audials apps

What happens in your personal budget inevitably impacts your business budget (and vice versa). Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines walks through the basics of creating a personal budget, which ultimately could help your business budget.  Resources: Erin Copelan, Owner of Erin Copelan Massage: https://erincopelan.com/resources/ Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com Author links: Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com

Join Kristin Coverly as she asks massage and bodywork experts Les Sweeney, Whitney Lowe, and Ruth Werner “What’s a common challenge for you and how do you overcome it?” Gain inspiration you can immediately apply to your personal and professional lives!   Resources:   ABMP Education Center: https://www.abmp.com/learn/   ABMP CE Summit: Neck https://www.abmp.com/summit   Todoist App: https://www.todoist.com/   Book: “The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins, https://www.melrobbins.com/5secondrule   Video: “The 5 Second Rule Explained” https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhW2xUEb-B-ZBONmUi1m7h10c4x_RVEeT   Kristin Coverly Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage therapists and bodyworkers as they enhance their lives and practices. Contact her at [email protected]. Les Sweeney Les Sweeney is the President and CEO of ABMP. For questions about this e

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Doug Nelson explores the fascinating connections between the artistry and structure of music—think orchestra, composition, and rhythm—and how it parallels the flow and intention behind a well-crafted massage therapy session. Host: Douglas Nelson is board certified in massage therapy and therapeutic bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977. Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a massage therapy clinic in Champaign, Illinois. with 21 therapists that was established in 1982. He is the founder of NMT MidWest, Inc., providing training in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy across the USA. He has personally taught more than 13,000 hours of continuing education and is the author of three books. Doug is a past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation. Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     American Massage Conference: https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/conferences   Anato

Managing an irregular income and planning for less predictable expenses is a big challenge for many business owners. Allissa works through the process to prepare for the leaner times, without sacrificing your own paycheck. Resources: Sarah Cheney, LMT Bloomington Athletic Massage: http://www.bloomingtonathleticmassage.com Allissa’s money coaching: https://www.deepbreathdigital.com/money Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community

For his 40th birthday, a man is treating himself to his very first massage. His health history includes a few noteworthy details, one of which is a condition neither his massage therapist nor I had ever encountered before: hereditary spherocytosis. Are there any potential concerns? Possibly. Resources:  Hereditary Spherocytosis - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD (no date). Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/anemia-hereditary-spherocytic-hemolytic/ (Accessed: 19 February 2025). Hereditary spherocytosis: MedlinePlus Genetics (no date). Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/hereditary-spherocytosis/ (Accessed: 19 February 2025). ‘Hereditary Spherocytosis: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology’ (2023). Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/206107-overview?_gl=1*1ulm2jw*_gcl_au*NDQwNzg1MDc3LjE3MzkzMDYxNDM. (Accessed: 19 February 2025). Hereditary Spherocytosis: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (no date) Cleveland Clinic. Available at:

We know it. We can feel it. But understanding the science behind how adrenaline and cortisol affect our soft tissue health is like watching a superhero movie. Kind of. In this episode, join Allison as she unpacks her favorite anatomical system and how it plays a role not only in our clients' soft tissue health, but also how we approach them.   Host Bio:           Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.            About our Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anat

What kinds of account do I need in my small business? We go beyond the usual “checking and savings” to determine what serves you well now and in the future. Resources: Meg Donnelly owner of NoVA Weekend Warriors in Herndon, VA, https://novaweekendwarriors.com    Self Employment tax calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/self-employment-tax (calculates federal tax only)   The Basic Facts About Women in Poverty https://www.americanprogress.org/article/basic-facts-women-poverty/   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin are joined by Jason Erickson to explore Gate Control Theory and Dermoneuromodulation, two key concepts in pain science and nervous system regulation. Join us as we break down these fascinating mechanisms and their impact on health, therapy, and pain management! Resources:   Jason Erickson, BCTMB, CPT, co-owns and practices at Eagan Massage Center. A former chronic pain patient, Jason is an internationally recognized continuing education provider teaching classes on pain science, dermoneuromodulation, sports massage, research literacy and more. His articles and podcast appearances are widely featured. For current information on his CE classes, as well as links talked about in this podcast, visit healthartes.com.   Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade,

Money moves in and out of your business, are you tracking it? Allissa walks through the what and how of cash flow, and how to get a grip on it. Resources: Tara Eidse, Terra Massage & Wellness https://terrawellnessaz.com/ Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community

For nearly 30 years, Rob Kelly has taught anatomy, physiology, pathology, lymphatic work, and orthopedic massage. Recently, Kelly reached out to “I Have a Client Who . . .” host Ruth Werner to share his observations on how easy it is to misunderstand how the body works and how these stories we tell ourselves can have negative consequences. Kelly and Werner turned their conversation into an episode about the power of language and the responsibility we have to elevate our profession by using words carefully.   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app a

What exactly happens when a rib goes out? While it's not exactly hitting the club scene in Vegas, what happens is not so different from if it did. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, host Allison Denney of Rebel Massage explains what is going on when a rib goes out, how to think about costovertebral joints, and the importance of the health history.    Host Bio:           Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]        Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.                           About our Sp

Walk through the process to set and achieve a reasonable financial goal for 2025 without the corporate jargon. Resources: Guest Marcy Basile, massage therapist and chief muscle mover at Connect Bodyworks. Website designer at Blue Setter Creative www.bluesettercreative.com Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community

Active engagement techniques incorporate active client movement with specific massage treatment applications and can be applied to virtually any region of the body. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Whitney Lowe explores some of the key physiological benefits of active engagement and why they have become a powerful tool in manual therapy.   Host:   Whitney Lowe is a known authority in the field of massage therapy, with a 36-year career marked by clinical work, research, publications, and teaching in advanced massage principles. He specializes in treating pain and injuries using massage and is one of the pioneers of the orthopedic massage approach. Lowe's Orthopedic Massage Program stands out in its engaging and accessible design and comprehensive curriculum. Students, whether learning online or in-person, praise Lowe for his approachable style and personalized training.   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education an

As a massage therapist, few things are more disheartening than hearing a client say their symptoms have returned. How should you approach this situation, and where do you begin? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Doug Nelson invites us to explore new perspectives and shares four key reasons he believes are at the heart of recurring symptoms. Host: Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977.  Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a massage therapy clinic in Champaign, IL. with 21 therapists that was established in 1982. He is the founder of NMT MidWest, Inc., providing training in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy™ across the USA. He has personally taught more than 13,000 hours of continuing education and is the author of three books. Doug is a past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation.   Sponsors:    Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    

Inertia in business is powerful. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines talks through how to embrace change to improve your next year in business. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or cause allergic reactions. This unique property

A clear, ongoing written agreement of expectations is a great way to improve accountability and be a professional in every situation. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines walks through some ideas and examples to gain clarity in collaborations.  Resources: Sakinah Irizarry, Disparity in Healthcare:  https://www.2rmtsandamic.com/episodes/episode/df97a7bf/the-disparity-in-healthcare-with-guest-sakinah   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natura

A client with Marfan’s syndrome, a connective tissue disorder with dysfunctional collagen, has had multiple surgeries for a traumatic accident, and their scar tissue is restricting their ease of movement. Their massage therapist is concerned about how best to help them regain function. When I have questions about scar tissue, I go to the Scar Tissue Diva, Cathy Ryan. In this episode we discuss the difference between “challenging tissue” and working with the fluid environment to improve function.   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick

Learning anatomy is hard. There's a lot of Latin, some funny names, and a LOT of categories. It’s kind of like a Game of Thrones book. But getting a grasp on it all might be a little easier if we lean into the in-between spaces. In this last episode of the year, Allison invites you to look at learning anatomy differently. Channel your inner Ponyo. And don't stop trying.    Host Bio:           Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           About our Sponsors:

Host Allissa Haines shares her plans to increase client numbers with old school methods like signage and referrals to tackling the tedium of SEO and website updates. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or cause allergic reactions. This uni

Being client centered means we always make choices and act with the best interests and well-being of our clients. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Cindy Williams covers a variety of examples of client centeredness as a reminder of how we can bring this core ethical principle into our professional practices.   Host Bio:           After earning a degree in Sociology from Indiana University in 1997, Cindy Williams stumbled upon her calling as a massage therapist and bodyworker.  She completed massage school in Boulder, CO in 2000 and has been actively involved in the profession since that time.  For the last 24 years, Cindy has been in private practice, as well as serving in the education realm as an instructor, administrator, curriculum developer, consultant, and mentor.  She currently works as an author and freelance educational content writer while continuing to support individuals on their healing journeys through bodywork, meditation, and other mindfulness practices.  To le

Join Kristin Coverly as she asks massage therapy and bodywork experts Allison Denney and Dr. Joe Muscolino “What lesson did you learn from a memorable client experience?” and “How do you recognize and celebrate your victories?” Hear their responses on this episode of The ABMP Podcast and gain inspiration you can immediately apply to your personal and professional lives!   Host Bio:           Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage therapists and bodyworkers as they enhance their lives and practices. Contact her at [email protected].   Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with ac

The new year is a great time to make changes in your massage business. Host Allissa Haines works through the variables and options for change to make your business better, with less pressure.   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Resources: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/969285-may-june-2018/86   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into th

A client has a history of a very unusual and somewhat alarming condition: pyoderma gangrenosum. Can massage therapy be applied in this situation? Probably yes, but in specific circumstances. Listen to this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” to learn more and to hear host Ruth Werner get on one of her favorite soapboxes: the language of massage therapy.   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.

The temporomandibular joint may be infamous for its disorder, but it is its complexity that lends us the ability to chew, grind, talk, and even to elevate a bland statement to an iconic moment of genius. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison takes a closer look at the incredible jaw, reflects on how understanding it better will boost our confidence with our work here, and hopes that we can explore how to talk more like Jim Carrey.   Host:   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.     

It’s wonderful to have loyal clients, but it can be tough balancing your loyal clients with other clients. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines talks through ways to manage a sustainable schedule while keeping your most loyal clients well-served. Resources: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/ How to better serve your Neurodovergent clients: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1496639-may-june-2023/56?token=OWE3NjMwM2Q2YzI5NDQxMGQwZjk0OTk0MGRmN2ZkN2NkMTkzZmZiNw%3D%3D   Communication with Neurodivergent Clients: https://www.abmp.com/updates/blog-posts/communication-neurodivergent-clients   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, host Whitney Lowe dives into the challenges of measuring educational outcomes in massage therapy training programs. He explores why simply tracking clock hours doesn’t equate to quality education and highlights the advantages of a competency-based learning approach. Tune in to learn how this shift can lead to better training outcomes and more skilled massage therapists.   Host:   Whitney Lowe is a known authority in the field of massage therapy, with a 36-year career marked by clinical work, research, publications, and teaching in advanced massage principles. He specializes in treating pain and injuries using massage and is one of the pioneers of the orthopedic massage approach. Lowe's Orthopedic Massage Program stands out in its engaging and accessible design and comprehensive curriculum. Students, whether learning online or in-person, praise Lowe for his approachable style and personalized training.   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   

Poor communication habits can wreck your reputation. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines works through a listener’s recent frustrations about scheduling an appointment and lays out the steps for better communication with potential clients. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy,

A client had a complex surgical procedure on her heart two weeks prior, but it was conducted by way of a catheter threaded up her femoral artery and aorta. Now, she wants to receive massage again. A quick Google search suggests that it would be OK. Her MT is skeptical and wants to be more conservative. Who is right? Listen on for information about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery, using AI to make clinical decisions, and how to get to “yes” for people who have recently had surgery. Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quic

Tennis elbow is a pain in the elbow when there is too much tennis-ing. And if it were that simple, life would be easy. Unfortunately, it never is, especially when it comes to anatomy. Join The Rebel MT host Allison Denney as she discloses not only her inability to play tennis but also her ability to know what is going on for a lot of people who play a lot of tennis. Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Thi

It can be easy to feel insulted by clients who ask for discounts, arrive late, or use the term “masseuse.” Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines walks through the policies and scripts to take the feelings out of these perceived slights. Host:   Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Yomassage course content includes:  The science behind Yomassage The Yomassage philosophy The nervous system, the mind-body connection, and the fascial system Foundational tools for creating the ultimate Yomassage experience How to structure and effectively teach Yomassage sessions Understanding body mechanics, variations, adjustments, and contraindications Yomassage positions and massage techniques

As massage therapists, we spend a lot of time mastering anatomy—learning specialized vocabulary and the locations of muscles, bones, and nerves in the body. We can take our anatomy understanding even deeper by looking not just at where our client’s anatomy lives but also how their anatomy relates to each other: tissue relationships. In this third and final episode of the three-part series “Your Practice in 3D,” we discuss the concept of tissue relationships and how dissection lab trainings can improve a therapist’s ability to understand the anatomy they touch. Resources and Author Links: Visit http://www.anatomyscapes.com/MATRIX for more information about “Journey Into the MATRIX: the Fascial System” dissection lab workshop! To learn more about tissue types from a massage perspective, check out “Thinking in Tissues” — the Anatomy for Touch column in the May/June Massage & Bodywork magazine https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1519088-may-june-2024/74?   Hosts:   Anatomy

The Ayurvedic approach to exercise suggests nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing during exercise to replace exercise stress with a chemistry of composure and calm. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Angie and Darren are joined by renowned Ayurvedic educator, Dr. John Douillard, to discuss what efficient breathing is and how to achieve it, why CO2 plays a role in nasal breathing, and how nasal breathing is critical for optimal flexibility and elasticity of the spine, head, neck and low back. Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, is a globally recognized leader in the fields of Ayurveda, natural health, nutrition, and sports medicine. With 40 years of experience, he has helped over 100,000 patients as director of LifeSpa. Dr. John is a renowned Ayurvedic educator, host of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast, former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, and bestselling author of seven health books, including Eat Wheat and 3-Season Diet. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, where

A spending freeze can help reorganize and add intention to business finances. In this episode of Business or Pressure, Allissa talks through the steps to customize a spending freeze for your business. Host:   Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Yomassage course content includes:  The science behind Yomassage The Yomassage philosophy The nervous system, the mind-body connection, and the fascial system Foundational tools for creating the ultimate Yomassage experience How to structure and effectively teach Yomassage sessions Understanding body mechanics, variations, adjustments, and contraindications Yomassage positions and massage techniques   Learn more at yomassage.com/pages/tr

A client has hereditary hemochromatosis, which has affected their hip and toes. It is bad enough that they are considering joint replacement. In the meantime, they would like to receive massage for hip pain. Oh, and there’s this tiny little issue about having recent strokes. What is going on? How can iron overload cause joint damage, and is it involved in strokes too? Is bodywork even possible in this situation?   Resources:   IHACW Episode 317, available here   Agarwal, A.R. et al. (2022) ‘Postoperative Complications in Patients With Hereditary Hemochromatosis Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort Analysis’, The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 30(1), pp. e99–e107. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-21-00105.   Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (no date). Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/arteriovenous-malformations-avms (Accessed: 28 August 2024).  

Migraines wreak havoc. Maybe massage therapists could be more helpful if we could massage the brain. But we can’t. In the meantime, understanding what we’ve learned about migraines is a helpful trick. Buckle up for some brain speak, anatomy definitions, and Latin roots. It’s going to be a bumpy ride on this episode of The Rebel MT with host Allison Denny. Host:               Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.                      

Allissa talks through a few smart money moves for a strong financial foundation. Host:   Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Yomassage course content includes:  The science behind Yomassage The Yomassage philosophy The nervous system, the mind-body connection, and the fascial system Foundational tools for creating the ultimate Yomassage experience How to structure and effectively teach Yomassage sessions Understanding body mechanics, variations, adjustments, and contraindications Yomassage positions and massage techniques   Learn more at yomassage.com/pages/training-info   Website: yomassage.com   Facebook: www.facebook.com/yomassage   Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoma

Admitting that you don’t know can be one of your biggest strengths as a therapist. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Doug Nelson talks about not mistaking confidence for competence, what exactly true confidence looks like, and how tenacity and curiosity both play a big role as a massage therapist.   Host:   Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977.  Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a massage therapy clinic in Champaign, IL. with 21 therapists that was established in 1982. He is the founder of NMT MidWest, Inc., providing training in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy™ across the USA. He has personally taught more than 13,000 hours of continuing education and is the author of three books. Doug is a past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation.   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Elements Massage: www.elementsmassage.

Clients come to us with ingrained patterns, habits, and routines that they want and need to change so they feel less tension and pain. In order to create that change, we support them by identifying the pattern(s) and educating them on more effective and efficient movement patterns. Essentially, they are learning something new. By applying three aspects of how the brain learns—attention, emotion, and repetition—we have a better chance of long-term success in this mutual endeavor with our clients.   Host:   After earning a degree in Sociology from Indiana University in 1997, Cindy Williams stumbled upon her calling as a massage therapist and bodyworker.  She completed massage school in Boulder, CO in 2000 and has been actively involved in the profession since that time.  For the last 24 years, Cindy has been in private practice, as well as serving in the education realm as an instructor, administrator, curriculum developer, consultant, and mentor.  She currently works as an author and freelance educ

Is a separate phone number for business necessary? Allissa talks through the factors for making that decision and the options available. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Resources: Google Voice https://voice.google.com/about Sideline https://www.sideline.com/features/  Linked phone https://linkedphone.com/pricing/  Tax treatment https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/self-employment-taxes/video-self-employment-tax-deductions-on-cell-phones/L6XaDsXea LLC ownership reporting https://www.elevationfinancial.com/small-businesses-beneficial-ownership-information-boi   Sponsors: Yomassage course content includes:  The science behind Yomassage The Yomassage philosophy The nervous system, the mind-bod

A 60-ish year-old client with a history of surgery for aortic aneurysm insists—INSISTS—that his 21-year-old massage therapist work with him, in spite of his new onset severe leg pain. What are the practitioner’s options in this literally life-or-death scenario? This story, that looks cut-and-dried on the surface, is more complex than it appears. Plus, we get to talk about bulges in the aorta, bleeding ruptures, migrating devices, new surgical innovations, and much much more. Listen in to find out how it all turns out. Resources: Pocket Pathology: https://www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app Ameli, F.M. et al. (1987) ‘Etiology and management of aorto-femoral bypass graft failure’, The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery, 28(6), pp. 695–700. Choi, E. et al. (2021) ‘Risk Factors for Early and Late Iliac Limb Occlusions of Stent Grafts Extending to the External Iliac Artery after Endovascular Abdominal Aneurysm Repair’, Annals of Vascular Surgery, 70, pp. 401–410. Available at: https://doi.

Every wonder why some people seem to be able to brush off massive blows and some seem to feel all the feels? There are pros and cons in both scenarios, just like in the tissues of our body. In this episode of The Rebel MT, host Allison Denney explains why the tension produced by growing up and the tension found in the plantar fascia of the feet are similar and necessary.    Host:   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           Sponsors: Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelm

We can’t always count on referrals from local medical providers, even when their work overlaps ours. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines explores how to educate clients and related professionals about our work and build a niche from the outside in.   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Yomassage is a global health and wellness brand founded by experts in the field. Massage therapists are certified through world-class training to provide an innovative, luxurious, and therapeutic experience for clients. Earn more money in the same amount of time—all while creating community and leading clients in their own self-healing journey.  Yomassage course content includes:  The scien

Join Kristin Coverly as she asks four leaders in the bodywork field, “What daily habit do you have that sets you up for success?” This episode of The ABMP Podcast can help you gain inspiration you can immediately apply to your personal and professional lives. Diane Matkowski Diane Matkowski has been practicing therapeutic massage for over 27 years and her business, Freedom Massage http://www.freedommassage.com, is home to thirteen fantastic LMTs. She is the creator and moderates The Massage Mentor closed group on Facebook home to over 7,500 massage therapists worldwide. She founded The Massage Mentor Institute, home to JAM series events, where ten industry leaders focused on ONE body part! http://www.themassagementorinstitute.com. Heath & Nicole Reed Heath and Nicole Reed are cofounders of Living Metta (living "loving kindness”), a continuing education company that unearths the practical tools of healing through the lenses of bodywork, yoga therapy, medical qigong, and other somatic sciences. Th

Gratuities are customary in massage businesses, but should they be? Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines covers the factors to consider and the steps to implement a no gratuities policy.   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Yomassage course content includes:  The science behind Yomassage The Yomassage philosophy The nervous system, the mind-body connection, and the fascial system Foundational tools for creating the ultimate Yomassage experience How to structure and effectively teach Yomassage sessions Understanding body mechanics, variations, adjustments, and contraindications Yomassage positions and massage techniques   Learn more at yomassage.com/pages/training-inf

A client cancels her massage therapy appointment because she has hand, foot, and mouth disease. Her therapist is grateful but wants to know when it will be safe to work with the client again. Oh, by the way, the client also has strep throat and lupus. Does that make a difference? Find out on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner. Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com  MassageBook: www.massagebook.com Elements Massage: www.elementsmassage.com/abmp   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column.

When being in control becomes etched in the very fibers of your being, learning how to shift gears is not easy. Letting go is not only a lesson in parenthood, it’s also a lesson in myology. The adductors could use a few of these lessons. And if you understand the adductors as individuals, as a group, and in relation to the other muscles of the body, your ability to help them ease their grip becomes a lot easier.   Host:   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           Sponsors:  

Sometimes policies and protocols need to evolve and adapt to keep meeting our clients’ needs. Join Allissa as she discusses how some simple changes help nurture ever evolving clients in your business.   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that d

The advent of AI and its uses grow exponentially every day. How is this technology going to impact the massage therapy field? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Whitney Lowe discusses how AI can be used to create personalized treatment plans, it’s use as a personal assistant for scheduling, billing and follow-up, and how it can be used for education purposes, in-tandem with instructor lead courses.   Resources:   ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/ Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/ SciSpace: https://typeset.io/ Consensus: https://consensus.app/ ExplainPaper: https://www.explainpaper.com/ Course: AI For Everyone:  https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone     Host:   Whitney Lowe is a known authority in the field of massage therapy, with a 36-year career marked by clinical work, research, publications, and teaching in advanced massage principles. He specializes in treating pain and injuries using massage and is one of the pioneers of the orthopedic massage approach. Lowe's Ort

Skills and experience are transferable, but your state massage license is not. On this episode of The ABMP Podcast, ABMP President and CEO Les Sweeney is joined by Debra Persinger, Executive Director at FSMTB, to discuss the Interstate Massage Compact ( IMpact ), how it would affect practitioners, where it stands in regards to legislation, and how it would benefit consumers. Author Bio: Debra Persinger brings a rare combination of management experience, examination expertise, and national and state legislative know-how to the FSMTB. She has directed all psychometric aspects of examination development and was instrumental in offering award-winning quality assessment services for examinations for four certification and licensure programs. After completing her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and postgraduate teacher training in her native New Zealand, Persinger completed her master’s degree in human development and family studies and her doctorate degree in human services at Kansas State University

Balancing generosity with the need to earn a living can feel challenging. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines will help you choose (or not choose) these events wisely. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Resources:   https://highergroundmedia.com/podcasts-archive/yourmamaskitchen   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, deli

A client with frequent nosebleeds works with a massage therapist on TMJ pain, and something unexpected happens: she goes from 3-4 bleeds a week, to about one. The therapist has referred her to get more information about her sinus health, which is a good idea. But is there anything else they can be doing? Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com  MassageBook: www.massagebook.com EmbodyU: www.embodyu.net   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference pr

With all the things a back can do, and all the support the pelvis offers, there is a lot to be communicated from one to the other. Enter the SI joint. Otherwise known as the anatomical gossip fence. With all the chatter that happens here, it is, quite possibly, the busiest gossip fence ever.  Host:      Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               This podcast sponsored by:     Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelmassage.com Anatomy Trains: www.an

Paper is everywhere in a small business. In this episode of Business or Pressure, host Allissa Haines discusses how to handle it properly and even reduce the use of paper when possible.   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Resources:   https://www.abmp.com/updates/blog-posts/4-steps-managing-business-paperwork   https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-432-walking-fine-line-friendship-and-therapist   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. J

Being a skillful feeler is a huge part of what we do in the massage room. And beyond being a good palpator, our touch influences the anatomy our clients feel. In this second episode in our three-part series “Your Practice in 3D,” we discuss the concept of feeling anatomy from the point of view of both the therapist and the client and how AnatomySCAPES dissection lab trainings are improving therapists’ ability to understand the anatomy they touch.   Resources and Author Links:   Journey Into the MATRIX: the Fascial System” dissection lab workshop: http://www.anatomyscapes.com/MATRIX   website: www.anatomyscapes.com   FB: facebook.com/AnatomySCAPES   IG: instagram.com/anatomyscapes   YouTube: youtube.com/@anatomyscapes   email: [email protected]   Hosts:   AnatomySCAPES Co-Directors, Rachelle Clauson and Nicole Trombley, are NCBTMB-approved continuing education providers and teach anatomy explorations for hands-on professionals online and in person. They co-author the “Anatomy for Touc

What’s the difference between coaching, counseling, and psychotherapy? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Angie Parris-Raney is joined by Mary McEvilly-Hernandez, a master certified and professional coach, to discuss what the framework of coaching consists of, how it requires presence, deep listening, and curiosity, and how it’s a transferable skill for massage therapists. After growing increasingly uncomfortable in corporate America, Mary McEvilly-Hernandez built a coaching practice in 2011 to help her clients live and work from their hearts as well as their heads. Her clients find that self-awareness and self-acceptance open the door to personal and professional transformation.   Mary is a master certified and professional coach. She trained and certified with Martha Beck Inc. and was recruited, trained, and certified as a Chopra coach in 2017. She has a PCC credential from the International Coaching Federation and is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness coach. Mary is an instructor and me

The mix of money, business, and family can be tricky. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines provides some tips to add structure and avoid resentment in these potentially awkward situations.    Resources:   www.calm.com     Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, m

A person with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus develops new back pain in her mid-upper left side. It feels like “it’s coming from under my ribs,” she says. First, it’s diagnosed as arthritis, but interventions don’t seem to make a difference. Finally, a year into this unremitting pain, a rheumatologist asks about her breathing and discovers she has developed a complication called pulmonary thrombosis, probably related to her autoimmune diseases. They start treatment and voilà, her back pain is gone. This is a good example of a case in which massage therapy was definitely NOT the best choice.   Resources: Dsouza, K.G. et al. (2023) ‘Management of interstitial lung disease in patients with autoimmune disease-related interstitial lung disease’, Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine, 18(1), p. 890. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4081/mrm.2023.890.   Fibrosis as an autoimmune disease (no date) CPC - M. Available at: https://www.cpc-munich.de/en/research-projects/fibrosis-as-an-autoimmune

The Greater Omentum is one of the cooler parts of our anatomy. So cool, in fact, that it is deserving of superhero status. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison takes a look at this incredible piece of our viscera and unveils what she believes its superhero name should be.  Host:      Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.         This podcast sponsored by:   Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelmassage.com Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com  MYCO CLINIC: www.my

Emergency funds are for emergencies, but how do we save for planned time away from our businesses? Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines walks through the process of saving money for a leave of absence.  Resources:   Ep 425 - Budgets and Savings in Your Massage Business https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-425-budgets-and-savings-your-massage-business-business-or-pressure-allissa-haines   Foster Creative Design https://www.fostercreativedesign.com/   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perf

Two names that are well known within the bodywork community—Dr. David Simons, author of Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, and Moshe Feldenkrais, engineer, physicist, and founder of the Feldenkrais Method. Who were these pioneers in the bodywork profession and what can we learn from their origins? Resources:   Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual: https://www.amazon.com/Myofascial-Pain-Dysfunction-Trigger-Manual/dp/0683083635   Feldenkrais Method: https://feldenkrais.com/   Host:   Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977.  Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a massage therapy clinic in Champaign, IL. with 21 therapists that was established in 1982. He is the founder of NMT MidWest, Inc., providing training in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy™ across the USA. He has personally taught more than 13,000 ho

Darren Buford is joined by Cal Cates, founder of Healwell, to discuss the concept of co-regulation in therapeutic relationships, how to balance a welcoming and friendly atmosphere while maintaining professionalism, navigating boundaries while still fostering trust, and techniques that could help ensure that client interactions are supportive, balanced and professional. Cal Cates is an educator, writer, and speaker on topics ranging from massage therapy in the hospital setting to end-of-life care and massage therapy policy and regulation. A founding director of the Society for Oncology Massage from 2007 to 2014 and current executive director and founder of  Healwell, Cates works within and beyond the massage therapy community to elevate the level of practice and integration of massage overall and in health care specifically. Cates also is the co-creator of the podcasts Massage Therapy Without Borders and Interdisciplinary.  Related Content:   “Walking the Fine Line of Frien

Sometimes, we overvalue the time, energy, or money we put into a project, which clouds our decision-making. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines talks about the sunk cost trap—and how to avoid it—in your massage business.   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Resources: The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work: https://www.simonestolzoff.com/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum,

A client uses fentanyl patches to manage chronic pain from a back injury. What kind of risk does this present to the therapist? And, if we’re not careful, the bigger risk might be to the client. Check it out on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” with Ruth Werner. Resources:   Cai, B., Engqvist, H. and Bredenberg, S. (2015) ‘Development and evaluation of a tampering resistant transdermal fentanyl patch’, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 488(1), pp. 102–107. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.04.061. Commissioner, O. of the (2023) ‘Accidental Exposures to Fentanyl Patches Continue to Be Deadly to Children’, FDA [Preprint]. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/accidental-exposures-fentanyl-patches-continue-be-deadly-children (Accessed: 4 April 2024). ‘Drug Overdoses - Data Details’ (no date) Injury Facts. Available at: https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/drugoverdoses/data-details/ (Accessed: 4 Apr

The thumb seems to live in its own reality. That's because it does. In this episode of the Rebel MT, Allison describes how the thumb is like a digit that has gone rogue and explains how getting to understand its plane of existence can help how you approach this funny piece of anatomy. Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.         This podcast sponsored by:   Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelmassage.com Anatomy Trains:

Small, practical adjustments help your massage business run more efficiently, so you take home more of the money you earn. Tune in to this episode of Business or Pressure to hear money saving tips, as well as how to generate more income. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing

Have you ever noticed how clients talk about their pain? All too often people express negativity and even outright anger toward their bodies, which is counterproductive to healing. Join Cindy as she shares a simple method to increase awareness and encourage a healthy relationship and communication style when working with clients (and also yourself!) Host: After earning a degree in Sociology from Indiana University in 1997, Cindy Williams stumbled upon her calling as a massage therapist and bodyworker.  She completed massage school in Boulder, CO in 2000 and has been actively involved in the profession since that time.  For the last 24 years, Cindy has been in private practice, as well as serving in the education realm as an instructor, administrator, curriculum developer, consultant, and mentor.  She currently works as an author and freelance educational content writer while continuing to support individuals on their healing journeys through bodywork, meditation, and other mindfulness practices.  To learn

Join Kristin Coverly, ABMP director of professional education, as she asks four leaders in the massage and bodywork field, “What’s your five-word piece of advice for practitioners?” Gain inspiration you can immediately apply to your professional and personal lives!  Resources: ABMP CE Summit: https://www.abmp.com/summit   ABMP Education Center: https://www.abmp.com/learn/   “A Field Guide to Color” by Lisa Solomon, http://www.lisasolomon.com/books.html   “From Strength to Strength” by Arthur C. Brooks, https://arthurbrooks.com/from-strength-to-strength   “Functional Anatomy of Movement” by James Earles, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717664/functional-anatomy-of-movement-by-james-earls/   “Passionate Minds” by David Bodanis, https://www.amazon.com/Passionate-Minds-Enlightenment-Featuring-Scientist/dp/0307237206   “The Book of Joy” by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533718/the-book-of

Planning how to spend and save money in your business is not always intuitive. Allissa walks us through some strategies for intentional spending and saving to keep your business sustainable. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or

A client was recently treated for colon cancer—and it didn’t go well. She had surgical complications, a bout of sepsis, and more. She has substantial abdominal scar tissue, which is giving her a lot of pain. But after finding a massage therapist who is helping a lot, things are looking up . . . until she gets COVID. And now she’s having a long, slow recovery. The highly educated MT wants a little more information about COVID-related clot risk before they go back to work. How can they determine when it is safe to proceed? We discuss all that on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner. Host Bio:                  Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notabl

Inflammation may not be romantic, but William Shakespeare was on to something. In this episode of The Rebel MT, join Allison as she merges the worlds of the repetitive strain disorder known as trigger finger (or stenosing tenosynovitis) and the form of poetry known as iambic pentameter into iambic digitorum pentameter. Host:      Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:     “The QL and the Psoas: The E

Understanding how small business taxes are filed and what information to gather in preparation is crucial for a smooth tax season. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines discusses the steps to help you be your tax preparer’s favorite client. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Resources: Tax Time: A Guide to Completing the Schedule C https://www.score.org/resource/blog-post/tax-time-a-guide-completing-schedule-c   Can I Deduct That? 2021: 100 Things You Can (and maybe can't) Take As Business Deductions https://bookshop.org/p/books/can-i-deduct-that-2021-100-things-you-can-and-maybe-can-t-take-as-business-deductions-kelly-bowers/16358089?ean=9798714588143   ABMP Financial Literacy Series- Le

Assessment is a critical part of helping people who come to see you. Many people may have had some initial exposure to assessment in basic training, but have you really made it an integral part of your practice? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Whitney explores the crucial importance of assessment and how it impacts your treatment success. It really doesn’t matter if you are working in a clinical setting or doing wellness-related relaxation massage. Everyone is doing some degree of assessment. We can all benefit from sharpening our assessment skills with some of the important strategies Whitney covers in this episode.    Resources:   Academy of Clinical Massage: www.academyofclinicalmassage.com Free Assessment Cheat Sheet: www.academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet YouTube tutorial on how to use the Cheat Sheet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_j7VRGR3OA&t=4s     Host:   Whitney Lowe is a known authority in the field of massage therapy, with a 36-year career marked by clinical work, r

The Gainful Employment rules that were released in October 2023 will likely impact clock-hour programs in states with minimum clock-hour requirements for licensure or certification, including massage therapy. Les Sweeney, president and CEO of ABMP, is joined by Lance Hostetter, director of government relations, to explain the 100% rule, the flaws within the rule, and potential advocacy steps schools may wish to pursue. They also speak briefly about the Interstate Massage Compact and how it improves portability and the profession as a whole. Lance Hostetter is the ABMP director of government relations. To contact our ABMP government relations team, email [email protected]. Read Lance’s recent article, “Why Quality Education Matters,” in the March/April 2024 edition of Massage & Bodywork magazine.   Resources:   https://www.abmp.com/updates/legislative-updates/massage-school-programs-risk-across-country   https://www.abmp.com/updates/legislative-updates/interstate-massage-compact-improves-portability-a

“How do I pay myself?” is a very common question from massage business owners. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines works through the theory and the methods for paying yourself first in your business.   Resources:   You Need a Budget: https://www.ynab.com/   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, de

A young client is comatose after a series of ischemic strokes. They have frequent painful episodes of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, during which their muscles become spastic and their heart rate and blood pressure rise. Their palliative care team wonders if massage therapy might help the contractures of their limbs, and the massage therapist is willing to try . . . but the results are unexpected.   Resources:   Neurostorming: Causes, Signs, Risks, and Treatment (2022) NewGait. Available at: https://thenewgait.com/blog/neurostorming/ (Accessed: 16 February 2024).   Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity - UpToDate (no date). Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/paroxysmal-sympathetic-hyperactivity (Accessed: 14 February 2024).   Zheng, R.-Z. et al. (2020) ‘Identification and Management of Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity After Traumatic Brain Injury’, Frontiers in Neurology, 11, p. 81. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00081.   Verma, R., Giri, P. and Rizvi, I.

