Complete Your CE Test Online - Click Here session compared with how they were before the session. Explain that it is common for clients to notice a reduction or elimination of pain, but not always. Results depend on many factors, such as the cause of the pain, the degree of injury or dysfunction, toxicity levels in the tissue, whether this is their first session or they have been receiving regular treatment, their body’s particular response to treatment and more. Advise clients to be aware of how their pain feels before the session so they may better notice any changes after completion. Inform them they may feel no change, minor differences or dramatic changes in their pain levels. Until the session is completed, there is no way to know. Additionally, alert the client that such changes can be felt anywhere from one to 48 hours following a session. However, you can tell them that many effects of a session are generally felt within 24 hours after their treatment. Let them know you will inquire about their response during your post-session meeting. It is pertinent to tell pain relief-seeking clients that they may have an intensified level of pain up to 24 hours after the session. If this occurs, tell them not to be alarmed because sometimes pain is not a bad indicator of session results. Explain that tissue dysfunctions can build up toxins that upon being released can take one or two days for the body to eliminate. This sudden release of toxins may have the effect of causing feelings of increased pain following the first few sessions until they are eliminated. Explain that even though the person may feel temporary additional discomfort, this is actually a positive result because the body is being cleansed of pain-causing toxins. Clearing of toxins is quite often accomplished in just a few sessions, and post- session pain levels usually subside or no longer exist. Tell clients that people who do feel increased pain a day after their session frequently report that the second day after treatment, they feel a dramatic improvement and often say they feel much better than before they received their massage. And assure clients that if they still feel intensified pain two days following the session, then you may need to change the amount of palpation pressure you use on them or your techniques. Let them know you will make adjustments in the next scheduled session until you find the level of palpation that doesn’t increase pain. Admit that determining what constitutes an effective session sometimes requires a few sessions, depending on their response to treatment. Providing awareness of the possible results of a session increases credibility, instills trust in your evaluations, and better ensures your client will continue to return. If a client does incur increased levels of pain after a session, instead of deciding not to chance another session, most will remember you informed them of these possibilities. Client education in these matters helps develop patience and understanding for the rehabilitative components of massage therapy. Steps to conclude a successful client interview and massage therapy session Once clients are dressed and ready to leave, conclude the session with a post-massage interview by taking these steps: ● ● Offer them a glass of water. ● ● Inform them of the need to ask questions about their session. ● ● Ask them to relate what they are feeling now. Avoid questions that predispose an outcome, such as “Do you or are you feeling better now?” Clients may answer affirmatively to that question even when they don’t to avoid hurting your feelings. Ask for honest feedback so your assessment documentation is accurate; tell them you are not seeking compliments but need to determine whether future sessions should be similar to this one or whether you need to make adjustments to improve the outcome. ● ● Did they notice any areas of discomfort during the massage? If so, ask them where and to describe what they felt. ● ● If they experienced sensitivity or discomfort during a relaxation session, ask them whether they would like to focus treatment on those areas in their next session. ● ● Ask if they feel the same, worse or better after a pain relief session. If the response is better or less pain, ask them what the pain scale level is now compared to before treatment. If they answer “the same,” then remind them repetitive sessions are needed to determine whether massage will be effective. If the answer is “worse,” ask them what their current pain scale level is and discuss the need to adjust palpation pressure or techniques in the next session. ● ● Process payment for the session. ● ● Book their next appointment. ● ● Remind them to be aware of any changes they experience in the next 48 hours and that you’ll want to know about them at the next scheduled session. ● ● Thank them and walk them to the door. ● ● Write documentation notes regarding the session. ● ● Prepare the treatment room for your next client. Depending on each therapist’s work environment, conducting a professional client interview and massage therapy session as described may not be possible. Working in a doctor’s office, spa, salon or cruise ship may limit the time allotted by the employer to accomplish the suggested format. However, discussing the need for client safety and welfare with your employer by using this interview/treatment method may result in changes to the protocol. Private client interviews and those seen at massage establishments can certainly be conducted following the guidelines presented. Attention to every detail assures client needs are considered and affords the therapist the potential for a successful session outcome while establishing a professional client/therapist relationship. Page 16 Massage.EliteCME.com