Collaboration in a Multi-Disciplinary World

“Take your time,” I say quietly as I back out of my treatment room and close the door.  I head toward the kitchenette to wash my hands, and on my way I observe Bailey and Dr. Damien in lively discussion about neck pain.  Bailey sees me and joins me in the kitchen.

“So, how was Mrs. Jones?”

“Really good, actually,” I reply, “she said it was fine that I talk to you.  I was able to release her back and neck during the massage, but I’m a little stumped about her shoulder; I couldn’t find the source of her pain.  If you could let me know what you find there, that would be great.”

“Ok, sounds good,” says Bailey, “I will let you know.”  She heads off toward the physiotherapy area to review her notes on our mutual client.

I hear the door to my treatment room open, and out comes my client, a little groggy but smiling after her massage.  While I debrief her quietly about her treatment, I hear Tara and Sara in the next treatment room.  Tara is showing Sara a new way of massaging the abdominal muscles.  More lively discussion from there.

I lead Mrs. Jones into the physiotherapy area to see Bailey, and head toward the front desk.  Dr. Damien and Pat, our office manager, are putting together a treatment plan for a client.  I peek at the schedule and let them be.

This is a typical day in our office.

The word “multidisciplinary” is common these days, but often denotes a clinic with multiple practitioners working side by side: a group of individuals.  Whole Therapy challenges this “all for one” attitude.  Collaboration between practitioners is my vision; is what sets our clinic apart from the rest. 

It’s not unusual to find a group of us, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists and RMTs alike, sitting and bantering about the best way to treat plantar fasciitis.  With client permission, we discuss mutual client cases, not only to find the best path of treatment, but also to avoid over-treating or missing areas.  We share techniques.  We refer to each other.  We help each other become better practitioners.

At Whole Therapy, we practice with the philosophy that two heads are better than one, and it works.  In collaborating with each other, we better connect with and care for our clients, who in turn feel better, faster.  It’s a win-win situation!