Massage Therapy: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write SOAP Notes

Updated January 2026

SOAP notes are essential for effective patient care and documentation in massage therapy. This guide provides detailed instructions for each section of a SOAP note, helping you understand the structure and content required for thorough documentation in the massage therapy context. By mastering SOAP notes, you can enhance patient care, ensure effective communication among healthcare providers, and maintain accurate medical records.

For specific examples, see our list of 10 Common Massage Therapy SOAP Note Examples.

Subjective Section (S)

In a massage therapy SOAP note, the Subjective section (S) captures the client's self-reported information about their condition and symptoms. This section provides context for the therapist to understand the client's perspective and experiences. Here are the specific things that should go into the Subjective section of a massage therapy SOAP note:

Subjective Section (S) Components

1. Chief Complaint:

   • The primary reason the client is seeking massage therapy.
   • Example: "I have been experiencing tension and pain in my shoulders and neck."

2. History of Present Condition:

   • Details about the onset, duration, and progression of the current condition.
   • Description of how and when the tension or pain started.
   • Example: "The tension started after working long hours at the computer over the past month."

3. Pain Description:

   • Location, intensity, quality, and duration of the pain or discomfort.
   • Pain scale rating (e.g., 0-10 scale).
   • Example: "The client reports a dull ache in the shoulders, rated as 5/10."

4. Functional Limitations:

   • Impact of the condition on daily activities and functions.
   • Specific tasks or activities that are difficult or impossible due to the condition.
   • Example: "The client has difficulty turning their head and experiences discomfort while sitting for extended periods."

5. Previous Treatments and Outcomes:

   • Information on any treatments the client has previously received for the condition.
   • The effectiveness or outcome of those treatments.
   • Example: "The client tried stretching exercises, which provided some relief."

6. Relevant Medical History:

   • Any relevant past medical conditions, surgeries, or injuries.
   • Family history if applicable to the condition.
   • Example: "No previous history of shoulder or neck problems. The client has a history of migraines."

7. Medications:

   • Current medications the client is taking, including dosage and frequency.
   • Any recent changes in medication.
   • Example: "The client is currently taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed."

8. Client Goals:

   • The client's goals and expectations from massage therapy.
   • Example: "The client hopes to reduce tension and improve mobility in the shoulders and neck."

9. Other Relevant Information:

   • Any other information provided by the client that may be relevant to their treatment.
   • Example: "The client reports increased tension after stressful workdays."

Tips:

• Use the client's own words when possible.
• Ask open-ended questions to gather detailed information.
• Document any relevant lifestyle factors that may impact the client's condition.

Example of a Subjective Section for Massage Therapy

Objective Section (O)

In a massage therapy SOAP note, the Objective section (O) captures measurable, observable, and factual data obtained during the client’s examination. This section provides concrete evidence of the client's condition and progress. Here are the specific things that should go into the Objective section of a massage therapy SOAP note:

Objective Section (O) Components

1. Posture Assessment:

   • Document the client's posture, noting any deviations or abnormalities.
   • Example: "Forward head posture and rounded shoulders observed."

2. Palpation Findings:

   • Record findings from palpation, including areas of tension, tenderness, or trigger points.
   • Example: "Tightness and tenderness in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles."

3. Range of Motion (ROM):

   • Measure and record the range of motion for relevant joints or body parts.
   • Example: "Limited cervical rotation to the right."

4. Muscle Tone and Texture:

   • Document the tone and texture of the muscles being assessed.
   • Example: "Increased muscle tone and knots in the shoulder muscles."

5. Skin Condition:

   • Note any observations about the condition of the client's skin, such as redness, swelling, or bruising.
   • Example: "No visible skin abnormalities."

6. Functional Tests:

   • Record the results of any functional tests performed, such as movement assessments or strength tests.
   • Example: "Client reports discomfort during shoulder abduction."

Tips:

• Be precise and factual in your documentation.
• Include only measurable and observable data.
• Use standardized scales and measurements where applicable.

Example of an Objective Section for Massage Therapy

Assessment Section (A)

In a massage therapy SOAP note, the Assessment section (A) synthesizes the information gathered in the Subjective and Objective sections to provide a clinical judgment about the client’s condition. This section includes the therapist's professional interpretation, diagnosis, and the client's progress and response to treatment. Here are the specific things that should go into the Assessment section of a massage therapy SOAP note:

Assessment Section (A) Components

1. Clinical Impression:

   • Include your clinical interpretation of the client's condition.
   • Example: "The client's symptoms are consistent with muscle tension and postural strain."

2. Functional Limitations:

   • Document the impact of the client's condition on their daily activities and functional abilities.
   • Example: "The client has significant limitations in neck mobility and experiences discomfort while sitting for extended periods."

3. Client Progress:

   • Comment on the client's progress since the last visit, if applicable.
   • Example: "Since the last visit, the client reports a slight reduction in tension but continues to experience discomfort."

