informing clients

[KNGWiFi]

Does anyone have ideas of what is the best way to address the client, that its important to continue your treatments until the pain is alleviated, because I know with the clients that do stick with the regime they really benefit from it.  I do have some clients that if they are not feeling better in 2 to 3 sessions there ready to quit, even though they have been in pain for months to years.   I explain to them how important it is to stay with the treatments, don't get discouraged, you will get better, buy they don't believe me, so is there anything I could say to convince?  What do you therapist do to keep your clients continually coming?Thanks Shelley, remember to smile its coneforum.xxxious.

 

[Controlled Enthusiasm? .]

If you have an M.D. who you can work closely with, they can write a script for the client 1x/week for 8 weeks.  It's amazing to see that the ones who do go to the M.D., get the script and call to make the appointment, ususally will do exactly what the script says.  That's one thought.Here's another.  You can tell them that since they have been having problems for quite sometime, you haven't seen something like "this" resolve in one or two sessions, and that they should be prepared to give it at leasst 6 - 8 visits (if they are wanting to retain the work), and at the end of that time, you can sit down and talk about what results they are getting and go from there.  In the same discussion, you can tell them, you are happy to provide them with "feel good" work, if the other is not an option for them, but that they should know the results may not be optimal.Just a few thoughts.  I am sure there are a lot more that people could suggest.  Good luck.

 

[~*T!NK*~]

informing clients

Sometimes it helps to offer incentives to come back. For example, I offer Wellness packages which incorporate at least 4 sessions at a discounted rate. At the end of the last session, we sit down and re-evaluate/compare how the client is feeling between the first and 4th visits. There will of course be some documentation to underline this. At this point, it is up to the client to renew their Wellness package or purchase a bi-weekly package (at a little less discount) which is 2 visits/month. It is essential that the client be changing their (bad) habits that got them in the condition they were in in the first place (e.g., ergonomics or misalignment issues), which would entail either seeking out a chiropractor at the same time they are seeing you or using different furniture/tools to help them do their office work or whatever. So stress the importance to the client that the healing time is a two-way program or partnership.Be well,Jen

 

[Duo Seeker]

great suggestions  ;D

 

[Tressa Marie]

I share this frustration too.  I do the whole talking thing about how they didn't get this way overnight and cannot expect results overnight, etc.  I talk about some realistic goals and expectations.  I also talk about the importance of incorporating other things into their routine to help things move forward faster.  I suggest stretching and change of daily activities, etc.  It works some of the time, but most of the clients who have had the problem for years do seem to expect instant results, even though I have told them they will NOT be getting long last instant results after 1 or 2 sessions.  We all have those clients who only call us when they are in crisis of some sort and I'm always telling them that if they would just change a few things and come for massage regularly that they would cut down the likelihood of being in this horrible discomfort.  But, we live in a fast food world and they seem to be in that mentality.I had a discussion with my old massage instructor about this when I ran into him. He said that I can only be responsible for what happens in my office for the hour.  It is up to me to explain things as best I can, do good massage work and then it's up to the client to decide what they will do with that information.  Of course, if they do decide to follow my advice, then it's $$$ in my pocket as well as the tremendous satisfaction that comes with helping someone.  I have to learn to do the best I can and not feel responsible for the client's choices.  Have you ever been to Weight Watchers and had the leader obsess over why you're not losing weight?  Does your dentist lose sleep at night because he cleans your teeth every 6 months and you aren't flossing and brushing as diligently as you should?  No, he doesn't.  The hygienist doesn't either.  Your teeth are cleaned, cavities filled advice given how to improve your routine for better health and then they don't think about it.  If you come back 3 years later complaining of cavities, they just clean your teeth, fill the cavities, advise you of a good dental routine and don't think about you again.  Bottom line is we can't be responsible for our client's choices.  I have to learn not to take things personally when my clients don't choose to follow my advice.  

 

[vulcan]

Another thought, that may be of help:Get a small "prescription sized pad" made up at your local copy shop with your (or office) name, address, phone and website at the top -- then a line to seperate the "area to write on", and a little notation of "Suggested appointments:" in that area.When you get someone who needs a little more incintive, you can write on itnce per week for 4-6 weeksLet them know, this is what you suggest and hand it to them to take home and "think about".  People respond well to things they look at sometimes.  Dunno, but it's a thought.  

 

[nykkibabyyy]

ShellyIf your client has been in pain for months to years just think about how long the soft tissues had to stew to become dysfunctional.  How can that client  expect you to normalize a years worth of pain in a couple of sessions.  Explain that to him.  Maybe he'll understand.  Use analogies.  Lay people like analogies- it gives them something to visualize.  Good luck!!

 

[whateverchic2006]

informing clients

I recall someone telling me once it takes roughly  ___ amount of time to fix ___  months worth of pain/damage/dysfunction.Can anyone fill in the blanks?That may be a helpful reply to the client.