GP permission...please help

[some girl]

Hi
I have recently qualified (VTCT level 3 diploma in Complementary therapies) and have just started up by myself, I work from home and mobile if needed!
I am slowly building up my clients and a lady rang me today, I was recommended which is nice.
She is 38 years old and 7 weeks ago she had a lower back operation to remove two discs, she is suffering from alot of tension in her upper back, neck and shoulders and has asked me for a massage in these areas - I have disc trouble myself (under control) so I completely understand where she is coming from.
My gut instinct and training is telling me what I told her that I would feel more comfortable If I had permission off her GP to carry out this massage on the upper areas, completely avoiding the lower back/area of the operation.
Am I right in asking this from the client? If so will he charge her for it?
cheers Susan

 

[Samuel Blackman]

Hi Susan
Always lovely to have a recommended client but agree she should get doctor's advice before having a treatment. You can always give her a letter to pass to the doctor or at least suggest she calls him/her for advice before coming to see you.

My doctor wouldn't charge for that and, if you don't get anything in writing, make a note on your consult form that you recommended she speak to the doctor, she's done it & they've agreed she should see you.

Years ago I had a lovely elderly lady with multiple contraindications who wanted to have regular treatments. I asked her to check with her doctor if it was OK she had gentle massage. She phoned me back a few days later "He said if I was fit enough to get on the table I was fit enough for a massage!". Made me smile.

 

[Ambrosia]

Hi Susan, you don't necessarily need permission. If you don't feel happy with it, don't treat her. I probably would, as long as there were no complications and she had been discharged, dependimg on how the exam went.

Good luck.

Kevin.

 

[Karen Young]

Firstly thank you for your replies, much appreciated.

I have decided after a long chat with this lady last night on the telephone, she is so desperate for some relief from all this tension that's building up in her shoulders so this is what I said.

If she couldn't get to see the doctor monday morning she is to telephone the physiotherapist and ask their advise, telling them that she is to receive a upper back, shoulder, chest, face and scalp aromatherapy massage and I will be going no where near the lower back area where she has had the operation.
The client is very happy with this proposal and I am confident to treat her, I will put an extra note on her consultation form with all these details....hopefully she will be allowed so will be coming to me Monday afternoon, fingers crossed.

cheers Susan