Client returning from being sick after a month. Is doctor’s clearance neccesary?
A client has been out for the past month, with almost zero communication. They called earlier in the week requesting to start back up, stating that they had the flu for the past 3 weeks and are feeling better now. Is doctor’s clearance something necessary before continuing to train this individual? I ask this because he has shown in the past a habit of dropping out and not communicating, when asked for clearance from a doctor he gets rather irate and views it as another obstacle in his way to his goals.
Hello NCRD Fitness,
If you feel a doctor’s clearance is necessary or even helpful, then do it. I would explain to the client that it is routine practice to work with the doctor just in case the client may have overlooked a good reason to pay attention to restrictions for one reason or another. This does not mean that the doctor will be divulging personal information. The client should not fear a clearance; and, who knows, the doctor may clear the client with no restrictions which would be the best news.
I show the form to the client, before I fax the doctor, to help ease their anxiety. Doing a clearance check handles the liability issue for all involved.
Thank you,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.