Every physical therapy clinic owner understands that referrals are essential for a thriving aquatics program. Knowing this isn’t enough to encourage referrers to send patients your way. Instead, it takes forethought and planning to make it simple, convenient and rewarding for referral sources to put their trust – and their clients’ outcomes – in your hands.
This starts by knowing, or defining, the preferred referral sources.
As noted in a recent piece by Brian Howells, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Via Christi Therapy Clinic in Kansas:
“How could we succeed without our patients? The same holds true to the professionals who refer. Sometimes [aquatic therapy gives] hope to those who could never comfortably, securely or effectively rehab on land.”
Howells hits upon a key point in his discussion: In order to conveniently construct a list of referrers, why not start by determining the variety of populations who can utilize a therapy pool and other aquatics modalities?
It’s beyond the scope of this post to exhaustively discuss all the target audiences who could benefit from hydrotherapy and then match them with potential referring professionals. However, some are more easily defined than others. These include patients battling conditions such as:
This is a serious condition that makes land-based training difficult and sometimes impossible. Obesity may not be the primary reason that a person comes to physical therapy, but as a comorbidity, it can limit land-based physical therapy effectiveness, causing a patient to stop rehab prematurely.
Referral sources for obese patients: ABOM (American Board of Obesity Medicine) clinicians, general physicians, bariatric surgeons, bariatric physicians, dietitians, nutritionists
Not only is osteoarthritis painful, but it can lead to awkward movements, improper gait and a host of other not recommended (but understandable) coping mechanisms. It can also take a toll on the mind, leading to weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle. Aquatics in a warm water therapy pool can lead to a better quality of life.
Referral sources for patients suffering from osteoarthritis and similar issues: general physicians, orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, arthritis treatment specialists
Problems related to the heart may require surgical interventions followed by rehabilitation. In some cases, surgeons may also consider sending patients with comorbidities for prehab before surgery.
Referral sources for cardiac patients: general physicians, cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons
COPD and similar diseases are creating a new influx of patients to physical therapy clinics. Years ago, pulmonary conditions were not treated with aquatics. Now, more patients than ever are getting the pulmonary benefits of exercising in warm water pools and other water-based rehab modalities (as long as the water is kept on the cooler side.)
Referral sources for pulmonary patients: pulmonologists, asthma specialists, general practitioners, cardiologists, surgeons (depending upon the patient’s condition)
By beginning with your target populations and working backwards, you can explore all the potential referral sources available in your community, and quite possibly other surrounding areas without aquatic therapy options. Start a list of the types of referrers and determine how best to reach them.
Some of the best marketing tools that other aquatic therapy clinics have used to educate and encourage referrers (even busy ones) are:
No matter how you choose to get the word out, it’s time to get started and build those referrals. An aquatic therapy program can create a huge boost in your revenue and a concurrent reduction in missed appointments.
Ready to get started? We have developed a four-point tip sheet to give you a leg up on referrals. Learn what has worked for some clinic owners so you can benefit from others’ insights and successes. Click here for the download.
This post was last modified on July 19, 2023 9:55 am
Underwater therapy is an important tool for athletes seeking to enhance their training, recovery, and…
Hydrostatic pressure is a fundamental principle in physics, particularly relevant in the field of hydrotherapy…
CrossFit has gained immense popularity as a high-intensity training program, attracting athletes and fitness enthusiasts…
Hydrotherapy is a vital component in neurological rehabilitation, offering unique advantages that traditional therapy may…
When selecting the right hydrotherapy pool, understanding the variety of options available is crucial for…
In the world of rehabilitation and athletic performance, functional movement training has become a critical…