The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession

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 Idiop...

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 an...

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...

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...

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   Add...

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...

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....

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...

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 Pra...

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...

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 Af...

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...

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 Produce...

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 sy...

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: Th...

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 dire...

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...

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 Tra...

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:   pso...

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 T...

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...

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 struc...

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 Treat...

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 po...

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 CyberKnif...