Multiple Appointments – Necessary or a Sales tactic?
Many many years ago after I first qualified, I was shocked when I attended a course and was told by the instructor that as part of the sales strategy of our businesses we should look to get every client to book for their next appointment before leaving after a treatment.
It was very obvious to me that this was more about filling an appointment book than ensuring the client gets the best possible outcome.
So why do some therapists insist you book multiple appointments?
I’m sure you’ve been in that situation where you walk into a clinic and before the professional has even started treatment, they are encouraging you to take advantage of a discounted package of treatments because it would really benefit you!
Really? They haven’t even started the treatment yet. However you feel pressurised and before you know it, you’ve booked a block of 4 treatments.
Enough said – I’ll let you draw your own conclusions here!
Yes, sometimes it may be necessary to have follow up treatments – especially for some conditions like whiplash where slow and steady is the best course of action.
What’s Celtic Massage Therapy’s stance on follow up appointments?
When you visit us for a sports massage, we will do a full consultation with you where we understand your history, why you are here and what you are hoping to achieve from the session.
At the end of the session we revisit the effectiveness of the treatment, suggest aftercare including stretches which may help. We discuss how long it is likely to take before an improvement will be seen in the condition. The client is always told to give it a few days, see how things go. At that point, if they wish to book in for any further appointments, they are free to do so at their leisure. I never book a client in for a follow up treatment at the time of their initial appointment, unless they expressly ask for one.
Most clients find that one session is sufficient to start the repair process and I probably won’t see them again for a few months, even years!
I have clients that have been returning to me from the Llanelli, Carmarthen and Swansea areas for many years as they appreciate that I have their best interests at heart – infact most of my new clients come to me as a result of recommendations.
If you need a sports massage treatment at our rural peaceful clinic in Llanelli, please book online. It’ll be great to meet you.