The Thinking Practitioner

🎙What can trained hands feel in irradiated tissue—and how might that inform both research and practice? In this episode, Til Luchau and guest cohost Cathy Ryan, RMT, talk with neurobiologist Dr. Geoffrey Bove and manual therapist/speech pathologist Holly McMillan about their collaborative animal study. They explore how massage therapy may influence radiation-induced fibrosis, the use of palpation as a formal outcome, and the challenges of correlating what we feel with what science can measure. This wide-ranging discussion offers practical takeaways for manual therapists working with inflammation, scarring, or post-radiation clients. Stick around after the outro for a candid “off-mic” bonus segment where Holly describes her hands-on work in surgical oncology settings. ⏱️ Key Topics: • 00:01:31 – Introductions: Cathy Ryan, Geoffrey Bove, Holly McMillan • 00:03:09 – Why this study was exciting to manual therapists • 00:04:18 – Geoffrey Bove on inflammation, nerves, and fibrosis research • 00:08:14 – Holly: how findings might apply beyond radiation cases • 00:13:20 – Holly explains what she was feeling for in irradiated limbs • 00:14:23 – “Buoyancy” and the difficulty of articulating touch-based findings • 00:18:25 – How palpation findings relate to pathology and imaging • 00:20:59 – Fibrosis and lymphedema as a clinical continuum • 00:23:36 – Timing differences in fibrosis between surgery and radiation • 00:24:52 – Study limitations: assay sensitivity vs. palpation sensitivity • 00:27:00 – Movement’s role in mitigating radiation effects • 00:29:00 – The importance of community, alliance, and social touch • 00:33:27 – Timing of manual therapy before and after radiation • 00:35:00 – Prevention vs. treatment of fibrosis • 00:37:18 – What kind of touch is most helpful, and when • 00:40:00 – Oncology-specific timing considerations for manual therapy • 00:42:29 – Manual therapy goals in early vs. late stages post-surgery • 00:44:09 – What practitioners are really touching: inflammation, edema, fibrosis • 00:45:49 – Apprenticeship vs. protocol-driven training in touch therapy • 00:47:34 – Final thoughts from Geoffrey and Holly • 00:50:56 – Bonus: “Off-mic” conversation—Holly’s stories from surgical manual therapy work • 00:51:09 – Holly describes doing manual therapy in open surgical fields • 00:52:13 – Avoiding surgery or enabling access through touch • 00:53:27 – “Sun-dried tomato” vs. “beef jerky”: metaphors for tissue change • 00:54:15 – Scar tissue, fibrosis, nociceptors, and innervation • 00:55:57 – The gap between pain-focused and function-focused care • 00:57:08 – “The Diary of Holly” and the value of descriptive clinical cases Resources discussed in this episode:  Study: Bove, G. M., McMillan, H., & Barbe, M. F. (2024). Evaluating massage therapy for radiation-induced fibrosis in rats: preliminary findings and palpation results. Cancer Biology & Therapy, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15384047.2024.2436694  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15384047.2024.2436694  and supplemental file https://advanced-trainings.com/materials_ttp/147_bove_supplemental_kcbt_a_2436694_sm2290.pdf  Also mentioned in this episode: McMillan, H., Barbon, C. E. A., Cardoso, R., Sedory, A., Buoy, S., Porsche, C., Savage, K., Mayo, L., & Hutcheson, K. A. (2022). Manual Therapy for Patients With Radiation-Associated Trismus After Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery, 148(5), 418–425. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2022.0082 Hutcheson, K., McMillan, H., Warneke, C., Porsche, C., Savage, K., Buoy, S., Wang, J., Woodman, K., Lai, S., & Fuller, C. (2021). Manual Therapy for Fibrosis-Related Late Effect Dysphagia in head and neck cancer survivors: the pilot MANTLE trial. BMJ open, 11(8), e047830. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047830 McMillan, H., Warneke, C. L., Buoy, S., Porsche, C., Savage, K., Lai, S. Y., Fuller, C. D., & Hutcheson, K. A. (2025). Manual Therapy for Fibrosis-Related Late Effect Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: The MANTLE Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery, 151(4), 319–327. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2024.5157 Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet 💡 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts with us! info@thethinkingpractitioner.com  ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. 🎁 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com   About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)

