What identifying information should be included in a client intake form?

Including personal details, medical history, and treatment goals in a client intake form is essential for providing safe and effective massage therapy. This information allows the therapist to understand the client's background, any existing health conditions, allergies, or injuries that may affect treatment. Personal details help establish a rapport and ensure the therapist is aware of any relevant demographic factors. Medical history is critical for tailoring the massage to the client’s specific needs and avoiding any contraindications, while treatment goals help the therapist focus on what the client aims to achieve, whether it be relaxation, pain relief, or enhanced mobility.

In contrast, options like preferred music and ambient lighting, a list of previous therapists, or suggestions for improvements, while they may enhance the client’s experience, do not directly impact the foundational understanding of the client’s health and therapeutic needs as comprehensively as the correct choice does. These other components can be important for the therapeutic environment but are secondary to the critical information necessary for performing safe and appropriate massage therapy.