Massage Therapist how-to

How to Write SOAP Notes

Notes track progress and support care.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Notes track progress and support care. In short: subjective; objective; assessment, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Subjective: what the client reports.

  2. Objective: what you observe.

  3. Assessment: response to treatment.

  4. Plan: next steps.

  5. Note techniques used.

  6. Store notes securely.

Safety reminders for massage therapists

  • Screen for contraindications
  • Use proper body mechanics
  • Maintain professional boundaries and draping
  • Clean linens and surfaces between clients

Swedish massage · Deep tissue · Trigger point · Effleurage · Petrissage · Contraindication: see the full massage therapist glossary.

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