🎙Grief is not just an emotion—it’s a full-body experience. In this episode, Til Luchau talks with neuroscientist and psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor, author of The Grieving Body, about how grief changes the brain, affects inflammation, and alters our physiology. They explore how attachment loss rewires the brain, how inflammatory responses shape behavior and mood, and how the body experiences grief via physical sensations. They also discuss the role of touch, bodywork, and therapeutic presence in supporting people through grief, and together they reflect on the profound connections between grief, the body, and the healing power of human connection. 🔍 Key Topics: 04:30 – Grief and the brain: What happens in the mind-body connection 10:45 – Grief is not toxic: A new understanding of pain and loss 16:00 – How inflammation shapes behavior and mood in grief 24:00 – Attachment loss and the nervous system: Polyvagal insights 32:45 – The physical sensations of grief: aches, tension, and holding patterns 38:00 – Touch as co-regulation: What bodywork can offer in grief 44:15 – Grief as a lifelong, embodied process, not something to get over 50:10 – Practical insights for bodyworkers supporting grieving clients 55:30 – How understanding the body’s role in grief can transform our approach 💡 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts with us! info@thethinkingpractitioner.com  ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. 📄 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  Resources discussed in this episode:  Two of Mary-Frances O’Connor's books: The Grieving Brain https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-grieving-brain-mary-frances-oconnor  The Grieving Body https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-grieving-body-mary-frances-oconnor  Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet Fascia Research Congress: save $100 when you use the coupon code "THINKING" at https://www.frscongress.org/  About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)

🎙 World-renowned spine expert Dr. Stuart McGill returns for a deep dive into the complexities of disc healing and adaptation, back pain mechanics, and what manual and movement therapists need to understand about spinal loading, adaptation, and practitioner longevity. In this rich and wide-ranging conversation with Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe, Dr. McGill offers both cutting-edge science and practical insights for helping clients—and ourselves—move with more strength, resilience, and less pain. 🔍 Key Topics: (04:43) Can Discs Heal or Adapt? – What the science says about disc recovery and tissue response. (09:47) Posture vs. Load-Driven Pain – Simple tests to differentiate pain sources. (14:12) Disc Architecture & Adaptation – Why discs don’t respond like tendons. (19:38) Mobility vs. Load Capacity – The trade-offs between flexibility and strength. (25:41) Disc Bulges, Schmorl’s Nodes & End Plate Damage – How structure influences symptoms. (32:10) McKenzie Techniques: When They Work & When They Don’t – What recent studies reveal. (41:19) Grooving New Movement Patterns – Lasting change requires more than mobility. (45:57) The Biological Spectrum – Why not all bodies adapt the same. (52:55) Long Fascial Chains & Functional Release – Lessons from the fascia world. (59:00) Chronic vs. Repeated Acute Pain – Empowering clients through precision assessment. (1:00:13) Bodyworker Longevity & Spinal Mechanics – How therapists can protect their own backs. 💡 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts with us! info@thethinkingpractitioner.com  ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. 📄 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  Resources discussed in this episode:  Stuart McGill's site: https://backfitpro.com   Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)

🎙In this thought-provoking episode, Til and Whitney welcome back fascia researcher Robert Schleip to explore the evolving science behind fascia’s role in emotional regulation, inflammation, and sensory experience. They dive into Schleip’s keynote for the upcoming 7th International Fascia Research Congress and discuss emerging research on fascia as a dynamic neuro-immune interface. Robert shares his updates on fascinating insights into attention, depression, touch, circadian rhythms, and how fascia may bridge body and mind in ways we’re only beginning to understand. 🕑 Key Topics 04:15 – Schleip’s keynote preview: fascia, emotion, and immune interaction 06:09 – The new direction of the 2025 Fascia Research Congress 07:55 – Polyvagal theory and fascia: Schleip on Porges and the vagus nerve 12:15 – Fascia and depression: new findings on thickened epimysium 20:47 – Foam rolling, mindful attention, and emotional filtering in depression 26:12 – Reticular formation, attention, and touch outcomes 32:07 – Therapist vs client attention: new data on treatment impact 37:12 – The history and evolution of the Fascia Research Congress 44:04 – Fascia, safety, and perceptual context 48:00 – Sliding fascia and emotional stress: 48-hour delay and resilience 51:40 – New paradigm: from force transmission to circadian rhythms and synthesis 56:21 – Schleip’s takeaway: return to wonder and curiosity under the stars 💡 Join the Conversation:  Share your thoughts with us! 📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery, with in-kind support from the Fascia Research Society ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. 📄 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  Resources discussed in this episode:  Fascia & depression study: Michalak J, Aranmolate L, Bonn A, Grandin K, Schleip R, et al. (2021) Myofascial Tissue and Depression, Cognitive Therapy and Research – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8688142/ Fascia Research Congress: save $100 when you use the coupon code "THINKING" at https://www.frscongress.org/  Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet Fascia Research Congress: save $100 when you use the coupon code "THINKING" at https://www.frscongress.org/  About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)

