NN
We aim to respond within 48 hours. Formal complaints follow our policy (available on request), with escalation to the Society of Sports Therapists if unresolved.
Thank you for choosing DART. We look forward to supporting your recovery and performance journey.