Intake forms, practical?

[canmad7]

Lately, I am surprised when the MT actually reads the intake after I have taken the time to complete it. For instance, I had a massage with a new MT and was asked to complete an intake form. The form included an area for the parts of my body that I wanted to be addressed during the massage. She didnt even bother to read the intake form and proceeded to ask me what areas, if any, she could focus on. To tell you the truth, I dont even think she made eye contact with me anytime before, during or at the end of the massage.
Generally, when I am asked to complete an intake form, I consider it a sign of professionalism. It usually tells me that the MT takes into consideration my overall health and needs. It usually requires dialogue to occur between me and the MT which can aleviate any anxiety or concerns I have with a new MT. During that time, I can express my needs and he/she can express how they intend to address my needs.
Unfortunately, it appears that the intake form is just a sign of the opposite. In other words, " Here's a form to fill out, but I really dont have the time, concern, inclination- you fill in the blank--to read it.

 

[Roberta]

My intake forms collect information I need to stay in touch with my client and inform the client of my business policies. I do not do have a health history form, but before all massages I ask why they are wanting a massage, where they hold tension, if they've had accidents or injuries. Quite frankly I wouldn't know anything about the meds they are taking. I believe it is the client's responsibility to know about the meds they take and how they will be effected by them.

 

[Pompal 09.]

My intake forms collect information I need to stay in touch with my client and inform the client of my business policies. I do not do have a health history form, but before all massages I ask why they are wanting a massage, where they hold tension, if they've had accidents or injuries. Quite frankly I wouldn't know anything about the meds they are taking. I believe it is the client's responsibility to know about the meds they take and how they will be effected by them.

Sorry, Tribute, but I totally disagree with this. Taking a thorough health history is our responsibility as massage therapists. The clients are unaware of the various contraindications of massage with certain health problems and usually are totally unaware that massage can influence certain medications and their effects. Please reread the post from AV8TRX. There are so many reasons to include the health history in your notes.

Every time I have a new client the first thing we do is spend an extra 15-20 minutes having them fill out the form and then discussing it. (I still give a full 60-minute massage -- I just allow that extra 15 minutes for each new client.) The clients appreciate the thoroughness and it establishes a professonal bond right from the beginning. Filling out the health history is a one-time deal -- and clients will let you know if there are changes in their medications or health situations at later dates which are simple to note on the original form.

Health histories are taken to protect your client and yourself. I hope you will consider doing so!

My 2 cents!

Sherry

 

[chellithangam]

Taking a thorough health history is our responsibility as massage therapists.
Sherry

i think that depends on the work you do and the laws in your area.

 

[Rockford]

background info on experience(s)

maestra,

I like a therapist with a sense of humor!!! But I really think you should be handing out those "four packs" of crayons and tell 'em to use bright colors for the most painful areas and dull colors for dull pains.

Then you might like my privacy policy:

Notice of Privacy Policy

My privacy policy is short. No one sees your medical information unless you allow it or the government makes me hand it over (or if someone tortures me till I give it up)! If you are a spy or political candidate, I will never document anything just to be on the safe side. If you have any questions about this policy, just ask me.

Your comment about colors is also a good one. In Zen Shiatsu we oftern have clients pick from an assortment of colored pushpins and have them stick it in problem areas on a meridian chart. It's amazing that almost 100% will pick the appropriate color for that meridian!

Often, my massages include psoas and/or scalene work...let's see how "relaxed" they are after that!!!

Most likely you'd never know till afterwards that they have been worked with some styles! Some however, have almost had me resorting to violence towards the person making me scream!