Consumers are taking greater control over their health, so much so that around 50 percent of US consumers now report wellness as a top priority in their daily lives, according to global consulting firm McKinsey & Company.[1]
The focus on wellness has resulted in consumers seeking well-rounded care to meet the needs of both their physical and mental well-being. Such comprehensive wellness solutions are possible as massage therapists seek partnerships with other healthcare professionals, most notably chiropractors but also nutritionists, occupational and physical therapists, mental health care professionals, acupuncturists, and fitness trainers.[2] Offering package deals or bundled services with other wellness experts can be an excellent way to attract clients looking for comprehensive care
Pursue chiropractic massage collaboration
As you seek potential partners, you may want to place chiropractors at the top of the list. There is a synergy between massage and chiropractic care. Since massage alleviates muscle tension, chiropractic adjustments may be performed more easily and successfully when the body is more relaxed. As a result, many chiropractors may want to add a chiropractic massage treatment right before they work on a client. They also may suggest massage therapy treatments in between chiropractic sessions. Similarly, you may have clients who are good candidates for the manipulation of the musculoskeletal system performed by chiropractors and can be a source of referrals.
Build your target outreach list
If you do not have chiropractors in mind to target for a chiropractic massage offering or professionals in other wellness disciplines, spend time researching some. LinkedIn groups can be a reliable source of potential candidates. Become a member in groups of professionals with whom you seek partnerships to identify professionals in your area to contact. Engage with group members by throwing out a question. If you like the response from someone who located in your area, you can message them privately to learn more about what they offer.
Also ask your clients, friends and family members about doctors and other health care providers they see, and if they would be comfortable if you contacted them using their name as a referral. Business partners can be a source of leads, too.
Create business plan focused on massage collaboration ideas
Successful partnerships start by putting down your massage collaboration ideas. Whoever you target as a potential partner – and you should be confident they share you values and goals – for referrals or for providing massage on premise will want to hear about your expertise; the range of services you can offer; how to co-market services to showcase the value of complementary offerings and bundles services.
Massage collaboration ideas also should take into consideration:
- Treatment collaboration: Whether you work out someone else’s office or see their clients in your own establishment, you will always want show respect for each other’s professionalism. If you have questions about the treatment a client is getting, talk directly to your partner.
- Creating a similar customer experience: Even if you are not working out of the same offices, clients should expect a similar experience from you and your partner. You to avoid a situation where clients complain to you about visits to your professional partner and vice versa.
- Client information sharing: Provide a progress report so that your partner can be in the loop on how their patient is doing in your care. Quite possibly, they will want to add the information to the files they keep on clients.
Get started
Your plan for contacting your targets can vary. In some cases, you may want to call the office and see if you can arrange a time to come in and discuss your services. You also can email or send a letter with information about your services beforehand, including an article or guest blog post that you have written, and then follow up to see if you can schedule a meeting.
The information you send should highlight how what you provide helps will their patients. For example, a massage therapist letter to a doctor or other heath care practitioner should include your education including special certifications and continuing education classes you have taken, if appropriate.
Your letter also should convey your concern for client care and your belief in the value integrative health care solutions provide. To this end, discuss how you believe working together will bring value to clients. If you have a particular area you want to focus on, such as massage for prenatal women, you could also include research that supports the use of massage. Include references in your introductory letter.
Make it win/win
The goal of the partnership is to help build each other’s practice so whatever you do, you want to maintain the highest level of professionalism in your practice and when talking about your partner. You never want to get in the middle when it comes to talking with one of your clients about other services they are getting. If you have any concerns, address your partner directly.
There are a lot of pluses to partnerships for your practice and for the benefit of clients. Find someone who shares you values and commitment to excellence and you will have a winning proposition.
[1] “Still feeling good: The US Wellness market continues to boom,” McKinsey & Company. September 19, 2022. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/still-feeling-good-the-us-wellness-market-continues-to-boom
[2] “Massage Trends in 2024: What Industry Professionals Need to Know,” Massage Tools, January 10, 2024. https://massagetools.com/blog/massage-trends-in-2024