Designing a winning referral network for massage therapists
Most of us feel a great sense of relaxation and well-being after receiving a massage. But did you know that massage therapy also has a role in treating certain medical conditions by providing symptom relief and possibly even improving the immune system? Every massage therapist, at one point, will experience clients reporting feedback about their physical health that they may not be able to connect the dots on. Therefore, it will make sense for you to have a trustworthy referral network to refer that client to.
Here’s how our graduates have found it valuable in treating “mutual” clients within their pain management & health network. It all begins with creating the right partnerships for you, the practitioner, and more importantly, the patient:
The Role of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy prepares the body for physical therapy. Soft muscle or connective tissue issues such as stubborn and chronic tension, inflammation or swelling, and sensitivity can be interacted with first by a California licensed massage therapist.
Increased mobility and pain or pressure tolerance of the soft tissue better allows the muscles and joints to perform more effectively through mobility exercises during physical therapy.
One significant factor contributing to the success of your mutual patients’ outcomes is the ability of the patient, massage therapist, physical therapist, or pain management network team to communicate with each other routinely.
Collaboration between massage therapists & physical therapists
Both massage and physical therapists have one thing in common: they want their clients to move and feel better. Therefore, finding partnerships with reciprocity in quality of care, communication, and referral are key for the practitioners and the client. It may even be advantageous to accompany the patient during their physical therapy visit, depending on your level of client commitment and support.
Massage therapy and connecting with the right pain management network
Introducing yourself to your local center of personal care providers (PCPs), surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, and everyone in the pain management network can help you quickly build a lucrative, ongoing professional network. Keep in mind not all practitioners are the same, and some, despite their title, may specialize in unique areas of the body. For example, you might partner with 5 different PCPs because one specializes in immune systems, the other in osteo, geriatrics, another in pediatrics, and so on. So don’t think because you partnered with one physical therapist or practitioner that your network is somehow complete. Keep building out that network!
Taking the steps to connect
Putting your best professional foot out there means having professional-looking marketing assets and materials available. Your business will require a small website to drive your future partners, so they can quickly remind themselves about your practice’s specialties. Set up a Free Google My Business listing, so your business can be readily found and show your location and contact information immediately for the referral. Always have a small brochure to mail or bring to office/interview visits, social media channels set up with current posts and clothing with your logo on it during meetings. The more often they see your brand name, the more likely they’ll remember you when they need you. Remember that the practitioner whose attention you’re trying to get might enjoy a visit to your office instead. Plus, there’s less chance for someone to distract them away from your meeting.
Lastly, don’t get discouraged. Just like you, your wish list of practitioners you want to partner with is also busy! So keep your foot on that proverbial throttle until you have no more room for yeses.