The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession

Our goal is to speak with luminaries and experts in and around massage and bodywork to help expound upon and better understand our profession and our practices.

  1. 3D AGO

    Myasthenia Gravis: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner

    A 70-year-old client fills in an online intake form, saying she has myasthenia gravis, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. She only takes Synthroid, and says her hypothyroidism and hypertension are well controlled. She has low back pain and muscle soreness. At first glance, this seems fairly simple. MG does not appear to be a major factor for her, because she is not controlling it with medication. But a closer look reveals some possible tangles between MG, hypothyroidism, and some cautions about hypertension drugs. Join me as I completely overthink this situation, it will be fun!   Resources:   Barnes, S. (2023) Massage is not just a luxury for those of us with myasthenia gravis | Myasthenia Gravis News. Available at: https://myastheniagravisnews.com/columns/massage-is-not-just-luxury-those-us-with-myasthenia-gravis/ (Accessed: 16 April 2025).   Myasthenia Gravis (no date a) Physiopedia. Available at: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Myasthenia_Gravis (Accessed: 16 April 2025).   Myasthenia Gravis (no date b). National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/myastheniagravis.html (Accessed: 16 April 2025).   Myasthenia Gravis | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (no date). Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/myasthenia-gravis (Accessed: 16 April 2025).   Myasthenia gravis - causes, symptoms, treatment, pathology (2016). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYGxGdu9MsQ (Accessed: 16 April 2025).   ‘Myasthenia Gravis: Practice Essentials, Background, Anatomy’ (2024). Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1171206-overview (Accessed: 16 April 2025).   Myasthenia Gravis: What Is It? (no date) Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17252-myasthenia-gravis-mg (Accessed: 16 April 2025).   Sheikh, S. et al. (2021) ‘Drugs That Induce or Cause Deterioration of Myasthenia Gravis: An Update’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(7), p. 1537. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10071537.     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.      About our Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    American Massage Conference: www.massagetherapymedia/conferences   Earthlite: www.earthlite.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 fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: info@anatomytrains.com             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA      American Massage Conference Get ready to immerse yourself in the excitement as the American Massage Conference (AMC) arrives to Disney Springs near Orlando, Florida (May 16th-18th, 2025)! With a legacy of 17 successful years in Ontario, Canada, this premier event, proudly hosted by ONE Concept Conferences and expertly produced by Massage Therapy Media (MTM), boasts a lineup of presenters from across the nation and around the globe. The American Massage Conference began in Atlanta in 2011 and has been hosted through the years in San Diego, Chicago, and Virginia Beach. The conference provides educational opportunities with engaging one-, two-, three- and four-hour class formats, networking opportunities, masterminds, MTM Talks, demonstrations, and an extensive exhibitor tradeshow.   Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience filled with education, networking, and the celebration of massage therapy excellence! ABMP members receive a special discount to attend this in-person conference—log in to your ABMP account to access the discount code and register today. Website: https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/conferences   Earthlite Unlock an exclusive 20 percent discount on all Earthlite products, from portable tables and chairs to professional sheets and oils. Visit earthlite.com, create an account, and enter your ABMP member ID during registration. Plus, enjoy free ground shipping on orders over $75 and a flat rate of $395 for stationary or electric lift tables. (Prices subject to change at any time.) Significant savings on everything you need to enhance your practice. We are proud to assist you as the “World’s No. 1 Brand in Massage!”   Sign-up page: https://www.earthlite.com/customer/account/login/referer/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWFydGhsaXRlLmNvbS8~/

    16 min
  2. APR 15

    The Algorithm of the Supraspinatus: “The Rebel MT” with Allison Denney

    Algorithms might dominate our feeds, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Anatomy has the same issue. Dominated by what is the popular belief, muscles will often do what they are fed to believe is possible. Take, for example, the supraspinatus.   Host Bio:           Contact Allison Denney: rebelmt@abmp.com             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.anatomytrains.com    Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelmassage.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 fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: info@anatomytrains.com             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA     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 have worked in almost every capacity, including massage clinics, physical therapy clinics, chiropractor offices, spas, private practice, and teaching. I have learned incredible techniques and strategies from each of my experiences. In my 20 years as a massage therapist, I have never stopped growing. I currently have a private practice based out of Long Beach, California, where I also teach continuing education classes and occasionally work on my kids. If they’re good.   website: www.rebelmassage.com     FB: facebook.com/RebelMassage     IG: instagram.com/rebelmassagetherapist     YouTube: youtube.com/c/RebelMassage     email: rebelmassagetherapist@gmail.com

    13 min
  3. APR 8

    Building a Thriving Hands-On Practice with Elicia Crook

    Taking the leap into full-time massage is a dream for many practitioners, but it can feel daunting. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make the transition from a part-time role, the step to full time is one that requires courage, planning, and action. Kristin and Darren are joined by Elicia Crook to talk about what’s holding people back from taking the leap in becoming a solo practitioner, and ideas to help them overcome the fear of being a business owner.   Resources:   Elicia Crook is a business coach and mentor for massage therapists, sharing the tactics she used to create her business success over 16 years. She is a diploma-qualified remedial massage therapist, using 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, Crook discovered who she needed to be and what is required to run a deeply satisfying massage business. Now she takes the Fully Booked Without Burnout blueprint to other therapists around the world to create more success and passion. For more information, visit massagechampions.com.   “Building a Thriving Hands-On Practice”, by Elicia Crook, Massage & Bodywork magazine, Spring 2025.   ABMP CE Center   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 editor@abmp.com. 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 ce@abmp.com.   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    American Massage Conference:  https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/conferences   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 dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: info@anatomytrains.com             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA    American Massage Conference Get ready to immerse yourself in the excitement as the American Massage Conference (AMC) arrives to Disney Springs near Orlando, Florida (May 16th-18th, 2025)! With a legacy of 17 successful years in Ontario, Canada, this premier event, proudly hosted by ONE Concept Conferences and expertly produced by Massage Therapy Media (MTM), boasts a lineup of presenters from across the nation and around the globe. The American Massage Conference began in Atlanta in 2011 and has been hosted through the years in San Diego, Chicago, and Virginia Beach. The conference provides educational opportunities with engaging one-, two-, three- and four-hour class formats, networking opportunities, masterminds, MTM Talks, demonstrations, and an extensive exhibitor tradeshow.   Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience filled with education, networking, and the celebration of massage therapy excellence! ABMP members receive a special discount to attend this in-person conference—log in to your ABMP account to access the discount code and register today. Website: https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/conferences

