Expanding your chiropractic practice to include on-site care can be a great way to offer a valuable, personalized service to clients while growing your business. For those in small towns, where the sense of community is strong, on-site chiropractic care provides an accessible, convenient option for busy professionals who may not have time to visit a traditional office.
My own experience in this area came about organically—after meeting one individual patient at their workplace, many of their colleagues also requested care. Before long, I found myself visiting several businesses regularly. While this type of growth may happen naturally for some, there are steps you can take to proactively establish yourself in the on-site care space.
1. Understand the Scope of Workplace Injuries
The workplace can be a significant source of physical strain, particularly in certain industries. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of disability worldwide, and they have a substantial impact on employees and employers alike. In fact:
Back pain is the second most common reason for missed workdays in the United States, behind the common cold.
MSDs, including conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, and neck pain, account for over 30% of all workers' compensation costs.
Workers with back pain are 5 times more likely to take sick days, and back pain costs U.S. employers an estimated $100 billion annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, and other related costs.
For chiropractors, this highlights a tremendous opportunity to provide preventive and rehabilitative care directly at the workplace, where many of these issues originate.
2. Leverage the Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Employers
From an employer’s perspective, investing in employee health isn’t just an altruistic endeavor—it can lead to tangible returns in the form of reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and improved employee retention. Chiropractic care addresses many of the common musculoskeletal complaints that plague employees, particularly those in physically demanding or sedentary jobs.
According to data from various workplace wellness studies:
Companies with on-site wellness programs, including chiropractic care, report an average 25% reduction in absenteeism and a 26% reduction in healthcare costs.
Workplaces that promote wellness programs have experienced a 15% increase in employee productivity.
According to a survey conducted by the Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI), employees suffering from back pain or other musculoskeletal disorders report losses of up to 10.5 hours of productive work per week.
These statistics show that providing chiropractic care in the workplace can make a measurable difference in both employee health and an organization’s bottom line.
3. Build Relationships with Local Businesses
If you’re interested in offering on-site care, a natural first step is to connect with local businesses in your area. Reach out to small and medium-sized companies that may not have in-house wellness programs but would benefit greatly from regular care for their employees. Here’s how to get started:
Target key industries: Look for businesses where employees are likely to suffer from physical strain. This includes industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation, where physical labor takes a toll on the body. But even office settings can lead to repetitive strain injuries or posture-related issues, making them excellent candidates for on-site chiropractic care.
Highlight the benefits: When approaching businesses, make it clear that chiropractic care can help reduce workers’ compensation claims, prevent injuries, and improve overall workplace morale. Statistics from organizations like the ACA support the claim that chiropractic care can significantly reduce workplace injury-related costs.
Offer to educate: Offer to hold a presentation or "lunch-and-learn" session for businesses to educate employees about ergonomics, injury prevention, and the benefits of chiropractic care.
4. Leverage Your Existing Client Base
Another effective way to get started with on-site care is to leverage your existing patient base. If you already have loyal clients, consider asking them whether they’d prefer receiving care at their workplace. You’d be surprised how many patients would appreciate the convenience—and once they experience the benefits, they’re likely to refer you to their coworkers or management.
When you work with an individual patient on-site, word spreads quickly within the company. As I’ve experienced in my own practice, once one employee starts receiving chiropractic care, their colleagues often want in on the convenience and health benefits as well.
5. Offer Corporate Rates and Group Sessions
For many businesses, having access to affordable on-site chiropractic care can make a significant difference. Offering group sessions or corporate discounts can help employers justify the cost while making it easier for you to schedule multiple appointments in a single visit.
Consider offering discounted rates for groups of employees who sign up for regular care.
Provide businesses with package options, allowing them to purchase sessions in bulk for their employees at a reduced rate.
Make it clear that regular chiropractic care can help prevent injuries before they occur, reducing the long-term costs associated with chronic conditions and workplace accidents.
6. Prepare for On-Site Visits
Once you’ve established relationships with businesses and employees, you’ll need to ensure you have the right logistics in place. This includes having a portable chiropractic table and the necessary tools to bring your practice on the road. Make sure to coordinate with the business to find a private space where employees can comfortably receive care.
It’s also important to develop a schedule that allows you to treat multiple employees in one visit. For example, you might spend a half-day at a business, treating several employees back-to-back, rather than making individual trips for each patient. This is a more efficient use of your time and provides convenience for your clients.
7. Start Small, Then Scale
If you're new to on-site care, it's perfectly fine to start small. Begin by working with just one or two businesses or a handful of employees, and see how it fits into your practice. Once you get a feel for the logistics and the response from clients, you can gradually scale up your services.
Remember, in a small town, word-of-mouth is your most valuable marketing tool. As you gain more on-site clients, your reputation for offering convenient, high-quality care will spread naturally.
Conclusion
Starting an on-site chiropractic practice in a small town can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. With a clear understanding of the prevalence and cost of workplace injuries, backed by statistics from the American Chiropractic Association, you’re in a prime position to offer solutions that benefit both employees and employers. By building relationships with local businesses, leveraging your existing patients, and offering flexible rates and group sessions, you can create a new revenue stream while providing much-needed care to your community.
On-site care may start small, but with persistence and the right approach, it can grow into a major part of your practice, making a real difference in the lives of your patients and their workplaces.
Have a wonderful week,
Dr. Lucas Marchand - MyChiro, LLC
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