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What to include in your massage intake form?

Updated
Every client who walks into your massage therapy practice is unique, with their own set of health concerns, preferences, and goals. To provide the best care, you need a clear picture of who they are and what they need. That's where a detailed intake form comes in. It's your tool for gathering critical information that helps you customize your approach, making each session as beneficial and enjoyable as possible. So, what should you include to make sure your intake form covers all the bases? Let's explore the key components that can transform a simple session into a personalized therapeutic experience.

Components of a massage intake form

Key topics to include in a massage intake form

Client Information

The Client Information section gathers basic details like the client's full name, phone number, email, and date of birth. Adding an emergency contact section, like "Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number," ensures you're prepared for unexpected situations.

Health History

In the Health History section, clients can list relevant details such as chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis or diabetes), recent surgeries, and current medications. This helps you avoid any treatments that might not be safe for them and tailor your approach to their needs.

Massage Goals and Preferences

This section allows clients to specify what they hope to achieve from the session. For example, they might choose "Stress Relief," "Muscle Tension," or "General Relaxation." They can also indicate their preferred techniques (e.g., Swedish or deep tissue) and pressure levels (e.g., light, medium, or firm), ensuring the massage meets their expectations. You can also ask for room temperature, music, or lighting preferences for the massage.

 

Consent and Waiver

Following regulations and best practices is crucial in massage therapy. Proper documentation protects both the therapist and the client by ensuring informed consent and necessary precautions. Regulations vary, but they typically include maintaining client confidentiality, obtaining permission, and keeping accurate records.

The Consent section is where clients formally approve the massage and acknowledge any potential risks. This section should also outline measures to protect clients' data, ensuring compliance with privacy laws like GDPR or HIPAA. Additionally, clients agree not to hold you liable for any issues that might arise. This part of the form is essential for legal protection and clear communication.

Lifestyle and Past Experience

This section helps you understand clients' daily habits and previous massage experiences. For example, ask about their typical daily activities (e.g., sitting at a desk for long hours) and any prior massage experiences they've had (e.g., "Have you had massages before? If yes, what did you like or dislike?").

Knowing if a client has a sedentary job or engages in strenuous physical activity can guide you in focusing on areas that might be under stress. It also helps identify habits that could be contributing to their discomfort, allowing you to offer personalized adjustments to their routine.

 

How to manage your forms?

Your intake form doesn't need to be pen-and-paper. Digital forms are easier to store and sort, making onboarding more convenient for clients, who can complete them at home before their appointment. This creates an excellent first impression and allows for easy customization, showing that your practice is tech-savvy.

Form Software: A platform like QuestionScout offers customizable templates for client intake. These tools provide easy-to-use interfaces for creating and managing forms, allowing you to securely collect and store client information. You can also integrate your forms with payment processors, scheduling, and CRM systems to streamline your workflow. Additionally, features such as electronic signatures for consent forms and the ability for clients to upload relevant documents, like medical reports, directly through the intake form ensure a hassle-free process.

 

Practice Management Software: Solutions like Mindbody and SimplePractice integrate intake forms with broader practice management capabilities. These platforms offer appointment scheduling, client communication, and payment processing features.

 

Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems: For practices that require comprehensive health information management, EHR systems like ClinicSense provide advanced functionalities. These systems ensure that all client health records, including intake forms, are stored in a HIPAA-compliant manner, ensuring confidentiality and security.

Templates

Massage Intake Form

Detailed Massage Intake Form

Massage Feedback Form

Start using these templates!