Massage therapists may get a good career start working with chiropractors.
Massage therapists are professional health care providers who use manipulation of the soft muscle tissues of the body to promote physical and spiritual well-being. These workers can perform their techniques in a variety of settings, just one of which is the chiropractor's office. Those who wish to work with chiropractors in this capacity first should check state regulations and weigh the pros and cons of working with someone who practices manipulation of bones.
Regulations
As of 2011, no federal regulations strictly state that a massage therapist cannot work in a chiropractor's office. However, in most states, massage therapists must pass state licensing exams that qualify them as health care professionals -- the District of Columbia and 43 states have such regulations as of 2011, says the American Massage Therapy Association. In these jurisdictions, a chiropractor technically should not hire any unlicensed massage therapist, as doing so would mean employing an individual who does not meet guidelines for health care work. Whether you can work in a chiropractor's office thus depends on where you live and what the regulations are for your state.
Why Working for Chiropractors Makes Sense
Working in a chiropractor's office makes sense in that much of chiropractic work depends on having loose muscles and being relaxed. If a chiropractor tries to adjust a client who is tense with tight muscles, treatment will not be as effective because the tight muscles can pull bones back out of alignment. Chiropractors thus often recommend massage therapy in conjunction with adjustments and do some massage work themselves if they do not have a trained massage therapist on staff. Many chiropractors like working with massage therapists, as doing so means the chiropractor can concentrate more on the actual adjustments instead of massage. Massage therapists also are trained in other relaxation techniques like aromatherapy that can improve relaxation and the benefits of the adjustments.
Cons of Chiropractic Office Work
Even though the relationship between muscles and bones means that chiropractors and massage therapists can benefit from each other in a symbiotic business relationship, chiropractors and massage therapists don't always see eye to eye on health care issues. For instance, a chiropractor may wait to do an adjustment if tissue is inflamed, whereas a massage therapist believes massage therapy can reduce inflammation and may want to work on the client right away. If the chiropractor hires a massage therapist, the massage therapist also gets a percentage of what the client pays out of pocket or via his insurance company -- the therapist does not get 100 percent of the generated revenue the way a self-employed massage therapist does.
Getting a Good Fit
Getting work as a massage therapist in a chiropractor's office can be a good choice, particularly if you need experience for your resume. However, before you apply, you should ask the chiropractor several basic questions to ensure you find an office that is a good fit for you. Ask the chiropractor what her philosophies are regarding healing and how she views the art of massage. Also inquire whether she will let you promote stretching techniques and make therapy suggestions of your own to clients. Discuss billing methods and the length of sessions, as well. Ideally, try to find a chiropractor who will treat you as a partner rather than an employee, regardless of whether she is technically your boss.
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