You’ve made the decision: You are going to add a licensed massage therapist (LMT) to your chiropractic practice. Now what?
Chiropractic Economics continues its discussion with Uriah J. Low, MHA, CEO and founder of Avethan Healthcare Consulting, who provides insight into how an LMT can help grow your business, common mistakes DCs make in the process and tips for avoiding these pitfalls.
What follows is part 3 of our interview. If you haven’t read part 1 or part 2, we recommend you do that first.
How can an LMT help grow your practice?
A licensed massage therapist can contribute to expanding a chiropractor’s practice in various ways. The collaborative efforts of LMTs and chiropractors permit the treatment of muscular tension, circulation improvement and relaxation enhancement, which complement chiropractic adjustments.
In addition, offering massage therapy broadens the treatment options available to patients. By providing a variety of services, chiropractors can attract a more significant number of patients and cater to their varied preferences and requirements. Some individuals may favor or benefit more from massage therapy than traditional chiropractic adjustments alone ― meaning your new massage therapy offerings could do more than just serve your current clients. “This broader appeal draws in new patients and contributes to the expansion of the practice,” Low said.
Additionally, LMTs can play a crucial role in expanding the referral network of the practice, which could also bring new patients in the door. LMTs facilitate valuable referrals and collaborative opportunities through professional connections with other health care providers, “reputable sources,” says Low, such as physical therapists, physicians and fitness trainers.
Further, massage therapy services can generate additional revenue streams for the practice. LMTs can provide various massage techniques as stand-alone services or as part of an all-encompassing wellness treatment plan. Low emphasizes, “The fees generated from these services contribute to the overall financial expansion of the practice.”
Also, incorporating massage therapy into a chiropractic clinic increases patient retention rates. “When patients receive both chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy, they frequently experience enhanced pain relief, a quicker recovery and an overall improvement in health,” says Low “This positive experience increases patient satisfaction and loyalty, resulting in long-term relationships and word-of-mouth referrals, crucial for sustained practice growth.”
Lastly, the collaborative care approach between LMTs and chiropractors enables the development of individualized patient treatment plans. This multidisciplinary approach addresses musculoskeletal and soft tissue issues, providing more thorough and efficient care.
“The synergy between chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy optimizes patient outcomes, enhances the practice’s reputation and contributes to its expansion,” says Low.
Mistakes chiropractors make during the hiring process
Chiropractors should be aware of and avoid common mistakes when hiring an LMT. Everything begins with proper planning.
Mistake #1: Not knowing what you want or need from the LMT. Low stresses, “Before making any employment decisions, chiropractors must comprehensively analyze their practice’s needs, patient demand and financial ramifications.” By delineating the LMT’s duties and responsibilities in a detailed plan, they can prevent confusion and ensure seamless integration.
Upon completion of the planning phase, effective communication becomes crucial. Candidates should know the chiropractor’s expectations, job requirements and compensation. “By maintaining open and continuous communication, chiropractors can immediately establish a positive working relationship with the LMT,” says Low.
Mistake #2: Neglecting training. Training and assistance are crucial to the success of an LMT in a chiropractic office. Their ability to perform effectively may be hindered by inadequate training.
Chiropractors should devote sufficient time and resources to training on practice protocols, patient management systems and any specialized techniques or modalities that may be required. Additionally, ongoing support and mentoring can facilitate the LMT’s integration into the practice. DCs should also be supportive of the LMT’s pursuit of continuing education, some of which will be required for professional license renewal.
Mistake #3: Rushing through the interview process. “Conducting a thorough candidate evaluation is essential to avoid hiring the wrong person for the position,” Low stresses. Chiropractors should conduct exhaustive interviews, examine candidates’ references thoroughly and assess their skills, experience, and compatibility with the practice’s values and goals. Low adds, “Taking the time to discover the ideal candidate guarantees a good fit and prevents future costly errors.”
Mistake #4: Not getting it in writing. To strengthen the employment relationship, it is necessary to create a legal contract. Chiropractors should collaborate with legal professionals to draft an employment or independent contractor contract outlining expectations, compensation, benefits and termination clauses with clarity.
“This written agreement safeguards both parties and clarifies the employment relationship, preventing misunderstandings and disputes,” Low noted.
Mistake #5: Ignorance of the law. Lastly, legal conformance must not be neglected. Chiropractors must adhere to federal, state and local employment, tax, licensing and insurance laws. Low adds, “Consultation with legal and HR professionals can aid in navigating the complex compliance landscape and mitigating potential risks.”
By adhering to this sequential narrative of proper planning, effective communication, training and support, comprehensive candidate evaluation, legal agreements and compliance, chiropractors can avoid making common errors during the hiring process for an LMT. “These proactive measures will contribute to a successful and fruitful partnership with the LMT, to the practice’s and patients’ mutual benefit,” says Low.
Closing thoughts
Chiropractors and LMTs can benefit from each other’s knowledge of manual therapy techniques and diverse patient care approaches. Low adds, “This interprofessional collaboration can contribute to the chiropractor and the LMT’s personal and professional development.”
Finally, the success of the chiropractor-LMT partnership depends on open communication and cultivation of a positive work environment. “Regular team meetings, feedback opportunities and a supportive environment can all contribute to a harmonious and effective working relationship,” Low says.