    26 min
  4. APR 1

    The Fascia Debate: More Than Just a Tissue with Rachelle Clauson and Nicole Trombley

    Fascia has been a hot topic in both research and hands-on therapy for some time now. While the idea that massage therapists affect more than just muscle isn’t new, defining exactly what "the other stuff" is has proven trickier than expected. Today, multiple definitions of fascia are debated worldwide. To bring clarity and foster better communication, a new, unified definition has been proposed in the Journal of Anatomy (January 2025). Join hosts Rachelle Clauson and Nicole Trombley, co-directors of AnatomySCAPES, as they dive into this fascinating, global discussion, sharing insights from their recent participation at the Winter School Research Conference in Padua, Italy, on this episode of The ABMP Podcast. Resources and Author Links: www.anatomyscapes.com/MATRIX for more information about “Journey Into the MATRIX: the Fascial System” dissection lab workshop! Curious about this new proposed definition of fascia? Check it out here in the Journal of Anatomy:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39814456/ Join AnatomySCAPES for their upcoming fascia-focused webinar Scar Tissue: A View Beneath the Surface. This webinar will take place on May 1 and you can register for this FREE on their website: website: www.anatomyscapes.com FB: facebook.com/AnatomySCAPES IG: instagram.com/anatomyscapes YouTube: youtube.com/@anatomyscapes   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 Touch” column in Massage & Bodywork magazine and enjoy helping therapists better understand how anatomy relates to what they are feeling through their sense of touch.   Nicole Trombley: As a massage educator, Nicole draws on her passion for human biology to help therapists better understand the tissues under their hands. She owns and operates Equilibrio Massage in San Diego, CA, where she has specialized in massage for pregnancy and postpartum for the past 20 years.   Rachelle Clauson: Rachelle loves teaching therapists about the structural organization and beauty of the human fascial system. She served as the Director of Creative and Administrative Affairs for the Fascial Net Plastination Project, and owns Flourish Bodywork, her private practice where she has offered hands-on bodywork in San Diego, CA, for the past 21 years.   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com     American Massage Conference: https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/conferences   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 dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: info@anatomytrains.com             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA     American Massage Conference   Get ready to immerse yourself in the excitement as the American Massage Conference (AMC) arrives to Disney Springs near Orlando, Florida (May 16th-18th, 2025)! With a legacy of 17 successful years in Ontario, Canada, this premier event, proudly hosted by ONE Concept Conferences and expertly produced by Massage Therapy Media (MTM), boasts a lineup of presenters from across the nation and around the globe.   The American Massage Conference began in Atlanta in 2011 and has been hosted through the years in San Diego, Chicago, and Virginia Beach. The conference provides educational opportunities with engaging one-, two-, three- and four-hour class formats, networking opportunities, masterminds, MTM Talks, demonstrations, and an extensive exhibitor tradeshow.     Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience filled with education, networking, and the celebration of massage therapy excellence! ABMP members receive a special discount to attend this in-person conference—log in to your ABMP account to access the discount code and register today.   Website: https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/conferences

    27 min
  5. MAR 25

    Lyme Disease Aftermath: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner

    A contributor sent me several descriptions of people dealing with the aftermath of Lyme disease, hoping for some answers to the questions this mysterious condition brings up. Sorry, no answers here—just more questions. Chronic Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, Long Lyme… whatever you call it, it’s hard to get a handle on it. But here’s a starting place. Resources:  Long-Term Lyme Disease, Controversies and Challenges, July/Aug 2022 Development, P. (no date) 73: Long Term Lyme Disease: What Helps? (with Ruth Werner) | The Thinking Practitioner. Available at: https://www.thethinkingpractitioner.com/e/long-term-lyme-disease-what-helps-with-ruth-werner/ (Accessed: 24 March 2025).   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.      About our Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    American Massage Conference:  https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/conferences   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 dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: info@anatomytrains.com             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA       American Massage Conference   Get ready to immerse yourself in the excitement as the American Massage Conference (AMC) arrives to Disney Springs near Orlando, Florida (May 16th-18th, 2025)! With a legacy of 17 successful years in Ontario, Canada, this premier event, proudly hosted by ONE Concept Conferences and expertly produced by Massage Therapy Media (MTM), boasts a lineup of presenters from across the nation and around the globe.   The American Massage Conference began in Atlanta in 2011 and has been hosted through the years in San Diego, Chicago, and Virginia Beach. The conference provides educational opportunities with engaging one-, two-, three- and four-hour class formats, networking opportunities, masterminds, MTM Talks, demonstrations, and an extensive exhibitor tradeshow.     Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience filled with education, networking, and the celebration of massage therapy excellence! ABMP members receive a special discount to attend this in-person conference—log in to your ABMP account to access the discount code and register today.   Website: https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/conferences

    17 min
4.9
out of 5
93 Ratings

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Our goal is to speak with luminaries and experts in and around massage and bodywork to help expound upon and better understand our profession and our practices.

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