Marketing your Myofascial Release (MFR) practice, or any type of practice, is about building a brand around you. I wrote an article a number of years ago that I cannot locate (after a number of computer changes) that talked to this fact. You, as an MT, PT, OT or whatever T you are, must decide what it is that you do and do well.
When I started my Myofascial Release practice, I pushed the words MYOFASCIAL RELEASE in all types of print advertising, as well as in verbal discussions about my work. I was going to convert every doctor and potential patient in my area of what Myofascial Release could do for them. But after a few years in practice, as my name and reputation spread, it was what I did that mattered more, not what modality I used.
The Pain Relief Center is the name of my practice in Rochester, NY. That pretty much explained to 99% of interested people what it was that I did. 1% would ask for Myofascial Release by name, and 1/10th of those 1% would ask who I was trained by. So my 2 minute elevator speech revolved around how I am very efficient at relieving pain. My 10 minute speech would talk about Myofascial Release a bit, but eyes tended to glaze over by that point. Once you are involved in the process of evaluating and treating, more attention is given to the specifics of MFR.
Brand yourself at what you do well. And what you do well should be patient directed. You may do MFR well, but to most people that message will not be heard. If it is pain relief you do well, create your brand around this fact. Know your market and know yourself. Promoting MFR, especially when you are promoting your teacher, may be wasted time and money on your part. It is YOU who needs to be in the forefront of your market.
Walt Fritz, PT
I’m re-entering the work place and have been thinking about this. The words restoration bodywork came to mind, but it sounds too much like something done to cars 😉 Stress release sounds too much like it belongs in a spa. Maybe “Healing Bodywork.” I’ll keep thinking about it, but two words probably won’t sum it up.
Just keep it simple. I spend a fair amount of time looking at websites, as well as business names. Lots of great names and lots of very vague ones. There should be no ambiguity about your brand.