Consultation forms

[k.webb]

Would any of you mind sharing your forms with me - mine is the one I used when training with a few tweeks here and there
I have recently started a clinic picking up some former clients from the previous massage therapist - she was trained by the osteopath who owns the clinic so just used to write notes rather than complete a form - now the clients who are new to me seem a bit puzzled when I ask them about their lifestyle. Whilst I am happy to stick to my guns I wonder if there is too much about lifestyle on mine. This is why I would appreciate seeing some advice from fellow therapists

thanks in anticipation

HC

 

[RIP]

Hi Hemelgirl,

In most of the training I've had there has always been a massive emphasis on having a holistic view of the person and to note their lifestyle and I strongly believe this too...however, I also find that clients are often baffled by this. I use various consultation forms depending on which therapy I'm using. If someone comes to me for a sports massage I would first ask them to talk about their main condition or aim for the treatment....depending on what they tell me a might probe into what their physical lifestyle (occupation, exercise, driving, carrying children etc) is like but maybe not go so far as to ask them how quickly they eat and whether or not they find it easy to relax generally. If someone came to me for an aromatherapy massage because they had trouble sleeping then I would be far more likely to discuss stress levels, diet, what time they have their dinner etc.

I've found that if they see the relevance of the questions it's much easier to get a willing response. So I simply start with the "must haves" - including very general lifestyle questions like occupation, smoker, alcohol etc on the form, then "why have you come for the treatment" and then follow the road my hypothesis takes me and start delving into areas which I think might be contributing to their problem. So much of the really telling information I get from clients is once they've completed and signed the form and they're on the couch. Also if it's a client you start to treat fairly regularly they often start to open up and you build a much clearer picture that you just wouldn't get from even the most detailed consultation form......so I'm a great fan of additional note taking

I hope some of my waffeling is useful......hope you've enjoyed the sunny weekend.

Elena )

 

[GaWgEsS xx]

I suggest you stick to your guns!
Over a period of time I have developed a one side A4 consultation sheet that suits all the theapies I do. So if there happens to be any legalistic queries, it is signed by both the therapist and client all on one page. IE good for photocopies/proof although if they do take lots of medications, I do write overleaf.A form is generally good as a protective device (the sword is your pen and the paper, your shield). Start by asking the easy questions. Go onto the more 'personal' ones later - once a rapport has developed.

 

[Claire Welsh]

thanks for the replies - I have one consultation form then 2 different treatment forms (which become my notes) for massage and aromatherapy

if either of you would be willing to let me have a look at the forms you use I would be
really grateful - pls pm me for my email

thanks again

HG