I met Martin Dominguez, owner of Virginia Center for Spine and Sports Therapy in Richmond, VA at the Private Practice Section Meeting last fall in New Orleans.  We began an encouraging conversation about business and manual therapy approaches.  While talking with him was struck by:

1. The obvious care he has for his therapists and patients,

2.  His business model and experience is rooted in relationships, and

3.  He has a melding of different schools of manual therapy represented within his clinic that he supports equally. 

I asked him if he would be willing to answer a few questions:

You have different Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (OMPT) represented in your clinic.   

Do these therapists work well together?

Yes, there is a common thread that runs through all good manual therapy, just different ways to accomplish the same goals. The laws of spinal and joint mechanics, histology and physiology apply to us all.  Good clinicians understand this and use science as the basis for comparing approaches.  The higher the level of advanced manual training the more secure and confident the therapist becomes so any differences then become a means of growth by challenging our level of understanding. This leads to a mutual respect among our clinicians.

What are the pros of having clinicians trained in different ways in one clinic?

The best thing about an eclectic mix of ideas is the ability to problem solve from a broad perspective.   We all have difficult and challenging cases, having skilled clinicians to help asses and treat these ensures our patients are receiving the best possible care. 

Are there any cons?

I cannot say I have any, as long as the clinicians are professional, open minded and are focused on helping the patient and not on their own ego. 

Do the therapists share information and techniques with each other?

Yes, all the time! We are all excited and passionate about what we do and sharing ideas, information and techniques keeps us learning and growing.  This keeps our treatment plans from becoming stale. Many times it leads to a blending of techniques that can turn out to be more effective than a single approach. 

What can you share about your experience of “better together?”

Everyone has something to bring to the table, recognizing this and being open to new and different ideas will make care better for everyone. 

Thank you, Martin, for taking time to share your experience.

You can follow Virginia Center for Spine and Sports Therapy on Twitter @vcsst or their website at vcsst.com.