If you’ve ever thought, “I bet chiropractors could send me a steady stream of clients,” you’re right. Chiropractors and massage therapists go hand in hand. We both help people manage pain, move better, and feel better. But knowing it makes sense and actually getting referrals are two different things.
Whether you specialize in pain relief, injury recovery, or stress reduction, partnering with the right chiropractor can lead to a steady stream of clients who already trust healthcare professionals. The key is to position yourself as a valuable extension of their care, not just another service provider.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to approach chiropractors, what to say, and how to turn a casual introduction into a steady flow of new clients.
Why Chiropractor Referrals Work So Well
Chiropractors and massage therapists often work with the same types of clients
- Clients in pain
- People recovering from injuries or accidents
- Stressed-out professionals who carry tension in their body
- Folks who need ongoing care, not just a one-time fix
Massage makes their work easier. Adjustments hold longer. Clients feel better faster. And when clients see results, they keep coming back to both of you.
From the chiropractor’s perspective, sending a patient to a good massage therapist makes their practice look stronger. It gives their clients a better overall experience, which helps them stand out from other chiropractors in town.
Think Like a Collaborator, Not a Competitor
Instead of walking into a chiropractor’s office with business cards and a sales pitch, think about how you can support their work. Chiropractors don’t want someone who’s just handing out flyers; they want someone they feel confident referring patients to.
Referrals work best when:
- You’re both serving a similar ideal client.
- The chiropractor believes in your skills.
- There’s clear communication and mutual respect.
Ask yourself:
- How does your massage style complement chiropractic care?
- Can you help clients stay aligned longer, reduce inflammation, or relax tight muscles before adjustments?
- Can you help the chiropractor’s treatment plan be more effective?
When you speak their language and tie what you do into better results for their clients, they’ll start to see you as a real partner in care. So instead of asking yourself, “How do I get them to send me clients?” ask, “How can I help their patients get better results with the care they’re already providing?” That’s the energy that gets you in the door.
How to Build Real Relationships with Chiropractors
You don’t need to cold-call every clinic in town. Start with one or two chiropractors who align with your values and clientele. Here’s how to connect meaningfully:
1. Do a Little Research First
Not every chiropractor is going to be a good fit. Before reaching out, check them out:
- What type of clients do they focus on? (sports, family, accident recovery)
- Do they already have massage in-house? (If yes, maybe not a fit, but sometimes their therapists are booked solid.)
- Do they share a similar approach or philosophy?
For example, if you love working with athletes, find chiropractors who see sports injuries. If your specialty is stress relief, look for a family chiropractor who works with busy professionals.
2. Reach Out with Value
Put yourself in their shoes. They’ve built their practice over years. If someone showed up saying, “Can I have your clients?” the answer would be no.
Instead of saying, “Can you refer to me?” try something like:
“I work with clients dealing with chronic neck and back pain, and I often recommend chiropractic adjustments as part of their wellness plan. I’d love to learn more about your practice and see if we might be able to support each other’s work.”
Some other ways to create value:
- Commit to sending referrals their way.
- Collaborate on content, like a blog post or newsletter article.
- Host a joint workshop, like “Better Back Health: Chiropractic + Massage.”
- Share their social posts and tag them.
When you give first, you set the tone for a two-way partnership. You’re not just asking for referrals. You’re offering collaboration.
3. Invite Them to Experience Your Work
Offer a complimentary session not as a bribe, but as a way for them to experience your technique firsthand. If they’re going to refer clients to you, they need to feel confident about what you’re offering.
4. Make Referrals Easy
Even if they like you, chiropractors won’t send referrals if it feels like work.
Here’s how to make it simple:
- Print referral cards they can hand clients.
- Give them a one-page summary of your services, rates, and booking link.
- Create a dedicated link or code for their referrals.
- Follow up promptly when they do send someone.
Make it effortless, and you’ll start seeing a steady trickle of clients.
Keep the Relationship Alive
Referrals aren’t a one-and-done deal. Build the relationship over time by:
- Sending occasional check-ins or updates on shared clients (with consent).
- Referring clients to them when it makes sense.
- Sharing educational content that they can pass on to patients.
- Asking, “How can I better support the clients you refer to me?”
The more you show up as a true professional and partner, the more likely they’ll send clients your way again and again.
Tips to Make Your Massage Practice “Referral-Ready”
Make sure that when referrals come in, the experience is seamless. That means:
- Your online booking and intake forms are easy to use.
- You follow up with referred clients promptly and professionally.
- You communicate progress with the chiropractor (when appropriate and with permission).
- You thank the chiropractor every time.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Relationships, Not Transactions
Getting chiropractor referrals isn’t about handing out cards or asking for favors. It’s about creating a win-win partnership based on trust, results, and shared values.
When done right, these relationships can help you build a steady stream of clients who already value wellness and who stay longer, rebook more often, and refer others.
If you’re ready to stop relying on one-off clients and build deeper referral channels that grow with your business, chiropractor partnerships are one of the most strategic moves you can make.
Need Help Making These Connections?
If you’re a massage business owner looking to create referral systems, attract higher-quality clients, and grow beyond just yourself, we help massage therapists like you build smart, sustainable businesses.
Visit scalingwellness.com to learn more about our coaching and growth strategies.
