Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68185
SAMPLE CLIENT INTAKE FORMS CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.ABMP.COM IN THE MEMBERS SECTION, UNDER "CLIENT TREATMENT," AND AT WWW.MASSAGEANDBODYWORK.COM. expectations we may have for them and disclose all of the information that will be needed for effective treatment. It is often necessary to carefully explain to clients that massage is contraindicated for certain conditions, so understanding all the health challenges the client is facing will ensure a safe and effective massage session. For example, if a client tells you that she has been experiencing shooting pains down her leg, that client should be evaluated by a medical profession before receiving a massage. The client may feel she just wants her leg worked on and the pain to go away. As a bodyworker, we need to disclose, a therapist could perform a treatment that may put the client's health at risk. Although this paragraph can help a client know the importance of disclosure, many therapists need to work beyond this written caveat and help clients understand why the health information is so important for their treatment and care. Clients can also simply forget to list health information. A thorough and complete health history form can help clients provide all their pertinent information. Asking a client if they are currently under a doctor's care is a rather open-ended question and HELPFUL HINTS TO ENSURE DISCLOSURE Here are some additional hints to ensure client disclosure: • Add a brief paragraph on your health history form explaining the reasons for asking about a client's health. • Look for clues in the client's answers, such as fever, fatigues, soreness, etc. • When in doubt, ask the client questions during the oral interview. • Watch for signs and symptoms that could mean the client has a condition that could contraindicate massage. • Keep good notes and records of your session with clients. You may see patterns develop that need further investigation. • Before beginning any session, ask clients for any new information about their health. • Include a disclosure statement on your health history form. It should include wording that the client has disclosed all known health information. The client should sign and date this form. • Always be honest in recording information you have learned. Clients have no argument with a professional who is honest. Disclosure is an important part to know when the pain started, what may have caused the pain, and has the client been evaluated by a doctor. The treatment for many conditions such as this can dramatically change from the information that is received. The relevance is not always obvious to a client. A therapist should take on the responsibility to help clients understand the need for divulging this information. Your health history form should include a paragraph that indicates that the client has disclosed all known health information. If a client chooses not many clients will answer no. Yet under medications, they may list medications for blood pressure, thyroid, or painkillers. They are under a doctor's care to receive these medications, but a client may not see the connection. A thorough health history form will include all conditions, signs, and symptoms to be checked off that would indicate further questions and evaluation before receiving massage. This type of form can help jog a client's memory and help a therapist get a full picture of the client's health. of bodywork and a therapist needs to decide what information is needed to effectively and safely treat clients. Communicating and educating your clients will help develop trust, along with an effective treatment plan, that will ensure your professionalism and your clients' best interests. massage therapist for 18 years, working both in private practice and medical settings. She began teaching massage techniques and ethics 13 years ago and became program manager at Anthem College in St. Louis, Missouri, 10 years ago. She is the author of Ethics for Massage Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006). Contact her at tyardleynohr@anthem.edu. Terrie Yardley-Nohr, LMT, has been a connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 107