What if self-care isn’t about caring for the self but more about caring ABOUT the self? This is the self-care episode. In this episode, Allison defines the anatomy of care and what it means for you, your practice, and your clients. Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               This podcast sponsored by:     Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelmassage.com   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Elemen

Knowing where you are in your business is crucial to knowing how your business can grow. Host Allissa Haines discusses the four numbers to know to consider the sustainability of your business. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or cau

For most of us, seeing anatomy is the first step to understanding it. And anatomy understanding is an essential element of being a bodyworker. In this first episode of the three-part series “Your Practice in 3D,” we discuss the challenges of seeing the body in three dimensions and why so many massage therapists are heading to the dissection lab to study. Resources: Show Highlights: www.abmp.com/anatomy NYT Articles: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/well/move/cadaver-workshops-yoga-massage-therapy.html https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/03/insider/from-the-pilates-studio-to-a-cadaver-dissection-lab.html​​ website: www.anatomyscapes.com FB: facebook.com/AnatomySCAPES IG: instagram.com/anatomyscapes YouTube: youtube.com/@anatomyscapes email: [email protected]   Hosts:   AnatomySCAPES Co-Directors, Rachelle Clauson and Nicole Trombley, are NCBTMB-approved continuing education providers and teach anatomy explorations for hands-on professionals online and in person. They co-author the Anatomy for To

Ayurveda is translated as the “Science of Life;” Ayus = Life, and Veda = knowledge/science. These principles and treatment modalities have endured over time. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Angie speaks with Dr. Sheila Patel, chief medical officer for Chopra Global, about exploring each person’s Dosha type, the difference (and similarities) between yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, how to clean up habits in the new year, and where listeners can learn their own unique Dosha type. Dr Sheila Patel is the chief medical officer for Chopra Global and a board-certified family physician who is passionate about bringing holistic healing practices into the Western medical system. She is the lead educator for the Chopra meditation and Ayurvedic lifestyle certification programs offered through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and leads the medical and health training at Chopra’s partner properties in Arizona and Florida.   Resources: Learn more about Dr. Sheila Patel and any of the Chopra curr

Bookkeeping is the financial heart of every business. In this episode of Business or Pressure, host Allissa Haines covers why it matters and how to get started. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Resources: Waveapps: https://www.waveapps.com/   Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/   Xero: https://www.xero.com/us/   Freshbooks: https://www.freshbooks.com/   Kapwing.com: https://www.kapwing.com/     Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium o

Blood clots, legitimate concern about blood clots, and well-honed knowledge about blood clots are all part of our profession’s requirements for safe practice, right? And over the years I’ve been doing I Have a Client Who . . ., I’ve received dozens of stories about blood clots in one context or another. Today, we’ll look at yet another: a condition called Factor Five Leiden.   Resources:    Pocket Pathology: https://www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app   CE class, "A Doctor's Note is Not Good Enough, and what is better".   Chronic Venous Insufficiency - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics (no date). Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/chronic-venous-insufficiency (Accessed: 10 January 2024).   Factor V Leiden (no date). Available at: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/factor-v-leiden (Accessed: 10 January 2024).   Ghalaut, P.S. et al. (2014) ‘Ischemic Stroke in a Patient with Heterozygous Factor V Leiden Mutation: An Uncommon Associ

Breath is powerful for a lot of reasons. But if we get down to the sticky details about the lungs, the important components of our soft tissue and how they interact, we could make a lot of comparisons to how this is similar to our abilities of resolution. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison does just that. Respiration and resolution, it turns out, have a lot in common.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           This podc

Women are often the primary caregivers in a household and extended families, and this can have a huge impact on our long-term financial health. In this episode of Business or Pressure, Allissa discusses some factors to consider in balancing personal and professional needs. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, d

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Doug Nelson speaks about invalidation with clients, connection and the shared human condition, and the difference between validation and reassurance.   Host:   Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977.  Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a massage therapy clinic in Champaign, IL. with 21 therapists that was established in 1982. He is the founder of NMT MidWest, Inc., providing training in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy™ across the USA. He has personally taught more than 13,000 hours of continuing education and is the author of three books. Doug is a past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation.   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Zibby Media: www.zibbymedia.com   Elements Massage: www.elementsmassage.com/abmp   Susan’s CBD: www.susanscbd.com       Anatomy Trains is a global lea

It’s a new year, and Darren Buford is joined again by Amy Andrews McMaster to discuss how a regulated nervous system is essential to having a brave conversation, some of the causes of a dysregulated nervous system, and how self-regulation plays an important role in a massage therapist’s career. Amy Andrews McMaster is a leadership coach, consultant, and workshop facilitator. She has worked with school leaders in Denver, Aurora, Douglas County, Los Angeles Unified, the University of Colorado, Boulder, the University of Denver, and in the country of Malta. She has collaborated with government agencies and organizations such as Whole Foods Market, JP Morgan Chase, FirstBank, DIRECTV, and Amazon Web Services.     For more information about Amy, visit www.chiefsoulofficer.com   Resources:   5-Minute Morning Yoga: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/09/06/well/move/morning-yoga-beginner.html   IFS Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws28idoVTX0   Brave Conversations: https://www

A cancellation policy is standard for service businesses. But what should it be? Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines provides plenty of ideas and options to craft the policy that best suits you. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist, business owner, and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores o

The low back has, oh, so many parts and, oh, so many possibilities for both function and dysfunction. For this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison compares the low back to silly putty, a flower, a puppet master, and deep space. In any instance, getting to know this event horizon of our anatomy is the key to helping clients whose low back has morphed into a black hole.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           This podcast sponsored b

A client has a rare condition that might impact her ability to receive massage. A brief look shows no special cautions, but a deeper look reveals some important questions to ask. In this episode Ruth takes listeners along for the treasure hunt for useful information—not just for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, but for your future use when you have a client with a condition you’ve never heard of.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program

It’s been another great year of The ABMP Podcast, and we are gearing up for 2024! Some big changes are coming, and Kristin and Darren are here to give thanks to our fabulous listeners and share insights on what those changes will look like in the new year.   Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at [email protected]. Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage therapists and bodyworkers as they enhance their lives and practices. Contact her at [email protected].     Sponsors:

It only takes a few minutes to learn something new, or just try something different in your hands-on work. In this episode of Business or Pressure, host Allissa Haines walks through some ideas to avoid stagnation in the massage room. Resources:   The Rebel MT podcast: https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-370-splenii-muscles-under-influence-rebel-mt-allison-denney   Derryberry Massage: https://www.derryberrymassage.com/yoga   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Melissa Strautman, winner of the gold medal for Swedish massage at the International Association of Massage’s World Championship, where she competed against 56 therapists from 50 countries. Strautman, who also won silver for facial massage in the 2023 American Massage Championship and gold for Swedish massage in the 2022 American Massage Championship, speaks about her experience in this competitive arena, what drew her to start competing, and how it has helped her grow as a therapist. After attending Martin Methodist College and Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, Melissa graduated from the New York College for Holistic Health Education and Research (now called the New York College of Health Professions) in Syosset, New York, in 1999. She holds licenses in  New York and Kentucky, and completes between 24–72 continuing education hours every year. She has owned and operated a private practice in Bowling Green, Kentucky, sinc

A client wants to know if massage will help with their uterine fibroids? How can we answer this question?   What does “help” mean?   What are their goals?   What does the research say?   Spoiler: the research, while thin, holds some surprises.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more

We often define ourselves by how busy we are—always looking outward instead of inward. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren speaks with Angie Parris-Raney—licensed massage therapist and Chopra Center Certified in meditation and Ayurvedic lifestyle— about the peripheral modalities that led her to meditation, styles and types of meditations that can be practiced, and some of the specific mechanics of the mantra meditation. Angie Parris-Raney is a licensed massage therapist and is the advertising director for ABMP. She is Chopra Center Certified in meditation and Ayurvedic lifestyle. Her training explores physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Angie is also the founder of the nonprofit Project Inti, an organization that provides aid to low-income Peruvian families and communities. For more information, visit www.projectinti.org. Resources:   Meditate & Move: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCfBu3CT6VzOZNtymKBRqto4BcOm-Uvoj   Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/  

A young adult who’s been struggling with epilepsy wakes up after a seizure and is completely paralyzed on their left side. What does this mean? What happens next? And how can we best serve our clients who live with epilepsy? Join host Ruth Werner for those questions and more on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a lot like TMJ—known more for its dysfunction than its function. But if we take a moment to understand outlets, their design, and their purpose, we might be able to approach the famous one we own with a little more finesse. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison dismantles our thoracic outlet and the syndrome and symptoms that show up here.  This podcast sponsored by:     Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelmassage.com   AnatomySCAPES: www.anatomyscapes.com   Rebel Massage Therapist: My name is Allison. And I am not your typical massage therapist. After 20 years of experience and thousands of clients, I have learned that massage therapy is SO MUCH more than a relaxing experience at a spa. I see soft tissue as more than merely a physical element but a deeply complex, neurologically driven part of who you are. I use this knowledge to work WITH you—not ON you—to create change that works. This is the basis of my approach. As a massage therapist, I hav

Websites are an incredible tool for recruiting new massage clients. A few simple updates can make your business website even better. Tune in to this episode of Business or Pressure with host Allissa Haines to learn about some easy ways to level up your website.   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Resources: Ep 388- Making It Easy to Be Your Massage Client: https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-388-making-it-easy-be-your-massage-client-business-or-pressure-allissa-haines   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practi

As your client pool ages, it’s likely you will see more clients living with diabetes. Can the hands-on work you offer this aging group of clients make a difference in their quality of life? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin are joined by Dawn Castiglione to discuss the importance of massage in addressing blood circulation problems in the elderly with age-related diabetes, specific considerations massage therapists should keep in mind when working with this population, and techniques that contribute to improving the client’s overall well-being. Dawn Castiglione has been a licensed massage therapist since 2010. She became geriatric massage certified in 2011 after training under Dr. Sharon Puszko, DayBreak’s previous owner. Working mainly in retirement communities, assisted-living facilities, and memory care units, Dawn has enjoyed a career in massage therapy with a focus on seniors and those with degenerative conditions. After teaching for DayBreak for nearly a decade, she became

Tucked away during rainy season in a tropical paradise, a mosquito-borne virus runs rampant. What does Dengue fever mean for massage—how does it spread, what does it do, how is it treated and what are the risks? Listen in to learn. Then get the bug spray.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And

The healing capabilities of dolphins have long been speculated upon—particularly relating to the high ultrasonic frequencies they emit. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Angie are joined by Kate Mackinnon to discuss Kate’s recent trip to the Bahamas to take part in dolphin-assisted craniosacral therapy, what the experience is like for herself and her clients, and how this program influences the work she does back home. A healing arts practitioner specializing in craniosacral therapy, Kate Mackinnon has more than three decades of experience in mainstream and complementary medicine, along with the wisdom gained from many wonderful teachers throughout her career, including Dr. Wayne Dyer. She authored From My Hands and Heart: Achieving Health and Balance with Craniosacral Therapy and co-authored Elements of a Successful Therapeutic Business. Find out more at www.kmackinnon.com.    Resources:   From my Hands and Heart: Achieving Health and Balance with Craniosacral Therapy     Hos

Enforcing business policies can be uncomfortable. Host Allissa Haines discusses how creating protocols and scripts in advance will lend professionalism and ease to running a massage business.   Resources:   Ep 384 – Structuring Your Massage Business https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-384-structuring-your-massage-business-business-or-pressure-allissa-haines   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba

Microstresses are small moments of stress that seem manageable on their own, but they aren’t as harmless as they seem. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin is joined by Chris Smith to discuss the difference between stress and microstress, strategies to remove microstresses from our daily lives, and how being in the presence of others could help mitigate and overcome microstress. Chris Smith is a recognized leader in the field of massage therapy and trauma. She is a massage therapist and trauma touch therapist. She developed and has been teaching trauma touch therapy at the Colorado School of Healing Arts (CSHA) and to therapists worldwide since 1992. She has been with CSHA since 1988, where she serves as the school director. For more information on trauma touch therapy, visit the school’s website at csha.net.   Resources:   HBR Article: “The Microstress Effect: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems–and What to Do About It.” https://hbr.org/2023/02/the-hidden-toll-of-micros

A client with a 3-week-old pacemaker wants a relaxation massage. Her Facebook group of other pacemaker users encourages her to do it, but her massage therapist is hesitant. When exactly is it safe for this person to get on a massage table? Spoiler alert: No one knows for sure, but we can make some pretty confident choices, and we go over those choices on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference progr

The shoulder is complex, meaning it gives us a lot of movement. But with more mobility, we get less stability. And there is a lot of mobility in this crazy joint complex of ours. In this episode of The Rebel MT, host Allison Denney dives in to dissect what’s going on in the shoulder and to explain why it reminds her of a caramel apple.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massag

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Neal Anderson, Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner, to discuss how the Rolf Institute addresses the concept of structural integration, the curriculum and training process, the holistic approach to healing and well-being, and success stories Neal has experienced since working at the Rolf Institute. Neal Anderson is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner in practice since 2003. His Rolfing work is deeply informed by ongoing study with Rolf Institute Advanced Faculty, his teaching, and visceral and craniosacral study. He currently practices in Loveland, Colorado.  In Neal’s words: "It is very important to have work that is fun and evokes laughter. For me, this is true of both my Rolfing practice and my Rolfing teaching. I love engaging with clients and students to help bring them to a higher level of function and living on this planet."   Resources:   Dr. Ida Rolf Institute's website:  www.ro

In this episode of Business or Pressure, host Allissa Haines walks through the steps to make being your client, and staying your client, easy for the customer. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist, business owner, and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community. Resources: Making Your Massage Business User Friendly, Massage & Bodywork magazine, Sept/Oct 2023   Business.google.com   apple.com/business/connect   Ep 371 - How to Give the Right Massage: Business or Pressure with Allissa Haines   Ian Harvey, Massage Sloth Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/massagesloth/     Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product,

Traveling the world as a sports massage therapist sounds like a dream for many. For Jim Anderson, who recently worked as a massage therapist for Team USA at the 2021 UCI Road World Cycling Championships in Belgium, it’s so much more than just the hands-on work. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin speak with Jim about being the soigneur for professional cycling teams, what a typical session looks like, and the challenges he faces while being on the road for more than 150 days a year. Jim Anderson, LMT (Oregon since 2021), has been working with professional athletes for several years in North America and Europe. When he is not traveling 150 days a year, he lives and works in Portland, Oregon, at wellness and chiropractic clinics. He has worked with professional cycling teams, including Hagens Berman-Axeon (development team from 2015-2021) and Alpecin-Decuninick (world tour team since 2021), and provides massage therapy, race-day support, and logistics for athletes at events through

Here is a situation where healthcare for illness and self-care for wellness intersected in an unexpected way for me. I started with one point of view, and came around to another one—or at least a new curiosity – by the time I was finished. Where will you land on the issue of IV infusions?   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are avail

Modern research in the field of neuroscience shows what happens in our brains when we engage in yoga and mindfulness practices. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Angie speak with author Brittany Fair about her motivation to write The Neuroscience of Yoga and Meditation, whether these practices in daily life help with neurogenesis, and how these contemplative practices affect the brain. Brittany Fair is the author of The Neuroscience of Yoga and Meditation and a science communicator at the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center based at the University of Washington. With a background in philosophy, ecology, medical studies, and neuroscience, she has taught courses at universities and workshops nationwide. She teaches science writing at UC San Diego Extended Studies and is the former president of the San Diego Science Writers Association. Outside work, she is a competitive triathlete, yoga teacher, and twin mom.   Resources:   Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Neuroscience-

Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines walks through a few basic steps to help you run your massage business with more ease and less stress. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or cause allergic reactions. This unique property makes

We all experience the idea that relaxation must be earned. But what if we didn’t need to have a reason to relax or be kind to ourselves? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Cal Cates about how rest and relaxation are necessities, not luxuries, and how forgoing rest to keep the “grind culture” train moving creates a disservice to our clients, ourselves, and the profession as a whole. Cal is an educator, writer, and speaker on topics ranging from massage therapy in a hospital setting to end-of-life care and massage therapy policy and regulation. Cal is the executive director and founder of Healwell, a nonprofit organization that works with children in hospitals and clinical facilities. Cal also trains massage therapists about sustainable caregiving and partners with hospitals to conduct research about the effects of massage on people living with illness. For more information, visit healwell.org. Cal is the host of the podcast Interdisciplinary, found everywhere podcasts are

An elderly client has severe back and hip pain as she recovers from her second bout with COVID. Her doctor gave her a steroid shot, but her MT wonders if the pain is a post-viral form of myalgia. Join us in this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” as we look at some research about post-COVID musculoskeletal pain and the many mechanisms involved (and host Ruth Werner throws a short tantrum about a narrowly focused study that misses some important factors). Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocke

In the restaurant world, the back of the house is a noisy, chaotic mess. The back of the knee isn’t much different. With a lot of elements clamoring to keep things moving, it’s no wonder things can get sticky and dysfunctional. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison breaks down how understanding the frantic mayhem is fundamental to your role as a “fixer.”   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               All

Every industry has its ebbs and flows, including the massage and bodywork industry. How do we navigate this and come out ahead? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Angie speak with Teddy Lester, CEO of The Spa Mart, to discuss some struggles MTs face and steps to overcome those obstacles, differences in the customer experience between a spa and private practice, and advice for graduating students aspiring to run their own practice. Teddy Lester has over 16 years of professional spa industry experience. He began his spa career as an account director before being promoted to vice president of sales at the largest spa distribution company in the US, serving day spas, medical spas, luxury day spas, corporate and franchise spas, resorts and hotel spas, and destination spas. Following his successful time at Universal companies, Lester became the Chief Brand Officer of Woodhouse Spas, overseeing menu development, marketing and branding strategies, vendor relationships, brand expansion and new spa buil

What matters most in pricing massage services? Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines walks through all the factors to consider to help you gain confidence in your pricing structure. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist, business owner, and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community. Author links: Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or cause allergic reactions. T

With the widespread use of smartphones, many people spend extended periods looking down at their screens. How does prolonged forward neck tilt associated with smartphone use contribute to issues like “tech neck?” In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with David Lesondak about how smartphones affect the biomechanics of neck tilt, possible age-related factors, and ergonomic considerations people can take to avoid excessive smartphone-related neck tilt. David Lesondak, BCSI, ATSI, FST, VMT, FFT, IAHE, is a member of the Allied Health Professional Staff in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). He is a board-certified Structural Integrator, visceral manipulator, fascial fitness trainer, and more. The success of his first book, Fascia: What It Is and Why It Matters (available in nine languages), led to contributing a chapter to an orthopedic textbook, which resulted in his being asked to architect and edit the first-ever t

A contributor writes, “I said no to massage to a patient after fresh dialysis. When would it be OK to work on this person?” Seems like a simple question. But it’s not. We know a fair amount about kidney disease and about dialysis. And here’s a surprise: The interface between massage therapy and people using dialysis has sparked a lot of conversation in research and medical circles. What are people saying—and learning—about massage therapy for dialysis users? Better listen to this episode of I Have a Client Who . . .   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Path

As massage therapists, you have client-related pet peeves. But your clients also have pet peeves when receiving massage. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Dr. Joe Muscolino to discuss his top 5 pet peeves when receiving massage and some tips for therapists on how conversations can help reduce these pesky occurrences. Dr. Joe Muscolino has been a manual and movement therapy educator for more than 35 years. He has created several online streaming subscription platforms for manual therapy continuing education, including LearnMuscles Continuing Education (LMCE) with more than 3,000 video lessons and more than 300 hours of NCBTMB credit. He has also created Muscle Anatomy Master Class (MAMC), Bone and Joint Anatomy Master Class (BAJAMC), Visceral Anatomy Master Class (VMC), and Kinesiology Master Class (KMC). He is the author of multiple textbooks with Elsevier and has authored more than 90 articles. For more information on any of Dr. Joe’s content, visit learnmuscles.

“Soo, ummm . . . would you like to come back?” . In this episode of Business or Pressure, host Allissa Haines talks through the after-massage conversations that help us better serve clients. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community. Author links: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or cause allergic reactions. This unique property makes it an excellent medium for mas

Over the years, Taylor Symone has used three loans from DreamSpring to grow her business, including buying more inventory as her business’s popularity took off. What was the experience like?   In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Metta Smith, chief lending and client experience officer for DreamSpring, and Symone, spa owner and DreamSpring client, to discuss how DreamSpring helped her achieve her entrepreneurial dreams, best practices when securing your first small business loan, and the partnership between DreamSpring and ABMP. Metta is chief lending and client experience officer for DreamSpring. Taylor is a member of our sister association ASCP, Associated Skin Care Professionals, and a DreamSpring client based in Dallas. Her day spa, Touch-N-Skin, employs nine individuals providing beauty and hair treatments, therapeutic postoperative care, massages, and facials.    Resources:   Press Release: https://www.dreamspring.org/news/abmp-and-sister-associations-p

A client has an undiagnosed situation with the skin over their glute, and to the massage therapist it looks suspiciously like ringworm. What is ringworm? How do we get rid of it? And what is the risk to the massage therapist in this situation? Listen to this episode of I Have a Client Who… as Ruth Werner talks about one of her favorite topics: ringworm (RW).   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 c

How do we balance emotional energy as practitioners? And if we lose it, how do we get it back? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Diane Matkowski to discuss how to find the positive and overlook the negative, how to check in with yourself pre- and post-session, and when to pause before you react. Diane was accredited by the Owens Institute of Massage and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and has an associate’s degree in business administration. She has been practicing therapeutic massage for more than 25 years and has been an ABMP member for 23 years! Diane began her business, Freedom Massage, with only six clients. Presently, more than 12,000 clients have received therapeutic massage within the walls of her business. She moderates a closed group for massage therapists on Facebook called the Massage Mentor Closed Group and is co-founder of the Massage Mentor Institute. Diane is the author of The Massage Therapist’s Guidebook and The Body is Art. For more

Communication is everything. In this episode of Business or Pressure, host Allissa Haines demonstrates how to give the “right” massage to every client at every visit. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or cause allergic reactions.

There are those that influence and those that are influenced. And in the body, muscles fall into the same predicament. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison uncovers the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis, discusses which muscles influence them, and explores ways to help them be their own muscles.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:     “The QL

Ruth Werner has been dealing with a chronic cough for decades. She is now working with Til Luchau to determine what can be done. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Ruth and Til discuss the process of dealing with this mysterious chronic cough and how massage may be able to help. Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.      Til Luchau is the author of Advanced Myofascial T

A client reports having Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS)—a version of shingles that affects the facial nerve. Her massage therapist can’t find any useful information to help guide their decisions. But they were able to establish that it isn’t contagious, so they pulled on their gloves and got to work. Listen to this episode of I Have a Client Who . . . with host Ruth Werner to find out what happened, and why you might be seeing more about massage and RHS soon.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology,

Are you ready to reinvent your work? Are you missing intention in each stroke and session? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by David Lobenstine to discuss why it’s important to refresh and reinvent your sessions, some of the pitfalls that massage therapists get into, and tips to get out of those bad habits by slowing down and finding meaning with each touch. David Lobenstine has been massaging, teaching, writing, and editing for over 15 years. He is an authorized instructor of pre- and perinatal massage therapy workshops and coauthor of the book Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy. He also designs and teaches his own continuing education workshops, both across the US and online. For more information about David, visit www.bodybrainbreath.com.   Resources:   To learn more about "Give a Great Massage Again" and get notified when it is available, join David's weekly newsletter: https://www.bodybrainbreath.com/howtohealhappy   To learn with David online right now, go to:

It can be challenging to be productive and accomplish business tasks. Getting things done is a foundational skill, and we’ve got a list of ideas to help you move forward in this episode of Business or Pressure with Alissa Haines. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Resources: The Anti-Planner, Dani Donovan https://www.adhddd.com/anti-planner/   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to a

Structurally, the fascia system suspends, supports, and enables all anatomical movement from skin to cells and everything in between. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin are joined by Stretch to Win founders Ann and Chris Frederick to discuss Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST) and its origin, how FST can be integrated with massage therapy and other bodywork, and what the future holds for FST. Ann Frederick is the creator of a manual and movement therapy and assisted stretching called Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST). Her technique was originally designed for professional football players in the NFL. It then evolved to the public to address common conditions of pain, movement dysfunction, and lack of flexibility. Ann directs her school of training in FST at the Stretch to Win Institute in Chandler, Arizona, and Toronto, Ontario. Chris Frederick is an integrative physical therapist/physiotherapist, lead teacher of FST, practitioner of Anatomy Trains Structural Integration, and practitioner of T

A potential client—we don’t know how old, or how healthy—has sickle cell disease (SCD). There’s very limited information about safe massage therapy in this context. What’s an MT to do? One option is to reach out to an expert and hope you’ll get a quick but thorough response—if you get one at all. Another option is to check your bookshelf: you might be pleasantly surprised. (And if you don’t own a pathology book, maybe it’s time to remedy that situation—see some options listed below.) SCD is a complicated and serious condition with lots of decision points for massage therapy: What are the complications, how is the person treating it, and what is their risk for infection? Listen on for a short primer on faulty hemoglobin, collapsing red blood cells, and implications for bodywork.   Sponsors:       Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a wri

What if aliens really did pay us a visit? And what if the reality of their existence were to change everything we know about anatomy? In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison explores the quadriceps muscle and flips things upside down to get a new perspective. It also might change how you work on the quads.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:  

The key to pain-free activity is to assess the pain mechanism and employ a matched approach. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Dr. Stuart McGill to discuss how he made the switch from lab scientist to clinician, his approach to identifying back pain, thoughts on “non-specific” back pain, and how he employs his “virtual surgery” approach. Dr. Stuart M. McGill is a “distinguished professor emeritus”, University of Waterloo, where he was a professor for 30 years. His laboratory and experimental research clinic investigated issues related to the causal mechanisms of back pain, how to rehabilitate back-pained people and enhance both injury resilience and performance. His advice is often sought by governments, corporations, legal experts, medical groups and elite athletes and teams from around the world. His work produced over 245 peer-reviewed scientific journal papers, several textbooks, and many international awards including the “Order of Canada” in 2020 fo

Should you see every client or just the clients seeking a specialty? In this episode of Business or Pressure, host Allissa Haines walks you through the merits of having a general massage practice or choosing a specialty. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community. Resources: “Does Your Massage Business Need a Reboot,” by Allissa Haines, Massage & Bodywork magazine, July/August 2023, page 82. Author links: Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/ Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resemble

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by the Rebel MT herself, Allison Denney, to discuss why it’s OK to not know everything, when to use protocols and when to think outside the box, and how grounded confidence will help your practice and yourself. Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as w

