Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68174
ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE Although clients may want to discuss the failure of other therapies, don't let them dwell on the topic. Simply tell the client you are sorry the therapy was not effective and offer another type of therapy. Asking the client why they felt another therapy did not work may provide useful information when revising the treatment plan. This redirection helps the client focus on the present and the positive aspects of bodywork, and eliminates discussing other therapies or providers. REFERRALS BUILD BUSINESS A professional always keeps the client's best interests in mind. If you have been working with a client for a number of sessions and he or she shows little or no improvement, it is appropriate to refer this person to someone who may be able to obtain better results. The referral could be to another MT or to someone with an entirely different—yet appropriate— scope of practice. The client will appreciate your concern and honesty. You would expect the same courtesy if you were being treated by someone. Doctors, psychologists, and other health care providers often refer clients for massage when they think it will be beneficial for the client's health and wellbeing. Referrals are a good source of new clients and it is important to follow a few guidelines. 1. Always acknowledge the referring party. 2. Know the expectations of the referring party. 3 If the referred client asks for a change in treatment, confirm the change with the referring party. 4. Know the referral may be temporary. Be prepared to return the client when the therapy is done. 5. Keep in contact with the referring party when requested. Remain neutral and avoid offering opinions on other therapists or their work. Knowing everyone's expectations is an important aspect of the referral. A doctor may write a referral asking for a certain type of massage or for a specific area to be addressed. It is important to follow these directions and if you think a change would benefit the client, talk with the doctor first. A doctor may not know about a modality that would help; as a therapist, you can explain what you can possibly accomplish for the client. Once the therapy is complete, follow up with a final thank you note and a report of what you and the client accomplished during the sessions. This level of communication shows other health care providers the quality of your work you and it showcases your professionalism. It also provides the referring therapist or doctor with a more complete record of the client's treatment. Customer service and superb work will likely lead to other referrals. CONSULTATIONS We all have times when we need the advice of other professionals to help us with our clients or businesses. A consultation is a great way of obtaining information from an expert about a subject that's not your specialty. During the consultation, you will receive advice regarding your business, techniques, treatments, or conditions that may help you in a variety of ways. Consultations simply give you more information to consider before you proceed, but it's important to remember that there are no guarantees that the consultant's information is correct or that someone else knows the right way to treat your client. In any case, it is important to respect your consultant and thank him or her for taking the time to speak with you. And there may be a time when you can help that individual in return. Perhaps it's appropriate to compensate the consulting party or offer to barter services in the future. Working with others is an important component of any massage therapy practice. Obtaining information, referring clients, and working with other therapists require that you treat others professionally and ethically at all times. Your clients will see that your practice is focused on their best interests. Treating your clients and others ethically and with respect serves your clients, your community, and your profession. massage therapist for 18 years, working both in private practice and medical settings. She began teaching massage techniques and ethics 12 years ago and became program manager at Allied College in St. Louis, Missouri, nine years ago. She is the author of Ethics for Massage Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006). Contact her at tyardleynohr@alliedcollege.edu. Terrie Yardley-Nohr, LMT, has been a connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 107