🎙Cal Cates returns to The Thinking Practitioner to explore the essential role massage therapy can play in palliative and end-of-life care. In conversation with Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe, Cal shares practical insights, personal stories, and the philosophy behind Healwell’s innovative mPATH training program. Together they unpack ways that all massage therapists and bodyworkers can better support patients, caregivers, and care teams—not by fixing, but by listening, noticing, and showing up with presence. 🌟 Key Topics: [04:37] What is palliative care—and where massage therapy fits [07:15] The cultural fear of dying and how it limits care [11:38] Common assumptions therapists make about palliative care [13:21] Massage therapy is palliative care—philosophically and practically [16:36] Caregiver stress: why the family is the “unit of care” [20:23] Communication as the primary intervention in palliative settings [24:06] How therapeutic touch invites emotional openness [25:44] Self-regulation and presence as clinical skills [31:38] Cal’s personal story: how they began this work [36:39] Are we making progress as a culture in facing death? [38:37] Skills and mindsets bodyworkers can cultivate [46:16] The mPATH program: advanced training for palliative care massage [52:21] What can go wrong without proper preparation [57:13] Technique is important—but presence makes it land [58:17] Resources and where to learn more 💡 Join the Conversation:  Share your thoughts with us! 📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery, with in-kind support from the Fascia Research Society ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. 📄 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  Resources discussed in this episode:  Healwell's mPATH program: https://Healwell.org/mPATH Cal's recommendations Palliative Touch by Cindy Spence Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care by Rebecca Sturgeon and Janet Penny Massage Therapy and Medical Conditions: a Decision Tree Approach by Tracy Walton Vital Talk The Center to Advance Palliative Care Mandy Bartolovich on the Folding Towels podcast talking about pediatric palliative massage work and her research.  Friday Chalk Talk - Palliative Care Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet Fascia Research Congress: save $100 when you use the coupon code "thinking" at https://www.frscongress.org/  About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)

🎙Til Luchau speaks with physiotherapist and fascia researcher Fabiana Silva about the emerging connections between fascia, the vagus nerve, and systemic inflammation. They explore both the science and the practical applications of manual therapy, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, and the challenges of clinical research in the hands-on healing arts. Fabiana is also the President of the Fascia Research Society, and shares highlights from the upcoming 2025 Fascia Research Congress in New Orleans. 🎧 Tune in to learn how fascia influences vagal tone, inflammation, mood, and more — and how practitioners can work more effectively with these systems. 🌟 Key Topics: •[02:59] Introduction to fascia and the vagus nerve connection •[05:02] Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and clinical uses •[07:27] Vagus nerve’s role in inflammation and chronic illness •[09:48] Manual therapy, breathwork, and vagal tone •[12:26] Fascia as sensory interface and its impact on vagal signaling •[20:10] Hands-on techniques: suboccipital and gut fascia release •[23:33] Challenges in manual therapy research •[28:29] Predatory journals and the need for better fascia research •[33:59] Fascia Research Congress 2025: what’s coming up •[37:51] Building community and collaboration in the fascia field •[41:37] Fabiana’s closing thoughts on the future of fascia research --- 💡 Join the Conversation:  Share your thoughts with us! 📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery, with in-kind support from the Fascia Research Society ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. 📄 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  Resources discussed in this episode:  The 7th International Fascia Research Congress, August 10–14, 2025: https://www.frscongress.org/  Fascia Research Society: https://fasciaresearchsociety.org/  Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet Fascia Research Congress: save $100 when you use the coupon code "thinking" at https://www.frscongress.org/  About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)

In this illuminating episode of The Thinking Practitioner, Whitney Lowe sits down with Dale Healey, a leading expert in integrative healthcare, to explore the evolving role of massage therapy in modern medical settings. Healey shares profound insights into interprofessional collaboration, the potential of massage therapy in healthcare, and how practitioners can become more effective advocates for whole-person care. Key Topics: 0:07:00 Defining Integrative Healthcare 0:22:30 The Role of Massage in Medical Settings 0:34:00 Challenges in Massage Therapy Education 0:42:00 Building Relationships Across Healthcare Disciplines 0:45:30 Strategies for Massage Therapists to Expand Their Impact --- 💡 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts with us! 📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. 📄 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)

