The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
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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. 18H AGO

    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

  2. 4D AGO

    How Much Do I Need in an Emergency Fund: “Business or Pressure” with Allissa Haines

    What if you suddenly couldn’t work? Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines breaks down how much money you should have set aside in an emergency fund and the key factors that influence that number. From fixed expenses to income replacement strategies, she walks you through the options to help you stay financially secure in uncertain times. Resources: Barry Hatfield, Main Street Massage  https://hudsonmassagetherapy.com/blog/        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

    19 min

  3. 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. MAR 18

    But First . . . the TFL: “The Rebel MT” with Allison Denney

    To get a solid understanding of the tensor fascia lata (TFL), it’s important to first understand its function. But to understand its function, one needs to clearly grasp its tendon—the IT band. And to really know the IT band, it is necessary to first appreciate fascia. In this episode of The Rebel MT, join Allison Denney as she dives down the rabbit hole that is the TFL. But first, she needs to start a load of laundry.    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

    11 min

  5. MAR 14

    Organizing Your Personal Money: “Business or Pressure” with Allissa Haines

    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

    24 min

  6. MAR 11

    Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them with Kristin Coverly

    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 ce@abmp.com. Les Sweeney Les Sweeney is the President and CEO of ABMP. For questions about this episode reach out by emailing expectmore@abmp.com   Ruth Werner 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.      Whitney Lowe 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     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

    23 min

  7. MAR 4

    Somatic Sonatas with Doug Nelson

    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   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

    16 min

  8. FEB 28

    Managing an Irregular Income: “Business or Pressure” with Allissa Haines

    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

    16 min
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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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