How can you develop customized treatment plans with physicians?

1 Establish a referral network

One of the first steps to developing customized treatment plans with physicians is to build a referral network of trusted and qualified medical professionals who share your vision and values. You can do this by reaching out to local doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, or other specialists who work with your target population and offer complementary services. You can also join professional associations, attend events, or participate in online forums where you can network and exchange referrals with other health and wellness experts.

2 Communicate clearly and regularly

Another key factor to developing customized treatment plans with physicians is to communicate clearly and regularly with them about your client's progress, challenges, and feedback. You can do this by using secure and convenient methods such as email, phone, or online platforms that allow you to share documents, reports, or videos. You should also establish a mutual consent form that outlines the scope, frequency, and purpose of your communication and respects the privacy and confidentiality of your client. You should also seek the physician's approval before making any changes to your training plan or introducing new exercises or equipment.

3 Collaborate and coordinate

A third tip to developing customized treatment plans with physicians is to collaborate and coordinate with them to create a holistic and integrated approach that addresses your client's physical, mental, and emotional needs. You can do this by aligning your training goals and outcomes with the physician's diagnosis and recommendations, and by adjusting your training intensity, duration, and frequency according to the client's condition and response. You should also coordinate with the physician to schedule regular assessments, evaluations, and follow-ups that measure your client's progress and satisfaction.

4 Educate and empower

A final tip to developing customized treatment plans with physicians is to educate and empower your client to take an active role in their own health and wellness journey. You can do this by explaining the benefits and rationale of your training plan and how it complements the physician's treatment plan, and by providing them with resources, tips, or exercises that they can do at home or outside the gym. You should also encourage your client to communicate openly and honestly with you and the physician about their feelings, expectations, and concerns, and to seek help when needed.

Developing customized treatment plans with physicians is a valuable skill that can enhance your functional training practice and help you deliver better results for your clients. By following these tips, you can establish a strong and productive relationship with the medical community and provide a safe and effective service that meets your client's unique needs and goals.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?