Article from The Chiropractic Journal

[Jessi]

This article is from the current issue of The Chiropractic Journal: http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2004/jul/ricchio.htmHere is the text of the article:

Creating a profitable massage program by Dr. Geoff RicchioIf the average DC would stand on the corner and hold up a sign reading "Free Chiropractic Treatment," how many people would line up? If a massage therapist stood on that same corner and held up a sign that said "Free 30-Minute Massage," how many people would get in line?It's likely many people would line up for massage versus chiropractic care.Why?The simple fact is that everybody loves massage, but not many people understand or even want chiropractic care. This may upset many readers, but the truth hurts and when it comes to chiropractic care, we're only targeting a very small portion of the population at large.I have used massage therapists in my practice for the last 18 years and found them to be an incredible adjunct, not only contributing to improved patient retention but increased income as well.But how does the average doctor add or include massage in his or her practice? How does the doctor hire, pay and market the massage therapy program?I'd like to outline some points about massage therapy (I call them "Ricchio's Rules") that may be helpful in your office.-- Rule #1. Massage therapists are difficult to deal with. Make no mistake about it, MTs are at times scary people to deal with. All my problems with workers in my office have always been with massage therapists. They have a hard time adhering to normal office hours or even office protocol.-- Rule #2. Never overpay a massage therapist. When these people get out of school, they seem to think they deserve $60 per hour! Yet, I've found that MTs will work harder for you at $20 per hour than $60 hourly. It's important that you set up a payment schedule that not only rewards them for good work but more work as well.-- Rule #3. Only hire female therapists. I know this is wrong to do, but it only takes one male massage therapist to touch a woman inappropriately and you're sued and shut down by the Sheriff's department.-- Rule #4. Create a low cost massage program for the general public so that they can use your office for low cost massage therapy. I have a system for chiropractors that enables them to create a profit center that pays them a regular income month after month. My massage program paid my office $24,500 every month for years. Not bad income for a wellness program.-- Rule #5. Have your massage program available for the business community. Many businesses around your office would love to set up a massage wellness program for their employees. You can do this for them and make an incredible amount of monthly income. This is a terrific way to increase your new patient base.-- Rule #6. Do massage seven days per week. That's right, your office could be generating income for you even on Saturdays and Sundays. I found that Sundays have been an incredible addition to my office. People love to come in on the weekend because they are free. We've even done massage until 10pm!Massage therapy properly managed at your office will provide a steady stream of new patients and passive income for years to come. By doing this program at your office, I am confident you will create a lifetime income stream unheard of until now.

Wow.  Does this offend anyone besides me?  Especially rules #1 - #3.

 

[blood.pixie]

WOW...What an ass....  

 

[natalie.anastasakis]

Article from The Chiropractic Journal

I have a system...

Many people who advertise in a news journal like this one, saying they have a system (a more precise verbage than before, thanks to a welcome comment  ), well, you know as good as I, they are only out to make money.  Could have been a large day spa saying the same thing.  I hope this article just lets everyone keep in mind, get to know who you plan to work for, and I hope the the chiro's, as a whole, don't get a bad rap for one man's poor attitude.

 

[shedaisyluv]

Article from The Chiropractic Journal

Just one more reason for me to work for myself.

 

[Duddeee]

Article from The Chiropractic Journal

I think someone ought to let his therapists read this....then leave his (_(_) high and dry.What a jerk.Robyn

 

[Marcia D]

Article from The Chiropractic Journal

We should all call him.

 

[Moonie]

I sent the butmunch an email. Told him what a joke we thought he was  lol i couldnt resist! I work for a chiro, too, and let him know that i thanked GOD he didnt treat me the way that fool suggested. grr

 

[Pompal 09.]

A few of my own thoughts about "Ricchio's Rules"...#1: I wouldn't consider myself "difficult to deal with" - very far from it.  I've met very few massage therapists who I would describe as difficult to deal with and I resent the generalization.  I'm sure that if I were faced with a set of unrealistic demands (like being expected to work all weekend or work until 10pm)  for a below-average salary by a man who obviously didn't appreciate or respect my talents for any purpose besides his own financial gain... then YES I'm sure I could become difficult to deal with.  This man does not sound like a dream to work for - more like a nightmare!#2: Wow, when he said that he's "used" massage therapists in his practice for the last 18 years, he wasn't kidding!  Gee, maybe he'd have an easier time attracting and retaining good, reliable therapists if he'd pay them what they're worth?#3: Only hire female therapists???? Last I knew, gender-based discrimination was illegal.  He KNOWS it's wrong and even states this fact, yet he's still advocating it in a "respected" trade journal.  I'm surprised this crap even got published!Ironically, now that this article has been published and he's openly admitted to discrimination - he's got a real reason for the law to come shut him down or at least fine him.Thankfully, not all chiropractors share this man's attitude.

 

[w/e child]

Article from The Chiropractic Journal

MichelleTX,

I don't know that I'd go so far as to say that is a

... "respected" trade journal.

