ON Chiropractic
Dr . Katherine Wood , a chiropractor in Cobourg , Ontario , believes that having both practitioners working together in the same office makes collaboration even easier . She stresses the importance of communication between chiropractors and RMTs . With patient permission , she consults frequently with the RMTs on her team about their shared patients in order to improve results .
Dr . Wood frequently refers to the RMTs in her clinic if she feels the patient would get improved results from massage therapy treatment . “ If I feel that more comprehensive muscle care is needed to help augment the chiropractic care and to improve the patient ’ s wellbeing , then I refer ,” she said .
She feels that massage therapy and chiropractic care complement each other particularly well for certain conditions . She encourages complementary care for any musculoskeletal condition , and particularly in cases of shoulder injury ( rotator cuff , tendinitis , frozen shoulder ), tension headache and any severe muscle hypertonicity that makes it difficult to adjust any part of the spine . Dr . Wood says , " It is sometimes simply an avenue to improve overall response to treatment by incorporating both ."
RMTs and chiropractors also both play an important role in the care of chronic conditions . Dr . Greg Canning , a chiropractor in Etobicoke , Ontario , refers to a massage therapist when a patient ’ s condition or situation requires a longer approach or when the patient requires a more gradual approach .
Partners in Care
When developing collaborative relationships , it is important to find an RMT that fits with the goals of your overall practice and with whom you can easily and effectively consult and collaborate . Define and outline the working relationship based on mutual respect and trust . It ’ s important to understand how each practitioner is contributing to the patient ’ s recovery . “ Direct involvement between practitioners removes the grey area regarding treatment goals and response to treatment ,” Dr . Canning said .
When all members of the team understand their own roles and the roles of the other team members , this knowledge can be used to establish effective treatment goals that maximize the contributions of all members .
Collaboration vs . Competition
The importance of fostering a collaborative culture and atmosphere is paramount . Dr . Canning said that when developing a collaborative culture , it ’ s important to keep in mind that there ’ s always something new to learn from each other .
“ Everyone I have worked with has been excellent collaborators ,” Dr . Canning said . “ Another set of clinical skills to tap into . Like me , they realize that the license is the start of the learning process , not the end .”
He added that he tries to keep any competitiveness out of his collaborative work . He says that although it can be natural to feel reluctant to send patients to other practitioners , it is better to concentrate on what ’ s best for the patient .
“ It ’ s sometimes difficult in this competitive market to work collaboratively . Am I losing a patient ? But in the long run the patient is better off and some of my best referrals have been from patients I referred or didn ’ t treat ,” he said .
The knowledge , skills , attitudes and values required for interprofessional collaboration can be taught and practiced and Dr . Canning sees learning to work collaboratively as part of the continuing education process . He also feels that effective communication among health practitioners working together is essential for continuity of care .
“ The overall health and wellbeing of the patient is of paramount importance and I believe collaborating with other health professionals enhances the patient ’ s potential for recovery ,” Dr Wood adds , “ Different professionals will bring alternative viewpoints and areas of expertise that will widen the scope of treatment .”
Working Together
Working together strengthens health care systems , heightens patient satisfaction and improves patient outcomes . Successful interprofessional teams put the patient first . Massage therapists are an important member of the team and a strong collaborative relationship can benefit you , your patients and your practice .
This article was contributed by the Registered Massage Therapists ' Association of Ontario as part of an editorial partnership with the OCA . The OCA has also submitted an article to the RMTAO ' s member magazine about how massage therapists can work with chiropractors to provide excellent patient care and improved outcomes .
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