Are you a manual therapist with joint mobility issues? Then this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” is for you. And if you have a client with joint mobility issues, you’ll want to tune in too. My colleague Natalie Pendergrass recently reached out to me to share her experiences with being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). EDS is a genetic disorder involving the formation of abnormal collagen. It occurs in 13 different identified subtypes, starting with hypermobility of joints and covering a wide spectrum of variations in connective tissue problems. Natalie shares what it’s like to receive massage as a person with EDS, but also the special challenges of being a massage provider with EDS. She developed practices that allow her to do demanding work while protecting her joints. Natalie also recently started some contact points for people with EDS so MTs can get more of this important information. Check them out:   https://www.instagram.com/eds_biker_therapist/   https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Cal Cates and Kerry Jordan from Healwell to discuss their research study, Massage Therapy for Hospitalized Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial, what the objective of the study was, the methods used, and the surprising results that were found. Cal is an educator, writer, and speaker on topics ranging from massage therapy in a hospital setting to end of life care and massage therapy policy and regulation. Cal is the current executive director and founder of Healwell, a non-profit organization that works with children in hospitals and clinical facilities. Cal also trains massage therapists about sustainable care giving as well as partners with hospitals to conduct research about the effects of massage on people living with illness. For more information, visit healwell.org. Cal is the host of the podcast Interdisciplinary, found everywhere podcasts are available. And Cal is a columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine

Origin/insertion terminology creates a rigidity in thinking that can obscure the simplicity of muscle function. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Dr. Joe Muscolino to discuss his article in the May/June 2023 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine regarding origin/insertion and joint action terminology and why the more Dr. Joe has taught, the more he has come to dislike some of the foundational kinesiology terminologies. Dr. Joe Muscolino has been a manual and movement therapy educator for more than 35 years. He has created several online streaming subscription platforms for manual therapy continuing education, including LearnMuscles Continuing Education (LMCE) with more than 3,000 video lessons and more than 300 hours of NCBTMB credit. He has also created Muscle Anatomy Master Class (MAMC), Bone and Joint Anatomy Master Class (BAJAMC), Visceral Anatomy Master Class (VMC), and Kinesiology Master Class (KMC).   He is the author of multiple textbooks with Elsevier

There are a thousand ways to build a strong massage or bodywork business. In this episode of Business or Pressure with Allissa Haines, we’ll cover the must-haves to get started, laying the foundation for a long-term, sustainable business. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist, business owner, and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community. Author Links: Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/ Resources:   Deep Breath Digital: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   A Website that Works webinar https://www.abmp.com/learn/course/website-works   Google business profile https://www.google.com/business/   Vistaprint https://www.vistaprint.com/   Moo cards https://www.moo.com/us/   Hubspot Academy https://academy.hubspot.com/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil tha

MassageNet.org is a practice-based research network (PBRN) that focuses on massage therapy research. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin are joined by Dr. Niki Munk and Sami Zabel to discuss how MassageNet provides resources to clinicians, researchers, and other massage therapy stakeholders to combine efforts to grow research in massage therapy, what involvement in MassageNet looks like, and some of the current research happening now. Dr. Niki Munk is Chair and Associate Professor of Health Sciences at the Indiana University School of Health and Human Sciences, a nonpracticing licensed massage therapist in Kentucky, and a steering committee member for the Indiana Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health. Dr. Munk earned her doctorate in gerontology from the University of Kentucky in 2011, and her research explores real-world massage therapy for chronic pain and associated factors, including emotional well-being, trigger point self-care, and accessibility challenges to massage. Befor

I received a story in which body odor was a factor. I turned the question back to you . . . and got hundreds of responses! In this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” we discuss what kinds of body odor issues turn up in massage therapy settings, when it’s appropriate to discuss it, and some strategies for how to make those conversations compassionate and supportive.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for

When a group of snails walks into a bar, it can help us understand the mess that are the paraspinals. These muscles are many, and in today’s episode of The Rebel MT, Allison dives deep to help explain, make sense of, and lessen the panic around trying to memorize them. And drunk snails always seem to help.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:  

We all know that insurance coverage is an important aspect of being a practitioner, but how much do we know about that policy? ABMP Risk Manager Spencer Bellott joins Kristin and Darren on The ABMP Podcast to discuss what is actually covered on your insurance policy, coverage limits and what they mean, and an explanation of what a “shared aggregate” is and why ABMP instead uses an individual policy.   Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at [email protected]. Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, a

When you run a business, there’s one very important decision to make intentionally, a decision that will impact all aspects of your massage work: Is this a business or a hobby? If you haven’t made that decision, join host Allissa Haines in this episode of Business or Pressure to think it through and move forward. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community. Author links: Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/ Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Mira Rucker to discuss how she came to be the massage therapist for the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL, what the day-to-day work is like, some of the pros and cons of working with a professional athletic team, and how she balances fandom with professionalism. Mira is an attentive and methodical licensed massage therapist with decades of experience in the wellness and fitness space. She is an excellent communicator and active listener, with career success working in challenging, therapeutic clinical environments. In addition to working with NHL athletes, she has worked with Division 1 basketball and football players, Ivy League swimmers and divers, club track and field athletes, volleyball players, golfers, and field hockey players.   Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in jour

Waaay back when I was in massage school… We looked for one-size-fits-all answers to highly individualized questions. That doesn’t work anymore! In this episode we consider a number of questions about massage therapy for surgical patients—when, where, how, what, and more. Of course the answer is always “it depends”—but WHAT does it depend ON?   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 comm

There are several potential causes of plantar foot pain, including the most common, plantar fasciitis. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Whitney Lowe to discuss common causes of foot pain (including Morton’s Neuroma), muscle-tendon pathology, and some treatment options for each one. Whitney has been in the profession for more than 35 years. He is the author of the profession’s first accessible assessment text, Orthopedic Assessment in Massage Therapy. He is a contributing author on several other texts, as well as hundreds of published articles. He developed the groundbreaking orthopedic massage online certificate program, applying innovative educational methods and technology for the first time in the profession. He is a member of the editorial advisory board of the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies and writes the Clinical Explorations column for Massage & Bodywork.    Resources:   Exploring Plantar Foot Pain, Part 1: http://www.massageandbodyworkdi

Since opening the doors of BodyWork Associates, Doug and Jennifer have helped countless individuals achieve their career and life dreams. But how did it start and what did it take to open a successful practice? Kristin and Darren are joined by Doug Nelson and Jennifer Crozier to discuss why opening a massage therapy clinic is a viable career path, how community relations are the best marketing strategy, and why mentorship helps in building strong foundations. Douglas Nelson is the founder and principal instructor for Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars, president of the 20-therapist clinic BodyWork Associates in Champaign, Illinois, and past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation. His clinic, seminars, and research endeavors explore the science behind this work. Visit pnmt.org or email him at [email protected]. Jennifer Larkin Crozier is a board-certified massage therapist, specializing in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy. She is a teaching assistant for NMT Midwest. Jen is a 2003 graduate of the clin

An 88-year-old man is preparing for his third decompression surgery for spinal stenosis. His friend wonders if massage therapy might be helpful, or even replace this risky procedure. Join us for a closer look at spinal stenosis and the risks and benefits of this common surgery!   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.c

The internal and external obliques may seem like antagonists to the untrained eye, but look a little closer and you will see an infinite loop that’s a work of engineering genius and an example of exquisite humanness. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison describes why the obliques bring to mind a certain Celtic knot. Or possibly some pretzels—depending on your take. Special shout-out to Rachelle Clauson and Nicole Trombley of AnatomyScapes.com for their wisdom and insights. Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with acc

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Nate and Carrie from Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa join Kristin and Darren to discuss knowing your expectations in the work environment, why peer mentors are beneficial to a practice, and how open communication during an interview can help set the tone during your tenure. Nate, a massage therapist since 2001, is licensed in several states and is board-certified. He has taught massage therapists since 2004 and is a nationally recognized continuing education provider. As a massage therapist, he has worked in many settings. He teaches the application of ethics in daily life and advanced anatomy for massage therapists. He is the senior director of training and massage therapy industry relations for Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa.    Resources:   www.handandstone.com     Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and be

So, why did the founders of Drybar start a massage business? Because they love making people feel good. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Brittany Driscoll, co-founder and CEO of Squeeze, to discuss why she made the leap from Drybar to Squeeze; why mission, philosophy, and culture are the backbone of the Squeeze experience for both therapist and client; and how being a female entrepreneur can disrupt a male-dominated franchise industry. Brittany is co-founder and chief executive officer of Squeeze and responsible for, well, everything there. Before launching Squeeze, Brittany spent four years running marketing for Drybar, where she helped take the company from $30 million to more than $100 million. She also opened more than 50 new shops and launched the Drybar product line internationally, as well as in Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom. Before Drybar, Brittany spent over a decade in marketing and advertising at agencies such as Mistress (Mattel, the Coca-Cola Company, Hilton

A client with chronic pelvic pain has been through the wringer, trying to get a solid diagnosis and effective treatment for what has—for lack of a better option—been diagnosed as levator ani syndrome. Is there anything massage can do for this person? And is there a connection between levator ani syndrome and this client’s extreme flexibility? We explore these questions and more on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is als

Warmth, competence, rituals, and good listening skills in the massage room will help you harness placebo pathways. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Mark Liskey about how the placebo effect can be a positive approach to massage therapy, the differences between expectancy and learned association, and examples of what can produce a placebo effect. Mark Liskey is a massage therapist of 30 years, CE teacher and provider, blogger, writer, and co-producer and co-host of the International Take Care of Your School event, a self-care conference for massage therapists. Recently, he wrote The Pain-Free Massage Therapist, a do-it-yourself “body-mechanics strategies and techniques” book for eliminating pain in the massage room and extending massage careers. You can access free instructional body-mechanics videos at his website painfreemassagetherapist.com. Mark is also the creator of makethemostofmassage.com, a business resource for massage therapists. Access the free massage busin

There are many misconceptions about the myofascial system, and the science is changing rapidly. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Lauri Nemetz about her book, The Myofascial System in Form and Movement. Lauri speaks about how her background in art history, dance and movement therapy, and anatomical dissection helped weave together the many facets of the evolving area of myofascial research. Lauri is an adjunct professor at Pace (NY) University, Visiting Associate Professor, Deptartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, a licensed creative arts therapist, a member of the American Association for Anatomy, a board-certified member of the Academy of Dance/Movement Therapists, a Yoga Alliance yoga teacher and education provider at the 500-hour level, a Stott Pilates instructor, a certified yoga therapist (IAYT), and a provider and former faculty member for Anatomy Trains and Anatomy Trains Dissections. She co-leads knmlabs.com a

A client is a survivor of childhood trauma. She is a single parent of two children with special needs. She has recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and wonders if other conditions also contribute to her problems. She appreciates massage, but her massage therapist is worried they’re not helping enough. What can we do when we have a crisis of confidence? “I Have a Client Who . . .” host Ruth Werner offers a couple of important reminders about realistic expectations and the benefits that massage can, and sometimes can’t, offer. Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the 

One would think that the knee, one of anatomy’s most used and abused joints, would have a little better engineering behind it. It doesn’t. And there’s a lot that can go sideways. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison details the anatomy of a knee, analyzes why it’s so easily injured, discusses how to best approach it as a bodyworker, and shares the story of her own clunker of a knee, which, it turns out, is why she’s even a massage therapist in the first place.  Host:      Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]      Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com           Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.       

Many bodyworkers could avoid injury or burnout simply by changing their massage lubricants. But, how do we match the lubricant to the client? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Diana Dapkins about how the lubricants you use affect body mechanics, what led to her “lubricant epiphany,” and how to adapt when working with various client types. Dianna is the founder and president of Pure Pro Massage Products, a company that has focused on providing the highest quality products to massage therapists and bodyworkers since 1992. For more information about Diana, visit purepro.com     Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Medi

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin are joined by Cindy Meiskin, chief experience officer of Hand & Stone, to discuss the National Association of Spa Franchises (NASF), the new employment verification system (EVS) and how it works, and what success looks like with this new system in place. Cindy Meiskin joined Hand & Stone in 2012 as director of training. She transitioned to vice president of brand experience before moving into her newest position as chief experience officer. Throughout her career of more than 30 years, she has supported the women on her team and created an environment where they feel empowered to do their best. In her current role, Meiskin believes that effective and efficient training is the cornerstone of success and enjoys her position where she can personally engage with every franchisee in the Hand & Stone system.   Resources:   NASF: https://nationalassociationofspafranchises.com/     Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and ed

A client is struggling with plantar fasciitis. They call a local massage therapist with the right kind of expertise, but reveal they are concerned about their toenail fungus and the risk it could spread. How concerning is this risk? Is it possible to spread toenail fungus to other areas of the body. Could it spread to other people? We explore those questions on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference pro

Despite the chaos of our cultural predicaments, you can learn to live beyond your busy mind and experience more “on” days—days where you are in flow. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Cara Bradley to discuss mental fitness and keeping a clear mind, strategies to help guide our thought process, and how the gut-brain connection directly impacts our mental health. Cara Bradley—a leading authority of mental fitness—shares her signature body-mind training with Fortune 500 companies and professional sports teams. She authored On The Verge: Wake Up, Show Up, and Shine, founded Verge Yoga Center, and is host of Daily Whispers podcast. Cara was named one of the “Top 12 Most Powerful Women in the Mindfulness Movement” by Mindful magazine.   Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the associat

In our Third Annual Shingles Episode, we consider a client who developed shingles soon after receiving massage. Is it possible that the massage caused it? And what are the safety guidelines about working with someone during a shingles outbreak? It turns out this is all more complex than it sounds, and the decisions here require some nuance. Listen to “I Have a Client Who . . .” for more!   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Massage Mentor Institute: www.themassagementorinstitute.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pock

The application of opposing techniques within a short time frame can bring your clients into a deeper awareness of self and a greater perception of balance. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Allison Denney to discuss why interoception and homeostasis are so important for massage therapists, and the benefits of using techniques that use opposing forces and directions during your sessions. Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journal

On this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” a client reports she has been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse: Her uterus, bladder, and colon are descending into her vagina. She is young and otherwise healthy, but her body seems to be falling apart. Is there anything massage therapy can do to help?   Sponsors:       Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Massage Mentor Institute: www.themassagementorinstitute.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key inform

For thousands of years, various cultures have used sound as a tool for healing. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Ben Brown, founder of HND + TMPL Massage Therapy, about how sound affects the body, mind, and spirit, insight into what a sound offering consists of, and how different instruments play different roles during a massage session. Ben Brown is the founder of HND + TMPL Massage Therapy, an NYS-licensed massage therapist and educator, a sound practitioner, and a former GYROTONIC instructor. Ben’s practice is based on the wisdom of the body to find its way back to health. He strives through conscious touch, to create space and awareness of the body in its present state. Resources:   Learn more at handandtemple.com   Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer leve

A young woman is newly diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Is massage therapy safe? Can it be helpful? What does a massage therapist need to know ahead of time? Answers: Yes, yes, and it’s all here in this episode of I Have a Client Who . . . Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Massage Mentor Institute: www.themassagementorinstitute.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’

Hidden in the shadows, the serratus posterior superior and inferior are, what I like to call, our anatomical parentheses. Subtle, nuanced, and often ignored, finding where they are and what they feel like is crucial to the work we do. In this episode of The Rebel MT, I underscore pushing our awareness beyond what we’ve been taught and to see what anatomy is trying to tell us.     Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.        

Design can be simple. Maybe that’s why it’s so complicated. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Carolyn Boldt, VP/Director of Design for CrossFields, to discuss what to look for when evaluating office space, how owning versus leasing plays a role in how you plan your design, why design is key to client retention, and design trends that have real staying power. Carolyn is passionate about holistic health and wellness, and an outspoken advocate that the environment of your space impacts your success. Carolyn has over 40 years of experience in the commercial interior industry, holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Architectural Design from the University of Texas at Austin, is NCIDQ Certified, a registered designer, a LEED AP, and a professional member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). In 2004, she and her husband, Scott, co-founded CrossFields as a design-build firm in Atlanta. In 2011 they changed their focus to expand the impact of holistic h

A massage therapist lives and works near the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment site. They want to know about the possible risks of working with people exposed to chemical toxins. With so many unknowns, what’s the safest way to proceed? Join host Ruth Werner as she helps answer that question and others in this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Massage Mentor Institute: www.themassagementorinstitute.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app a

Arrogant. Charismatic. Narcissistic. If you were to name traits that define strong leaders, these words might spring to mind. The evidence, however, tells quite a different story. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by professor and author Dr. Amer Kaissi to discuss how humility and ambition converge to make a great leader, the interesting dynamic between self-awareness and humility, and behaviors we can all learn to develop humble leadership within ourselves. Dr. Amer Kaissi is a professional speaker and a certified executive coach. His most recent book is Humbitious: the power of low-ego, high-drive leadership. Kaissi is an award-winning professor of Healthcare Administration at Trinity University, a top-15 program. He is also the author of the book Intangibles: The Unexpected Traits of High-Performing Healthcare Leaders,” which won the 2019 American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Book of the Year award. At Trinity, Kaissi teaches courses in leadership, profession

A client reports she’s about to lose a kidney due to a kidney stone. That seems . . . extreme, doesn’t it? What’s probably happening is that she has a staghorn calculus: a stone that takes up all the space in her kidney. If it’s not removed it will continue to grow, which could lead to all kinds of problems. What is a staghorn calculus? And what accommodations do we need to make for a person who has lost an entire vital organ? These questions and more on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”   Sponsors:       Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodyw

Albert Einstein said, “The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.” But does it have to be that hard? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin speaks with CPA and tax coach Kenesha Coleman about what business owners need to know before filing, advice for practitioners who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed during tax season, and why bookkeeping year-round will benefit you greatly before you file. Kenesha is an award-winning CPA, certified tax coach, and IRS enrolled agent. She founded Coleman Tax, an accounting firm that specializes in helping ambitious and driven wellness and beauty entrepreneurs save money by optimizing their tax and financial lives. Learn more at www.colemantaxllc.com Resources: Freebie: Beautypreneur Discovery Call  Freebie: "The Ultimate Tax Deductions Guide for Beautypreneurs" https://bit.ly/taxexpense Interested in Professional Tax Preparation Services for Beautypreneurs: https://bit.ly/beautytaxprep Website: thebeautycpa.com IG: https://www.instagram.co

A client is an adult man with spastic cerebral palsy. He has a Baclofen pump and is preparing for Botox injections. He’s also found a massage therapist who has the experience and expertise to help him—that’s amazing! Understandably, the MT has questions about the Botox—what are the guidelines for manual therapy when this is used to treat spasticity? Well, that assumes that such guidelines exist, which is not a safe assumption. Listen to this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” for some thoughts about what to do next.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       The Massage Mentor Institute: www.themassagementorinstitute.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner

The word “palliate” comes from the Medieval Latin “palliare,” meaning to conceal, or to cover with a cloak. In the context of health care, a palliative approach is one that alleviates symptoms without curing disease. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin speaks with author Cindy Spence about her book Palliative Touch: Massage for People at the End of Life, how practitioners can protect themselves during this emotional work, and why pressure, pace, and frequency are important aspects when doing hands-on work. Cindy Spence has been a massage therapist specializing in oncology and hospice care since 1999. She believes in the power of choice and pursuit of optimal well-being at all phases of life, particularly during advanced illness and the dying process. Cindy’s training includes a master’s degree in Public Health and more than 100 hours of continuing education from institutions such as MD Anderson and Sloan-Kettering. Co-creator of Final Touch Training, Cindy is a member of the Society for

A client reports she has Sprengel’s deformity and was told never to get massage or chiropractic. Nonetheless, she finds that massage is very helpful! What is Sprengel’s deformity? And what are the questions we need to ask so we can make safe and effective clinical decisions? Spoiler alert: It’s not as tricky as it sounds, and you’ll find out on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”   Sponsors:       Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocke

The Teres Major and Teres Minor may share a name, but sharing is not something they do well. In a constant battle for the humerus, they have spent a lifetime arguing, competing, and creating friction. But getting to the truth of how a muscle really feels involves not only knowing their anatomy, but also knowing the human condition.  Listen in to this episode of The Rebel MT to learn more about the Teres Major and Teres Minor.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at

Mental decline is not an inevitable part of aging. You can boost your short- and long-term brain health and significantly lower the risk of dementia—if the right steps are taken now. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Dr. Marc Milstein, author of The Age-Proof Brain, about assessing our brain’s age, why sleep is so critical to brain health, and why lifestyle factors like mindfulness, exercise, and diet play a key role in long-term brain health. Marc is the author of The Age-Proof Brain: New Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity & Fight Off Dementia. Marc specializes in taking the leading science research on brain health and presenting it in a way that entertains, educates, and empowers his audience to live better. His presentations provide science-based solutions to keep the brain healthy, boost productivity, and maximize longevity. Marc has a PhD in biological chemistry from UCLA and has conducted research on topics including genetics, cancer biology, and neurosc

A client with hip and back pain is referred to a massage therapist by her chiropractor. But there’s a hitch: This person also has arrhythmia and hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is one of the most common inherited disorders in White people, and it can lead to life-threatening complications. One of those complications might be a factor in this client’s situation. Fortunately, if it’s found early, hemochromatosis is highly treatable. Listen to this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” for more!   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Massage Mentor Institute: www.themassagementorinstitute.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage &

Harm reduction in client/therapist engagements can be organized into four simple, but hard-to-implement tenets: minimize judgement, avoid offering advice or opinions, respect autonomy, and understand the complicated nature of behavior. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Cal Cates about the lack of self-regulation training, examples of judgment with a client, and how offering opinions can have a “silencing effect” on clients. Cal is an educator, writer, and speaker on topics ranging from massage therapy in a hospital setting to end-of-life care and massage therapy policy and regulation. Cal is the executive director and founder of Healwell, a nonprofit organization that works with children in hospitals and clinical facilities. Cal trains massage therapists about sustainable care giving and partners with hospitals to conduct research about the effects of massage on people living with illness. For more information, visit healwell.org. Cal is the host of the podcast Interdiscip

A client has chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath . . . on a mysteriously regular cycle. Testing shows masses in her lungs, but cancer is ruled out. The most likely situation here is thoracic endometriosis. What is endometriosis, how did this client get it in her lungs, and—most importantly—can massage help with her signs or symptoms?   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingert

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin shares some of the lessons she has learned as a massage therapist, while Darren shares what he’s learned as a client, why communication plays a major role in the client/therapist relationship, and how customer service weaves its way into every aspect of a session.   Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at [email protected]. Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage therapists and bodyworkers as they enhance their lives and practices

A client has frequent ear infections, including now while he’s awaiting a prescription of antibiotics. He wants massage for his neck and shoulders. He has a history of a ruptured eardrum and several surgeries. And by the way, he’s a surfer.  Usually, we say that massage and acute infections don’t really go together. But this client seems fine—he gets these infections often and they don’t impact his daily living. Is that a go-ahead for massage? Maybe, maybe not.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket

A client with a complex health challenge can benefit from a conversation between their massage therapist and their health-care team. But, a conversation isn’t the same as permission. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Ruth about massage therapists’ inclinations to get a doctor’s permission before treatment, whether a doctor’s note protects MTs, and what consulting a health-care team looks like. Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is available at ruthwerner.com.    Ruth is also the host of the podcast I Have a Client Who . . . which runs each Friday on the ABMP Podcast Network. And, if that wasn’t enough, Ruth is a columnist and frequent feature writer for Massage & Bodywork magazine.   Resources:   Read Ruth’s article in Massage & Bodywork magazine: h

A client’s knee surgery seemed to go OK, but now he has a problem: his knee is stuck in 60 degrees of flexion. His doctors don’t seem interested in his diagnosis, leading him to wonder if anything will ever change. What’s going on? Is this unusual? Turns out, it might happen a lot. But massage therapy might be helpful, according to one of the world’s leading experts on the subject. Join us as we explore arthrofibrosis in this edition of “I Have a Client Who . . . ”   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on P

The gluteus maximus is just like the rest of us—caught up in how society and the internet tells us we should look, think, and feel. Untangling this massive muscle from the interwebs takes a lot of introspection. In this episode, Allison pontificates the deeper issues of the Glute Max and offers some insights on how to free it from societal constraints.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in M

Imagine a world where every child has the chance to reach their full potential. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Tina Allen, founder of Liddle Kidz Foundation, about the differences between infant and pediatric massage, why she created the Liddle Kidz Foundation, what she has noticed in her travels around the world regarding “touch culture,” and what advice she has for practitioners interested in learning more about pediatric touch therapy. Tina Allen, founder of Liddle Kidz Foundation, is the premier expert and authority on infant and pediatric massage therapy. She is an internationally respected lecturer, educator, and award-winning author of the best-selling book “A Modern Day Guide to Massage for Children.” For over 20 years, Tina has propelled the Liddle Kidz Foundation to global awareness. Her integrative approach has provided her the opportunity to develop comprehensive certification programs and consult on numerous pediatric massage programs, research studies,

A client is a former NFL linebacker with CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). What is going on inside his head? And is it safe for the massage therapist to work with him? CTE is part of a range of head injuries that includes traumatic brain injury, concussion, and post-concussion syndrome. We don’t have a lot of information about massage therapy in this context, but we can get enough information to look for good ways to help.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick refe

Understanding the motor points of the neuromuscular system and their corollary—tonic acupressure points—increases efficiency in helping clients relax and deepen into a sense of calmness and well-being. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Mary Kathleen Rose about the difference between motor points and tonic points, how deep a motor point is, what a point should feel like for both the practitioner and client, and why proper communication to the client during a session is important. Mary Kathleen Rose, LMT, has been actively involved in the holistic health field since the 1970s. A pioneer in the field of touch therapies for the elderly and the ill, she is an ardent advocate for the needs of special populations. She is the developer of Comfort Touch and internationally known for her work in bringing safe, appropriate, and effective touch to hospice, hospital, and home-care settings. Rose is the author of Comfort Touch: Nurturing Acupressure for the Elderly, the Ill and Anyone i

A client’s parent is a Vietnam vet, and she is left with the aftermath of the genetic damage caused by one of the deadliest toxins known: TCDD dioxin. She has spina bifida, a well-recognized consequence of parental AO exposure, but also a slew of other physical and emotional challenges. What is Agent Orange, and how did this happen? And… is there any way our work can help?   Sponsors:    Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 co

Critical thinking can help people better understand themselves, their motivations, and their goals. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Doug Nelson about one of his favorite topics: Critical Thinking. He discusses why we need to challenge not only our head and our hands—but our heart, how confirmation bias leads to struggle, and why we should pick our themes and not get lost in the details. Doug Nelson is the founder and principal instructor for Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars, president of the 20-therapist clinic BodyWork Associates in Champaign, Illinois, and past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation. His clinic, seminars, and research endeavors explore the science behind this work. Visit pnmt.org or email him at [email protected].   Hosts: Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade,

A massage therapist has some clients who have battled breast cancer and had lymph nodes removed. They are active and healthy, and report no signs of lymphedema . . . and they want “massage as usual” on their affected arms. Is that possible? Is it advisable? What could go wrong? In this short, pithy discussion, Rebecca Sturgeon, co-author of Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care and educational director at Healwell, discusses the options that this practitioner might consider to keep those clients safe while offering satisfying bodywork.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably

The Scalenes have an attachment disorder. This is a good thing and a bad thing. For a group of muscles to be working so hard, understanding where they are, what they do, and the black hole they live in is key to our approach. In this episode, join Allison as she dives into the Posterior Triangle of the neck to explore the scalenes, the big responsibility they shoulder, and what we can do to help.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.      

What a year for The ABMP Podcast. We have been so lucky to speak with leading health-care professionals, best-selling authors, and amazing members of the massage and bodywork community. Hosts Darren and Kristin wanted to share with you some of the episodes that made an impact on them, not only this year, but for the year to come.   Resources:   Ep 217 – Deepening Your Practice with Lynn & Ann Teachworth   Ep 234 – Tracking Wonder with Jeffrey Davis   Ep 266 – When Millennials Take Over with Jamie Notter   Ep 281 – Understanding Thoracic Mobility with Ann & Lynn Teachworth   Ep 298 – Functional Therapy for the Geriatric Population   “What I’ve Learned” from Esquire magazine   Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president

A client has pain, tension, and a specific referral pattern between her right shoulder and left leg. She was also born with a rare disease that affects her mitochondria, and that carries a host of complications, like high blood pressure, headaches, and diabetes. Can massage therapy help reduce her tension, even if it is led by mitochondrial dysfunction? We ask that question and discuss on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick

Human trafficking in adults involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Human trafficking is an insidious crime and affects a variety of communities and industries. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with FSMTB Executive Director Dr. Debra Persinger about the FSMTB’s efforts to help identify human trafficking within institutions of higher education, how schools that engage in trafficking are identified, and why this is important not only to state regulators, but to the entire massage therapy profession. Persinger brings a rare combination of management experience, examination expertise, and national and state legislative know-how to the FSMTB. She has directed all psychometric aspects of examination development and was instrumental in offering award-winning quality assessment services for examinations for four professional certification and licensure programs. After completing her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and pos

A client has muscle tightness, pain, scoliosis, and a tendency to complain all the time about everything. And by the way, he is hungry, literally every waking moment. In this episode of I Have a Client Who . . . Ruth Werner asks the question, “Can massage therapy help?”   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com.

Bodywork for the geriatric population helps regain strength, balance, coordination, and a level of functioning—but it also creates a more independent lifestyle. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Dr. Joi Edwards to discuss cupping for the geriatric community, how she was drawn to working with the elderly, and her approach when setting goals for these types of patients. Dr. Joi is a licensed massage therapist and a licensed physical therapist. She has a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, a doctorate in physical therapy, and specializes in orthopedic manual therapy. She has extensive experience in the orthopedic field with both injuries and surgical conditions. She works full time as a physical therapist, owns a continuing education company, Owlchemy Education, and successfully fuses the science of orthopedics with the art and intuition of massage, bridging the worlds together with the magic of silicone cups. Learn more at www.owlchemyeducation.com.   Resources:

A client had a cardiac catheterization complication and had to be shocked back into a functional rhythm. Now he wants a massage, and his doctor seems to be on board. What is a cardiac catheterization, what does it mean to be shocked back into rhythm, and what does it mean for decisions about massage? In this episode of I Have a Client Who, Ruth explores this issue and answers these questions.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and

You might be familiar with the Ship of Theseus. But do you know about the Paradox of the Intercostals? They both involve planks. And they both raise some interesting questions. In this episode of The Rebel MT, join Allison as she compares Theseus’s Paradox to the quandary that are the intercostal muscles. Perhaps you have some answers to an age-old query that has been perplexing humans for eons. Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.       