There is a lot of marketing that is pushed on chiropractic and though the WCA is an organization, that is far from a Journal.  But, if you want to see some "good journals, take a look at these:  

Spine -
http://www.spinejournal.com/pt/re/spine/home.htm;jsessionid=Azk3cuueDoxPMyOEBi1bc9e4hjxbJkF6mLx1HzVWlunByCg1Eqq9!1873962875!-949856031!9001!-1

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) -
http://www2.us.elsevierhealth.com/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchdbfor=home&id=pt

`````

Hope not to offend or make it look like I am suggesting anyone treat another human being this way, but at the same time, I can say when I was in college and I needed a job desperately, I was happy to take whatever I could get, even if it meant working with someone with values like that.  For some people who need a job, that type of work can become a blessing, in a strange way.  :-/

 

[Eviee]

Article from The Chiropractic Journal

Yeah, the guy's a jerk, but , it's interesting, Michelle, if you're so concerned about what's legal, how come you violate federal copyright law?   :

That is so uncool.  

Irrelevent and unprofessional personal comments such as this are counterproductive for everyone's time and energy.  I always appreciate Michelle's contributions to the board.  I don't understand why you would want to try to invalidate her post by switching topics and putting her on the spot... Why so touchy?    Is it to say that the post would have been more credible if someone else posted it?  :

I'm glad she shared this article with the board and shed a glint of light on what DC's might be thinking of us, especially DC's that are making tons of money over and above what they are willing to pay their employees.  I also think she made excellent points, and still managed to come back with an excellent response to the post while I was still rendered speechless by this DC's opinions.

 

[jan]

Article from The Chiropractic Journal

After reading this thread again, in case I might have come across as offensive to anyone, I do agree, it was a good thing to post, if for no reason than to see how some people (quite a few actually) try to manipulate massage therapists for their gain.I hope we all are able to rise above the need to work for someone like this and ever the circumstance to treat someone like this.I wish better days for us all.  We have such a great group on these boards.  Thanks for the comments!

 

[BritneyM]

I worked for 2 years for an individual (not a chiro) with much the same attitude and "system" before I saw that I was being used with little regard to my health and well-being.  This person went to massage school when she saw what I could bring in and made the comment to me  " I can pay an employee $6.00 an hour to work the front desk while I make $45 an hour in the treatment room."  Now that she understands the physical, emotional, and mental demands that this career demands she is singing a different tune entirely!  

 

[cralyn]

Violation of copyright laws?  Reprinting as a quotation, having not only listed the author and the source of the article but providing the web address.  Hmmm isn't that what you have to do when doing a research paper at the high school level?

 

[Racin]

Article from The Chiropractic Journal

Hope not to offend or make it look like I am suggesting anyone treat another human being this way, but at the same time, I can say when I was in college and I needed a job desperately, I was happy to take whatever I could get, even if it meant working with someone with values like that.  For some people who need a job, that type of work can become a blessing, in a strange way.  :-/

Thank you.  I was hoping that someone would find a positive side to this article!  You're right, this doctor's office would  be an excellent opportunity for someone fresh out of school who needs a job while they look for a job.  If working for this man gives someone the experience and confidence they need to get the job they really want, then I guess it can be a good thing.

I will check out those other journals.  After flipping through the print version of this "journal" I saw that it was mostly advertising for equipment, for CEU's, and for lots of money making "systems" as you mentioned.

PS. Before the topic gets derailed any further by copyright issues, here's a link:
http://www.nolo.com/lawcenter/ency/article.cfm/ObjectID/C3E49F67-1AA3-4293-9312FE5C119B5806  

The article that I posted was for the sake of "criticism and comment" only and not for the sake of commercial gain, so it would technically be considered "fair use" of the article.  However, should the Chiropractic Journal or Dr. Ricchio ask me to edit my post to include only the link and not the quoted text, I will respectfully do so without question. Now, back to the regularly scheduled discussion.

 

[horny one]

I emailed the link to NCTMB and AMTA.  Let's see what they can do. :

 

[Mr. Duffles]

Article from The Chiropractic Journal

MichelleTX wrote:

Now, back to the regularly scheduled discussion.

*chuckles*  and then notices I have four stars by my name.  Wow, seems I talk an awful lot.Glad I could find something positive in all of that -- usually I am not too good at it.  

 

[stephyy1019]

>>I have four stars by my name.  Wow, seems I talk an awful lot. Almost a God!  Seriously, Good Discussion.  Thanks.

 

[Owais Memon]

I was offending by all his rules, but I was really offended by #3 (I'm male).  Another thing that was posted was Texas-gal's comment "Anyone who has a system, well, you know as good as I, they are only out to make money."  I have a system for my business (I know we are all in business to make money, or else we are not in business for long) but its not just about money.  I am in business to help people and I do help alot of people.  Texas-gal, I am not upset or 'offended' by this I just wanted to point out not everyone with a system is out for the money.

 

[wolf]

Maybe the reason the Chiropractor does this is because he can't seem to generate any business on his own and NEEDS as massage therapist to bring in business.  Clients can tell when someone doesn't like their job or them.....maybe that was this guy's problem.  But then it could be the Doctor is God mentality.  Knew a nurse who went to med school and this one instructor told the med students to never listen to a nurse, that they were stupid and didn't know anything.  Gee that's funny.......especially when it's a nurse who tells the doctor what is right or wrong with their patient for the day.  Maybe the chiropractor is just jealous.  Who knows.  But I'm sure those statements will not do anything good for his karma.

 

[helterskeltergoneawry]

*winks at BigDog* -- good point.Hits the modify button and makes a change that is more along the precise lines of what I meant.  *many people who advertise in a news journal like this one, saying they have a system*