I worked briefly in a clinic like this some years ago, but only lasted 8 months, as I could not give the service I felt the clients deserved. I opted to give a full consultation and taster treatment at the first meeting, then for subsequent treatments, worked on the areas that concerned them the most, leaving out the bits that I thought they may benefit from! I tried to alter my time slots, to 1.5 hours, so that I had a 15 minute turnaround/recovery, but the business manager wouldn't allow this, as they felt they were losing money....... it was an experience, and I'm glad I did it, but it wasn't how I wanted to work. I am self-employed now, and have the ability to time my appointments so that I can give each client adequate time and allow for clean-down, prep and note taking. I see, on average, 5 people a day - 3 per day at weekends.

Have you spoken to other therapists at the clinic to ask how they deal with time management? Have you asked the management about 'wiggle room' - a time allowance to get the client dressed, out the door, room prepared, paperwork compiled etc, before the next client comes in?

Sometimes you may not need to know the ins and outs of each client, especially if they are generally healthy individuals who simply want a treat to keep themselves that way. As you get more experienced, you will find that timings alter - and each client is different, some require more work, some less.

Hi Rosafina

Working in a clinic is tough but great experience. But you have to accept you've got a limited amount of time with each client. For an hour appointment I worked out a 50 minute massage routine which gave them time to get dressed undressed and me to wash my hands/tidy up.

I developed a tick list consultation form for contra indications and asked reception to hand them out so the client could complete while they were waiting. I could have a quick look and ask if they have any special problems/areas they wanted me to deal with as they arrived.

It does get easier/faster as you get to know clients and you can just ask if anything's changed.

If someone arrives with a particular problem then I'd explain to them as we started I could focus on that area if they preferred but it would mean that other areas would get less attention. Then give them the choice.

Hope that helps.

Dear Jabba and Jinx
Thank you very much for your replies. It made me feel so much better that someone else had a similar experience. I understand that these are early days and will persevere. Giving clients consultation form to fill in while they are waiting for their appointment is a great idea!
Many many thanks for your support and advice
Rosafina

Hi R

To be honest I'm not sure you can really give a whole body massage in an hour. Better to find out what the client's needs are, ie focusing on the back if there is backache. Just focus on their needs and do as much as you can within the time allocated is a balanced and effecient(sp) way as possible. As Jinx has suggested.

We are not miracle workers and if you tell your client up front that you can't do it all, most will accept that. If they want a more comprehensive treatment, they will have to book and pay for 1.5 plus hours instead,

Sorry, but that's just the way it goes.

Best wishes

RP

PS, if I have back-to-backs clients when doing clinical work, i'm time efficient. But if I have the spare time I will often go slightly over. It's called customer care. They appreicate(sp) it and often will re-book or refer other potential clients. If you have got time, give it. If not, that's life. Don't make it into a problem. Most therapists are caring people, but we must know our boundaries

Thank you very much, Pixie.