Integrative Touch (InTouch) works to change the way people experience health care by supporting caregivers and families whose children have special health or medical needs. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin speaks with the founder of Integrative Touch, Shay Beider, about what led her to start Integrative Touch, how their mission of whole child, whole family, whole community developed, and why understanding child development plays a crucial role in how you approach a session. Beider has been a pioneer in the field of Integrative Medicine for 20 years. She is the founder and Executive Director of Integrative Touch, a nonprofit with an international healing program for individuals experiencing high-impact trauma and illness. Beider is a frequent public speaker on wellness topics and hosts the popular Conversations on Healing podcast, with listeners in more than 100 countries. She started Integrative Touch therapy and teaches internationally. She was awarded the Women’s Studies Achievement Award from

A client has Scheuermann’s disease: a genetic malformation of vertebral bodies that arises during adolescence. But the client also has some other issues: anxiety, joint and back pain, clicking, popping, and crepitus. How much of this is due to Scheuermann’s disease, and how might manual therapy be able to help? Plus, in this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner, we get to talk about Schmorl’s nodes!   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is al

We know the massage and bodywork community is full of passionate instructors possessing caring hearts and expert hands-on skills who give their all to students. But so many are often trained in the “trial by fire” method. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with ABMP Chairman Bob Benson about his motivation for creating Cornerstones, the ABMP Instructor Development Program, why there is a need for this type of program in massage education, and why he was committed to creating this resource for the profession. Bob Benson is Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals’ (ABMP) chairman of the board. Taking the reins in 1996, Benson has served as ABMP’s president and CEO. Benson is a champion of the massage and bodywork profession, serving on the board of directors of CAMTC, enlisting ABMP’s resources toward the development of the Entry-Level Analysis Project, and spearheading the development of Cornerstones: The ABMP Instructor Development Program. Under his 26 years of leader

An 82-year-old client lives with bladder cancer. After cataract surgery, he developed a urinary tract infection (UTI) and sepsis and had to spend 10 days in the hospital. Now he’s home, on IV antibiotics, and wants a massage. His therapist wonders, will he ever be able to receive massage again?   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your finge

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren speaks with Ruth Werner and Angie Parris-Raney about working with clients who have fibromyalgia, how medical opinions have changed – or haven’t, and how MT’s should reset expectations and instead honor “the human experience”. Resources:    “Working with Invisible Pain,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, November/December 2022, page 36,   Host: Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at [email protected].   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Elements Massage: http://www.elementsmassage.com/abmp   Precision Neuromuscular Therapy: www.pnmt.org   Anatomy Trains is a

A massage therapist accidentally finds an electrical wire running down their client’s neck, alongside their SCM—surprise! It turns out to be a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device to help treat Parkinson’s disease. DBS can also be used to treat a handful of other conditions, and treating more conditions continues to be investigated. So the chance you could have a client with a DBS device is higher than ever. How do we do that safely? Listen to this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . . ” for more.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of

You believe in your work. This is your purpose, and you want a business that reflects that. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with small business coach Joanna Sapir about how practitioners can serve their clients more deeply, how consultations should be used as a growth strategy, and how to step into a leadership role to create committed client relationships. Joanna Sapir provides small business coaching in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world, helping innovative practitioners build more profitable and sustainable businesses. She is also the host of the podcast The Business Revolution for Practitioners. For more information, visit joannasapir.com.     Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Wes

A client is undergoing a series of intravenous iron infusions to treat anemia. Her doctor has cleared her for massage, but her massage therapist still has questions—as they should. What are the cautions or contraindications for someone who needs to supplement iron intravenously? Let’s find out.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fin

The rotator cuff muscles should be added to the history books among all the other famous foursomes. But that doesn’t mean those rotator cuff muscles know how to work well together. Learning this skill is not as easy as it might seem. This is where we step in. It’s a little like balancing a pie as you decide whether or not to throw it in your friend’s face. But then, should you even throw the pie? Join Allison as she delves into this conundrum and analyzes how the muscles of the rotator cuff might help us understand why being “other oriented” could answer a few questions.   Resources:   Click here to view the muscles of the rotator cuff.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/Rebe

Things happen. Everyone is at risk of a tragic event such as death or disability. A solid plan will lead to peace of mind. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Allissa and Michael discuss the importance of having a plan in place for such an event, how to organize your “get hit by a bus” file, and how having a trusted person to manage your business affairs is an absolute must. Allissa is a co-founder at Massage Business Blueprint and is the lead mastermind behind most of the content in that community. She has run a busy massage practice since 2005 and loves helping other massage therapists build happy, sustainable businesses. She has served as a volunteer in two massage organizations, taught across the country, and has been published in several massage publications, including Massage & Bodywork magazine. Known for being fast-acting and hilarious, she’s also super into pizza and chaos gardening. Michael is a co-founder at Massage Business Blueprint and handles much of the marketing and technology behind t

A client struggles to find the best way to tell her massage therapist about her trauma history. A massage therapist wants to make this an easier process, without running the risk of re-traumatizing clients. The whole thing is much more complicated than it looks. What is trauma? Who’s a survivor? What is trauma-informed care? And where does massage therapy fit in?   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program tha

The field of fascia research has undergone remarkable expansion and growth over the last decade. But until now, a true visualization had been a challenge. Enter FR:EIA, the world’s first 3-D human fascia plastinate. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Rachelle Clauson and Gary Carter about how FR:EIA came to be, her first public appearance in Montreal, Quebec, at the 6th International Fascia Research Congress, and how their ideas on fascia changed during this . Resources: Read about FR:EIA and the process of creating the world’s first whole-body, fascial-focused plastinate in the September/October issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine.   Click the link below for more information about the Fascial Net Plastination Project (FNPP), including press releases, the Fascia Research Society, Facebook, Instagram, and more.   https://linktr.ee/fnpp Rachelle serves as the Fascia Research Society’s Fascial Net Plastination Project Director of Creative and Administrative Affairs. She

A client with a complex health situation wants massage to improve their heart rate variability, and they are prepared to track results with a smartwatch and a smart ring. What does this mean? Why does HRV matter? Are there downsides to biometric tracking related to massage? These questions are answered, but more are raised in this episode of I Have a Client Who . . .   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program t

John Barnes is known as the father, or the grandfather as he likes to say, of myofascial release (MFR). But there’s so much more to this technique than one might think. Join Allison as she sits down with John to discuss the life force of fascia, the power of MFR, and how the ability to live in allows us all an authentic path to healing. Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork

A lack of thoracic mobility, particularly extension, is one of the chronic structural/functional issues of our time. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Lynn and Ann Teachworth about why they decided to develop a class on the thoracic spine, how the dynamics of the thoracic relate to common pain syndromes and injuries in other parts of the body, and some strategies therapists should consider when understanding the importance of the spine in overall body function. Ann and Lynn Teachworth integrate more than 40 years of expertise in structural integration, functional biomechanics, and energy medicine to help make good therapists great through their continuing education company Trunamics. Lynn has been in the bodywork, human performance, and energy medicine fields for more than 30 years. He is certified in over 30 complementary medicine modalities. His clients include CEOs and presidents of many Fortune 500 companies and more than 1,000 professional athletes in the areas of sports

Following a motor vehicle accident, a client has dystonia—a neurological problem with muscle tone. She is using two powerful muscle relaxants: Botox injections and a baclofen intrathecal pump. Is there anything massage might do to help? Not only is the answer yes, but we even have some data to back it up!   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at

The holiday season is right around the corner. That makes now a good time to start thinking about putting together a solid marketing plan. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin talk about goals, groups, planning and promotion, when practitioners should begin their marketing initiatives, and whether price discounts are an effective seasonal-marketing strategy.   Hosts: Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at [email protected]. Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage the

A new massage therapist has a client who presents some special challenges: she has chronic pain, uses a lot of medications to manage it, wants deep work, and no matter what the MT does, the client seems to want more. The MT feels out of their depth and at a loss for how to help this client improve. In this special episode we talk about those feelings of inadequacy with our clients who seem to be especially demanding, and what we can do to help ourselves stay present and positively engaged. Do you have advice for this therapist? I’d love to hear it. Contact me at [email protected]   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwi

The Lymphatic System may not be the most popular of the anatomical systems, but understanding this unsung hero is fundamental to the work we do. Join Allison as she describes what lymph is, what this system does, and how it compares to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority workers of the New York City subway system. This beautifully intricate component of who we are deserves a deeper understanding, some love, and, perhaps, a raise.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found a

Brilliance is in all aspects of our experience: our relationships, our talent, our performance, our outlook. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with author Jackie Insinger about how the science of positive psychology ignites and engages our work, steps MTs can take to improve their communication with colleagues, family, and friends, and the difference between being great at what you do and loving what you do. Throughout her career, Jackie has brought her expertise in cognitive psychology and interpersonal dynamics to the business world as a sought-after executive and team dynamics coach. Using her research-based, action-oriented methodology, Jackie helps leaders and teams focus on unique strengths and authentic connection to increase performance, results, and fulfillment. Her positive psychology-led framework, platinum leadership, has been a game-changer for thousands of people and businesses throughout the world. Jackie has a psychology degree from Duke University and a from Harvar

A client is a bodybuilder. He tells his massage therapist that he has started using anabolic steroids to help him achieve his goals. What does this mean? Are there risks for massage—for the client? For the therapist? How much of this is really our business, and what does it mean in relation to other possible drug use among our clients? It's a sticky topic, with few solid answers.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick refe

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Nathan Nordstrom about the challenges and benefits of being either an employee, self-employed, or an independent contractor, the benefits of understanding marketing – even as an employee – and the state of franchises since the COVID pandemic. Nate became a massage therapist in 2001. He is licensed in several states and is board-certified. He has taught massage therapists since 2004 and is a nationally recognized continuing education provider. As a massage therapist, he has worked in many settings over the years. He teaches classes in the application of ethics in daily life and advanced anatomy classes for massage therapists. He has served as a leader in many ways in the massage profession, and he is now the senior director of Training and Massage Therapy Industry Relations for Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.  Hosts: Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork m

A client who is a nurse from the Philippines has a positive tuberculosis test. “It’s latent,” she claims. “Everyone in the Philippines tests positive for TB.” Could this be true? Is she infectious? Is it safe for her to receive massage? Tuberculosis, an infection with a long, deep impact on our history and culture, is not a disease of the past; it is very much all around us. Is this something we should be worried about? Listen on for more.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the “Pathology Perspectives” column. Werner i

David Lesondak has an impressive resume. A structural integrator who has helped countless clients, he is also an educator, a podcaster, and an author. But the thread through all of that: his fascination with fascia. Listen to David's story and learn about the journey of a science nerd turned fascia guru. His pure love of how the human form functions is contagious and inspirational, to say the least.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.     

Each muscle is important to the kinematic function of the body, and some muscles stand out more than others—muscles that Dr. Joe Muscolino can only describe as “Cool!” In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Dr. Joe about his new article in the September/October issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine, “Cool Muscles: Confessions of an Anatomy Geek,” and some that he feels are underappreciated. Dr. Joe Muscolino has been a manual and movement therapy educator for more than 35 years. He has created several online streaming subscription platforms for manual therapy continuing education, including LearnMuscles Continuing Education (LMCE) with more than 3,000 video lessons and more than 300 hours of NCBTMB credit. He has also created Muscle Anatomy Master Class (MAMC), Bone and Joint Anatomy Master Class (BAJAMC), Visceral Anatomy Master Class (VMC), and Kinesiology Master Class (KMC). He is the author of multiple textbooks with Elsevier and has authored more than 90 articles. F

Til Luchau of Advanced Trainings joined me in real space, and we took advantage of that opportunity to record an I Have a Client Who story regarding a person (Til’s wife, in fact) who has chronic sciatic pain that has never fully resolved, despite receiving the finest manual therapy available. We discuss what happens when all our best skills don’t get the results we hope for, and what it means to redefine goals for chronic pain conditions to improve levels of function and quality of life.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:         Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. We

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by the newly elected president of the Massage Therapy Foundation, Adrienne Asta, to discuss her passion for massage, what drew her to the foundation’s work, upcoming initiatives, and how to get involved with the foundation. Adrienne Asta has been practicing massage since 2001 and is co-owner of Center 4 Self-Care in Tucson, Ariz. She holds advanced certifications in Neuromuscular Therapy and Prenatal Massage, with her clients seeing her for nurturing and informed approaches to pain management. Asta is most proud of the work her company is doing to bring complementary therapies to those going through addiction recovery; she is working on contributing to this area of MT research. She has been deeply involved in education for the massage industry, holding various education positions since 2002 and as an NCBTMB-approved provider for continuing education. Having worked in a wide breadth of educational and clinical environments, she has a keen se

Diane Matkowski, from Massage Mentor Institute, came for a visit, so we took the opportunity to do an in-person IHACW podcast. Diane describes a reluctant client who really didn’t want to be there. What’s more, the client had a condition that was a bit intimidating: frozen shoulder. But with patience, great touch and sensitivity, Diane resolved the situation, winning over a client who became an enthusiastic promoter of Diane’s business. About Diane Matkowski and Massage Mentor Institute: The Institute is a space for practicing massage therapists to learn different approaches and varying philosophies on what works for bodywork. Not only that, but you will also find business classes and mentoring to further guide you on your journey. https://themassagementorinstitute.com/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMassageMentor   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themassagementor   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com  

The suboccipital muscles have a lot more in common with deep space than one might think. The exquisite balance of all the dimensions that define us are evidenced in the structure and function of this particular cluster of muscles. Seemingly warping our individual universes, the suboccipital muscles require an awareness of the time-space continuum to help navigate how we approach this region with our clients.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com. 

Successful companies, employers, and solo practitioners are shifting their strategies to embrace four key capacities that will drive future business: digital, clear, fluid, and fast. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Jamie Notter, author of When Millennials Take Over: Preparing for the Ridiculously Optimistic Future of Business, about what is happening generationally in the workplace, the characteristics that define generations, and how our awareness of generational differences help in understanding workplace culture, motivation, and client connections. Jamie is an author and growth strategist at PROPEL, where he helps leaders integrate culture, strategy, and execution to achieve breakthrough performance and impact. He brings 25 years of experience to his work designing culture-driven businesses and has specialized along the way in areas like conflict resolution and generations. Jamie is also the co-author of three books—Humanize, When Millennials Take Over, and The Non-Ob

A client is sore and has joint pain in multiple locations. She is easily triggered into painful spasms. And . . . she has an unusual form of spina bifida. What is spina bifida? What makes this person’s experience of it unique? And what opportunities are here for massage therapy to be helpful?   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingert

Where do holistic health, self-empowerment, neuroscience, and conscious culture intersect? Kathleen Gramzay has the answer. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Kathleen, developer of Kinessage® Mindful Resilience, about how she developed this practice, how Kinessage differs from other modalities, and why massage therapy self-care was so important in her development of Kinessage. Kathleen Gramzay, LMT, is the Founder and CEO of Kinessage LLC. She is a speaker, Body/Mind Resilience Innovator, National CEU Provider, author, and developer of Kinessage® Massage through Movement, Kinessage® Self Care for Therapists, the Kinessage® Release Your Pain Self Care System, and Kinessage® Mindful Resilience. A year into her massage therapy practice, Kathleen’s own debilitating chronic muscular pain compelled her to figure out how to release that pain, creating the new modality of Kinessage®. She proved her methods with professional athletes and thousands of clients in her 16-year mass

A client has PAH—and not just regular PAH, he has advanced PAH. No, he’s not spitting expletives—he has pulmonary arterial hypertension, a chronic, progressive, and ultimately terminal lung condition. He loves massage, but his therapist is concerned about the risk that blood clots might play in his disease. And—guess what—he has a history of multiple blood clots in his lungs. Is there a way to work safely here? Maybe, with the right information and careful choices about bodywork. What is PAH? And will we be seeing more of it soon? Listen in for more.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-tim

Whitney Lowe, the somewhat reserved but well-researched massage therapist and educator, has a story to tell. It is one that spans the country, bridges timelines, and is driven by the deep desire to learn. His journey from Atlanta to Oregon is full of crossroads. But through it all, his vision and intrinsic curiosity saw him through. And we hope he never stops. Join us as we listen to Whitney share this amazing tale.   Host:              Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.    

For more than 30 years, Leigh Ankrum continues to say yes. After decades of training around the world, she has brought together multiple modalities into one comprehensive, paradigm-shifting program.  In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Leigh Ankrum, founder, and director of the Ankrum Institute, about functional bodywork and how it differs from a normal bodywork session, her approach to health intake, and why massage therapy education should be broader and more holistic. Ankrum Institute’s founder and director, Leigh Ankrum, is a Functional Bodywork practitioner with 34 years of experience in teaching and private practice. After decades of training around the world, she has brought together multiple modalities into one comprehensive, paradigm-shifting program that takes students through every system of the body in just over two years. Her knowledge of anatomy and physiology is deepened by her holistic understanding of the body’s organizing principles.    Resources:   Ank

We’re not done with COVID, not by a long shot (public behavior notwithstanding), and now we have warning signals of another contagious viral infection that is behaving in ways we haven’t seen before—monkeypox. Before you panic, let’s remember that information is the best defense. So, we’re giving you some background and answering some questions about monkeypox you can use to take appropriate action and to be a source of reliable information for your clients and others. Monkeypox FAQs: How many people have it? How does it spread? Is it life-threatening? Is it preventable? And most of all: how can I keep myself and my clients safe from this infection? You’ve come to the right place: listen on for these answers and more.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing ed

CBD is being incorporated into more and more massage practices, but breaking cannabinoid stigmas can be challenging. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Liz Aigner, director of education for Color Up, about the myths vs. facts surrounding CBD, understanding the difference between full spectrum and pure CBD, resources for educating clients, and what to do if you plan on retailing CBD in your practice. Liz is also a licensed massage therapist and esthetician who specializes in traditional Chinese fire cupping, sound healing, and professional CBD education. Her private practice, GLOW Massage Denver, is located within the Color Up Wellness Center based in Denver, Colorado.   Resources:   Color Up Cannabis Master Program Education Special: $77 off your program purchase - use code SUMMER77 Wholesale Accounts: www.colorupco.com/account/ Sales Info: [email protected] Education Info: [email protected] IG: @glowlizmassage  @colorupcbd    Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director

I received two letters in one week asking about massage in the context of allergies, allergy shots, and insect stings. What are best practices for clients who are receiving allergy shots? What about for clients who were recently stung? Is it possible that massage might create new allergies, or create a dangerous situation for a client who has recently been stung?   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Advanced-Trainings: Advanced-Trainings.com    Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that p

The list of attachment sites of the Latissimus Dorsi muscle is extensive. Equally as daunting is the list of movements made possible by this back muscle masquerading as a shoulder muscle. To know the lats is to love the lats. Finding the ability to move with that which is constantly moving just might be the trick when it comes to working on the Latissimus Dorsi.               Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodyw

Facial massage has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect, helping us look and feel better. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with author, esthetician, and facial massage expert Abigail James about her go-to facial massage techniques, the benefits of cold-water therapy on the skin, incorporating Gua Sha into your practice, and her thoughts on massage therapists becoming estheticians. Abigail James is an award-winning skincare and well-being expert who has established herself world-wide as one of the most respected expert facialists within the health and beauty industry. She consults regularly with top lifestyle, skincare, and well-being brands. For more information about Abigail, visit www.abigailjames.com.   Resources:   The Glow Plan: Face Massage for Happy, Healthy Skin in 4 Weeks: https://www.abigailjames.com/book   The Beauty Breakfast Blog: https://www.abigailjames.com/blog/   The Face Trainer Academy: https://www.abigailjames.com/face-trainer-academy   Hosts:   Darren Bufo

A person has chronic upper back pain and severe problems with her aorta, requiring surgery that she didn’t survive. Afterwards, her surgeon suggests that her back pain could be a referral from her aorta. How often do internal organs refer pain to the skin and musculature? And how do we recognize it when it happens? What is the mechanism? And can it ever happen in reverse, e.g., can skeletal muscle refer pain to internal organs? Join us for a short exploration of pain and referred pain—that will probably raise more questions than answers. It’s boggling!   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-tim

Judith Aston is widely recognized as a pioneer in the art and science of kinetics for her discovery of the Aston® Paradigm and consequent development of the many forms of movement training, bodyworks, fitness programs and ergonomics of Aston® Kinetics. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren discuss Judith’s ability to see the body, her early career teaching movement and physical education, and when she had her eureka moment with body symmetry. Judith Aston-Linderoth is widely recognized as a pioneer in the art and science of kinetics for her discovery of the Aston® paradigm and consequent development of Aston® Kinetics. Aston Kinetics is an educational system of movement, bodywork, fitness, and ergonomics that aims to treat each person’s body as unique and customizes the work to match. Rather than enforcing physical symmetry, Aston Kinetics seeks to recognize which asymmetries are natural to a person’s body and how to maximize their use when needed. Early in her career, from 1963 t

A client has a history of a triple A: an abdominal aortic aneurysm. If it ruptures, it has an 80% mortality rate. A few weeks ago, the client had surgery to correct another aneurysm, at her left subclavian artery—and this involved a 10 day hospital stay. Is there any possible way that massage could be safe for this person? Surprisingly, yes! Listen in for a great example of gathering the information we need to make good clinical decisions.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s

Even if you have never heard the name Clint Chandler, there is a good chance you know his work. The voice, the hands and the mind behind ABMP's 5-Minute Muscles, Clint has laid the groundwork for education in the field of bodywork and massage. He has written elaborate curriculums, worked with some of the leading minds in our industry, developed ground-breaking methods of pedagogy, and is a voice for the importance of palpation. I am lucky enough to have studied under his tutelage when I was in school and recently had the honor of sitting with him to talk about his extensive career. A gentle giant, Clint Chandler is a wealth of information and wisdom.               Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She

Massage therapists practice with more than 350 methods and modalities. Is marketing yourself and your practice one of them? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak author and massage therapist Felicia Brown about how cooperative competition helped her succeed, why demand influenced her decision to grow, what every touch marketing means, and how being a successful massage therapist is 10% technique and 90% confidence. Felicia Brown, LMBT is the president of Spalutions, a firm which provides business and marketing coaching and consulting for massage, spa and wellness professionals. Felicia is a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and NCBTMB/FL/GA Approved Continuing Education Provider. She also serves as an Industry Expert for legal cases related to the massage and spa industries. Felicia has owned and operated several spas, most recently the award-winning A to Zen Massage, in Greensboro, NC. As one who loves to inspire, educate and empower others, Felicia hosts Opening the Gate podcast.

A client with reduced heart function and a portable oxygen tank books a 90-minute massage. A doctor’s note has been obtained, but the massage therapist hasn’t seen it. What is going on with this person’s heart? Can they tolerate 90 minutes on a massage table? As always, it depends. Listen in to find out what it depends on.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 c

David Lesondak’s personal need to understand why things work, and why sometimes they don’t, drives his continuing search for the latest scientific knowledge and innovative approaches. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with David about being a fascial fitness trainer, how to bring a fascial awareness to our movement, and how presenting his new book, Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications, to a medical audience was so important. David Lesondak, BCSI, ATSI, FST, VMT, FFT, IAHE, is a member of the Allied Health Professional Staff in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). He is a board-certified Structural Integrator, visceral manipulator, fascial fitness trainer, and more. The success of his first book, Fascia: What it is and Why it Matters, now available in 9 languages, led to contributing a chapter to an orthopedic textbook, which resulted in his being asked to architect and edit the first-ever fascia textbook

A 75-year-old client has had several vaccines for COVID and other infections over the last 9 months, and now she has pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in both shoulders. Typical massage appears to make it worse. What is happening, and what can we do about it?   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books ar

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren speaks with Dr. Ben Benjamin about whether there is referred pain in the knee, some of the most common types of knee injuries, if arthritis is common in the knee, and how practitioners know whether they can help with a knee injury or not. Dr. Ben E. Benjamin has done much pioneering work in the areas of ethics, communication, and sexual assault prevention, writing articles on professional, sexual, and business ethics. He is the co-author of The Ethics of Touch, a textbook used in schools throughout North America to teach ethics and boundaries to massage therapists as well as other hands-on health-care professionals. He has been an expert witness in cases of sexual assault in the massage and bodywork field since 2004. In 1974 Dr. Benjamin founded the Muscular Therapy Institute, a school he owned and nurtured for over 30 years. In the 1980s he developed a 150-hour curriculum in ethics and communication skills for therapists in training. He has taught courses in ethics

A client in a student clinic has a chronic, debilitatingly painful condition: trigeminal neuralgia. She gets surprising relief, if only for a short time, from massage—not on the painful area, but close by. Why did this happen? Can we recreate this success? Can we prolong it?    Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s

Self-care may be the key to a long career. But thinking critically about how we self-care offers us an entire career. A closer look at the hamstrings reveals how critical thinking can change how we work, how we think about our work, and how we can help our clients find their own ability to heal. Host:      Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]        Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com            Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:     “The QL and the Psoas: The Epitome of Codependency” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine

Is there a commonsense way to make you a pain-free, durable, and productive massage therapist? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin speaks with massage therapist and author Mark Liskey about how pain-free techniques became a focus of his practice and teaching, incorporating table support to help regulate pressure, and advice to practitioners on how using massage tools is an effective method in taking pain-free to the next level.   Resources:   Make the Most of Massage   Pressure Perfect Massage   Mark’s book, The Pain-Free Massage Therapist: The common sense way to make you a pain-free, durable, and productive massage therapist   Host: Kristin Coverly, LMT, is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage therapists and bodyworkers as they enhance their lives and practices. Contact her at [email protected].   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Fascia

A person reports sporadic episodes of unexplained goosebumps all down one side of the body. No other symptoms are present: no pain, tingling, numbness, or anything. Is it dysautonomia? Is it a weird kind of seizure? What are goosebumps good for, anyway? It turns out they might be more important than we thought.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies

Can creating a membership structure in your practice make massage more accessible to the general public? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, we have a discussion with Mindy Sheppard about how working in a franchise spa motivated her to create a membership program for her clients in her solo practice and why it’s more beneficial than you might think. Mindy Sheppard is a dual licensed massage therapist and esthetician with a holistic and clinical practice in Orlando, Florida. Beyond providing a blended mind-body/results-oriented treatment approach to her high-performing professional clients, she teaches massage therapy at Aveda Institutes Orlando, which she attended herself. Creating treatment plans that promote holistic well-being and pain management with measurable results is the reason her clients trust her to help them feel their best amid their busy lifestyles. Mindy has been successful incorporating a membership model in her practice as a promotion of prioritizing self-care and making her services more

A weightlifting client who has never had professional massage wants help with back and leg pain. Simple enough, right? But in their first interview they reveal a 4-year-old history of thyroid cancer, thyroidectomy, and lymph node removal. What repercussions does this have for their massage? Can we move forward? Do we need to look for signs of lymphedema? Does lymphedema even happen with lymph flow in the neck? Stay tuned for a look at thyroid cancer, and some excellent information-gathering practice guidelines.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com        Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most n

How we approach the work we do is a lot like how we approach our own lives: It can easily fall into the vortex of boring. But waiting for someone else to make it all more exciting might result in it never happening. Join Allison as she discusses how the choice to wear a pair of rose-colored glasses when taking a closer look at the serratus anterior livens up this hidden gem of a muscle. Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           

Three wildly successful women in the massage industry speak about their massage journey, how they found inspiration through touch, and why curiosity inspired them all to branch out in deeper, unique directions. Join Kristin Coverly, Allison Denney, and Angie Parris-Raney as they discuss how massage therapy became a vehicle through which they have expanded both their professional and personal lives.   Resources:   Rebel Massage Therapy: www.rebelmassage.com   Project Inti: www.projectinti.org   Host:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at [email protected].   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Fascia Research

A client has a knee replacement on his RIGHT knee, but then develops nerve symptoms in his LEFT foot. It’s been five years, and he’s seen a variety of specialists, and no one knows what’s going on. His massage therapist has some strategies to help him, but what is really going on here? Spoiler alert: I have no idea, but I learned some fascinating things about post-surgical neuropathy!   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and qui

ABMP has partnered with PocketSuite to offer a free scheduling and payment app for our members. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, we speak with Chinwe Onyeagoro, CEO of PocketSuite, about where her passion working with solopreneurs began, ways PocketSuite can benefit both you and your clients, and how 15 minutes could potentially translate into a 30% increase in your massage business. Chinwe Onyeagoro is CEO and Co-Founder of PocketSuite, a client-service smartphone app for service professionals, where she’s responsible for growth, strategic partnerships, and customer success. Resources: Easily run your business with free online scheduling, invoicing, and more from the ABMP PocketSuite Signature Edition! ABMP has partnered with PocketSuite to bring you a customized, easy-to-use phone app that lets you focus on what matters most—your clients. Businesses on PocketSuite see an average 30% increase in earnings, and you can get set up in 15 minutes by choosing from curated pre-loaded settings or customizin

A client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and ultimately terminal nervous system disease, is getting amazing results with massage and other interventions. How is this possible?   ALS is a serious situation, but if the client can communicate clearly, it is a great match for massage. Listen in to hear what this therapist has seen happen over the course of their work together.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app

After 43 years in the field, Sandy Fritz might know a thing or two about the massage and bodywork profession. Starting out when the field was just beginning to take shape and forging her way through obstacles and challenges that would make most people quit, Sandy not only endured but also wrote the book that laid the groundwork for what most of us now practice today. A teacher, a leader, and an icon, Sandy Fritz relives her journey and ponders how it seems to have come full circle.   Website: http://www.sandyfritz.info/   Textbooks: http://www.sandyfritz.info/textbooks   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple,

Wonder is tougher than ever to experience these days. Our culture rewards our ability to produce and achieve. So, when can we find time to dream? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Jeffrey Davis, author of Tracking Wonder, to discuss the six facets of wonder, what biases are baked in against wonder, and some exercises and tools we can use to start wondering now. Jeffrey Davis, M.A., is a researcher, speaker, consultant, teacher, and author of four books, including Tracking Wonder: Reclaiming a Life of Meaning and Possibility in a World Obsessed with Productivity (Sounds True). Through his venture, consultancy, and podcast show Tracking Wonder, he works with and equips creative innovators, entrepreneurs, and social psychologists to focus and flourish in times of challenge and change. He has taught at Western Connecticut State University, Southern Methodist University, and at world-class centers & conferences around the world. He lives with his wife and their two young daug

In my last call out asking for I Have a Client Who . . . stories, several people asked about working with people with psoriasis. There’s no specific story for this one, but this is a challenging condition, and the people living with it deserve all the support they can get. Will massage cure psoriasis? No. Will massage improve the quality of life for people who have this condition? You bet. What does that look like? Listen in for more.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partn

Massage therapists are uniquely qualified to step back and notice how they feel in their bodies and minds. So, how can they view their choices objectively? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Allissa Haines about her article “Is It Impostor Syndrome or . . .” in the May/June 2022 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine, how the pandemic brought the issues of ego into scope, and how asking yourself the right questions will help you determine whether it’s impostor syndrome or good judgment. Allissa Haines is a busy massage therapist and amateur chaos gardener. She runs a small massage practice in Massachusetts and partners with Michael Reynolds at Massage Business Blueprint to help her colleagues get more clients, make more money, and improve their quality of life. Learn more at massagebusinessblueprint.com.   Resources:   “Is It Impostor Syndrome or…,” by Allissa Haines, Massage & Bodywork magazine, May/June 2022, page 60.   Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Synd

In a follow up from an early episode, we revisit what we thought was a stubborn sinus infection but turns out to be something entirely different. This client’s sensation of stuffiness and muffled hearing persisted and got worse, long after her sinus infection cleared up. Further investigation revealed cysts growing in her middle ear—what in the world is going on??   Listen in for more information on cholesteatomas.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Path

Dr. Joi Edwards had been a practicing physical therapist for years when she began to feel a pull into the field of massage therapy. She has since continued to expand her practice and her business into the wonders of cupping therapy and the rewards of teaching dissection labs. For this episode, Allison uncovers the magic behind Owlchemy Massage, Dr. Joi's ever-growing world of soft tissue manipulation, career transformation, and the healing arts. Host:      Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.  

