Does everyone assess their clients?

[-Mitch]

Just to comment on the "relaxation" issue:

Though that is not my favorite style of work, I feel that relaxation work is extremely important. The nervous system has such an effect on our whole body and mental state, and it is very difficult for many people to let themselves relax and give the nervous system a break.

Relaxation massage is so beneficial in that respect, and sometimes it is exactly what a body needs to be able to let go of muscular tension and begin the healing process.

I agree that we all work differently, and that is a true positive. Different clients need different approaches and personalities.

Which leads me back to the original question: There are many different ways of assessing, be it visual, palpation, interpreting client comments, etc. Sometimes it can be formal, such as using a postural chart, and other times it could be informal during an intake interview, or watching how someone holds themselves on the table.

 

[proud walker]

My original post was an experience I had with another massage therapist. He advertised himself as a remedial massage therapist...for such an advertisement I would expect a certain level of competency, however as mentioned, no assessment...and he incorporated shiatsu into his treatment to which I didn't want. At the end of the massage he handed me his card which indicated he was a shiatsu therapist. False advertising...As a remedial massage/soft tissue therapist I would except a certain level of assessment, with the therapist treating my condition not palpating my earlobe. Stick to what you know, and refer people on when appropriate..

 

[Morgaine]

He advertised himself as a remedial massage therapist...

At the end of the massage he handed me his card which indicated he was a shiatsu therapist. False advertising....

Ahhhhh, well that is a whole 'nother issue....

 

[Pompal 09.]

Though that is not my favorite style of work, I feel that relaxation work is extremely important. The nervous system has such an effect on our whole body and mental state, and it is very difficult for many people to let themselves relax and give the nervous system a break.

Relaxation massage is so beneficial in that respect, and sometimes it is exactly what a body needs to be able to let go of muscular tension and begin the healing process.

Well said, and thanks for the props! And I feel I should mention here that helping people relax from chronic tension and stress is the reason I became a massage therapist. I did the corporate sales job for many years and nearly drove myself to a nervous breakdown, while watching others do the same, and some even had heart attacks but didn't heed the warning their bodies were sending. I really wanted to help others slow down before they reached the point I did. Relaxation massage addresses a real need in our overworked, fast-paced society. So what if I do it in a "frou frou" day spa? The need is real.
My focus is more on the "massage simply feels good and makes you feel better" approach rather than trying to convince people that I can "fix" their problems. I'm not experienced enough yet to claim that.

That being said, I also have many deep-tissue and MFR clients that use massage for pain relief and health maintenance, and I plan to use many new techniques and modalities in practice as I learn them throughout my career. Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm not considered a "legit" therapist by others just because I don't work in clinic/medical environment. Maybe I'm transferring some of my old ways of thinking onto others, because in school I said I would never work in a salon/spa. I wanted to work in a chiro office or wellness center - until I saw the hours they were working!! Being an IC at a salon/spa suited me better than I originally thought for controlling my time and how I wanted to grow my practice. Suprizes are found in unlikely places!

 

[Will in TN]

Its ILLEGAL to work without an assesment in Ontario.
Having said that I know many who do the disrobe, lie on the table...yeah I know who you are...
:twisted:

I rely on Chiropractic assement protocol, mainly Thompson Terminal Point, Motion Palpation, Matrix Repattern as well as the standard musclar testing *within a Janda Model* and neurological assessments

I can read you like a book with these protcols in five minutes.