Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/841282
C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 39 Lifestyle The purpose of this section is to understand how your client lives. How much exercise do they get and what kind? What type of work do they do? Do they spend their days sitting, standing, driving, etc.? The information a client gives you about their general day-to-day activities will illuminate their movement patterns, which will help you better formulate the session. This is the case even in a simple relaxation massage. Include a place to list any limitations the client has due to pain or stress. Even if a client has a neck crick, it helps to know that, so you can ask them to perform the restricted movement and see how the rest of their body moves. Simple sessions are made exceptional by adapting the work to the observed pattern. RECURRENT SESSIONS Every Session It's always important to request a health update. Every single session needs to include a 3–5-minute discussion dedicated to what the client is currently experiencing. Have this conversation before the client gets on the table. Don't underestimate the importance of a dedicated check-in. Something could get overlooked that could otherwise inform you. Most clients want to discuss what's ailing them and what's causing stress. This might mean booking an hour client with a 10–15-minute cushion between clients. Keep it focused; questions you might ask include: • "How did you feel after the last session?" • "Did your neck pain (whatever you last worked on or are working with) improve, worsen, or stay about the same?" • "Was there a technique that felt good and useful?" • "Have your medications changed?" • "What aggravates pain/discomfort?" Use your best judgment based on the client, with the intent of being effective and educated for your client's best outcome. Be sure to write everything down, preferably in SOAP charting format, so you can refer back in subsequent sessions and observe improvements, setbacks, or changes of any kind. Every 6–12 months Once or twice a year, have clients fill out a new health intake as if they are a first-time client. Updated records protect you should a client claim a negative reaction during or after the session. ON THE MARK Whether your client receives massage for wellness reasons (such as relaxation, stress relief, and to maintain levels of health) or for therapeutic reasons (such as recovery from an injury or illness), consistently practicing a thorough intake process is paramount to your approach and their outcomes. The intake process will vary in depth depending on the purpose of the session and health conditions, but the above details should never be skimmed over. Honestly evaluate your processes and forms until you find a combination that is right for you and your clients. Since 2000, Cindy Williams, LMT, has been actively involved in the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor. She is the school education manager for ABMP and continues to maintain a private practice as a massage therapist and yoga instructor. Contact her at cindy@abmp.com. ABMP and the Intake Process Log in to the Members section on ABMP.com for a wealth of information to support your intake process,s including a body map and forms for client feedback and gathering health information. www.abmp.com/members/business-management/ client-forms/client-intake-treatment-forms