4. Prognosis:

   • Provide an outlook on the client's recovery based on their condition and response to treatment.
   • Example: "With continued massage therapy, the client has a good prognosis for reducing tension and improving mobility within 4-6 weeks."

5. Goals:

   • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the client's treatment.
   • Example: "Short-term goal: Reduce shoulder tension by 50% within two weeks. Long-term goal: Restore full neck mobility within six weeks."

Tips:

• Be clear and concise in your clinical judgment.
• Use evidence-based reasoning to support your clinical impression.
• Set realistic and measurable goals for the client.

Example of an Assessment Section for Massage Therapy

Plan Section (P)

Plan Section (P) Components

1. Treatment Plan:

   • Specific interventions that will be implemented to address the client's condition.
   • Example: "Deep tissue massage to release muscle tension in the shoulders and neck."

2. Techniques:

   • Detailed description of the massage techniques to be used, including the type, frequency, duration, and any progression plans.
   • Example: "Trigger point therapy and myofascial release, 60-minute sessions, twice a week."

3. Client Education:

   • Information and instructions provided to the client to help them manage their condition and prevent further tension.
   • Example: "Educate the client on proper ergonomics and stretching exercises."

4. Home Care:

   • Exercises and activities prescribed for the client to perform at home between therapy sessions.
   • Example: "Home care program includes daily stretching exercises for the neck and shoulders."

5. Referral:

   • Any referrals to other healthcare professionals or specialists if necessary.
   • Example: "Refer the client to a physical therapist if no improvement is seen in four weeks."

6. Follow-Up:

   • The plan for subsequent visits, including the frequency and duration of follow-up appointments.
   • Example: "Schedule follow-up appointments twice a week for the next four weeks to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary."

Tips:

• Be specific and detailed in your treatment plan to ensure clarity and adherence.
• Tailor the plan to the individual needs and goals of the client.
• Ensure that the client understands their role in the treatment plan, especially for home exercises and self-care.

Example of a Plan Section for Massage Therapy

This detailed information in the Plan section ensures that the client receives a comprehensive and personalized treatment strategy, and helps track progress and outcomes effectively.

AI-Assisted Documentation for Massage Therapy

As of 2025, 66% of healthcare providers use AI tools in their practice. AI scribes and ambient clinical intelligence can significantly reduce documentation burden for massage therapists while capturing detailed assessment findings and treatment techniques.

How AI Can Help with Massage Therapy Documentation

• Ambient listening: AI captures client conversations and automatically structures findings
• Technique documentation: Accurately records massage techniques, areas treated, and pressure levels
• Progress tracking: Helps document changes in muscle tension, ROM, and pain levels over sessions
• Efficiency: Reduces documentation time by up to 50-75%

Massage Therapy-Specific AI Considerations

What AI captures well:

• Client-reported symptoms and areas of concern
• Treatment goals and expectations
• Home care and self-massage instructions
• Follow-up scheduling and treatment frequency

What requires careful review:

• Anatomical locations and muscle names (verify accuracy)
• Palpation findings (tension, trigger points, adhesions)
• Treatment techniques used and duration
• Pressure levels and client response
• Contraindications and precautions discussed

Tips for Using AI with Massage Therapy Documentation

1. Verbalize muscle groups clearly: "Treating the upper trapezius and levator scapulae on the right side"
2. Speak techniques precisely: "Applying deep tissue massage with trigger point therapy to the infraspinatus"
3. Dictate findings explicitly: "Palpation reveals significant tension and trigger points in the right rhomboid major"
4. Confirm treatment parameters: "Sixty-minute session focusing on posterior chain muscles"

For more details, see our complete AI-Assisted Documentation Guide.

Telehealth Massage Therapy Documentation

Telehealth for massage therapy has significant limitations since hands-on bodywork is the core treatment modality. However, telehealth has valuable applications for consultations, self-care instruction, and progress monitoring. Per CMS 2026 guidelines and HIPAA telehealth requirements, specific documentation requirements apply.

Appropriate Telehealth Uses in Massage Therapy

Telehealth visits are appropriate for:

• Initial consultations and intake interviews
• Follow-up assessments between in-person sessions
• Self-massage and foam rolling instruction
• Stretching and home exercise program guidance
• Ergonomic assessments and postural education
• Progress evaluation and treatment planning

Telehealth Limitations for Massage Therapy

Critical limitations to document:

• Massage treatment: Cannot be performed via telehealth
• Palpation: Unable to assess muscle tension, trigger points, or tissue quality
• ROM assessment: Limited to client-demonstrated active movements
• Postural assessment: Limited by camera angle and lighting
• Treatment response: Cannot assess tissue changes in real-time

Example Telehealth Massage Therapy Documentation

For complete telehealth documentation guidance, see our Telehealth SOAP Notes Guide.