The tilt of the Leaning Tower of Pisa comes from its foundational base, not the building itself. In a like manner, if the pelvis is tilted, then the spine will end up being tilted. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Dr. Joe Muscolino about the three different types of pelvic tilt, how forward head posture translates to the pelvis, and treatment approaches that can be used during and after the session. Dr. Joe Muscolino has been a manual and movement therapy educator for more than 35 years. He has created several online streaming subscription platforms for manual therapy continuing education, including LearnMuscles Continuing Education (LMCE) with more than 3,000 video lessons and more than 300 hours of NCBTMB credit. He has also created Muscle Anatomy Master Class (MAMC), Bone and Joint Anatomy Master Class (BAJAMC), Visceral Anatomy Master Class (VMC), and Kinesiology Master Class (KMC). He is the author of multiple textbooks with Elsevier and has authored more than 90 article

A client has orthostatic tremor, also called shaky leg syndrome. But this condition can shake up a lot more than legs! Here is a situation with no information about the best role for massage. Is there anything we can do for this client?   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdisco

Thai massage is a traditional therapy combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Bob Haddad, author of The Art of Thai Massage, about how he came to find Thai massage, his thoughts on some of the misconceptions of Thai massage, and how using medicinal herbs and compresses can enrich your practice. Bob Haddad is a recognized Thai therapist, teacher, and author who has studied in Thailand and elsewhere for over 20 years. He offers courses in traditional Thai massage and herbal therapies around the world. His new book, The Art of Thai Massage: A Guide to Advanced Therapeutic Practice, contains information on breath, sensing, intuition, and body mechanics. The book also features descriptions and recipes of Thai herbal therapies that may be integrated into all forms of bodywork. He can be reached at thaihealing-arts.com.   Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for A

The Rebel Massage Therapist wrote in with one of her I Have a Client Who stories  about a client with textbook-defying symptoms. Listen for an exploration of ankylosing spondylitis, and what surprising findings we see in the research about massage for this condition.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are

Working with obese or overweight clients involves understanding how to work differently both logistically and emotionally. Join Allison as she revisits a blog post she wrote back in 2016 to talk about this ever-evolving conversation. With tips on how to re-think your office to thoughts about how to understand the weight of pain, this episode explores the many layers of working with clients who struggle with weight.   Original post: https://www.rebelmassage.com/single-post/2019/01/05/working-with-obese-clients-the-pain-of-weight-and-the-weight-of-pain Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for

In Part 2 of The ABMP Podcast with Benny Vaughn, Kristin and Darren speak with Benny about his role as a life coach, how his success is a product of how he thinks, and why using positive communication with his clients is the key to a successful therapeutic practice. For four decades, Benny Vaughn has set a standard in the United States for massage therapy in sports. Massage Magazine named him one of the most influential massage therapists in the last 100 years for his contributions in both education and clinical applications of soft-tissue therapy and bodywork. Benny has participated in Five Olympic Games with the USA track and field team, including 1996 where he served as a Manager for Athlete Medical Services and the Medical Liaison at Olympic Stadium. Other Olympic Games where Benny has been on the USA track and field sports medicine staff as a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer are: 2004 Athens Greece, 2008 Beijing China, 2012 London England, and 2020 Tokyo, Japan. In October 2014,

Today we have two stories about massage therapists exposed to the blood of clients with hepatitis C. Are they at risk for exposure to this common and serious infection? It depends. What do you think it depends on? Spoiler alert: It has a lot to do with hygienic precautions.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s boo

For over four decades, the name Benny Vaughn has been synonymous with orthopedic sports massage. Known as the “father of sports massage”, Benny has participated in five Olympic games with the USA track and field team. In Part 1 of this two-part episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Benny about his inspiration to become a massage therapist, how discovering massage made him want to learn more about the human body, and how his influence helped massage become incorporated in the U.S. Olympic program. For four decades, Benny Vaughn has set a standard in the United States for massage therapy in sports. Massage Magazine named him one of the most influential massage therapists in the last 100 years for his contributions in both education and clinical applications of soft-tissue therapy and bodywork. Benny has participated in Five Olympic Games with the USA track and field team, including 1996 where he served as a Manager for Athlete Medical Services and the Medical Liaison at Olympic Stadium.

A client has a bewildering collection of signs and symptoms: hard, swollen ankles, a stiff elbow, fingers that “reverse direction”—what on earth is going on? It’s lupus, an autoimmune disease that can affect virtually every system in the body. It’s not always serious, but some of the consequences of the disease and of treatments for it have big repercussions for massage therapy clinical decisions.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com      Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that put

Ruth Werner is a household name when it comes to pathology in the field of bodywork and massage. But this was not her original plan. The ability to understand her own strengths and weaknesses paved a path that led her to jotting down a couple of thoughts about pathologies. Fast forward years later and we are lucky enough to have Ruth’s book, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its 7th edition. Join Allison as she sits down with her “podsister,” Ruth Werner.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Mindy Totten about how an injury changed her course, why she gravitated toward craniosacral therapy, how massage therapists can make the leap to a solo practice, and why she decided to become a mentor to the massage therapy community. After 18+ years as a successful craniosacral therapist, it became Mindy Totten’s mission to help other massage and bodywork therapists build profitable businesses so they could serve more people AND make a great living doing it. Through her private mentoring, group coaching programs, and as host of the Do It With Intention podcast, she’s here to show bodyworkers how to build practices they love—without burning out or selling out. Her favorite accolade she’s ever received is when one of her students called her “a humorous version of Yoda.” When she’s not helping big-hearted therapists create their dream practices, you can find her taking long road trip adventures, hanging out with her remarkable redb

A client reports that she has a femoral artery stent, placed in 2017. Her doctor and nurse think massage is fine. All systems go, right? Maybe, maybe not. It turns out this topic is a lot more controversial than we knew, and a lot depends on what kind of stent she got.   Sponsors:   Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com      Host Bio:          Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Lynn and Ann Teachworth, owners of Trunamics, to discuss how massage therapists can deepen their practice by looking to different modalities, understanding the design and function of the body, how the words we use impacts our clients, and what led them to create Trunamics. Lynn has been in the bodywork, human performance, and energy medicine fields for over 30 years. He is certified in over 30 complementary medicine modalities. His clients include CEOs and presidents of many Fortune 500 companies as well as over 1,000 professional athletes in the areas of sports injuries and physical/mental performance. He is a 2018 inductee into the World Massage Hall of Fame and has been an instructor in massage therapy, energy modalities, and structural integration theory for over 17 years, teaching in eight different countries. Ann has been working in integrative health, human performance, and movement for 15 years. She is an educator for massage therapi

A client is recovering from a very severe case of COVID-19. She is in physical therapy and wants to add massage to her recovery. What do we need to know to work safely? What are some assumptions we can and cannot make about this client’s situation? Put on your critical thinking cap and listen in!   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com      Advanced Trainings: advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                 Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips.

The boundaries we hold as bodyworkers can make or break our careers. But we are an empathetic group. This means our ability to distinguish a boundary from the reaction to a lack of boundaries can be confusing. We can learn a lot from our own anatomy. Our fascia and the compartments they create can offer some clarity.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:    

When Rachel was working for others, she felt like a bystander in her own career. So, how do you make the jump from bystander to CEO? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with author and CEO Rachel Beider to discuss the growth of her company, PRESS Modern Massage, when she knew it was time to expand, how the concept of servant leadership guides her approach to management, and advice to other practitioners wishing to make the leap into private practice themselves. Rachel Beider is a globally recognized small business expert, bestselling author, and entrepreneur. She is the proud owner of PRESS Modern Massage, a group of award-winning massage studios in NYC. She is a New York Licensed Massage Therapist and a board certified NCBTMB continuing education provider.  Her work has been published in Forbes, Huffington Post, and she's been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and the Wall St. Journal. She released her first book, a beginner’s guide to massage, called “Press Here” in Janu

What happens when your stomach pushes up into the mediastinum and compresses your lungs—and maybe even your heart? This common condition starts as a simple sliding of the esophagus but can progress to be life-threatening.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com      Advanced Trainings: advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Mandy Urena, author of If These Hands Could Talk: The Girl Who Touched the World, about the global power of massage, her insight on how massage is viewed differently around the world, her advice to MTs who wish to blend travel and bodywork, and what motivated her to write a massage memoir. Mandy Urena was born in Coventry, England. She is an Air Force wife of 27 years, and after training in London, Tokyo, and New York, she began her massage career as “masseuse to the troops” on military bases in Germany, Spain, and Guam. Over a period of almost three decades, she has built an international following, including some of the biggest celebrities in the world and people going through cancer. She also worked as an instructor in Philadelphia, teaching a new generation of therapists. If These Hands Could Talk is her debut memoir, and writing about her passion for massage is a dream come true. As a world traveler, she has gallivanted through 64 co

What is a migraine? What is cortical spreading depression? What is trigeminovascular system activation? And what does it mean when this causes temporary 1-sided paralysis? And most of all: what if it’s not a migraine—what if it’s a stroke? Migraines generate more questions than answers, but this episode will help sort out some of the basic factors.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com      Advanced Trainings: advanced-trainings.com   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key in

Rob Libbey is a well-practiced, well written and, some would argue, well experienced massage therapist. His years of studying and practicing bodywork came to a screeching halt when he suffered multiple bone fractures to the chest from a car accident. But Rob turned his misfortune into an inside look at what exactly is happening with ligamentous pain patterns and recovery. Confirming a lot of what he already knew, Rob used his client's feedback, his meticulous research and his own actual experience to understand how the body functions and heals. His book, Ligamentous Pain Referral Patterns, and his classes on Ligamentous Articular Strain Techniques are proof in the pudding.    Rob Libbey: https://www.lastsite.ca/   Ligamentous Pain Referral Patterns book: https://www.ligamentpain.com/    Or   https://www.rebelmassage.com/product-page/ligament-pain-referral-patterns-robert-libbey-rmt   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]   

Cultivating sensitivity and trust is essential to keeping clients safe – especially as we are aware that many women and men have experienced physical or sexual trauma. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Dr. Ben Benjamin about how to avoid violating client boundaries, understanding the patient is in charge of the session, why it’s important for the therapist to understand the power differential, and whether maintaining boundaries are a shared responsibility between client and therapist. Dr. Ben E. Benjamin has done much pioneering work in the areas of ethics, communication, and sexual assault prevention, writing articles on professional, sexual and business ethics. He is the co-author of The Ethics of Touch, a textbook used in schools throughout North America to teach ethics and boundaries to massage therapists as well as other hands-on health care professionals. He has been an expert witness in cases of sexual assault in the massage and bodywork field since 2004. In 1974 Dr

A client can’t find a massage therapist, because they have a condition that no one knows how to work with: Chiari malformation. This is a problem in the spatial relationships between the cerebellum, brainstem, and the foramen magnum. One patient describes it as, “My brain is too big for my head.” But is massage really off the table for people with Chiari malformation? Probably not! Listen in for more on what this condition means, and how to figure out where our work fits.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com      Advanced Trainings: advanced-trainings.com    Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspecti

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin speaks with Gil Hedley about his philosophy around integral anatomy, the different layers of fascia, why fascia responds better to a gentle approach, and how working in the dissection lab helped him to appreciate, explore, and embody the wonders of the human form. Gil has been teaching “integral anatomy” in the lab, lecture hall, and online at gilhedley.com since 1995 to professionals from the entire range of healing and fitness modalities. He is the producer of the Integral Anatomy Series, the author of several books of poetry and prose, and has created the “Anatomy from A to Z” project, a comprehensive 240-hour on-camera tour of human anatomy based on his integral, whole-body approach. All of his content is now available online. Gil is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he presides over the Board of Directors of the Institute for Anatomical Research, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation focused on expanding the study of integral anatomy through

In this follow-up to last week’s episode on bowel resections and colostomies, Ruth has a chat with massage therapist Marie Ruxton, who shares her story of abdominal surgery and the remarkable experience she had with bodywork while she was recovering. We could all wish to receive touch with such sensitivity and skill.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s 

The relationship between the sternocleidomastoid and the upper traps is a lot more complicated than you think. Between the up and down, yes and no, and round and round decisions we all make every day, the balancing act of these two muscles can be like a seesaw that has definitely seen better days. Join Allison as she expands the posterior triangle of the neck and offers some insights to bring a little balance back.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.c

Surveys are showing a “COVID bump” – are you seeing the same in your practice? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Lisa Starr, collaborator with Mindbody and Principal of Wynne Business Consulting and Education to discuss data findings of the 2022 Mindbody Wellness Index, consumer sentiment toward wellness services right now, the top challenges practitioners are overcoming, and trends massage therapists should consider in their practice. Lisa Starr is a frequent collaborator with Mindbody and the Principal of Wynne Business Consulting & Education, which specializes in spa, wellness, and salon businesses and brands. She has over 35 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry, spending the last 22 years as a consultant and educator helping wellness businesses optimize their operations while providing exceptional experiences for their guests. Lisa is the Task Force Chair for the Global Wellness Institute’s Consulting Initiative, a Contributing Editor at Spa

And older client has a complicated set of surgeries on her colon. Is it safe to receive massage? It depends, of course. But what does it depend on? Join us for this discussion of bowel resections, colostomies, and colostomy repairs—and find out one of Ruth’s very favorite pathology-related words. (Hint: it means “poop stone.”) Plus, there’s a really bad pun.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference pr

Can you be a leader and a healer at the same time? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren sits down with courage-builder and collaborative change-maker Amy Andrews McMaster to discuss the Great Resignation—or better put, the Great Realignment—the characteristics of a leader, the saboteurs that get in the way of our success, and frameworks for navigating your call to courage.   Want to find YOUR saboteurs? Take the quiz here.   Amy is a courage-builder and collaborative change-maker with over 20 years of experience in education, leadership development, workshop facilitation, and executive coaching. As the founder of Conscious Time, she helps individuals and teams transform obstacles and up-level skills so they are ready for tough conversations and meaningful contribution. Humor, passion, and science are key elements of her interactive workshops and transformational coaching conversations. She has been consulting since 2011 and has worked with organizations across a variety of industries, such as

A client has nutcracker syndrome, and she is not a good candidate for surgical correction. She wants massage to help deal with her symptoms. But nutcracker syndrome is a kidney problem with a risk of thrombosis and renal damage. Yikes! Can massage be safe? As always, it depends. Listen in to see what it depends on.    Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 commo

Art Riggs stumbled into a career that happened to be perfect for him. After pivoting later in life and discovering the world of bodywork and massage, Art studied with the best and soon became a legend. But his humility and his love of people are what make him most fascinating.   Art Riggs’s Deep Tissue & Manual Therapy Educational Systems: https://deeptissuemassagemanual.com/   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.             

People think that if they’re exercising regularly, they’ve got their bases covered. But is there more to movement than just routine exercise? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with biomechanist Katy Bowman to discuss the concept of “movement nutrition,” alignment concepts for massage therapists, different kinds of movements our bodies should be doing each day, and what movement exercises MTs could incorporate in their daily lives. Bestselling author, speaker, and leader in the Movement movement biomechanist Katy Bowman is changing the way we move and think about our need for movement. Bowman teaches movement globally and speaks about sedentarism and movement ecology to academic and scientific audiences. Her work has been featured in diverse media, including the Today Show, CBC Radio One, the Seattle Times, and Good Housekeeping. One of Maria Shriver’s “Architects of Change” and an America Walks “Woman of the Walking Movement,” Bowman has worked with companies l

A pregnant massage client, who is consistently late and unusually demanding, wants deep—really, really, deep pressure on her hip. The tricky part? She has been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome: a condition that often begins with an injury but complicates to chronic, intractable, and sometimes spreading pain. And massage can make it worse.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with Ann Baldwin, PhD, to discuss how she went from skeptic to convert, her training and studies in the practice of reiki, what research exists that prove the validity and success of reiki, and how reiki is being used in a clinical setting today. Ann Linda Baldwin, PhD, professor of physiology at the University of Arizona, has published the book, "Reiki in Clinical Practice: A Science-based Guide," in which she hopes to bridge the gap between energy healing and quantitative scientific inquiry. Dr. Baldwin is a Reiki master and has practiced Reiki on people and animals for the last 15 years. She also is a research scientist, focusing on the physiological effects of mental and emotional stress, and she is currently exploring the efficacies of Reiki, biofeedback and equine facilitated learning in reducing the damaging effects of stress.  Dr. Baldwin obtained her bachelor's degree in physics from University of Bristol, UK, her master's degree in r

A client stiffens up when the therapist touches her upper leg, but doesn’t know why. The therapist responds with compassion and sensitivity, and creates some amazing possibilities. In this very special episode Ruth sits down with Pamela Fitch, author of Talking Body, Listening Hands, an expert in the role of massage therapy for people with histories of touch-related trauma to unpack why this situation worked out well, and what kinds of skills we need to provide the best care for our clients. And it concludes with a special bonus: Pam’s own IHACW story.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a lo

How do we fix something that can’t be fixed? We can’t. But a good look at the levator scapulae gives us some insights into how we perceive pain, how our clients might perceive pain, and what, exactly, we can do with all that perception. Join Allison in pondering this powerful muscle and the lessons it might teach us if we begin to pivot how we listen.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with Eric Stephenson to discuss what motivated him to develop and teach pain-free deep-tissue techniques, common mistakes practitioners make when doing deep-tissue work, how practitioners can work better while seated, and ways you can work thumb-free. Eric is a 20-year massage veteran and Chief Wellness Officer for Elements Massage, a 250-unit franchise system headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Eric is also Co-Founder of imassage, Inc. in Delray Beach, Florida, an education and consulting company dedicated to extending the careers of massage therapists and spa practitioners through customized continuing education focusing on preventing injury and workers’ compensation claims. Eric creates continuing education specializing in teaching deep-tissue massage that doesn't harm the therapist or the client. All his workshops focus on saving your hands with his “No Thumbs!” approach & core body mechanics that help prolong your career. In 2014, h

There’s a condition that is not well understood. It creates a lot of common signs and symptoms: headache, dizziness, tinnitus, and a few others. But it hides a lurking danger: weak blood vessels that may bulge in some places and become dangerously narrow in others. It can contribute to stroke and kidney damage. It is usually found only by accident, during testing for other issues. Fortunately, it is fairly rare.   What is it, and what are the cautions for massage therapy for people who have it?   Listen in for more on fibromuscular dysplasia.     Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time

When a client walks into your treatment room, they are asking for your hands to help them. But oftentimes, they are also asking – whether explicitly or implicitly – for us to tell them what’s happening with their bodies. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with David Lobenstine to discuss his latest article in Massage & Bodywork magazine, “Leave Diagnosing to the Doctors”, what the differences between assessing and diagnosing are, consequences to talking to clients in ways that aren’t helpful, and how to create possibility in a session. David Lobenstine has been massaging, teaching, writing, and editing for over 15 years. He is an authorized instructor of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy workshops and coauthor of the book Pre-and Perinatal Massage Therapy. He also designs and teaches his own continuing education workshops, both across the US and online. For more information about David, visit www.bodybrainbreath.com. David is also an author for Massage & Bodywork ma

A middle-aged, otherwise healthy woman woke up one day, and found that her face had sort of collapsed on one side. Very alarming! Her doctor diagnosed her with Bell’s palsy, gave her some heavy-duty anti-inflammatories, and told her to protect her eye while she was recovering—which could take a couple of months or more. The clerk at the health food store told her that she needed to get massage, and that would fix her right up. So here she is, in your office. What’s going to happen next?   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the P

Rachelle Clauson is your average mild-mannered, everyday massage therapist. Except for one thing: She has mastered the art of pivoting. Join Allison as she taps into why Rachelle’s career has offered her more opportunities than she could have imagined, and how she has landed on the front lines of helping all of us to understand fascia a little bit better.   Check out Rachelle's endeavors:   https://www.vagaro.com/flourishbodywork   https://www.anatomyscapes.com   https://www.fasciaresearchsociety.org/plastination_project.php   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with Davonna Willis to discuss what led her to massage therapy, how she became a business coach and CE provider, lessons learned when expanding her massage practice and coaching business, and how to overcome common roadblocks in your massage business. As a respected health and wellness practitioner, an acclaimed entrepreneur, and educator, Davonna Willis is a passionate advocate for her clients and students. She has a master’s in health education and bachelor’s in athletic training. Davonna has over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness field. Starting in the Bronx and moving her way west, Davonna is a well-rounded business professional especially accomplished in holistic physical rehabilitation therapy.  As CEO of two businesses, Blue Skyes Massage & Wellness Center and 4 Nineteen Education & Training, Davonna is committed to establishing and sustaining high quality standards of care in the industry. As the leader of an award-w

A client wakes up with a limp arm and wrist. He’s a carpenter, so this is a problem! What is going on, and can massage therapy help? Join us for a closeup look at nerve damage and radial nerve palsy.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more informat

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with Michelle Roos to discuss mobile massage, safety protocols when traveling, marketing and networking techniques, and how to set up travel parameters for efficient booking. Michelle Roos is a Board Certified & Licensed Massage Therapist, a Facial Specialist, an author, educator, as well as a business owner in South Florida. Michelle co-owns Cupping Canada and Cupping USA, with her husband Paul Kohlmeier, BPE, RMT, R.Ac. This dynamic duo has traveled internationally for years, providing education in Evidence-Informed Clinical Cupping Therapy, and retailing high-quality, medical-grade, professional Cupping supplies. As a professional massage therapist, Michelle has had the experience of working in a multitude of settings, including hospitals; with chiropractors and physical therapists; at 5-star resorts and spas; as well as in VIP areas at sporting events, trades shows and health fairs; on yachts; for corporate offices; and while on tour and bac

Sixty minutes into the session, a massage therapist discovers the client has a fentanyl patch—that they did not report on their intake form. Is the therapist at risk for exposure? What are some good practices regarding medicated patches for massage therapy clients? Listen on for more.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertip

The biceps are that muscle you know before you study anatomy. But there is a lot going on underneath the skin to make it all look easy. Join Allison as she explores the magic behind the curtain. Don’t get overwhelmed, though—just remember that you already know what you know.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:     “The QL and the Psoas: The Epitome o

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with Allissa Haines and Michael Reynolds from Massage Business Blueprint to discuss changes for the upcoming year, why you should think of your business as an asset, how keeping your physical space organized helps maintain a healthy mental space, and how to stop procrastinating and start “adulting” in 2022. Allissa Haines and Michael Reynolds are the duo who make up Massage Business Blueprint. Allissa is a practicing massage therapist of 16 years and self-described Director of Shenanigans at Massage Business Blueprint. Michael is a former massage therapist, financial advisor and tech entrepreneur, and self-described Director of Nerdy Things at Massage Business Blueprint. Both happen to be authors for Massage & Bodywork magazine and are columnists of the Blueprint for Success column. For more info about them and their wonderful podcast, please visit their site at www.massagebusinessblueprint.com or read their column at www.massageandbodyworkd

A client with a history of heart failure, lymphedema, and diabetes contracted COVID. At first, she seemed to get through with only mild symptoms, but many months later she is hospitalized for three days with blood clots and lung scarring.  Is there a role for massage therapy for this client? What questions do we need to ask to be safe? Exercise your critical thinking muscles—listen on for more!   Stay tuned for the article in the January/February 2022 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the 

Aubrey Gowing and Alison Kavanagh, a brother and sister team from Dublin, Ireland, are the founders and college directors at the Holistic College of Dublin. Their lives have been immersed in the world of health and wellness since before they could talk. And now, their ability to talk and teach about all things bodywork seems boundless. Join Allison Denney as she sits down with Aubrey and Alison to reflect on how the field of massage therapy continues to expand, and how their ability to listen to expansion and contraction continues to point them in the right direction.    Holistic College of Dublin: https://hcd.ie/    Their CE classes at the Massage Mentor Institute: www.themassagementorinstitute.com/p/aubreyandalisonhcd      Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therap

Massage Smart. Massage Lazy. Be the Sloth. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with Ian Harvey, aka The Massage Sloth, to discuss his new book Massage is Weird, how to treat pain (and dealing with it yourself), client-therapist boundaries in a therapeutic relationship, and how to beat burnout. Ian is known as the Massage Sloth. He graduated from the Florida School of Massage and has been a licensed massage therapist since 2006. He teaches massage on YouTube, runs a successful blog and website, and has been an author and columnist in Massage & Bodywork magazine. For more information about Ian and his new book Massage is Weird, visit massagesloth.com.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Elements Massage: www.elementsmassage.com   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as f

A client was involved in a motor vehicle accident three years ago. Since then, she’s had numbness and weakness in her legs, and she struggles with incontinence, balance, and fatigue. Oh, and she had a baby, and hopes to have another.   What is going on, and what are the safety parameters for massage therapy?   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common path

Every therapist wants to help their clients feel better. Unfortunately, there are many cases of well-meaning therapists who have seriously injured their clients. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren speaks with Dr. Ben Benjamin about guidelines to help prevent these occurrences, taking a thorough client history report, keeping your knowledge current, and maintaining humility about what we know—and don’t know. Ben E. Benjamin holds a PhD in sports medicine and owned and ran a massage school for more than 30 years. He has studied under James Cyriax, MD, widely known for his pioneering work in orthopedic medicine. Dr. Benjamin has been teaching therapists how to work with injuries for more than 35 years and has been in private practice for more than 50 years. He works as an expert witness in cases involving both musculoskeletal injury and sexual abuse in a massage therapy setting. He is the author of dozens of articles on working with injuries, as well as these widely used books in the field: Listen

A client is tapering off her prednisone to treat her polymyalgia rheumatica. She still has persistent pain in her shoulders. Is there anything her massage therapist can safely do to help her? Polymyalgia rheumatica sounds dire. The good news is, it’s highly treatable, and massage—with respect for pain and medications—is a great choice for people who are recovering.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference

The muscles of mastication are many. But if one goes astray, it can downward spiral into a series of pain responses that no one wants. In this episode, Allison takes a closer look at the Masseter, its intricate attachments, and its similarities to a Lego brick.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:     “The Hand: A User’s Guide,” by Allison Denney, M

How can we reverse the growing trends of disconnection to forge meaningful connections in business and life? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Susan McPherson, author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships. Susan discusses the difference between connecting and networking, going from FOMO to JOMO, the importance of being a good listener, and how technology plays a role in deeper connections. Susan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. Susan is part of the year’s 50 over 50: Impact list curated by Forbes magazine. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships (McGraw-Hill). Susan has 25+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sustaina

A client has a neuromuscular disorder that causes prolonged, painful neck spasms. Her treatment led to some further complications. Can massage therapy help?   Not only is the answer yes, but in this episode our contributor gives us a pretty detailed idea of what she did, and how things went. Hmmm, all the key pieces of a case report!   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information fo

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by David Palmer, commonly referred to as the “father of contemporary chair massage.” David discusses what his “aha” moment was when developing seated massage, where the chair massage routine was born out of, keys to success for practitioners, and what the future of chair massage holds. David is the founder and executive director of TouchPro International. He is the author of The Bodywork Entrepreneur and Marketing Chair Massage, and developer of the first chair for seated massage. He is often referred to as the “father of contemporary chair massage.” In 2007, David was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame. For more information about David, visit Touchpro.com.    Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Elements Massage: www.elementsmassage.com   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration

After a lifetime of chronic coughing and throat-clearing, a client is diagnosed with congenital glottic stenosis, and is hoping to have surgery to correct it. Is there a role for massage therapy in this process? This turns out to be a very relevant question for this moment, as acquired glottic stenosis is a fairly frequent complication of being on a ventilator. Listen in for more about this unique problem with the larynx, and to hear where and how massage therapy might be helpful.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology P

Heath and Nicole Reed started off like many of us—falling in love with bodywork while in massage school, then having to juggle all the jobs to stay afloat. But they quickly figured out that by incorporating loving kindness into their own lives, their growth extended far beyond the personal level. Heath and Nicole are the passionate owners of LivingMetta.com, where you can find their thoughts, videos, classes and other offerings, and so much more.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities,

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Cal Cates to discuss what it means to stay resilient with masking practices, understanding “mask fatigue” and “COVID fatigue,” why the mask you are wearing is the right mask to wear, and how high-risk individuals are more common than you would think. Read Cal Cates’s article in Massage & Bodywork magazine here. Cal Cates is an educator, writer, and speaker on topics ranging from massage therapy in the hospital setting to end-of-life care and massage therapy policy and regulation. A founding director of the Society for Oncology Massage from 2007–2014 and current executive director and founder of Healwell, Cates works within and beyond the massage therapy community to elevate the level of practice and integration of massage overall and in health care specifically. Cates also is the cocreator of the podcasts Massage Therapy Without Borders and Interdisciplinary.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    El

A mature woman has new hip and groin pain when she picks up and carries her toddler granddaughter. Her doctor diagnoses femoroacetabular impingement, and approves the idea of massage. Femoroacetabular impingement? What is that? And is massage therapy appropriate?   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Dr. Ellen Vora to discuss something we all do as human beings—sleep. But are we doing it correctly? Dr. Vora discusses the dos and don’ts to successful sleep, how temperature and darkness affect our sleep habits, why blue spectrum light is especially bad for our sleep health, and why some of us wake up in the middle of the night (and why it’s not a bad thing). Dr. Ellen Vora attended Columbia University for medical school and received her BA in English from Yale University. She’s a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health, considering the whole person and addressing the problem at the root, rather than reflexively prescribing medication to suppress symptoms. She takes the whole person into consideration, focusing on everything from physical health, sleep, nutrition, digestion, thought patterns, relationships, and community to our connection with na

A client had three major cardiac surgeries within a month. Now, several weeks later, she still has numbness in her legs. What in the world is going on? And can massage help?   Join me for a search for how cardiac surgery and nerve damage intersect, and hear what happens for this lucky client!     Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your

Any muscle that is named after a geometric shape is bound to have issues. For the rhomboids, this shows up in the same way that a people pleaser tends to spread themselves too thin. They always want to give and don’t have the easiest time receiving.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:     “Feelization: Connect with Clients on a Deeper Level,” by Al

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin sit down with Qiana Thompson to discuss how she cracked the code to a six-figure practice by being herself, becoming a business consultant to help a new generation of massage therapists gain clarity, and how she helps others reimagine their business to reflect their vision and values. Qiana Thompson has been a sports and orthopedic massage therapist for over 20 years and has run Body Realm Center Inc., a successful myofascial therapy, sports, and orthopedic massage therapy practice, for the past 10 years. She helps massage therapists, bodyworkers, and wellness professionals restructure their business to be more authentic to the therapist and position them to earn six figures and more through her business coaching. Learn more at www.QianaThompson.com.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    CBD Clinic: www.cbdclinic.co      Elements Massage: www.elementsmassage.com     Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatom

I’ve seen several requests for guidance about working with clients who have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) lately. This genetic connective tissue disease creates symptoms that look like ordinary musculoskeletal injuries, but they’re not—this is why some doctors call people with EDS their “zebra patients”—as in, these hoofbeats are zebras, not horses.   For this episode I didn’t have a single contributor with a specific client, so I created a fictional person with EDS who would like to receive massage for back and neck pain, and headaches. I present the most important variables, and then we go through a critical thinking process to help set up some clinical decisions.   Will massage therapy fix EDS? No. Can it help? Absolutely yes. Listen on for more.     Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a wr

Tell a stranger that you talk to yourself, and you’re likely to get written off as eccentric. But the truth is, we all have a voice in our head. When we talk to ourselves, we often hope to tap into our inner coach but find our inner critic instead. In this episode, Dr. Ethan Kross, author of the book Chatter, discusses the role chatter plays in an emotional and physical sense, how we can gain psychological distance, and how belief plays a role in guiding us through negative self-dialogue.   Ethan Kross, PhD, is one of the world’s leading experts on controlling the conscious mind. An award-winning professor in the University of Michigan’s top-ranked Psychology Department and its Ross School of Business, he is the director of the Emotion & Self Control Laboratory. He has participated in policy discussion at the White House and has been interviewed about his work on CBS Evening News, Good Morning America, and NPR’s Morning Edition. His pioneering research has been featured in the New York Times, th

A client has a history of two heart attacks and a kidney transplant. There’s no way they can safely receive massage, right?   Maybe not.   Join us for a short exploration of the miracles of kidney transplant surgery, the pathophysiology of heart attacks, and the surprising number of options this massage therapist has to offer safe, effective bodywork to this client.     Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick referen

Paul Kelly is the owner of Temple Human Performance (www.templehp.com) and the creator of the brand Physiokinetics. To an outsider, he makes it all look so easy. But talking with him reveals how grit and the determination to get up and do something every day is what has enabled him to build a successful business.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:    

How do personal training and massage therapy complement each other? Marisa Savino joins the podcast to discuss how to maintain optimal massage health by improving strength and agility, preventing long-term burnout, how to set a routine (and stick to it), and how nutrition plays a role in your daily massage practice. Marisa is a New Jersey-based fitness professional with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and psychology. Besides being a personal trainer, she is a licensed massage therapist. Being a professional in both training and massage, Marisa can meet a client’s needs on many levels. Combining the knowledge of these two disciplines allows her to help prevent injuries and be better able to address the whole health of a client.  Marisa’s purpose is to inspire, encourage, and educate others on how to achieve their fitness goals and live life while continuing to maintain balance on their route of healthy living. Learn more about Marisa at msfitriss.com and follow her on Instagram @ms.fitriss.  

