Client Diversification: Treating Children

Summer can open new opportunities for your practice and a chance to diversify your client base. Summertime means a break from school and with this comes an opportunity to add children to your client list. As schedules open up to the prospects of new experiences, parents might want to introduce their children to the benefits of energy medicine. So, ask yourself: Do I want to treat children?

Whether seeking solutions to aid the discomfort of growing bodies or treat chronic health conditions, parents may be receptive to leveraging summer days by introducing their children to the benefits of energy medicine. For some practitioners, this might be an easy prospect when existing clients have children. For others, it might entail some promotional activities. Regardless, the addition of children as clients does require certain considerations. In particular, there are two critical considerations that must not be overlooked:

Accountability

One of the first items to put into place, and relevant to clients of all ages, is a signed informed consent from a child’s parent or guardian. However, there are critical details that must be included in the form. Executing an informed consent agreement depends upon both parties being healthy and of sound mind and for children, aged 18 or older. While 18 is considered legal age (or the “age of majority”) in many states, practitioners are encouraged to verify this by contacting their state government office to confirm legal age (a good resource is: https://statelaws.findlaw.com/ to check your state law).

Getting an informed consent from a child could turn into a delicate situation. A teen who has read about alternative medicine practices might be curious about a treatment and interested in trying it out. But if the teen is under 18, a parent’s signature is needed. The situation could become awkward for the practitioner if the teen does not want the parent involved. These instances might be rare, but they are a possibility, and it is best to be prepared for them with a suitable form for these situations.

Additionally, an emergency form (refer to sample form and checklist) is another essential document requiring completion by a parent or guardian. Not your standard documentation of people to call in an emergency, but a form that includes other important contacts such as doctors, medication, and insurance information. Your client intake might already include a section on insurance, but since many practitioners are paid out of pocket, it is a good idea to double up with the information than have none at all.  

Physical

Another factor to consider for children has to do with physical limitations or in children’s cases, more likely their stage of growth. Children’s problems could likely have to do with height or even a fear of getting up onto an elevated table. An adjustable treatment table, or one with a lift, can be the solution for these issues. If you are an established practitioner, investing in additional equipment might not be a sensible choice and it could also be a costly decision for a newly established practitioner, so a cost-effective alternative could be to purchase a stepping stool as an aid. Assisting a child up the steps onto the treatment table would be an additional support should there be any hesitancy.

Also consider the physical stress from poses or movements that put too much strain on undeveloped or weaker areas. As part of your intake process, find out if a young client has any vulnerable or sensitive areas of the body. Scoliosis can be a condition to work around as twisting a body around could be difficult or an uncomfortable movement. Depending on a child’s age, it is wise to not press down too hard on a growing body, especially in the joint areas. In these cases, it would be best to replace certain poses and replace them with less strenuous positions.

Young, smaller clients could also benefit from placing a bolster or cushions to support a body and ease sensitive areas. These clients might benefit from the placement of cushions to keep their small bodies from shifting around too much. During treatment, keep an eye on the client to make sure there is no discomfort or loss of support.

Conclusion

Diversifying the types of client you treat to include children can open up new opportunities for your practice. However, you want to be prepared for the unique needs of this age segment. Taking the correct measures to accommodate a younger age group can help in making sure you protect yourself and your practice from a liability management perspective as well as meet the client’s unique needs.

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