Massage Practice Settings

1. Massage Practice Settings

2. Practice Settings Private Practice Group Practice - home office - office in building - room in prof. office - on-site or outcalls - salon, day spa - fitness center / gym - hospice- medical office - health clinic - wellness center - medical clinic - specialty clinic

3. Private Practice

4. Private Practice Independent Contractors - separate business operating under another business - rent based on flat rate or percentage of services - consult with attorney and financial advisor - IRS requirements to qualify

5. Key Aspects of Private Practice • Autonomy - flexibility - maintain control (when,where, how) - professional isolation • Safety - outcalls/environment/referrals - prevention

6. Key Aspects of Private Practice • Finances - carefully manage cash flow - planning (quarterly taxes, marketing, insurance, etc) - awareness of tax deductions • Benefits - no paid vacations, sick days, etc.

7. Success Tips for Private Practice • Minimize isolation: network /attend conferences • - Keep good records • - Focus upon marketing • - Develop clear policies • - Schedule efficiently/arrange time off • - Take safety precautions • - Hire others to do time-consuming tasks (accounting)

8. Salons and Day Spas • Often rent rooms to therapists • Who provides supplies? • Personal or shared treatment room • Insulation from other sounds/odors? • Fee-splitting allowed • - Marketing required - brochures, demos, gift certificates

9. Working in Salons/Spas • Display business cards and brochures on display- Set clear cancellation policies • - Give staff massages • Consider location of treatment room • Follow-up calls / birthday cards to clients • Maintain accurate records and files • - Use down-time wisely

10. Fitness Centers and Health Clubs Fitness centers often have highly motivated clientele. Good place to gain experience and to work with a variety of sports injuries - Display business card and brochure at front desk - Offer free demos and classes - Network with trainers, dietitians - Educate staff on how your services may help clients - Utilize comprehensive intake form - Take classes / exercise at facility

11. Celebrities / Athletes Celebrity patrons of an establishment may offer you a job. These jobs are glamorous but are demanding. You may be required to travel and cater the celebrity or athlete. - Get legal advice about employment contract - Clarify what is expected of you - Clarity how travel expenses, lodging, meals are paid - Maintain good communication and boundaries

12. Corporate Wellness Programs Each dollar spent on employee wellness returns three in productivity!Wellness initiatives create a healthy and happy productive staff. May include chair massage, fitness classes, smoking cessation, nutrition, yoga, etc... Flex benefits may cover wellness services and classes. - Local chapter of Wellness Council www.welcoa.org - Contact local businesses - Chair massage experience - Network at health fairs - Arrange to be paid hourly - Get advice from others (non-competing) therapists

14. Hospice Terminal or incurable illnesses population Usually paid a flat rate fee Can be emotionally demanding May need to adapt treatment (working with client in bed) • Allow ample time for record keeping • Keep detailed, accurate records • Know contraindications • Gentle touch therapy is effective in easing pain • Be prepared to adapt to unexpected schedule changes

15. On-Site and Outcalls Advantages: low overhead convenient for the client Disadvantages: Must carry equipment Extra time Uncontrollable distractions • Safety: communicate with someone • avoid late-night apppointments • Set a price to reflect travel time • Schedule wisely (group massages in same location) • Establish boundaries (eg. lateness of client)

16. Primary Care Provider Office Therapist usually pays a flat or per session (safety net) Advantages: share marketing expenses good source of referrals sense of community Disadvantages: may need to sign a restrictive covenant agreement PCP may not refer anyone • Give free demonstrations • - If paying per session, negotiate a monthly payment limit • Be clear on your role • Market yourself to current patients

17. Group Practice

18. Group Practice • camraderie • Brainstorming tx. • variety of services • professional image • extensive office resources • cost-effective Benefits: Considerations: delayed payment (insurance) complex financial arrangements create clear written agreements

19. Group Practice • Holistic Health Care Clinics • Offer a variety of services – chiro., acupuncture, massage • Specialty Clinics Focus upon a single specialty • Medical Clinics • Sports medicine, Physical therapy clinics • Formed as an association of partnership • Practitioners can operate as separate businesses but work together • and share office space, rent, maintenance expenses.

20. Aspects of Group Practice • Self-AssessmentClarify reasons for wanting an associateSimilar or different work than you?How do you want to share and divide space?How much control do you need?

21. Aspects of Group Practice • InterviewsShare dreams, goals and concernsLook for commonalities and possible conflictsCompatible personalities?

22. Aspects of Group Practice 3. Roles, Goals & ExpectationsDelineate in writing, goals and expectationsCreate dissolution (buyout) agreementDesign full business plan before partnershipClarify financial arrangements

23. Aspects of Group Practice 4. Legal StatusMost group practices are associationsPartnership = jointly owned business

24. Aspects of Group Practice 5. FinancesCreate a contract - outline each person’s financial obligationAgree on operating budgetHire financial advisor

25. Aspects of Group Practice 6. Product SalesSource of additional incomeDetermine method and percentage of reimbursement

26. Aspects of Group Practice 7. MarketingShared expensesDevelop marketing plan - define goals - define target dates - budget

27. Aspects of Group Practice 8. Interaction LevelsClarify desired level of interaction - to share expenses only?Hold regular business meetings

28. Aspects of Group Practice 9. Office Logistics Day to day activities- preparing office for clients - restocking supplies - cleaning - coordinating repairsMay need a “policy and procedure” manual - re: phone etiquette,

29. Aspects of Group Practice 10. Scheduling ClientsCreate client scheduling policyWho gets the next yellow page referral?