A client has a panoply of health challenges, but the main one for right now is mast cell activation syndrome. Her whole body is primed to have an allergic reaction—to lotion, to smells, maybe even to touch. Is it possible to create a safe way for her to receive massage?   Image of Dermatographism   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at

The Feldenkrais Method is named after the Israeli scientist, educator, and martial artist Moshe Feldenkrais, who explored new relationships between the mind and body to improve his own physical movement and functioning. In this episode, Darren and Kristin speak with Chrish Kresge about developing a refined awareness of yourself through simple movement practices, the differences between ATM (Awareness Through Movement) and FI (Functional Integration), what a practitioner does during a session, and the benefits of Feldenkrais work for both clients and practitioners. Chrish Kresge has been teaching the Feldenkrais Method around the world for over 22 years in places such as the US, Ghana, Morocco, France, and Nepal. She works with people of all ages and abilities, using movement as the primary tool for improving function, self-awareness, posture, voice, and wellness. She is passionate about using her diverse skills and background to help people find their optimal selves and innate dignity. Kresge recently co-edit

A massage therapist notices some changes in the texture of their client’s tissues. When they ask about it, the client replies, “Oh! Those are my pellets!”   It turns out he has had testosterone pellets inserted into the tissues of his hip. What kinds of massage therapy accommodations are necessary in this situation? Tune in to find out!   YouTube of implantation procedure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqaVOWnJmm4     Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner

The need to connect is awesome. But the need to protect and feel safe is equally as important. How do we know when to do which? Shin splints find themselves in the middle of this quandary. In this episode, join Allison as she explores the truth of shin splints and how to manage them in a world of prolific uncertainty.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:  

Cupping was described in the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, which means ancient Egyptians may have been using cupping therapy as early as 1500 BCE. But how does cupping really work? In this episode, Kristin and Darren speak to Dr. Joi Edwards, DPT, about how cupping can create mobility within the tissue to restore function and decrease pain, what kind of cups are used and why, scope of practice, and how long patients should wait between sessions. Dr. Joi Edwards is a licensed massage therapist and a licensed physical therapist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, a doctorate degree in physical therapy, and has held specialization in orthopedic manual therapy. She has extensive experience in the orthopedic field with both injuries and surgical conditions. She works full time as a physical therapist, owns her own continuing education company, Owlchemy Education, and successfully fuses the science of orthopedics with the art and intuition of massage, bridg

A client has a skin-picking disorder, and they want to receive massage. Is this really a good idea? How can we make sure they’re safe?   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.   

Safety and efficiencies in the workplace can help a therapist’s career longevity. So, how does the Ergonomics Project aim to do this? In this episode, Robin Anderson, president of the Massage Therapy Foundation, discusses what the study of ergonomics entails and delves into both phases of the Ergonomics Project, how they plan on using this research, and how different modalities play a role in the project’s approach. Robin Anderson, MEd, LMT, BCTMB, CEAS, is the regional director of education at Mpower Education. She has been a board-certified licensed massage therapist for 15+ years and currently practices in a plastic surgeon’s office specializing in post-operative recovery care. She is also an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. Robin has a master’s degree in adult education and training from Colorado State University and has published research on ergonomics teaching methods for improving body mechanics in massage therapy students. Robin is a frequent presenter at many professional co

A client with diabetes has a 100-point blood sugar crash during his massage session. Luckily, the client was prepared and knew what to do. But can massage therapists do anything to avoid this risk? Listen in to find out.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com

Paul Ingraham is a pain researcher whose journey as a massage therapist and his experience with his own chronic pain led him to launch painscience.com—one of funniest and most successful websites on the topic of chronic pain. In this episode, Allison sits down with Paul to discuss how his transition from massage therapist to chronic pain translator revealed much more about the experience of pain than he could have imagined. Head over to painscience.com to dive in to his research and insightful perspectives.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her p

Water treatments have a universal and timeless appeal. In this episode, MaryBetts Sinclair discusses how she “found” hydrotherapy, when—and why—hydrotherapy re-emerged in modern times, how massage therapists can incorporate hydrotherapy into their practices, and whether MTs should charge more for these services. MaryBetts Sinclair has been practicing massage and using water therapies in Corvallis, Oregon, since 1975. She is the author of two books on massage for children, as well as the new edition of Hydrotherapy for Bodyworkers: Improving Outcomes with Water Therapies, Second Edition. She has been teaching massage and hydrotherapy for decades, and taught both subjects in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Ecuador, South Korea, and Indonesia. MaryBetts is also a member of the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame. Her articles on hydrotherapy have appeared in many publications, including Massage & Bodywork magazine. Visit www.MarybettsSinclair.com for more information.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains:

A client with a history of total knee replacement reports a Baker’s cyst. The massage therapist wonders what indications or contraindications are present. But the Baker’s cyst might not be the real issue here. In this podcast Ruth has a couple of assumptions challenged, which can be fun.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fing

What are the similarities in running a successful massage practice and a successful skin care practice? More than you might think. In this episode, esthetician and business owner Ella Cressman talks about how delegating parts of her business gave her time to focus on her clients, why rebooking practices are vital to your business’s success, and how to get comfortable in suggestive retail.   Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, and absolute ingredient junkie! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. She has spent many hours researching ingredients, understanding how and where they are sourced, as well as phytochemistry, histological access, and complementary compounds for intentional skin benefits. In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consul

A client starts with a sore throat. Now she’s recovering from an infection that required 4 months in the hospital and rehabilitation. She had major surgery, and lost the ends of her fingers and toes in the process. Finally she is home, becoming more active, and wants to receive massage.   How on earth did this happen, and what do we need to know to work safely? It turns out this situation has some eerie links to another issue we hear about every day. Listen in to find out more.     Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology

The psoas is a lot like an old man who likes his solitude and scares those who pass his cabin in the woods. But with a little patience and finesse, the fear will ease—and the old man will have a new kick in his step.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:     “Feelization: Connect with Clients on a Deeper Level,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork ma

In this episode, Dr. Ben Benjamin discusses the three phases of frozen shoulder, how resisted stretching is used to increase range of motion and decrease pain, why friction therapy is a great method for massage therapists to use during a session, and how being a thorough communicator during assessments is key to understanding a patient’s treatment options. Ben Benjamin, PhD in sports medicine, has been practicing massage since 1963 and has been nationally recognized for his contributions to massage therapy, receiving an induction into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2010. With his years of experience as a therapist, educator, and author, Dr. Benjamin has been regarded as a voice of authority in the muscular therapy field. He was the founder and president of the Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which began in 1974. Shortly after the Muscular Therapy Institute opened, Dr. Benjamin enhanced his practice by studying under Dr. James Cyriax, widely known for his pioneering work

Ep 145 – Butterfly Disease: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner Epidermolysis bullosa (EB): this genetic skin condition is sometimes called butterfly disease, because the skin of affected people is so delicate. So when a client with EB, plus fibromyalgia, plus blood thinner use asks for “very deep work”, what do we do?   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program t

In this episode, Cherie Sohnen-Moe discusses what inspired her to write her first book, Business Mastery; how massage therapists should be using treatment plans as a marketing tool; incorporating retail sales into your practice; and her hopes for the future of massage and bodywork. Cherie Sohnen-Moe is an author, business coach, and international workshop leader. She has been involved in the wellness field since 1978. Cherie was a faculty member at a massage school, natural health college, and acupuncture college, and has served on advisory boards for several schools. She has written hundreds of articles, authored the books Business Mastery (now in its 5th edition) and Present Yourself Powerfully, and co-authored The Ethics of Touch and Retail Mastery. Cherie holds a degree in psychology from UCLA and is active in many professional and community organizations. She is a firm believer in education and serves on the exam development committee of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). She i

Ruth eavesdrops on a conversation between two massage therapists sharing concerns about clients with cervical dystonia. Cervical dystonia, also called spasmodic torticollis, is one of more than a dozen types of dystonia, and understanding this condition involves lots of twists and turns. (That’s a joke—tune in to find out why.)   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for n

Ever wonder what would have happened if you had made different choices in your life? In this episode, Allison sits down with Christy Cael—author, instructor, bodyworker, and biomimicry master—whose story has taken turns she never dreamed possible. Christy’s success, she reflects, is all thanks to her willingness to say yes to opportunities that she at first wasn’t sure she could accomplish.    Host:                    Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.     

In practice as a bodyworker and body-psychotherapist for 20 years, Dr. Cynthia Price worked extensively with individuals who were disconnected from their bodies due to stress, trauma, and pain. Inspired by Focusing, an experiential psychotherapy approach of present attention to the “felt sense,” Dr. Price developed Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy (MABT) as a mindfulness-based approach for use in body-centered therapy practice. In this episode, Dr. Price discusses the primary components and core principals of MABT, and how interoceptive awareness can be helpful for individuals with chronic physical or mental health conditions. Cynthia Price, PhD, MA, LMT, is a research professor at the University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle, Washington, and the director of the non-profit Center for Mindful Body Awareness. She developed Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy (MABT), a body therapy approach designed to facilitate interoceptive awareness and related skills for self-care and emoti

T-cell lymphoma is a relatively rare form of cancer that can affect lymph tissues, bones, organs, and the skin. In this episode we’ll look at this condition in two different clients with very different presentations that take us to similar conclusions.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are avail

Massage therapists’ hands are a powerful tool. Like an extension of the brain, hands are a highly intelligent sense organ that can perceive and communicate without words. But are we taking them for granted? In this episode, Heath and Nicole Reed discuss the “elusive obvious” that is our hands; the value and importance of how we interact with the world through touch; pre-, mid-, and post-session stretching techniques; and how dynamic stretching differs from static stretching. Heath and Nicole Reed are co-founders of Living Metta and want everyone in the world to enjoy the experience of befriending their body. The Reeds lead workshops and retreats across the country and overseas and have been team-teaching touch and movement therapy for 16 years. In addition to live classes, the Reeds offer massage therapy and self-care videos, DVDs, and online trainings, which may be found at www.livingmetta.com.    Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com       CBD Clinic: www.cbdclinic.co

A client has Dupuytren’s contracture, a progressive thickening and shrinking of the palmar fascia that causes her pinky finger to be bent all the time. Now it seems to be starting on the other side. Is massage safe? Can it help slow the progress? What is Dupuytren’s contracture, anyway?   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your finge

Can you get too many massages? #Wellness has taken on a whole new meaning. In this episode, Allison highlights the autonomic part of the nervous system and relates it to the balance we seek in wellness and in the work we do as massage therapists.    Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:             “The Case for Consistency: Treating Persist

Tracy’s belief is simple—everyone deserves compassionate touch. She has developed guidelines that are already in place in hospitals, massage schools, and clinics across the country. This includes a pressure scale she developed, based on the work of Gayle MacDonald and Dawn Nelson. In this episode, Tracy discusses her beginnings in oncology massage, how frustration in the classroom helped develop the pressure scale, and her hopes of trauma-informed massage therapy instruction in the classroom.   Tracy Walton is a researcher, writer, award-winning educator, and specialist in massage therapy and cancer care. A dynamic voice for the power of touch, she is the author of the pathology textbook, Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy: A Decision Tree Approach. For more information about Tracy, visit www.tracywalton.com.   Link to The Pressure Scale   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com       CBD Clinic: www.cbdclinic.co      Elements Massage: www.elementsmassage.com  

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), called myalgic encephalomyelopathy (ME) in other countries, is one of my least favorite topics. It is just so slippery, and we understand very little about how it comes about, how to treat it, and how massage therapy might help. We are likely to see more cases of CFS/ME soon, as this symptomatic profile is common in people with long COVID. What is chronic fatigue? And how can massage therapy be helpful? Join me for an exploration of this complex and frustrating topic to get to some possible solutions for a client who lives in pain.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is al

Can reducing excess tension during bodywork sessions promote career longevity? Author and educator David Lobenstine thinks so. David is a proponent of efficient practitioner performance, and during this podcast we talk about his recent article in Massage & Bodywork magazine: “Find Your Floppy.” David breaks down the myth that massage therapists must work as hard as possible to be good practitioners, and he provides guidance for observing your technique and reacting while working. Take the floppy pledge and learn how to work as a diad with your clients.   David Lobenstine has been massaging, teaching, writing, and editing for over 15 years. He is an authorized instructor of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy workshops and coauthor of the book Pre-and Perinatal Massage Therapy. He also designs and teaches his own continuing education workshops, both across the US and online. For more information about David, visit www.bodybrainbreath.com.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com  

From appendicitis to vertigo: a quick tour through the first year of I Have a Client Who . . . episodes in alphabetical order. I am so grateful to our listeners and podcast hosts and sponsors who have made all this possible, and I’m looking forward to another great year of I Have a Client Who . . . stories!   Sponsors:    Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                   Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your finge

Have you ever tried to ignore something or someone only to find that it gets amplified and becomes even more of an annoyance? In this episode, Allison compares the quadratus lumborum to being the youngest child in a very large family of very loud muscles.   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:              “The Case for Consistency: Treatin

Amelia Vogler had a “humdinger” of a family life growing up in North Carolina. She was influenced by both her father’s funeral home business and her mother’s horticultural background. From her father, she learned about grief and therapeutic space, and from her mother she learned about physical and spiritual blooming and flowering. Amelia joins the podcast to talk about the challenge of growing up an empathy. During our conversation, we  discuss defining energy work and a typical session, the many forms of grounding and how practitioners can best utilize it in their practices, and how she became involved in partnering with clients during clinical and surgical work.   Amelia Vogler is a grounding and energy medicine specialist, an internationally respected teacher of energy medicine, and meditation guide. She embeds essential energetic practices in her meditations and teachings to support the betterment of humanity, one individual at a time, one quiet moment at a time. In addition to her teaching and

“There’s so much power in the very, very simple things.” Dr. Cynthia Price shares her “I Have a Client Who . . . ” story about a woman under treatment for substance use disorder, who is learning positive things about her body for the first time. It’s a beautiful story that will remind us about why we do this work. Plus, there’s information on how you can work with Dr. Price to do the kind of manual therapy that helps stressed clients find their way to positive awareness.   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com   Host Bio:                   Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner

Authors Janet Penny and Rebecca Sturgeon join the podcast to discuss their new book and how it builds on the work of professional luminaries like Gayle MacDonald and Tracy Walton. We discuss mythbusting massage therapy and cancer care, working as part of an integrative team with other health-care providers, and considerations and treatment approaches. With the chances ever-increasing that all practitioners will work with someone either currently undergoing treatment or having undergone treatment in the past, it’s critical to understand considerations when working with his population and the nuances of pressure, position, duration, and site to ensure client safety.   Janet Penny is a registered massage therapist and has extensive experience working with people living with cancer in both her private practice and at an integrative cancer center in Ontario, Canada. She has developed an approach that addresses the multifaceted needs of oncology massage clients, including focus on pre- and post-surgical

Student’s elbow? Popeye’s elbow? Whatever you call it, an infected olecranon bursa is no joke. Lots of people have to go through several attempts to treat it, culminating in surgery to remove it. When is massage therapy safe?   Image of Bursitis Elbow   Past “I Have a Client Who . . .” episode on olecranon bursitis   Sponsors:                 Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com                Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com         Host Bio:                  Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based

When there is a fork in the road, what part of the brain do we access to choose which route to take? In this episode, Allison examines what it means to apply ourselves and drives down the road with many forks called sciatica.    Host:                  Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                    Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.             Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:            “The Case for Consistency: Treating Persistent Injuries,” by Allison Denney, Mass

Trauma fundamentally alters our sense of safety, overwhelms our normal coping mechanisms, causes us to feel helpless, and becomes an instant habit. Chris Smith is a trained professional in trauma touch and takes us through recognizing trauma in ourselves and in our clients, addressing long-term physical and emotional effects. Chris gives listeners advice for recognizing trauma on the massage table and the dos and don’ts of working with clients, all the while cognizant of scope of practice.   Chris Smith is a recognized leader in the field of massage therapy and trauma. She is a massage therapist and trauma touch therapist. She developed and has been teaching Trauma Touch Therapy at the Colorado School of Healing Arts (CSHA) and to therapists worldwide since 1992. She has been with CSHA since 1988, where she serves as the school director. For more information on Trauma Touch Therapy, visit the school’s website at www.csha.net.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      

What happens when a bone that forms a major pivot point in the wrist falls apart? A friend of a massage therapist is looking for some self-massage ideas as she recovers from a pioneering surgery on her wrist to repair damage from a rare and painful condition called Kienböck’s disease. Or lunatomalacia. Or avascular necrosis of the lunate. Kienböck’s disease? What is it? And why does it lead to wrist reconstruction surgery? And will massage therapy make this worse?   Sponsors:             Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com               Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com       Host Bio:                Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, m

What does bodywork volunteerism look like? When finding your philanthropy path, ask yourself these questions: What are you good at? What does the world need? What brings you joy. Listen in as Angie Parris-Raney and Kristin Coverly discuss their background and experiences with helping people and organizations through their hands-on skills. From donating their time at races and sporting events, to helping children in Peru, these two practitioners talk about using their bodywork as a gift to their communities and around the world.   Angie Parris-Raney is a licensed massage therapist and the advertising director for ABMP. Angie is Chopra Center Certified in meditation and ayurvedic lifestyle. Her training explores physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. You can also see Angie in ABMP’s Meditate & Move series that runs every Wednesday on ABMP’s Facebook page. Angie is also the founder of the nonprofit Project Inti, an organization that provides aid to low-income Peruvian families and communities. F

Listen for an exploration of an extraordinarily complex autoimmune disorder with elements of lupus, scleroderma, and muscle inflammation. Includes short tangents on the etymology of the term pathognomonic and CREST syndrome (no, not the toothpaste.) Can massage help? Or is it off the table?   Sponsors:               Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com              Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:               Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearl

There are leaders and there are followers. This is true in life and in the world of muscles. But what happens when a follower is thrown into the position of a leader? In this episode, Allison examines the world of prime movers and synergists, the confusion that exists among them, and the philosophical pickle of the coracobrachialis.   Host:                 Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]           Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                  Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:          

Eric Stephenson tells us about maintaining mental health, overcoming adversity, finding motivation in non-negotiable routines, recognizing and reacting to defining moments, and the lasting power of social support.  Eric Stephenson is a 20-year massage veteran and Chief Wellness Officer for Elements Massage, a 250-unit franchise system headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Eric is also Co-Founder of imassage, Inc. in Delray Beach, Florida, an education and consulting company dedicated to extending the careers of massage therapists and spa practitioners through customized continuing education focusing on preventing injury and workers’ compensation claims. Eric creates continuing education specializing in teaching Deep Tissue Massage that doesn’t harm the therapist or the client. All of his workshops focus on saving your hands with his “No Thumbs!” approach and core body mechanics that help prolong MTs’ careers. In 2014, he joined the Board of Directors of the International Spa Association (ISPA) in Lexi

A client had brain surgery and now has severe and painful spasms in their back. Is this a complication of surgery? Is this a precursor to total paralysis? Will massage make it worse? Listen for a brisk review of nervous system function and what happens when parts of the nervous system are injured. Upper or lower motor neurons—it makes a difference!   Sponsors:              Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com             Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com    Host Bio:             Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick refere

Did you know 15 million registered businesses are on the ’Gram? Or that 1 billion people are on the platform and that 50% of them follow at least one business to learn more information? It’s time you take the deep dive into using Instagram to expand your bodywork practice. Elicia Crook, the Rebooking Ninja, breaks down each component of an Instagram account (from bios to feeds, from hashtags to Stories and Reels, and analytics) and lets you know how to drive this “Porsche or Ferrari” of social media.   Elicia Crook is a business coach and mentor for massage therapists, sharing the tactics she used to create her business success over 16 years. Elicia is a diploma qualified remedial massage therapist, and uses modalities such as Bowen and craniosacral therapy, and has a Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, which she used while teaching massage for several years. Through her career and business experience, Elicia discovered who she needed to be and what is required to run a deeply satisfyi

In this episode we do a deep dive into varicella zoster virus and the many confusions about chickenpox, shingles, and a weird invisible form of shingles. Is shingles contagious? Can you get it more than once? Where does the chickenpox vaccine fit? It can be very confusing! Tune in for some useful clarifications.   Sponsors:             Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com            Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com   Pain the App: https://appadvice.com/app/pain-in-the-app/1473476636           Author Bio:             Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Po

We investigate why the pride of the pectoralis major is both a good and a bad thing, and how we as body workers can use this knowledge to our advantage.   Host:                Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]          Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.         Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:         “Buddha’s Six-Pack: Serratus and Intercostals, with a Diaphragm Chaser,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine, May/June 2021, page 86,      “The Muscle, the Beast, and a Cup of T

Low-back pain is certainly one of the, if not the most, pressing issues practitioners will face when working with clientele. More than 70 million people visit doctors each year with low-back pain, so as an MT, knowing the what and how of working with this population can be valuable. Dr. Ben Benjamin joins the podcast to talk about his personal experience with low-back pain, common myths and misconceptions surrounding this injury, the most common causes, how to prevent low-back pain through exercise and diet, and knowing when hands-on treatment is appropriate. Dr. Benjamin relays the value of a health history intake, hands-on tests for assessment, and when to refer out.   Ben Benjamin, PhD in sports medicine, has been practicing massage since 1963 and has been nationally recognized for his contributions to massage therapy, receiving an induction into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2010. With his years of experience as a therapist, educator, and author, Dr. Benjamin has been regarded as a voice of aut

A client comes back to the massage table after a long pandemic-related break. Her therapist notices something new: as the client relaxed, her legs began to twitch and jump, and she felt “tingling” on the top of her foot. What is going on, and can massage therapy help?   Sponsors:          Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com          Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com                 Author Bio:            Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common patho

In preparation for ABMP Movie Night on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, we ask the filmmaker and star of Touched: A Massage Story to join the podcast and tell us about their experience making the documentary. Touched: A Massage Story uncovers the wisdom found in the hands of a world-renowned massage therapist, Jonathan Grassi. This documentary offers insight into the hardships of entering this profession. Inspired by his personal journey of healing from loss and isolation, Grassi masters his gift of touch through the encouragement of mentors and newfound love. Visit www.abmp.com/ce-socials to sign up to watch!   Jonathan Grassi, world champion massage therapist and founder of Bodywork for Liberation, is dedicated to promoting somatic bodywork and advancing the field of massage therapy as a pillar of the healthcare system. Featured in national and local print and broadcast media, Jonathan brings vast training, expertise, and passion to his work. Jonathan is the subject of the documentary Touched: A Massage Story (Toff

A client who has never had massage before calls to make an appointment. He has a history of “grand mal” seizures. What does the massage therapist need to know to be safe with this client? We go through a short list of important questions.   Sponsors:           Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com           Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com               Author Bio:            Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Wer

Is it the devil? Or is it the solution to so many questions that are buried in all those details? In this episode, Allison ponders the bedeviled details of the trapezius muscle, the beauty of the nuchal ligament, and the bravery of Michelangelo.   Host:               Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]          Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com              Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.       Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:         “Buddha’s Six-Pack: Serratus and Intercostals, with a Diaphragm Chaser,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine,

What’s it like being an intuitive? Do we all possess these abilities? “It’s a matter of tuning in and paying attention,” guest Cyndi Dale says. Dale, the author of more than 20 books on energy work, empathy, and clairvoyance, joins the podcast to talk about discovering her gifts, countering skeptics, the four ways people access their abilities, the difference between physical energy and subtle energy, and scope of practice.   Cyndi Dale is an internationally renowned author, speaker, intuitive healer, and business consultant. Her groundbreaking books on chakras and intuition include The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy; Energy Healing for Trauma, Stress & Chronic Illnesses; Energy Wellness for Your Pets; Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Chakras; and Awaken Clairvoyant Energy. Cyndi, who’s been a natural intuitive since she was young, offers these gifts to clients and groups seeking to make real and positive change. Her passion includes helping people open their “essential

An obese client wants help with low-back pain, but she can’t take deep pressure. What to do? Ruth might get a little strident in this discussion of weight, health, judgmental language, and hands-on options.   Sponsors:           Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com         Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com             Author Bio:         Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscover

This dynamic duo are the perfect pair to speak to successful business partnerships, as they celebrate six years of working together. Allissa and Michael tell us why they created Massage Business Blueprint and how their skill sets complement one another. We also dive into the pros and cons of partnerships, what it’s like working with your best friend, and how to keep work fun. We close with thoughts on workload disparity, how formal a partnership contract should be, and how to bring your best self to any relationship.    Allissa Haines and Michael Reynolds are the duo who make up Massage Business Blueprint. Allissa is a practicing massage therapist of 16 years and self-described Director of Shenanigans at Massage Business Blueprint. Michael is a former massage therapist, financial advisor and tech entrepreneur, and self-described Director of Nerdy Things at Massage Business Blueprint. Both happen to be authors for Massage & Bodywork magazine and are columnists of the Blueprint for Success column. For more

A young woman has lots of muscle pain after her soccer game. A great time to receive massage, right? Not this time. Listen in for a case where massage could cause renal damage.   Sponsors:          Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com         Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com           Author Bio:          Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her

The world, and anatomy, is a lot easier to understand when we talk about it in organized categories. But, sometimes, thinking outside the box is a much better approach. In this episode, Allison explores the identity crisis of the glute medius and how to ease the grip of confusion for this multifaceted middle muscle.    Host:              Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]         Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com            Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.      Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:         “Buddha’s Six-Pack: Serratus and Intercostals, with a Diaphragm Chaser

Jordan Person wrote the book on cannabis massage—literally. Listen in as she tells us the difference between CBD and THC, side effects and contraindications, and incorporating CBD topicals into your practice. Jordan breaks down the common cannabis myths, talks about the growing public acceptance, and the possible future of cannabis research. Jordan Person has been a licensed nurse for 20 years and massage therapist for 15 years. She is the original cannabis massage practitioner, author of Cannabis Massage 101 & 102, creator of cannabis curriculums for nurses and estheticians, and the founder of both Primal Therapeutics and Primal Healing. Jordan continues to teach students from around the world and has been recognized globally in documentaries and publications such as American Spa Magazine. Person’s Primal Healing topicals line expands on the applications of infused skin care products, offering CBD-infused serums, beard oil, and her award-winning salve, named Best Hemp Topical of 2020. Person is an outs

A pregnant client has pain and numbness in her hands. It is NOT what you think. In this conversation with pregnancy massage expert Carole Osborne, we take a look at a common pregnancy-related complaint, and see how it can offer some surprises! Carole is a board-certified therapeutic massage and bodywork practitioner, an educator, and a practice supervisor/mentor. She is the co-author of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy 3ed, and she has developed an internationally known course of the same name, as well as other continuing education courses. She was the 2008 AMTA National Teacher of the Year. Since beginning her career in 1974, she has worked in her own private practice and in osteopathic, psychological, and women’s medical settings. Her work focuses on facilitating somato-emotional and neuromuscular integration, particularly related to childbearing, trauma, substance and eating disorders, self-image, and nurturing. For more about her and her work, visit www.bodytherapyeducation.com.   Resources:   Bo

Morgan Palmer, ABMP’s digital marketing coordinator, tells us how to use social media as an effective marketing tool for your practices. We break this podcast down into three sections: beginners [2:54], intermediate [11:48], advanced [15:24]. Morgan tackles the hard questions: Should you have two separate accounts: personal vs. business? What’s the number one site to be on? How often should you post? What’s the difference between content creation and content curation? How should you use hashtags? What’s content planning? Should you create a “story” or post? Should you experiment with newer platform, like TikTok and Clubhouse? And how do you create graphics? We close with questions on etiquette.   Morgan is the digital marketing coordinator for ABMP. She received her degree from St. Edward’s University in Digital Media Management and has since become a full-time marketing geek. As a millennial in the field, she grew up alongside the growth of social media and jokes that it is her second language

A client wants deep work in his hamstrings, but he has a couple of situations that might make it questionable: Parkinson’s disease and a recent onset of a new condition for him called pseudogout. What is pseudogout, how is it different from traditional gout, and what can this massage therapist do in this complex situation?   Sponsors:         Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com        Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com         Author Bio:         Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 com

The push and pull on our underlying tissues can create some pretty big disturbances up on the surface. In this episode, Allison takes a closer look at the IT Band and explores how to approach a chord of connective tissue that acts more like an earthquake than it does a tendon.   Host:             Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]        Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com          Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.     Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:        “Buddha’s Six-Pack: Serratus and Intercostals, with a Diaphragm Chaser,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine, May/J

Diane Matkowski, the Massage Mentor, has had many revelatory moments in her life: from getting her first massage, to studying under a hands-on mentor, to making the leap of faith to start her own business. She was terrified. But she took comfort in the phrase from one of her clients: “When you see a doorway, Diane, walk through it.” Diane embraces being uncomfortable and, as such, has been successful in her work—she hasn’t taken a paycheck from anything other than her independent massage business since 1996. We discuss her successes (and failures), her COVID protocols that will stick long after the pandemic is over, and what’s it like being audited by the IRS. What’s the art of massage, according to Diane? Patience, persistence, and perseverance. Diane Matkowski was accredited by The Owens Institute of Massage and The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and has an associate’s degree in business administration. She has been practicing therapeutic massage for more than 25 years. Diane began her

