Not being taken seriously.

[Brent]

My grandma has been passing out my business cards to everyone she knows, bless her heart.  Apparently, in a recent visit to our family doctor, she tried to give them some of my cards.  The girls behind the front desk said, "We don't DO that."  Then, when she saw the doctor, she talked to him about referring patients to me.  He immediately asked her if I graduated from a medical massage program.  She told him she didn't know.  Well, I did not.  So, he told her that if I didn't have medical massage training, that I would not be qualified to work any of his patients.Is this normal???  My school is now offering a medical massage program for graduates of the basic 550-hour program, but I've heard that it's a lot more medical terminology and insurance billing than anything.  I mean, it's not like I spent 550 hours studying swedish!  I can't tell you how much I love the magic of deep work.  I know that with more education I could do even more for clients, but I hardly think I'm unqualified!Are any of you dealing with this kind of attitude from medical professionals?

 

[Dr Frank]

Yeah, it sucks, doesn't it.  Here in the land of Mayo, it is even more difficult.  At the great and mighty Mayo clinic, even Chiropractic is a "dirty" word.  We have the ability to help people feel better naturally, but so many won't consider it, because we aren't doctors.  

 

[airjbasketball]

I think some of these other professionals probably don't even know exactly what "Medical Massage" would mean if you said you were trained in it.  I think they are just aware that it exists and think that you must be trained in it if they are going to send their patients to you.  There are other ways to attract clients who are looking for more than just a Swedish massage.  But, if you really want to concentrate on the medical population or you want to work in a hospital and/or accept insurance, then perhaps you might look into taking the course offered at your school.  It might be a good idea to ask the school exactly what is covered in the course.  If you are correct, and it is just terminology and insurance, then maybe when you talk to the doctors, you can explain that "Medical Massage Therapists" do not have any further massage training skills than you have (if that turns out to be the case).  And God Bless your Grandma!

 

[CCMM]

I agree...God Bless your Grandma!!!!Jelly, The biggest question is whether the "medical" end is what you really want to focus on.  If it is then probably the absolute best way to change the doctor's perception is to address his concerns about how you can help his patients. I know you have a lot of professional experience in your past so it is a matter of providing him information that he can assimilate in a manner he is accustomed to.  It is a lot of work to change a medico's mind and unfortunately, yes, his attitude isn't unusual.  But, it can be done!!!I would approach this in a multi-level way.First, I would put together a well written cover letter addressing his concerns about how you can assist his patients.  Include well chosen research about what massage can do for people with blood pressure problems and the usual gammut of conditions he sees -- stress reduction, clinical applications for neck, shoulders, hips and that type of stuff.In your letter state that you will be paying him a visit to discuss what you can do for his patients and offer to demonstrate (with your new chair) your skills in a fifteen minute demo so he can experience what you know how to do.  I would address his concerns regarding the "medical massage program" in your cover letter.  Something along the lines of, "I understand you are familiar with medical massage and I would like to take this opportunity to further your knowledge of what I am capable of providing to your clients.  Clinical applications of massage are known to normalize blood pressure conditions..."Second, I would follow-up with a phone call to his office manager and ask for a brief appointment to demonstrate your skills -- maybe during one of their morning meetings where you can see the whole staff before they start seeing patients.  Third, I would either send a thank-you letter with brochures and business cards for them to use for referrals.  -OR- deliver them personally with a basket of organic fruit or teas.I know this probably goes without saying, however, it is incredibly important that whatever materials you send to him need to be of the utmost quality and consistency in professionalism.  He and his office are used to dealing with the slick advertising materials from the pharmaceutical company's who bring in samples and food when they visit.  In order to catch his attention you will most likely need to match their presentation style.This is just one approach that I can think of at the moment.  Goodluck and don't let his response get you down.  There are many, many potential clients out there beyond that one doctor's office.

 

[Estella]

Thank you all for your advice!  Good stuff.  I'm not sure if I'm going to go ahead with trying to convince him, for reasons I'm not going to go into in the forum.  I will certainly use this information when I contact other doctors.I'm sure the medical massage program is more than just insurance billing and medical terminology, since it's a 45-week course.  I just heard from people involved with the school that it might not be what I expect.  But, I will get more information!  There's an advanced course that's an additional 500 hours that I really really want!  While in school, I got a preview (on my shoulder) of some of the things they learn in the advanced class...omg, it blew me away!  Maybe one day...Thanks again everyone!

 

[Char]

Not being taken seriously.

I remember when Bill gates was starting msft.for the first few years he was offering to sell his stock to every one he came across for a dollerand you know every one that I have talked to that was given that offer turned him down.point is don't give up

 

[No God]

An experience:  My aunt is a nurse for our family physician and mentioned my massage practice to the doc; he rolled his eyes  : like I was a nut case.  We both were invited to a health fair for one of the local casino employees.  He had a booth set up with all his brochures re. screening for colon cancer, etc. and I had a booth with free chair massage.  Guess who had a very long line of people interested in their service?  Not him!  Me!  I must admit, as immature as it sounds, I felt vindicated.  He didn't roll his eyes at me while I did chair massage and he sat there looking lonesome.

 

[fcoleman43]

Not being taken seriously.

Some people are just closed minded and you'll never get them to change, but it is worth the try, if you are interested in persuing it.Otherwise, like you said, use it for the other physicans out there and unfortunately his patient group will have to learn of you some other way or be worse off due to his inability to branch out.