

You can learn a lot from a client by asking this question. Is it to relieve stress build-up, or is their condition more chronic? Determining their needs is a multi-step process, but you have to begin somewhere. No matter your approach to this question, you should attempt to find out the source of their visit. Are you in pain? Where does it hurt, and how?

If they know techniques that have worked (or techniques that have failed to work) you can use your own expertise to determine where to progress from there. This can cut your consultation time down significantly and allow you to find the best course of action quickly and efficiently. Firstly, it tells you whether this is the first time they’re attempting to do something about their condition, or whether there’s a history of practise that has or hasn’t worked before. This question is a great first interview number, as it tells you a lot of information in one. Have you been to a massage therapist before? We’ve put together a sample of some questions that you might ask a client before you begin treatment, so you can easily gauge the type of massage they’re looking for, and can treat them appropriately in regards to their past experience and potential injuries. Remember to also employ active listening techniques and pay attention to their body language. Go through a short interview process with each one before asking them to lie down and beginning the treatment. Treat each client individually, and don’t assume an answer until you have it from them. Some clients may be quick to answer the routine questions, but there will be others who might find them a little trickier. Depending on the client, this may take a very short amount of time, however, it’s important to understand exactly why we ask these questions, and why they’re so important. These should always be asked before you consider beginning work. There are a list of questions to ask your client before you begin massage therapy.
