Massage, osteopathy, chiropractic or physiotherapy

[Pineapple Shortcake]

I have 3 questions :1) How does a person who has muscle tension, know whether they should consult a massage therapist, osteopath, chiropractor or physical/physiotherapist?2) Under what circumstances would a massage therapist refer a client on to i) an osteopath(ii) a chiropractor(iii) a physiotherapist/physical therapist(iv) a medical doctor3. I know that some medical doctors and chiropractors refer patients to massage therapists, but do physio/physical therapists and osteopaths also refer patients to a massage therapist? Under what circumstances would these professionals refer patients to a massage therapist?Thanks.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Massage, osteopathy, chiropractic or physiothe

[1) How does a person who has muscle tension, know whether they should consult a massage therapist, osteopath, chiropractor or physical/physiotherapist?

They should start off with whomever they would normally deal with.  If they frequent a DC, they could start there.  If they frequent a MT, they could start with that.  Each professional should be able to determine what the clients next step is with regards to their situation.

2) Under what circumstances would a massage therapist refer a client on to : (i) an osteopath (ii) a chiropractor (iii) a physiotherapist/physical therapist (iv) a medical doctor

I would refer out to a DO for many of the same reasons I would refer out to a MD. I would refer them out for possible medical conditions like a bad sinus congestion, odd moles, strange heart palpitations, ect.  If they are brought to my attention. DO's and MD's main difference (as I understand) is that a DO is usually more open to alternative health care and is more informed about it.My primary Dr. is a DO.  I like that he understands and recommends alternative health options. If I refer out I would take into consideration where the client wants to go.  Give out information for both and explain the differences. I would refer out to a Chiropractor if I knew the injury might gain relief from Chiropractic.  Chronic headaches, lower back pain, scoliosis, ect.  Nothing that presents with red flags that would signal an emergency.I don't normally refer out to a PT.  I feel that the Dr.'s will decide on that.  In some cases I might ask if they are receiving PT and might advise they ask their Dr. about adding that in to their care.

3. I know that some medical doctors and chiropractors refer patients to massage therapists, but do physio/physical therapists and osteopaths also refer patients to a massage therapist?  Under what circumstances would these professionals refer patients to a massage therapist?

I have yet to have a PT or a DO refer to me.  I have talked with my Dr. about it, but nothing formal.  At the moment I don't have the space or time I would like for Dr. referrals, but someday I will.I have received referrals from specialists.From my experience, most PT's receive a very limited amount of massage in their training (Mine had 8 hours and was trying to do TP on 2tp's at the same time.  No wonder people would pass out on him!).  It would be beneficial to them and their patients to refer out to an MT.    

 

[Herr Otter]

Massage, osteopathy, chiropractic or physiothe

Yeah I recommend that the client see whoever they feel comfortable with first.For many of my regular clients they know that MT has helped them most in the past and so they will often see me first. If I happen to suspect spinal subluxation I will ask them if they have been to see their D.C. or D.O. recently and recommend a visit.I myself benefit from getting a massage before my chiropractic visit ... and feel that the 2 modalities work very well together. I think others feel this way too.I have only referred a couple people out to their MD... but haven't really gotten any referred to me from an MD. (Except for my weekly client who IS an MD... she's given a couple gift certificates.... but nothing resulting in a regular customer in the past almost 5 years.)I don't refer out to PT either. Though I have sent the client to their Dr and told the client that he MAY suggest PT for them.And yes, PTs rarely refer out to MT in my experience. The ones around here have received 6 weeks of massage training during their PT training.That being said, there are some PTs around here who have decided to go back to school for MT training so that they can provide both for the clients who come to the rehab.Why I don't know. *sigh* Massage is provided at the rehab for I believe $40 or $45 per hour. I'm sure they can bill for PT at a much higher rate than that.  Wierd huh?