Massage Intake Form

An intake form helps the therapist identify contraindications (conditions where massage could cause harm), tailor the session to your specific needs, and document your health history. Conditions like blood clots, recent surgery, or certain medications can make massage dangerous without modifications.

The big ones: blood clots or DVT (massage can dislodge a clot), recent surgery, heart conditions, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes (affects sensation), skin infections, osteoporosis, and pregnancy. Each of these requires the therapist to modify their approach or sometimes decline the session.

Best practice is a full update every 12 months, with a quick verbal check-in at each visit. Medications change, new conditions develop, and preferences evolve. Digital intake forms make updates easy — clients can review and confirm their info from their phone before each appointment.

No. An intake form collects health history and preferences. A consent form documents that the client agrees to receive treatment and understands the risks. Most massage practices use both. Some combine them into one document, but they serve different legal purposes.