Home Care & Self-Management Instructions (Massage Therapy)

Date: [visit date] | Patient: [name] | Therapist: [name, credentials] | Clinic: [clinic name]

Today's Focus

[Primary goal of today's session and top 2-3 actions for the next 24-48 hours] (If no specific goal was documented, use: "Support your recovery and reduce post-treatment soreness.")

• [Action item 1] (Begin with a verb; keep short and specific)
• [Action item 2]
• [Action item 3]
• [Action item 4] (Include only if needed)
• [Action item 5] (Include only if needed)

What You May Feel

(Include this section unless the session was very gentle and no effects are expected.)

It is common to feel mild soreness, temporary tiredness, or to notice tight spots more than usual. These usually settle within one to two days. Severe, worsening, or new symptoms (such as strong weakness, numbness, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels) are not expected—see "When to Seek Care" below if these happen.

Home Care Instructions

(Include only topics that apply to this person and session. Remove any subsection that does not apply.)

• Hydration: Drink water as usual throughout the day. [Specific hydration guidance if discussed] (If patient has fluid restrictions, note: "Follow your usual fluid plan.")
• Movement: Move gently through your normal day. Short walks can help you feel looser. If sore, avoid hard workouts for the next 12 to 24 hours. [Activity to limit or avoid if discussed]
• Heat or Cold: [Use heat on / Use ice on] [body area] as comfortable. Place a cloth between the pack and your skin. Use for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, then remove and check your skin. Do not sleep with a heating pad or ice pack on. Stop if your skin turns very red, very pale, or numb. (Omit this subsection if risk factors like reduced sensation or poor circulation are present or unclear.)
• Stretches: [Stretch name] — [simple how-to], hold [seconds], repeat [times], do [frequency]. Move within a comfortable range. You should feel a gentle stretch, not sharp pain. Stop if you feel dizziness, tingling, or sharp pain. (If no exercises were prescribed, replace with: "No specific exercises were prescribed today—ask at your next visit if you would like a home routine.")
• Posture tips: [Ergonomic guidance related to symptoms, e.g., screen at eye level, feet flat, stand and stretch every 30-60 minutes] (Include only if discussed.)

When to Seek Care

Call 911 if:

• Chest pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Sudden severe weakness or numbness in both legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction (trouble breathing, swelling of face or lips, widespread hives)

Seek same-day evaluation if:

• Rapidly worsening pain
• Fever with significant back or neck pain
• Red, hot, or very swollen limb, or calf pain with swelling
• Severe headache or new problems like weakness, numbness, or trouble seeing or speaking
• Confusion

Call our clinic if:

• Soreness not improving within the expected time
• Large or expanding bruising (especially if you take blood-thinning medicine)
• Pain that limits your normal activities despite home care

Follow-Up & Contact

Next appointment: [date and time] (If not scheduled: [Follow-up guidance, e.g., "Schedule a follow-up if symptoms last more than X days" or "Follow up as needed."])

Clinic phone: [phone number]

After hours: [after-hours instructions]

If this is an emergency, call 911.