Physician Referral

The health care system is finding it increasingly difficult to meet rising patient expectations. Physicians are on the front line in the battle to provide quality patient care. Massage therapy can help physicians meet increasing patient demands in an efficient and cost effective manner.

Massage therapists will help physicians achieve their treatment goals, and as such may be viewed as a member of the extended healthcare team. Ultimately the patient will benefit by combining the physician’s knowledge and the therapist's specialized skills.

When referring a patient for massage therapy, most physicians simply indicate “Massage Therapy – Evaluate and Treat” on the prescription pad, allowing for a certain time frame or number of sessions if appropriate.

It is typical for the physician to recommend ten or twelve Massage Therapy sessions. The massage therapist charts the progress of the patient in order to measure the effectiveness of the treatment plan and will report back to the physician as required. If after the initial assessment and treatment, massage therapy does not provide the expected results, the therapist will recommend discontinuation of treatment and referral of the patient to another health care practitioner.