A client with a complex health history reveals he has recently been exposed to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. During his session, his massage therapist finds lots of little scabs on his body—yikes! Good news: this is not nearly so scary as it seems. The hygienic practices we already use provide us with good protection from MRSA colonization, but that needs to happen on purpose, and not by accident. Also, you might want to keep some gloves and masks around.   Sponsors:        Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com       Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com       Author Bio:        Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner 

In part two of this conversation, Amanda Huggins offers listeners somatic tools for addressing anxiety, including meditation, box breathing, and heart-focused breathing. She discusses how to work with clients with anxiety (space holding, not advice; supportive  affirmations, not comparisons) and advocates for all of us to “triple down on self-care.”   Amanda Huggins is a respected anxiety and mindfulness coach, certified yoga instructor, brand ambassador, writer, and keynote speaker. After successfully spending nearly a decade in the startup space as a content and communications specialist, Amanda broke past her fears to follow her calling for helping people break past their internal barriers of self-worth, fear, and anxiety. Her unique blend of spiritual, scientific, practical, and accessible approaches has helped hundreds of clients move beyond their anxious minds and into a state of profound, holistic success. For more information, visit amandahugginscoaching.com.      This podcast sponso

A client has Marfan syndrome—what does it mean for him? And what does it mean for massage? Listen in as we review what autosomal dominant means, and we enjoy some new vocabulary: dolichostenomelia (abnormally long, thin limbs) and arachnodactyly (spider-digits). We also learn about the potentially life-threatening complications of this genetic disorder.   Sponsors:       Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com      Author Bio:       Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 com

The momentum of a wave can take down huge ships, in much the same way that the momentum of a trigger point can paralyze giants. In this episode, Allison dives into why trigger points are so painful and how approaching them as you might approach an octopus in the ocean is the key to calming the waters.    Host:             Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]       Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com        Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.    Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:       “The Muscle, the Beast, and a Cup of Tea: Conquering Sternocleidomastoid Fears,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork

In part one of this conversation, Amanda Huggins defines anxiety and describes her own challenge to integrate the mental, physical, and spiritual in her personal life. She helps us get to the emotions underneath the umbrella term anxiety—fear, guilt, imposter syndrome—and lets us know the difference between the stories we tell ourselves (unpacking how beliefs began) and our truths. We conclude with some affirmation practices, the power of grounding, and valuing our worth.   Amanda Huggins is a respected anxiety and mindfulness coach, certified yoga instructor, brand ambassador, writer, and keynote speaker. After successfully spending nearly a decade in the startup space as a content and communications specialist, Amanda broke past her fears to follow her calling for helping people break past their internal barriers of self-worth, fear, and anxiety. Her unique blend of spiritual, scientific, practical, and accessible approaches has helped hundreds of clients move beyond their anxious minds and into a sta

This story is a delicate one. The client has an eating disorder that the massage therapist thinks is pretty advanced, and maybe getting worse. This episode dives into some of the serious consequences of eating disorders and the important role massage therapy may play. It may be upsetting for people who struggle with eating disorders, so please consider this a trigger warning.   Sponsors:      Anatomy Trains: https://www.anatomytrains.com     Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com     Author Bio:    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information fo

ABMP Director of Government Relations Laura Embleton joins the podcast to tell us about the advocacy work her team does to support individual practitioners across all 50 states. Laura’s goal is to ensure fair legislation is enacted without overburdening practitioners. We discuss her battle with illicit businesses operating under the guise of massage therapy, human trafficking, media and states usage of the term massage parlors, and, most importantly, how individual practitioners can get involved to make a difference.   Laura Embleton is director of government relations for ABMP.   Resource:   Advocacy email template:   This podcast sponsored by:      Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com       CBD Clinic: www.cbdclinic.co      (se) Connect: https://network.structuralelements.com    Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and C

A client didn’t share an important piece of information—and the therapist didn’t ask. The result: a serious situation that massage could have made much worse. In this episode, we talk about a surprising relationship between bariatric surgery and liver failure—and about the need to ask open-ended, inviting questions that will help us get a clear and full understanding of our clients’ health challenges.   Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: https://www.anatomytrains.com    Books of Discovery: https://booksofdiscovery.com    Coaching the Body: https://joinnow.live/s/kJeIiz?v1=ABMP-digital-mag-mar2021    Author Bio:     Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABM

The desire to be free is one that we not only feel in our hearts, but also in our muscles. Nowhere in the body is this truer than in the claves. In this episode, Allison explores the innate restriction of the calf muscles and finds meaning in the lessons offered up by Greek mythology.    Host:           Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]     Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.   Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:      “The Muscle, the Beast, and a Cup of Tea: Conquering Sternocleidomastoid Fears,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine, March/April 2021, page 80,

Angie Parris-Raney, Chopra Center Certified in meditation and ayurvedic lifestyle, joins the podcast to break down her recent article, “Detox on the Equinox,” in Body Sense magazine. Angie lays the foundation for bringing fresh energy and movement to our seasonal transition into spring. She gives five tips on improving diet, exercise, meditation, tongue scraping, and self-massage. And, she informs us about avoiding FLUNC foods.     Angie Parris-Raney is a licensed massage therapist and is the advertising director for ABMP. Angie is Chopra Center Certified in meditation and ayurvedic lifestyle. Her training explores physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. You can also see Angie in ABMP’s Meditate & Move series that runs every Wednesdays on ABMP’s Facebook page.  Angie is also the founder of the nonprofit, Project Inti, an organization that provides aid to low-income Peruvian families and communities. For more information, visit www.projectinti.org.   Resources:   “Detox on the Equino

Another episode about DVT and pulmonary embolism—but this one looks really different from last week! New client says, “I want to make you aware of my pulmonary embolism this week . . . my hospitalist says massage will be OK” Encouragement to do massage Encouragement NOT to do massage What to do??? In the face of contradictory advice, we walk through this decision-making process, discussing the difference between information and permission along the way.    This podcast sponsored by:         Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com        Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com         Coaching the Body: www.coachingthebody.com      Host:         Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com         ABMP Pocket Pathology: www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app   Resources:   “Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)” Cleveland Clinic. Last modified July 18, 2019.    Oppelt, P., Betbadal, A., and L. Nayak. “Approach to Chemotherapy-Associated T

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are musculoskeletal pathologies hallmarked by elbow pain. However, even though these conditions cause elbow pain, they are not conditions of the actual elbow joint; rather they are overuse syndromes of the musculature of the hand and/or fingers. And these conditions aren’t just relegated to those participating in these two sports. These overuse injuries can be caused by actions as simple as gripping your steering wheel, a pen, or your cell phone too tightly. Listen in as Dr. Muscolino describes causes and approaches to this condition, and we hear how both he and co-host Darren Buford describe living with these conditions.   Dr. Muscolino has been a manual and movement therapy educator for more than 30 years. He is the author of The Muscular System Manual; The Muscle and Bone Palpation Manual with Trigger Points, Referral Patterns, and Stretching; and Kinesiology. He teaches continuing education workshops around the world, including a certification in Clinical Orthopedic

A client with a complicated health history (including cancer and newly adjusted chemotherapy) has a medical emergency: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. Now she wants massage. There’s a lot to balance in this decision, which is not as clear-cut as it seems. In this episode, we consider some of the variables about massage for a person with this medical history and find a way to get to a good conclusion.   This podcast sponsored by:         Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com        Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com         Coaching the Body: www.coachingthebody.com      Host:         Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com         ABMP Pocket Pathology: www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app   Resources:   “Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)” Cleveland Clinic. Last modified July 18, 2019.    Oppelt, P., Betbadal, A., and L. Nayak. “Approach to Chemotherapy-Associated Thrombosis.” Vascular Medicine 20, no. 2, 153–61

Every wonder why some people seem to be able brush off massive blows and some seem to feel all the feels? There are pros and cons in both scenarios, just like in the tissues of our body. In this episode, Allison explains why the tension produced by growing up and the tension found in the plantar fascia of the feet are similar and necessary.    Host:           Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]     Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com    Resources:     “The Muscle, the Beast, and a Cup of Tea: Conquering Sternocleidomastoid Fears,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine, March/April 2021, page 80    This podcast sponsored by:         Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Handspring Publishing: www.handspringpublishing.com   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well a

Are you using your voicemail in a professional manner? Is your voicemail always full, allowing no one else to get through? Do you even have a voicemail message, or is there just a lonely “beep”? Having made thousands of calls to practitioners over the years and often hearing no professional connection to their practices, co-hosts Kristin Coverly and Darren Buford discuss why having a professional voicemail message is the gateway to your business. Has there ever been such low-hanging fruit to improving your practice in under five minutes?   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Coaching the Body: www.coachingthebody.com   Handspring Publishing: www.handspringpublishing.com   Resources:   Brandon, John. “Voicemail is Now Officially Dead. Here’s What Killed It.” Inc. January 12, 2018.   McClain, Colleen. “Most Americans Don’t Answer Cellphone Calls from Unknown Numbers.” Pew Research. December 14, 2020.    Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and al

In episode 77, from February 19, 2021, a client with “critical limb ischemia” wants massage while he awaits corrective surgery for an occluded artery. So, we talked about peripheral artery disease and talked about the risks and reasons to be cautious in this situation. In this follow-up episode, we find the client was in better shape than I thought, and the massage therapist shares her treatment choices and rationales for a really hopeful outcome. This is yet another example of how important it is to treat the person, not the diagnosis.   This podcast sponsored by:        Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Coaching the Body: www.coachingthebody.com     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com         Host:        Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com         Resources from Episode 77:    Jackson, M. R. et al. “The Consequences of a Failed Femoropopliteal Bypass Grafting: Comparison of Saphenous Vein and PTFE Grafts.” Journal of

We rejoin Carole, Michele, and David and dive deeper into serving the pregnant client. Our guests discuss the critical thinking skills needed to address this population, preparing for this work with confidence, dispelling bodywork myths, and working with clients with high-risk conditions. We close by honoring Carole’s life’s work and what she’s brought to the massage profession.    Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Coaching the Body: www.coachingthebody.com   Handspring Publishing: www.handspringpublishing.com   Guest bios:   Carole Osborne, BA, CMT, BCTMB, is a pioneer of therapeutic massage and bodywork for childbearing. The previous editions of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy and her courses have paved the way for over 5,000 therapists working with this population. For almost 50 years, Carole has been in private practice in a variety of settings. For more information about Carole, visit www.bodytherapyeducation.com.   Michele Kolakowski, LMT, CD and CPD(DONA), CLC, has di

Part 1 of this two-part podcast celebrates the launch of the third edition of Carole Osborne’s book Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy. We’re joined by Carole and her co-authors, Michele Kolakowski and David Lobenstine, as we discuss how therapists can work with clients across the trimesters of pregnancy, through labor and birth and during the postpartum period, establishing a continuum of care.    Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Coaching the Body: www.coachingthebody.com   Handspring Publishing: www.handspringpublishing.com   Guest bios:   Carole Osborne, BA, CMT, BCTMB, is a pioneer of therapeutic massage and bodywork for childbearing. The previous editions of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy and her courses have paved the way for over 5,000 therapists working with this population. For almost 50 years, Carole has been in private practice in a variety of settings. For more information about Carole, visit www.bodytherapyeducation.com.   Michele Kolakowski, LMT, CD and CPD(DON

A client with corticobasal syndrome wants to improve her range of motion in her right arm. Nothing seems to work so far—sessions with her personal trainer and two massage sessions haven’t made any significant changes. What is corticobasal syndrome? Well, it’s complicated. And what treatment options have the most promise? (You might be surprised.)  And most importantly, what is a realistic expectation for this client?   This podcast sponsored by:         Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Coaching the Body: www.coachingthebody.com   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com           Host:          Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com          Recent article from host: “Spinal Fusion Surgery,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, March/April 2021, page 34,    Recent blog post from host: “COVID-19 Vaccines—What to Know About the Options,” by Ruth Werner, February 23, 2021,    Podcast Resources:   Hajebrahimi, F., T. Ca

Have you ever been told to listen to your gut but have no idea what your gut is telling you? What if muscles suffer from the same affliction? In this episode, Allison Denney, The Rebel MT, takes a closer look at the rectus abdominus and explores how to approach a muscle that doesn’t always know what it wants.   Host:          Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]   Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com   Resources:   “The Muscle, the Beast, and a Cup of Tea: Conquering Sternocleidomastoid Fears,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine, March/April 2021, page 80.   This podcast sponsored by:         Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Coaching the Body: www.coachingthebody.com   About Anatomy Trains:    Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissecti

Joyce Gauthier is on a mission to empower massage therapists to identify and deter inappropriate client behavior through RespectMassage.com. Join us as she describes how to properly screen clients, including code words and red flags to look out for, so you’ll be more able to avoid illicit behavior before it occurs. She also shares step-by-step advice for how to get out of a bad situation if you find yourself in one. Joyce provides verbal cues, marketing collateral for your practice and website, and suggestions for simple security setups. For more information, visit www.respectmassage.com.   Joyce Gauthier is a New York State licensed massage therapist. She owned a successful medical massage practice in a chiropractic office for seven years before following her dream of traveling full time. Her current residence is Gavia, a 42-foot sailing ketch, accompanied by her wonderful husband, Matthew, and a lazy shih tzu named Loki. Joyce is the founder of Respect Massage. The Respect Massage mission is to educate a

A new client calls for a manual lymph drainage session, and they have a diagnosis the massage therapist has never heard of—toxic mold syndrome. Information online about this condition is confusing and inconsistent. What is toxic mold syndrome? Does it even exist? Why is it so controversial? And most of all, what can we do to help this client?   This podcast sponsored by:    Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Color Up: www.colorupco.com      Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com         Host:         Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com         Resources:   Edmondson, D. A. “Allergy and ‘Toxic Mold Syndrome.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 94, no. 2 (2005): 234–39.   Huang, Shih-Wen. “Mold Allergy.” Last modified December 2, 2020.   Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.” Accessed February 12, 2021.   Leonard, Jayne. “Black Mold Exposure: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.” September

Video can be key to promoting and growing your practice. Yes, it may be intimidating, but learning a few skills can introduce potential clients to yourself and existing clients to the full gamut of your techniques and modalities. Bring your website and social content to life and beyond the written word. Ryan Hoyme, the Massage Nerd, tells you which platforms to use and lets you in on equipment choices.   Ryan Hoyme has been a massage therapist for over two decades and worked in the health field for over three decades. He is internationally known as Massage Nerd and has won many awards in the massage profession. Also, he has been inducted into the American and the International Massage Therapy Halls of Fame. Ryan currently works at the Mayo Clinic as a massage therapist. He first decided to start MassageNerd.com when one of his students called him that and started photographing his massage techniques and eventually videotaping them. Ryan has a huge following on his social media accounts and continues to be a

A client with a serious circulatory problem—a failed femoral-popliteal bypass, or “fem-pop” surgery—wants a massage while he’s waiting for his next procedure. There’s no data on massage and failed fem-pops at all. What can this massage therapist do? In this episode, we look at fem-pop surgeries and the reasons why a person might need it. Then, we take apart some of the variables that go into making decisions about massage therapy for this client. It’s a critical-thinking exercise with immediate repercussions for this client and his health and comfort.   This podcast sponsored by:       Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Color Up: www.colorupco.com      Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   About Color Up: Color Up makes 100% natural, cruelty free, and small batch hemp-derived CBD products intended to balance the mind, body, and spirit. “Color Up” describes our mission, our intention, and our values. It’s a symbol of health and wellness, a wa

Being a client makes you a better therapist. Besides the obvious self-care benefits, it heightens your awareness of good bodywork and the specifics that make or break a session. Listen as Cindy Williams puts on her professional educator hat and details moments from a challenging bodywork session where she was the client and her suggestions for improvement.   Cindy has spent the last 20 years in private practice, and as a school instructor, administrator, curriculum developer, and mentor. In 2010, she joined the ABMP Education Team as a school liaison, then continued her work as a content writer and facilitator for ABMP’s Instructors on the Front Lines program. She currently works as a freelance educational content writer. Combining her training in massage and polarity therapies with her extensive background as a yoga practitioner and instructor, she loves teaching how the body operates holistically and how each component of the individual must be addressed in order to create change. Cindy also writes the B

A contributor has an unusual question: how soon can I work with someone who recently donated a kidney? We have lots of information about massage therapy for people on dialysis, and known cautions for transplant recipients, but we don’t know much about how to help living donors. In this episode, we take a look at what it’s like to give up a kidney and what kinds of accommodations for massage that requires.   This podcast sponsored by:    Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com   Color Up: www.colorupco.com   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   About Color Up: Color Up makes 100% natural, cruelty free, and small batch hemp-derived CBD products intended to balance the mind, body, and spirit. “Color Up” describes our mission, our intention, and our values. It’s a symbol of health and wellness, a way to find balance and harmony, and a way to stay connected to Mother Earth and all her colorful offerings. All Color Up products aim to evoke the body’s natural ability to heal and balan

Doing the hard work has always been in Diana Thompson’s blood. From an early age, philanthropy and health-care inequities fueled her passions. Diana talks with us about the importance of charting and record keeping as critical steps in acting “like health-care providers,” the importance of participation in the client-therapist relationship, and resetting goals with clients to inform their long-term, committed therapeutic wellness path.     Diana has been a licensed massage therapist for over 35 years and has a private practice in Seattle treating acute and chronic pain disorders and specializing in postoperative care. Currently, Diana dedicates her time to her web-based documentation system Hands Heal Electronic Health Records, available online at www.handshealehr.com. She authored Integrative Pain Management: Massage, Movement, and Mindfulness-Based Practices and Hands Heal: Communication, Documentation and Insurance Billing for Manual Therapists. She’s written many articles for Massage & Bodyw

A client is seven months pregnant and has severe pain in both hands and wrists. Is it carpal tunnel? Can massage help? The answers are yes, maybe, AND—watch out for a significant risk.   This podcast sponsored by:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Color Up: www.colorupco.com   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   About Color Up: Color Up makes 100% natural, cruelty free, and small batch hemp-derived CBD products intended to balance the mind, body, and spirit. “Color Up” describes our mission, our intention, and our values. It’s a symbol of health and wellness, a way to find balance and harmony, and a way to stay connected to Mother Earth and all her colorful offerings. All Color Up products aim to evoke the body’s natural ability to heal and balance. Our process begins with the proper care and study of the cannabis plant, and extends to our therapists, chemists, and cultivators who work alongside one another to create these intentional, healing products. Color Up

Australian practitioner Elicia Crook tells us what it takes to rebook with success—and integrity and heart-centered-ness. She learned from working in a chiropractic office (where she met a retention ninja) and a spa (where she learned about retail sales) and then created a mashup in her business Massage Champions. Her business was the highest-price/session within 35 miles of her office and she had an 85% return rate. Her book Fully Booked Without Burnout informs our discussion.   Elicia Crook is a business coach and mentor for massage therapists, sharing the tactics she used to create her business success over 16 years. Elicia is a diploma qualified remedial massage therapist, and uses modalities such as Bowen and craniosacral therapy, and has a Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, which she used while teaching massage for several years. Through her career and business experience, Elicia discovered who she needed to be and what is required to run a deeply satisfying massage business. Now she takes

A client has frozen shoulder: a painful, limiting condition, and she is prescribed a powerful drug (methylprednisolone) to help manage it. When it is appropriate for massage to enter this situation?   Resources:   Buchbinder, R. et al. “Short Course Prednisolone for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder or Stiff Painful Shoulder): A Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial.” Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 63, no. 11.    Guler-Uysal F. and E. Kozanoglu. “Comparison of the Early Response to Two Methods of Rehabilitation in Adhesive Capsulitis.” Swiss Medical Weekly 134, no. 23–24 (2004): 353–58.    Jewell DV, DL Riddle and LR Thacker. “Interventions Associated with an Increased or Decreased Likelihood of Pain Reduction and Improved Function in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis: a Retrospective Cohort Study. Physical Therapy 89, no. 5 (2009): 419–29.     Roberts, Jefferson R. “What is the Role of Oral Corticoids in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (FSS) (Adhesive Cap

Massage & Bodywork columnist (Table Lessons) and MTF President Douglas Nelson discusses honoring the uniqueness of every therapeutic encounter and remaining open and curious to each client. We discuss the partnership between client and practitioner, outline strong leadership during the pandemic, and define the difference between excellence and art in the work.   Douglas Nelson is the founder and principal instructor for Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars; president of the 20-therapist clinic BodyWork Associates in Champaign, Illinois; and president of the Massage Therapy Foundation. His clinic, seminars, and research endeavors explore the science behind his work. For more information, visit www.pnmt.org and www.massagetherapyfoundation.org.   This episode sponsored by:   ExpertVoice   Resources:   “Connecting the Dots: A Key to Massage Integration in the Health-Care System,” by Douglas Nelson, Massage & Bodywork, January/February 2021, page 30,

A young client has had dizzy spells and neck pain with stiffness for three years. His doctor can’t find anything wrong, and—huzzah!—suggests massage therapy to help. What is the source of his vertigo? Can massage help?   Resources:   Cho, D. K. et al. “Myofascial Pain Syndrome in Patients with Cervical Vertigo.” Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 35, no 2: 243–49.   Krabak, B. J. et al. “Chronic Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Improvement in Dizziness and Pain with a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program. A Pilot Study.” Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 15, no 2 (2000): 83–7.   This podcast sponsored by:    Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com    Pain in the App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1473476636   Host:   Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com     Additional articles by Ruth Werner:     “COVID-19–Related Complications”    “Lipedema: the Skinny on Painful Fat,”    “Skipping a Beat: Cardiac Arrhythmias,

Dr. Ben Benjamin offers his inspirational path toward massage therapy and beyond—a career driven by his consistent curiosity. From his early dance career, Benjamin became curious about the healing power of touch when working with a local manual therapist. This led to him developing his own techniques and opening practices in New York City and San Francisco. From there, Benjamin opened his own massage therapy school, emphasizing the same one-on-one supervision he was privy to in his training. Today, Benjamin’s work includes communication skills and boundaries, combined in his influential book The Ethics of Touch, and occasionally serving as an expert witness in cases of client and practitioner impropriety.    This episode sponsored by Pain in the App.   Ben Benjamin, PhD in sports medicine, has been practicing massage since 1963 and has been nationally recognized for his contributions to massage therapy, receiving an induction into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2010. With his years of experience a

In this episode, I explore a condition that is completely new to me, and you get to come along for the ride. A long-time client shows signs of some complicated neurological problems. Is it Parkinson’s? Is it hydrocephalus? Why not both?   Resources:   National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Information Page. Accessed January 2021.   Schneck, Michael J., “How is Parkinson’s Disease Differentiated from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)?” Last modified October 19, 2018. Accessed January 2021.   Williams, Michael A. and Malm, Jan. “Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.” Continuum 22, no. 2 (2016): 579–99.    Diagram showing a brain shunt

Author, educator, and spa owner Terrance Bonner joins the podcast to discuss his challenging road to become a bodyworker, his esthetics training that deepens his skill set, and his new book for aspiring entrepreneurs. His passion and commitment to practice massage in the face of life’s obstacles is an inspirational lesson for all practitioners.   This episode sponsored by ExpertVoice   Guest bio: Terrance Bonner is a massage therapist and esthetician practicing in Columbus, Mississippi. He is a Mississippi-approved continuing education provider for both massage and esthetics and is a licensed massage therapy instructor. He is the owner of The Glam Station and Spa and author of the recent book Determination + CORE Values = Success: A Business-Building Guidebook for New Wellness Entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.theglamstationspa.com.   Resource: Determination + CORE Values = Success: A Business-Building Guidebook for New Wellness Entrepreneurs

Today we take a deep dive . . . into the ear. We look at a client who had a sinus infection with lingering ear stuffiness. Magically, it resolved with massage! The MT naturally wants to know, “What happened? And can I make it happen again?”   Resources   Hayes, Kristin. “What Causes the Accumulation of Fluid in the Ear?” Verywell Health. Last modified November 2019. Accessed January 2021.   Hoffman, Matthew. “Picture of the Ear.” WebMD. Accessed January 2021.   Llewellyn, A. et al. (2014). “Interventions for Adult Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Dystematic Review.” Health Technology Assessment 18, no. 46. Accessed January 2021.   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Host:   Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com     Additional articles by Ruth Werner:   “COVID-19–Related Complications”

We close out our three-pod series with a Top 5 list of things to do for a great start to 2021. From looking at everything you do with fresh eyes, to the Pomodoro Technique, to our favorite podcasts, listen as we come up with ideas to support professional and personal self-improvement in the new year.   Darren Buford is editor-in-chief of Massage & Bodywork magazine and senior director of communications for ABMP.   Kristin Coverly is director of professional development for ABMP and a licensed massage therapist.   Colin Kelliher is audio producer for ABMP.   Top 5 Tips Review and re-do The Pomodoro Technique Learn something new Networking Colin’s favorite podcasts   Resources: Find Pomodoro examples at www.tomato-timer.com and www.pomofocus.io or on the Apple Watch.   Colin’s favorite podcasts: The $100 MBA, “Should You Set Goals for 2021?”  Super Soul Conversations, “Intention,”

Join us for the second episode of our three-podcast series to set you up for success in the new year. Today we focus on skills to evaluate and reshape your practice. Learn a two-step process that will have you looking at your business—and life—in a new way and give you the tools and inspiration to improve them!   This episode sponsored by:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com   Host bio:   Kristin Coverly is a licensed massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education for ABMP.

This week begins a three-podcast push for practice improvements in the new year. We start with improving your written and speaking skills. Why? Because communicating well is a sign of respect for your audience and saying that you take what you do seriously. From emails to your service menu, from public presentations to your elevator pitch, how you write and speak is a reflection of your practice and your brand. Nine writing tips and three verbal tips follow!   This episode sponsored by   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com   Host bio:   Darren Buford is editor-in-chief of Massage & Bodywork magazine and senior director of communications for ABMP.   Recap   Written: Have an editing buddy. Write like you speak. Buy Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style Listen to Grammar Girl  Buy a dictionary Kill your darlings. Do not plagiarize! Read great stuff: The New Yorker Garden and Gun The Atlantic Harvard Business Review Journal.   Verbal: Listen more

Thanks to our 2020 listeners! You’ve made this a special year to remember. We’ll strive to continue to bring you fresh and engaging content and interviews throughout the coming year. And we’re excited to announce that we’ll soon be bringing Meditate & Move from Facebook to The ABMP Podcast Network. More info to come soon!   2020 Sponsors:   We’d like to thank our 2020 sponsors:   Oakworks   Anatomy Trains   Books of Discovery   Yomassage   Hosts’ info:   Darren Buford is editor-in-chief of Massage & Bodywork magazine and senior director of communications for ABMP. Contact him at [email protected].   Kristin Coverly, LMT, is director of profession education for ABMP. Contact her at [email protected].

