Massage therapists and chiropractors often unnecessarily compete with one another, when in fact, the opposite should be true. When combined, the two fields complement each other well and allow patients to experience a more comprehensive care program. In addition to the patient’s well-being, a partnership with a chiropractic office can be financially and educationally beneficial for a massage therapist. Whether you are hired as part of the staff at a chiropractor’s office, or you rent space from a chiropractor, the benefits are numerous.

Benefits of Partnering With a Chiropractor

When trying to grow your massage practice, the number one question that comes to mind is how to gain – and keep – clients. Repeat clients are the lifeline of any massage therapy practice, and building a relationship with a chiropractor is a great way to obtain these clients. Here are some perks of a chiropractic/massage partnership:

• Little to no supply costs – If you are hired on as a staff member at a chiropractic office, then all of your needs will be handled for you. Everything from laundry detergent to sheets for your table may be provided. When considering a job offer, be sure to ask what supplies you would be personally responsible for, and take that into consideration when negotiating your pay.

 

• No utilities – Whether you rent your space or are hired, you will not have to worry about paying for utilities. This cost may be included in your rent if leasing a space; you would have no rent if hired.

 

• Free marketing – When you have an established relationship with a chiropractic office, you reap the rewards of their marketing efforts. When they have new patients, they will refer those patients to you for massage therapy. In most cases, chiropractors recommend regular care for their patients, meaning regular massage appointments for you.

Tips for a Successful Partnership

Now that you have an idea of all the advantages of working with or for a chiropractor, consider the following suggestions when pursuing this relationship.

1. Take time to properly introduce yourself. There are a couple of different strategies for introductions. First, you can search for open massage therapist positions, and apply according to the office’s preference. Second, you can attend networking events in order to meet chiropractors who may want to share a space with you. Whichever you choose to do, do with the appropriate documents. For example, have a well-written introduction letter and resume to hand out whenever appropriate. Both should be clean and error-free. In addition, once you have found an office you are interested in, get to know the receptionist staff. As most people know, you absolutely cannot get to the doctor without first going through his or her team.

 

1. Tune up your skills and knowledge. It’s important if you’re going to work with or for a doctor, whether he is a physician or chiropractor, to make sure you know your anatomy. It’s also vital to research chiropractic methods if you are unfamiliar with them. Chiropractors are looking for therapists who can help support their recommendations to patients.

 

1. Show professionalism. You should be professional in the way you dress and act. Although you may be accustomed to a laid-back atmosphere, especially if you generally see clients in your home, remember that working with a chiropractor means being part of a professional environment.

 

1. Work with the chiropractor, not against him. A great way to impress a chiropractor is to discuss the symptoms and progress of common patients. If he or she has referred patients to you, then you should communicate with the patient’s treating doctor each time that patient is massaged by you. This shows the doctor that you are serious about your shared patients’ health.

Whatever goals you have for your practice, partnering with a chiropractic office will surely help you reach them. As long as a mutual respect is present, both parties will reap the benefits of the partnership. Remember the tips mentioned above and you will be well on your way to a successful massage therapy practice!

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