Why Do I Ask Every Client to Sign a Consent Form?

Before every session, I ask all clients to complete and sign a short consent form. It’s a standard practice among professional massage therapists — and one I feel strongly about. Here’s why it matters, and what’s actually in it.

What’s in the form?

I keep the form short and simple to protect your privacy. It covers:

• Your name and age
• A few brief questions about your health history and any current conditions
• Your agreement to the terms and conditions of the session

All information is kept strictly confidential. It is stored securely for three years and then destroyed. Only I have access to it, and only when it’s directly relevant to your treatment.

Why do I use it?

Early in my practice, I relied on verbal consent only. A client later contacted me claiming the session had caused an injury — a health condition that neither of us had known about at the time. Without a signed document, I had no way to show that the client had not disclosed any health concerns before we began. I resolved the situation as best I could, but it was a turning point.

From that day on, I introduced a written consent form for every client, every visit. It’s not about distrust — it’s about clarity and care. The form ensures you’re fully informed about what the session involves, gives me the health information I need to treat you safely, and creates a clear record that protects us both.

Why do regular clients sign it every time?

Even long-standing clients sign a fresh form at each visit. Our health changes over time — sometimes in ways we don’t immediately think to mention. The form is a simple prompt: has anything changed since your last session? A new medication, a recent injury, a health condition you’ve just found out about? These things matter, and knowing about them helps me give you the best and safest treatment possible.

It protects you, too

The consent form isn’t just a formality. It’s part of how I take my work seriously. It means you walk in fully informed, and I can focus entirely on giving you the most effective session possible — safely, professionally, and with complete confidence on both sides.

If you ever have questions about the form before your appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Yann’s Bodywork Medical Consent Form (January 2023) & Hot Stone Consent Form (December 2023)