A massage therapist gets an early lesson on who is ultimately responsible for making decisions about client safety—hint, it is not always the doctor or the client! Sometimes our clinical decisions should be out of alignment with our client’s health-care providers. We need to analyze how to make these decisions and how to communicate with health-care teams for information and collaboration—not for permission.   This podcast sponsored by:    Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains    Oakworks   Host:     Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com     Additional articles by Ruth Werner:   “COVID-19–Related Complications”   “Lipedema: the Skinny on Painful Fat,”   “Skipping a Beat: Cardiac Arrhythmias,”

The Reeds of Living Metta join us to talk about their journey toward self-care, living loving kindness, the power of Thailand, and the draw of Arizona’s healing powers. Find out how to claim more passion and power from your sessions, how to move from guarding to growing, and how to undo mental stress with doable daily self-care. Breathe, move, focus—the Reeds’ keys to healthy well-being.   Heath and Nicole Reed are co-founders of Living Metta and want everyone in the world to enjoy the experience of befriending their body. The Reeds lead workshops and retreats across the country and overseas and have been team-teaching touch and movement therapy for 16 years. In addition to live classes, the Reeds offer massage therapy and self-care videos, DVDs, and online trainings, which may be found at www.livingmetta.com.    Sponsor:   This episode sponsored by Oakworks and Anatomy Trains   Guest info:   Heath and Nicole Reed: https://livingmetta.com

A client training for a big event takes a fall and bruises his thigh. Now he wonders if foam rolling would help, and he has also convinced himself it’s a serious condition: compartment syndrome. He wants advice from his favorite provider. What’s a massage therapist/personal trainer to do?   Reference:   Dubois, B. and J.F. Esculier. “Soft-Tissue Injuries Simply Need PEACE and LOVE.” British Journal of Sports Medicine 54, no. 2 (2020): 72–3. Accessed December 2020.   First two days or so:   P: Protection E: Elevation A: Avoid anti-inflammatories C: Compression E: Education   &   After first two days:   L: Load O: Optimism V: Vascularization E: Exercise   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains    Oakworks    Host:    Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com     Additional articles by Ruth Werner:     “COVID-19–Related Complications”   “Skipping a Beat: Cardiac Arrhythmias,”

Author and educator Laura Allen joins us to discuss her massage path and specialization in ethics and business education. From her partnership with her mentor Nina McIntosh to her Massage & Bodywork magazine column, Laura discusses overcoming ethical dilemmas, therapist boundaries, and policy and procedure creation.   Laura has been a licensed massage therapist since 1999 and a provider of continuing education since 2000. She is the author of numerous books and articles, including the fifth edition of The Educated Heart and One Year to a Successful Massage Therapy Practice. Laura is a 2011 inductee into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame and was named American Massage Therapist of the Year at the 2011 American Massage Conference. Laura is currently the president of sales and marketing at CryoDerm, a family-owned company that makes plant-based pain relief and therapeutic massage products. Find out more about Laura at www.lauraallenmt.com.   Sponsor:   This episode sponsored by Oakworks and Anatomy Trains   G

A myofascial massage therapist develops a work-related injury. No one warned us about this one! In an effort to save his thumbs and wrists, he developed bursitis on his elbow. Listen for what he did to deal with it and preserve his career.   Resources:   “Olecranon Bursitis: The Knobbly Elbow.” Accessed December 2020.   Physiopedia. “Olecranon Bursitis.” Accessed December 2020.   This podcast sponsored by:    Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com    Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     Oakworks: www.oakworks.com     Host:     Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com     Additional articles by Ruth Werner:     “COVID-19–Related Complications”    “Skipping a Beat: Cardiac Arrhythmias,”

Shana Chivon is a reiki practitioner and educator and author on anti-racism and decolonization in health care. Listen as we learn about Shana’s Chakra RX approach to her practice and her passion for ensuring healing and wellness are accessible to everyone. Shana introduces listeners to the concept of decolonization and the power of applying a lens of inclusivity into everything we do, including representation in health, wellness, and self-care, and building trust among communities.    Shana Chivon is a passionate change agent who carries a mandate for liberation, a heart for progress, and a desire to disrupt the status quo. She is a veteran of the United States Air Force where she worked as a maintainer on the KC-135 Tanker at McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas. Currently, Shana works as an IT leader for a Wichita-based private company. In addition to her day job, she runs a successful consulting practice where she provides diversity, inclusion, and equity training. She works to provide education, resources

A competitive barrel racer has multiple back surgeries for scoliosis. She has spinal fusions and Harrington rods that stabilize and immobilize her spine from her sacrum all the way up to T2. With her massage therapist’s help, she makes a big discovery about her function. Human bodies are amazing!   Resources:   Brooks, W. J., Krupinski, E. A., and Hawes, M. C. (2009). “Reversal of Childhood Idiopathic Ccoliosis in an Adult, Without Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review.” Scoliosis 4, no. 27 (2009).    Dalton, Erik. “Scoliosis and Massage Therapy.” Accessed December 2020.   LeBauer, A., Brtalik, R., and Stowe, K. (2008). “The Effect of Myofascial Release (MFR) on an Adult with Idiopathic Scoliosis.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 12, no. 44, 356–63.   Luchau, Til and Whitney Lowe. “Scoliosis and Manual Therapy.” The Thinking Practitioner. Accessed December 2020.   “Scoliosis.” n.d. Accessed December 2020.    This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery: 

How have things changed from April, since we last spoke with Nathan? Were Hand & Stone Spa policies and procedures successful in reopening? What has MT and client response been like? Listen in as we check in and find out about spa sanitation, volume, and preparedness regarding COVID case increase nationwide.   Nathan Nordstrom became a massage therapist in 2001. He is licensed in several states and is a board-certified massage therapist. He has taught massage therapists since 2004 and is a nationally recognized continuing education provider. As a massage therapist, he has worked in many settings over the years. He teaches classes in the application of ethics in daily life and advanced anatomy classes for massage therapists. He has served as a leader in many ways in the massage industry, and he is now the director of massage therapy for Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.    Sponsor:   This episode sponsored by Oakworks and Anatomy Trains   For more information:   Hand & Stone: www.handandstone.com

Can a client with extensive scarring from multiple surgeries for breast cancer have improved pain and range of motion with just a few sessions? It seems implausible, but it happens more than you’d think.   Helpful resources:   Dynamic angular petrissage on YouTube    Massage Therapy Without Borders   Scar Tissue Management CE Course   Traumatic Scar Tissue Management   Notes:   Franchelli, S. et al. (2012). “Breast Implant Infections after Surgical Reconstruction in Patients with Breast Cancer: Assessment of Risk Factors and Pathogens over Extended Post-Operative Observation.” Surgical Infections 13, no. 33 (2012): 154–58.    Lewis, P. A., & Cunningham, J. E. (2016). “Dynamic Angular Petrissage as Treatment for Axillary Web Syndrome Occurring after Surgery for Breast Cancer: A Case Report.” International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork 9, no. 2 (2016): 28–37.   Sinha, I. et al. (2017). “Late Surgical Site Infection in Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.” Plast

On the heels of the encouraging information from the past two weeks, and information about Pfizer’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines and their effectiveness, we wanted to check in with our good friend Ruth Werner to get her opinion. We discuss the current vaccines in production and the new technology used behind their speedy creation. We also dive into several things we still don’t know, including long-term effectiveness, virus mutation, and those populations who still haven’t been included in the Phase 3 testing, including children, those over 85 years of age, and pregnant women. Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, is a columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine, and the podcast host of I Have a Client Who … on the ABMP Podcast Network.   Sponsor:   This episode sponsored by Oakworks and Anatomy Trains    For more information:   Ruth Werner   The ABMP Podcast Network

In this episode, I revisit a previous podcast with a surprising outcome, I share a story-within-a-story, and I say some things that are sometimes hard to hear. This I Have a Client Who has surprises, uncomfortable truths, and a wish for my very own massage therapy super-power: ultrasound ears.   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains   Oakworks   Host:   Ruth Werner   Additional articles by Ruth Werner:   “COVID-19–Related Complications”   “Skipping a Beat: Cardiac Arrhythmias,”

Bridging the worlds of manual and movement therapies can be a boon to both practitioner and client. Join us to hear Dr. Joe Muscolino break down his cover feature in the latest Massage & Bodywork magazine. Dr. Muscolino was encouraged by this topic after visiting Singapore on a teaching and education trip several years ago. There, he noticed the majority of his class consisted of fitness trainers rather than manual therapists. Listen in to discover how combining the strengthening of muscles with soft-tissue manipulation can perhaps create the best of both worlds.   Dr. Joe Muscolino has been a manual and movement therapy educator for more than 30 years. He is the author of The Muscular System Manual; The Muscle and Bone Palpation Manual with Trigger Points, Referral Patterns, and Stretching; and Kinesiology. He teaches continuing education workshops around the world, including a certification in Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy, and has created LearnMuscles Continuing Education, a video streaming subscript

An adult client has Tourette’s syndrome with tics that include various jumps and vocalizations. Her massage therapist notices a surprising change with supine neck work and a traditional craniosacral hold. What is Tourette’s syndrome? What are tics? And why might massage therapy have any kind of influence here? This is a mystery that deserves some attention.   Helpful resources:   Kenney, C. et al. “Tourette’s Syndrome.” American Family Physician 77, no. 5 (2008): 651–58.   Kompoliti, K. et al. “Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome.” Movement Disorders: Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society 24, no. 13 (2009): 2015–19.   Pringsheim, T., et al. (2007). “Tourette Syndrome and Dystonia.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 78, no. 5 (2007): 544.   Robertson, William C. “Tourette Syndrome and Other Tic Disorders: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology.” Last updated May 30, 2019. Accessed November 2020.   

Alex Caspero joins the podcast to discuss her love of healthy food and how that spurred her to become a registered dietician. Alex tells us about how to become better food planners, how to batch cook, and how making one small change in your diet a day can have a profound effect in the long-term. We discuss boredom eating, maintaining a healthy diet during a pandemic, her take on a variety of diets (keto, periodic fasting, etc.), and how to encourage your children to become healthy eaters too.     Alex Caspero is a St. Louis-based registered dietician, specializing in plant-based diets, weight management, and sports nutrition. Her blog Delish Knowledge focuses on simple, healthy recipes. Alex is the author of Fresh Italian Cooking for the New Generation. For more info, visit www.delishknoweledge.com.     This episode sponsored by:   Anatomy Trains   Oakworks   For more information:   “The Skinny on Dieting,” by Alex Caspero, ASCP Skin Deep, September/October 2020, page 27,

A pregnant client vomits and loses consciousness in the middle of a massage. The therapist shows remarkable presence of mind and everything worked out fine—but what on earth happened? Would it have been possible to predict such a thing?   We call out the big guns for this one: Carole Osborne, author of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy, a Comprehensive guide to Prenatal, Labor, and Postpartum Practice, took some time to talk me through this so I could bring some true expertise to this discussion.   Links:   For more information about Carole Osborne   “Breathing, Positioning & Blood Clots: Doing No Harm with Prenatal and Postpartum Massage Therapy During the Coronavirus Pandemic,” by Carole Osborne, Massage & Bodywork magazine, September/October 2020, page 54,   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains   Host:   Ruth Werner   Additional articles by Ruth Werner:   “COVID-19–Related Complications”    “Skipping a Beat: Cardiac Arrhythmias,”

Massage therapists have the tools clients need, and human touch is the outlet for our anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Erik takes us through valuable research, then guides us on how to down-regulate the stress response. From what to look for when clients enter your practice; to making them feel comfortable; to your communication, eye contact, and first strokes, Erik lets us in to his insights garnered over many years of bodywork practice. Learn about the Ida Rolf blanket tuck and the 50/70 rule.   Sponsor:   This episode sponsored by Anatomy Trains   Guest:   Erik is the executive director of the Freedom from Pain Institute. Educated in massage, osteopathy, and Rolfing, he has maintained a practice in Oklahoma City for more than three decades. Erik is also a columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find his work each issue in the Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques column. For more information, visit erikdalton.com     For more information:   “Rethinking the Body’s Stress Response,” Er

A massage therapist has an opinion about when to work after a client’s flu shot. Her colleague has a different opinion. Who is right, and based on what data? Join me for a discussion of flu shots, appropriate delays (or not) for massage therapy, and intriguing possibilities for future research.   Links:   Berbari, G. (n.d.). “Experts Say There Might Be A Hidden Benefit To Hitting The Gym Right After Your Flu Shot. Elite Daily. Accessed October 23, 2020.   “Flu Shots Boosted by Exercise. (n.d.). The University of Sydney. Accessed October 23, 2020.   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains    Host:   Ruth Werner   Additional articles by Ruth Werner:   “COVID-19–Related Complications”    “Skipping a Beat: Cardiac Arrhythmias,”

What’s the difference between petting our dogs and cats vs. offering them pet massage? Northwest School of Animal Massage founder Lola Michelin joins the podcast to discuss hands-on skills for working with animals, training, and contraindications. We also dip into communication strategies with our four-legged friends, as well as safety protocols. We finish by talking about marketing these services and what to charge.   Sponsor:   This episode sponsored by Anatomy Trains   Guest:   Lola Michelin founded the Northwest School of Animal Massage in 2001. She has practiced animal massage for over 30 years and massage for people for 17 of those years. A graduate of the animal science program at Michigan State University, she has work experience in both the veterinarian and zoological fields. For more information, visit Northwest School of Animal Massage.

Two clients. Two left legs that are swollen and hot. Two surprising outcomes. We explore deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism, and even take a quick peek at aortic aneurysm. Lots of long words in this one, and lots of opinions from me.   Links:   Sefton, J. M., Yarar, C., Berry, J. W., and Pascoe, D. D. (2010). “Therapeutic Massage of the Neck and Shoulders Produces Changes in Peripheral Blood Flow When Assessed with Dynamic Infrared Thermography.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 16, no. 7, 723–32.    Shoemaker, J. K., Tiidus, P. M., and Mader, R. (1997). “Failure of Manual Massage to Alter Limb Blood Flow: Measures by Doppler Ultrasound.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29, no. 5, 610–14.    Werner, Ruth. “‘Low Risk’ Does Not Equal ‘No Risk’”: An Overview of Reports of Adverse Events.” Massage & Bodywork magazine, May/June 2020.   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains

Angie Parris-Raney is Chopra Center Certified in meditation and ayurvedic lifestyle. She joins the podcast to give us a brief introduction to ayurveda and the science of conscious-based living. Angie discusses the value of a daily meditation practice, gives tips for surviving in the digital age, offers suggestions for daily self-massage, and provides ideas for eating to support a healthy immune system. Most importantly, Angie encourages us to laugh each day, saying that a sense of humor is good medicine.   Sponsor:   This episode sponsored by Anatomy Trains   Guest Bios: Angie Parris-Raney is a licensed massage therapist and is the advertising director for ABMP. Angie is Chopra Center Certified in meditation and ayurveda lifestyle. Her training explores physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. You can also see Angie in ABMP’s Meditate & Move series that runs every Wednesday on Facebook. Angie is also the founder of the nonprofit Project Inti, an organization that provides aid to low income Peru

Allissa Haines and Michael Reynolds join the podcast to discuss the wake-up call that the pandemic served. COVID magnified what MTs were doing well or poorly pre-shutdowns. Did you have your earnings in order? Did you reach out and get the resources that were available? Did you treat your business like a business? Find your weaknesses and hone them in preparation for 2021 and beyond.   Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Anatomy Trains   Guest Bios: Allissa Haines and Michael Reynolds make up the wonder duo behind Massage Business Blueprint. Allissa is a practicing massage therapist of 15 years and self-described Director of Shenanigans at Massage Business Blueprint. Michael is a former massage therapist, financial advisor and tech entrepreneur, and self-described Director of Nerdy Things at Massage Business Blueprint. Both happen to be authors for Massage & Bodywork magazine and are columnists of the Blueprint for Success column. For more info about them, please visit Massage Business Blueprint. For more

We’re living in unprecedented times. Anne Williams joins us to explain how essential oils can help keep us supported. Whether using them for stimulation or sedation or focus or memory, Anne guides listeners through the science and history of many essential oils, including her four favorite for right now.   Sponsor:   This episode sponsored by Anatomy Trains   Guest Bio:   Anne Williams is the director of education and cofounder with Eric Brown of Massage Mastery Online, specializing in digital textbooks for 21st century massage therapists. Anne has been a licensed massage practitioner for 23 years, and is a former esthetician, certified reflexologist, clinical hypnotherapist, former registered counselor, aromatherapist, spa consultant, author, and educator. She is the former director of education for Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), former director of education for Ashmead College, and has served on the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards’ (FSMTB) test writing committee, serv

Bunions? Calcifications? Does it make a difference? A massage therapist isn’t sure what’s going on with her client’s foot and wants to know if it even matters. We will unpeel the layers of this situation to revisit bunions, Wolff’s law, osteoarthritis, and more. Come explore this gynglimoarthrodial joint with me—and no, I didn’t make up that word!   Resources:   Injuries to the Great Toe   Bunion Progression Scale   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery    Anatomy Trains   Host:   Ruth Werner   “COVID-19–Related Complications”

Yomassage co-founders Katherine and Tiffany discuss the formation of their unique offering, what occurs during a session, and the growth of their “Yo-mi” community. Blending touch, stretch, and breath, Yomassage aims to increase the growth of massage through healthy, clothed touch, while also increasing bodyworkers’ per-session income and career longevity.   This episode sponsored by   Anatomy Trains   Guests bios:   Katherine Parker is a graduate from the University of Texas with a degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern studies, a former yoga studio owner, and cofounder of Yomassage. Tiffany Ryan has a PhD in social work, is a massage therapist, and is cofounder of Yomassage.   For more info:   “Yomassage: Combining Yoga, Massage, and Mindfulness for a Healthy Practice,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, March/April 2019, page 58

A massage therapist is in a rather severe bike accident, being hit by a vehicle—on purpose. In addition to his other injuries, he develops a sudden onset of episodes of skin lesions and severe joint pain that persists to this day. What in the world is going on here, and what can he do about it? This is an inspiring story of remarkable resilience.   General information on psoriatic arthritis:   psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis/ healthline.com/health/psoriatic-arthritis   Video:   youtube.com/watch?v=M-E-aXxxRaA&t=22s   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains    Host:   Ruth Werner   “COVID-19–Related Complications”

Allison Denney, The Rebel MT, joins the podcast to give us insight into what it means to be a rebel. From starting her wildly popular YouTube channel, to creating her own products, to building a brand, Allison lives up to the “believe in yourself” mantra. Her mission is to give MTs the tools to create their own paths and have the power to speak their voices.   This episode sponsored by   Anatomy Trains   Guest bio:   Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at RebelMassage.com.   Read Allison’s columns in Massage & Bodywork magazine:

A client has chronic low-back pain, headaches, migraines, and a history of some serious surgeries. We take a close look at one of them: spinal fusion at L4-L5. What is this massage therapist doing now? What might he do in the future? It turns out there are a lot of options!   Case study of a client with a spinal fusion:   Keller, G. (2012). “The Effects of Massage Therapy after Decompression and Fusion Surgery of the Lumbar Spine: A Case Study.” International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 5, no. 4, 3–8.    Information on spinal fusion procedures:   General information https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion/ https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spinal-fusion/lumbar-spinal-fusion-surgery   Video spine-health.com/video/spine-fusion-surgery-video   Selected research on massage therapy and scar tissue:   Ault, P., Plaza, A., and Paratz, J. (2018). “Scar Massage for Hypertrophic Burns Scarring—A Systematic Review.” Burns: Journal of the International Society f

Tom Myers joins the podcast to chat about his bodywork background, extending the longevity of your bodywork career (“pay attention!”), kicking clients out of your practice (seriously), remaining invigorated, the value of dissection labs, and working with the originals.   This episode sponsored by:   Anatomy Trains   Guest bio:   Tom Myers directs Anatomy Trains, which offers certification in structural integration in the United States, Australia, and Europe, as well as short courses in manual therapy and functional anatomy worldwide. Tom is the author of Anatomy Trains and co-author of Fascial Release for Structural Balance. The Anatomy Trains myofascial meridians, which connect the muscles through the fascial fabric, is increasingly employed in a wide variety of rehabilitation and performance enhancement modalities. Tom studied directly with Ida Rolf and Moshe Feldenkrais, as well as Buckminster Fuller, movement luminaries, and European osteopaths. He has practiced structural integration fo

In this episode, a client has lipedema—a painful condition with enlarged fat cells that won’t ever shrink or go away by themselves, and it’s probably going to get worse. It turns out that massage therapy could be helpful with the right kind of education and background. Fortunately, we found a great resource!   Lipedema resources:   Kathleen Lisson, Certified Lymphedema Therapist    Lipedema Treatment Guide   General information:   Understanding Fibrosis in Lipedema: Inflamed Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT), and Nodules   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains    Host:   Ruth Werner   “COVID-19–Related Complications”

Eric Stephenson takes us inside Elements Massage weathering the pandemic. From establishing new protocols to examining client interaction, Elements Massage’s safety committee worked to build safety standards, client reassurance, and personal connection in a time of isolation. The result: with more than 450,000 massages given in their 250 clinics since May 1, Elements Massage has a .01% COVID-19 positive connection rate with their studios, and zero outbreaks at any studio to date. Eric also discusses his life mission of increasing MT career longevity in the profession and provides some silver-lining optimism for the future of bodywork.   This episode sponsored by:   Anatomy Trains   Guest bio:   Eric Stephenson is a 20-year massage veteran and Chief Wellness Officer for Elements Massage, a 250-unit franchise system headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Eric is also Co-Founder of imassage, Inc. in Delray Beach, Florida, an education and consulting company dedicated to extending the careers of massage therapi

This episode tells the story of a client who is approaching the end of her life. Cancer metastasis to her brain has led to some language difficulties. We will talk a bit about oncology massage therapy, palliative care, Cyberknife surgery, and cerebral shunts. But the main lesson here is about patience and presence with people who have some communication challenges.   Links:   For more on CyberKnife technology   For more on cerebral shunts   Diagram showing a brain shunt   For more on education about massage for cancer patients:   Society for Oncology Massage   Tracy Walton & Associates   Healwell   For more on education about massage therapy in hospice care:   Healwell   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains   Host: Ruth Werner: www.ruthwerner.com

Send your future questions to [email protected].   The podcast sponsored by:   Anatomy Trains   Guests:   Eric Stephenson is a 20-year massage veteran and Chief Wellness Officer for Elements Massage. Eric is also Co-Founder of imassage, Inc., an education and consulting company dedicated to extending the careers of massage therapists and spa practitioners through customized continuing education focusing on preventing injury and workers’ compensation claims. In 2014, Eric joined the Board of Directors of the International Spa Association.    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column.    Laura Embleton is Director of Government Relations for ABMP.     Debbie Higdon is Risk Management/Special Services

In this episode, a client might be disappointed. A therapist is very concerned. And we don’t know what will happen next. When a “pinched nerve” that has been quiet for six months suddenly creates symptoms in the middle of a massage, what’s a therapist to do? We will talk about what could be going on here (including some fascinating things about nerve-generated pain), and what the best next steps could be.   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains   Host:   Ruth Werner

Recent events have turned our world upside down. Our routines have been altered, our freedoms have been compromised, and fear of harm is at an all-time high. It’s natural to feel powerful emotions like stress, sadness, and grief in times like these. In this episode, author and instructor Cindy Williams, LMT, talks about what happens when these emotions become too powerful or uncomfortable to manage and get buried beneath the surface. Williams discusses the outward—and hidden—signs and symptoms of suffering, and the unique opportunity massage therapists and bodyworkers have to assist their clients in becoming conscious of the emotions stored in the tissues of their body so that they can be released. Williams also shares phrases to use to help clients become more in tune with what they may be feeling in order to take the client out of the narrative in their head and connect the experience to a sensation in their body, so they can stop thinking and start feeling.       This episode is

Guess the pathology: an egg-sized lump in the groin. In this episode of “I Have a Client Who …” a massage therapist describes a client who comes in asking for groin work—to help with a “knot.”     What on earth is going on?    It turns out to be simple, but way, way outside our scope of practice—to label, or to treat.     Inguinal hernias are common injuries in men, because the passage of the spermatic cord into the abdomen creates a structural weak spot at the inguinal ring. When that spot gets stressed and stretched, loops of the small intestine can bulge through. This can be a minor issue, or it can become serious very quickly—and the only permanent solution is surgery.     This episode is sponsored by:   Anatomy Trains   Host:    Ruth Werner    ABMP Pocket Pathology: “Hernia”

Everyone is selling something, massage therapists and bodyworkers included. It’s all about how you sell what you’re selling. What MTs and bodyworkers are really selling is an hour of their complete, undivided attention and caring. But what happens when the client is “right,” but factually wrong? Cal Cates and Kerry Jordan of Healwell have some thoughts about the difference between the validity of a client’s experience and what the therapist knows to be scientifically and mechanically sound. Cal and Kerry talk about why it’s important for MTs to stay present throughout a session to remain attentive and curious so clients feel heard. Part of that means educating massage therapists how to hear what the client is conveying in a way that validates what the client feels—even if it’s factually incorrect—and how to still perform work that is scientifically and mechanically accurate without having to “set the client straight.”     Cal and Kerry also give their thoughts on how to neg

A man has a stroke at age 35. He fully recovers, but is put on a lifelong prescription of anticoagulants. What is going on, and will he ever be able to receive the deep massage he wants?   In this episode of “I Have a Client Who …” we look at a common anomaly called patent foramen ovale. We discuss its connection to cryptogenic stroke (and we even dive into migraine for a hot second). Finally, we talk about some variables that inform the safety of massage therapy for clients taking anticoagulant drugs.    Links:    YouTube animation of PFO repair    YouTube animation of PFO repair    From the Cardiovascular Research Foundation: Complete PFO Closure May be Key for Migraine Reduction    From the American Headache Society: PFO Closure for Migraine Prevention    From Stroke: “Frequency of Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke”  “And Now for Something Completely Different: Patent Foramen Ovale,” Massage & Body

Zeel Co-Founder Alison Harmelin and Zeel Senior Director of Public Health and Workplace Safety Amir Hemmat discuss the current state of PPE for massage therapists, including how to prioritize which products to use and which partners to trust, how to plan ahead so you’re not caught unprepared in your practice, and what steps Zeel is taking to ensure the safety of their therapists and clients.      This episode is sponsored by:   Anatomy Trains   Links:    Zeel     How to test PPE (blog post)     How Zeel is keeping its community safe while delivering in-home services (blog post)

A client who was recently in a motor vehicle accident was “cleared for massage” by her primary care provider. But it turns out she had no X-rays and that hid the fact that she sustained a fracture to her sternum. What is the responsibility of the massage therapist when a client has been “cleared for massage”? Ruth has some thoughts.   Interesting links:   Despite deaths, injuries and recalls, air bags still save lives   Risk of thoracic injury from direct steering wheel impact in frontal crashes   Causes and risk factors of a broken sternum   Sternal Fracture   Breastbone Fracture - Sternal Fracture   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Anatomy Trains   Host:   Ruth Werner

Author and educator Cathy Ryan joins the pod to discuss her love of fascia and how her work has been informed and changed by research over her 30-year career. We discuss Cathy’s approach to working with scar tissue, deep dive into the wound-healing process, and talk about the possibility of facilitating change in both mature scars and those soon after insult.    This episode sponsored by:   Yomassage   Anatomy Trains   Guest   For more information about Cathy Ryan:   Massage Therapy Without Borders podcast   From Massage & Bodywork magazine: “Scar Tissue: Not Breakable, But Changeable,”   From the ABMP CE Center: “Scar Tissue Management,”

An older long-time client is on the table, midway through her massage. When the MT undrapes her leg, she finds a string of red blisters from the client’s buttock down the leg. “Oh, yeah, it’s kind of itchy,” says the client. In this episode, we talk about undiagnosed skin lesions, and how carefully we need to talk about them. Then, we take a deeper dive into shingles: what causes it, what the risks are, and whether massage therapists might catch it from clients. It’s a juicy one!   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Yomassage   Anatomy Trains    Host:   Ruth Werner

Is it possible that mouth breathing has contributed to, and exacerbated, numerous health conditions? New York Times bestselling author James Nestor wants to convert you into a nose breather. He spent years in laboratories and ancient burial sites, working with researchers at Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, and other institutions to figure out what went wrong with our breathing—and how to fix it.  This episode sponsored by:    Yomassage   Anatomy Trains   Guest:     James Nestor   FAQs and breathing advice   Breathing videos

A client complaining of seemingly uncomplicated shoulder pain has a very complicated issue indeed—the wrong choices here could have led to very serious repercussions. Pathology educator Ruth Werner shares one of her own “I Have a Client Who …” stories involving a neighbor, her garden, and her mysterious, stubborn shoulder pain—that turned out not to be shoulder pain.   Are you interested in referred pain? Here are a couple of short, fun videos:   Referred Paid:  Gallbladder | Anatomy Slices   Abdominal Dermatomes and Referred Paid   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery   Yomassage   Anatomy Trains   Host:   Ruth Werner

The sacrum is held with a reverence because of its energetic, structural, and nervous system significance. Working to create positive change in this area can help balance your clients. Listen as Massage & Bodywork columnist Cindy Williams equips MTs with the information needed to foster a safe working environment for both MTs and clients, removing fears of working in this area.   This episode sponsored by:   Yomassage   Anatomy Trains   “The Sacred Sacrum, Part 1”   “The Sacred Sacrum, Part 2”

A beloved long-time client is already affected by heart disease and diabetes. Now his hands have begun shaking too. Is there a safe way to help him, given his medical history? In this episode, pathology educator Ruth Werner addresses the complex overlap of conditions that this client lives with, with special attention to his latest challenge: essential tremor, a common, sometimes debilitating problem that is poorly understood and difficult to treat. How do we balance all the variables in this situation to offer safe, effective massage? What kinds of work might be most helpful? What, if anything, does the research say? You might be surprised.   Case report: Riou, N. “Massage Therapy for Essential Tremor: Quieting the Mind.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 17, no. 4 (2013): 488–94. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.03.007   This podcast sponsored by:   Books of Discovery    Yomassage    Anatomy Trains    Host:   Ruth Werner

How do emotions affect our biology? What determines how we interpret an experience? How do we navigate a heated exchange? How can understanding emotional intelligence help us? Listen as we wrap up our three-part mini-series on communication skills with Angie Parris-Raney, a 20-year MT who also has certification in Chopra Center meditation. Conscious communication means stopping during an altercation, taking deep breaths, observing from innocence, and proceeding with compassion.   This episode sponsored by:   Yomassage   Anatomy Trains   Guest website:   Angie Parris-Raney

A client recovering from a stroke seems to have given up on getting any better. His massage therapist would like to help, but what can they do? Pathology educator Ruth Werner dives into an "I have a client who ..." story with a description of stroke, how it affects function, and the role of massage therapy in this context. This is a complicated situation that also involves ethical boundaries, communication skills, and some ideas for options that manual therapists might pursue for their clients with this central nervous system injury. Additional resources you might be interested in:   Durai Pandian, J., Toor, G., Arora, R., Kaur, P., Dheeraj, K. V., Singh Bhullar, R., & Sylaja, P. N. (2012). Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments Among Stroke Patients in India. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 19(5), 384–394.    Sibbritt, D., van der Riet, P., Dedkhard, S., & Srithong, K. (2012). Rehabilitation of stroke patients using traditional Thai massage, herbal treatments and physical therapies. Zhong X

Organization, communication, and trust are the three pillars Nancy Saunders’s bodywork practice, and important skills she establishes when educating new professionals at the Boulder Massage Therapy Institute in Colorado. From the basics of connecting often with clients to the physical appearance of your space—especially during COVID-19—Nancy reminds us of the importance of setting and holding yourself to high standards and meeting clients where they are—after all, it’s their session.   This episode sponsored by:   Yomassage   Anatomy Trains   Guest website:   Nancy Saunders

What does successful client communication look like? It involves active listening, foregoing judgment and assumptions, and clear direction. University of Denver assistant teaching professor Dr. Kerry Mitchell guides listeners on being present for your clients during COVID-19, “selling the why” during difficult conversations, and being aware of verbal triggers.   The episode is sponsored by:   Yomassage   Anatomy Trains

Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau discuss “emergency remote learning” during the pandemic and how instructors have had to adjust quickly and get creative with their approaches to teaching. Lowe and Luchau talk about balancing hands-on components with computer learning, maintaining quality education online, keeping learners engaged, and what the future might hold.     This episode sponsored by:   Anatomy Trains    Yomassage   Guest websites:   Til Luchau   Whitney Lowe

Host Darren Buford checks in briefly with pathology expert Ruth Werner on recent WHO statements regarding asymptomatic spread of COVID-19, then transitions to an in-depth discussion with Massage Mastery Online’s Director of Education, and Preventing Disease Transmission in a Massage Practice author, Anne Williams about the future of digital textbooks, teaching effectively in the 21st century, and looking anew at standard precautions for your practice in a world with COVID-19.  Note from ABMP: As you are aware, much still remains to be learned about COVID-19, and protocols and precautions for returning to work are constantly shifting as new information emerges. After this podcast was recorded, Anne Williams sent us this update to the facemask discussion included in the podcast.  The CDC recently updated their guidelines for the reuse of N95 respirator masks based on a study showing that detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 were present on the outer layer of a surgical mask after 7 days (Chin, 2020). The study s

How do we “embrace the suck” during a pandemic? Join us in this latest episode of The ABMP Podcast’s Conversations in Quarantine as Brene Brown Dare to Lead certified instructor Amy Andrews McMaster walks us through a discussion on vulnerability, braving tough times, removing our armor, and finding our call to courage.   This episode sponsored by:   Anatomy Trains   Yomassage

In Part 2 of our discussion with Allissa Haines and Michael Reynolds of Massage Business Blueprint, we discuss short-term business triage ideas and long-term goals, planning for worst-case scenarios and unpredictability, accounting basics and financial literacy, impostor syndrome, developing your dream practice, diversification, and productivity in a downtime.

Allissa Haines and Michael Reynolds, the team behind Massage Business Blueprint and Massage & Bodywork magazine’s column Blueprint for Success, join us to discuss current life without massage and touch, client communication during a crisis, Allissa’s decision to close her practice and office space, and what’s the secret sauce that makes up Massage Business Blueprint’s services and membership offerings.

Irene Diamond, consultant, CE provider, and developer of Active Modulation Therapy & Active Muscle Massage, speaks with us about what MTs can do when they can’t offer hands-on work. Diamond speaks about virtual/remote services within practitioners’ scope of practice and other options for serving clients when you can’t provide therapeutic touch.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Hand & Stone’s Nathan Nordstrom, Nordstrom describes changes and considerations to the spa and practice environment, including new cleaning protocols, staggered start times, engaged intake processes, and the ethical dilemmas of reopening and clientele psyche.

Nathan Nordstrom, director of massage therapy for Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, joins us to discuss their strategies for reopening, including new possible protocols for their 400-plus locations.

Ruth Werner, author of A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, discusses her article “What Will It Look Like When We Go Back to Work?” in the COVID-19 Special Issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine. Werner gives an update on COVID research, testing, and weighs the risks vs. benefits of reopening practices.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Healwell’s Cal Cates, Cates describes what it will look like for massage professionals to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and the psychological aspect of giving and receiving massage in our new normal.

In this interview Massage & Bodywork magazine editor-in-chief Darren Buford speaks with Cal about missing hands-on work, the definition of what is "essential," working in hospital-based environments and what it means to reopen massage practices.