MET 101 eBook Tip 43 - Working With Naturopaths and Massage Therapists
In Tip #43 of the MET 101 series, Dr. Mike highlights an often-overlooked but incredibly effective strategy for building a thriving medical exercise practice: creating referral relationships with massage therapists and naturopaths. While many MedExPROs focus only on physical therapists, chiropractors, and physicians, this tip expands your network—and your impact.
Naturopaths are especially valuable when working with clients dealing with immune dysfunction or gastrointestinal disorders, two areas often underserved in conventional settings. Dr. Mike points to Glenn Gerald, an MES and naturopath in New Jersey, as an excellent example of the power of combining these disciplines. He encourages every MedExPRO to identify a trusted naturopath in their area and begin exploring partnership opportunities.
Massage therapists, on the other hand, are an ideal complement for clients suffering from chronic pain, such as arthritis, spinal issues, or failed back surgery syndrome. Dr. Mike strongly recommends shared care models—even shared office space—where clients receive both massage and medical exercise sessions during the same visit. This team-based approach provides consistent, measurable outcomes that clients love and referring providers trust.
For example, Jason Hodge of Medical Fitness Pros in Houston incorporates massage into his MET practice. His team regularly uses 30/30 sessions (30 minutes of massage + 30 minutes of exercise), producing incredible results. When MedExPROs and massage therapists work together, they build stronger businesses, serve clients more completely, and increase referrals and revenue.
Dr. Mike closes with a vision for the future: integrated wellness practices that combine medical exercise with massage, physical therapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, and more. This is the direction the industry is moving—and the most adaptable and collaborative MedExPROs will lead the way.
💡 MedExPRO Application:
Start identifying complementary professionals—massage therapists and naturopaths—who share your client care philosophy. Reach out. Explore shared sessions. Collaborate. A strong referral partnership today could be the foundation for a thriving practice tomorrow.
📘 Want more practical, proven tips to grow your MET practice?
Download your FREE copy of the MET 101 eBook at www.MET101ebook.com and learn all 101 tips designed to help MedExPROs build profitable, outcome-driven, referral-ready practices.
Get Medical Exercise Training guidelines and updates!
Build your practice with tips learned over 28+ years teaching MedXPROs around the world!!