Having completed this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the purpose of a post-session client interview.
• List three pieces of information a therapist can learn from a post-session client interview (e.g., how has the pain changed, what did the client feel was most beneficial from the session, etc.).

At the end of the massage, when the client is dressed, a second, brief interview is conducted. The therapist asks the client to describe the changes felt in the body as a result of the massage and these changes are documented in the client’s file (documentation is explained later in this chapter). Sometimes therapists give their clients self-care suggestions for use at home like the application of a warm pack at night before bed, or the use of certain stretches, or self-massage. It’s best if the post-wellness massage interview takes place in the treatment room, as you don’t want to discuss any of the client’s personal health issues in the hallways or reception area.

Subsequent Wellness Interviews

You will not need to review the information on the informed consent form after the client’s first visit and massage, unless you have made significant changes in the clinic’s business policies and procedures. On subsequent visits you want to review the client’s health intake form and use the Today’s Session form (or something like it) to plan each follow on visit. Ask the client verbally if there have been any changes to his or her health since the last visit or if new medications have been prescribed. Small changes are made to the health intake form with a description, initials, and date. Larger changes require the client to fill out a new health form. Plan the massage by reviewing the Today’s Session form or by asking the client to describe the areas he or she would like massaged and the results expected from the session. These interviews are fairly informal and can take as little as five minutes. Throughout all interactions with the client the therapist is gathering data that is factored into choices about what types of techniques will be use to reach session goals.