🎙How does touch shape our perception, our movement, and our connection with others? In this fascinating conversation, Til Luchau welcomes movement pioneer Nita Little, a foundational figure in Contact Improvisation dance, for a deep dive into the world of touch, movement, and attention. Join them as they explore the ways that touch is a language, why attention transforms both bodywork and movement, and how embracing uncertainty can expand our understanding of presence and connection. Their conversation also touches on the challenges of aging, the importance of imagination, and the potential of touch to expand our identity and sense of self, and offers transformative insights for bodyworkers, dancers, and anyone curious about human interaction. 🌟 Key Topics: •The Origins of Contact Improvisation Dance (02:21) – How Nita’s work with Steve Paxton helped shape a new movement form. •Reflexive Action & Improvisational Touch (07:13) – How instinctive movement informs our interactions. •Touch as a Language (10:36) – Understanding touch beyond technique, and instead, as a dynamic dialogue. •The Eternal Moment & Presence in Touch (17:23) – How touch can alter our perception of time. •Boundaries, Social Norms, and Touch (35:09) – Expanding our understanding of what’s possible. •Proprioception & The Mind-Body Connection (44:18) – Exploring movement beyond conscious control. •Aging & Touch (55:39) – How embodied attention supports lifelong movement and adaptability. --- 💡 Join the Conversation: How has embodied attention, dance, or improvisation influenced your practice? Share your thoughts with us! 📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. 📄 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  Resources discussed in this episode:  Nita's site: https://www.nitalittle.com/ Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)

🎙Scoliosis can offer valuable insights into working with the spine, and the same principles can be applied to anyone dealing with stiffness, back pain, postural issues, or mobility challenges. In this deep-dive update, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau explore the latest perspectives on scoliosis, debunk common myths, and discuss how hands-on therapy can support mobility and comfort. Drawing from their decades of experience, Whitney and Til discuss the differences between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and adult-onset scoliosis, the role of strength and balance training, and why spinal curvature doesn’t necessarily mean more pain. They also examine the impact of body image, surgical considerations, and how touch- and movement-based strategies can provide lasting benefits for all clients, not just those with scoliosis.  🌟 Highlights: •Scoliosis Overview & Common Misconceptions (02:50) – Understanding spinal curvature: causes,. •Structural vs. Functional Scoliosis Debate (15:34) – Rethinking traditional perspectives on treatment. •Scoliosis and Pain: The Surprising Truth (22:39) – Why people with scoliosis don’t necessarily experience more pain. •Manual Therapy Approaches (38:20) – How bodywork can help. •The Role of Proprioception & Movement Options (44:18) – Helping clients refine their body awareness for better function. •Working with Clients’ Goals (45:25) – Aligning treatment strategies with what truly matters to each individual. •Surgical Considerations & Working with Rods (51:03) – What hands-on therapists need to know about post-surgical scoliosis care. •The Importance of Strength & Balance Training (56:55) – How conditioning and proprioceptive exercises can help manage scoliosis. 💡 Join the Conversation: What’s your experience with scoliosis and manual therapy? Share your thoughts with us! 📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. Episode image thanks to Helmut Hillenkamp, used by permission. An earlier version of their deep-dive conversation first aired as Episode 7. 📄 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  Resources discussed in this episode:  Til Luchau's "SCOLIOSIS & Spinal Adaptability" course and free intro: https://bit.ly/scolilive25  John P. Kostuik and John Bentivoglio, “The Incidence of Low-Back Pain in Adult Scoliosis,” Spine 6, no. 3 (May/June 1981): 268–73, https://doi.org/10.1097/00007632-198105000-00009  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6455747  Schwab et al., “Adult Scoliosis: Prevalence, SF-36, and Nutritional Parameters in an Elderly Volunteer Population,” Spine 30, no. 9 (May 2005): 1082–85, https://doi.org/10.1097/01.brs.0000160842.43482.cd. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15864163  https://www.curvygirlsscoliosis.com  Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve compression issues—but how can massage and manual therapy help? In this in-depth episode, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau break down the anatomy, risk factors, and assessment strategies for carpal tunnel syndrome, exploring its causes, differential diagnosis, and effective hands-on approaches. They discuss the importance of nerve mobility, client education, and activity modifications to relieve symptoms and improve function. Whether you’re a hands-on therapist looking to refine your treatment strategies, or someone experiencing wrist and hand discomfort, this episode offers valuable insights into understanding and managing carpal tunnel syndrome. 🌟 Highlights: •Carpal Tunnel Basics (02:50) – Understanding the anatomy and mechanics of nerve compression. •Risk Factors (04:00) – Why some people are more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. •Differential Diagnosis (12:00) – How to distinguish carpal tunnel from other nerve compression issues. •Assessment Questions and Tests (13:40) – Key evaluation techniques to identify carpal tunnel syndrome. •Nerve Fiber Distribution and Symptom Progression (18:30) – How symptoms develop and why sensory signs appear first. •Soft Tissue Goals (21:40) – The role of manual therapy in relieving pressure and improving mobility. •Activity Modification and Client Education (31:30) – Helping clients make lasting changes to prevent symptom recurrence. •Night Splinting and Nerve Healing (38:00) – How positioning at night can aid recovery. •Nerve Gliding and Neurodynamics (43:50) – Gentle movement strategies to improve nerve function. •Massage and Manual Therapy Outcomes (54:10) – Research-backed benefits of hands-on treatment. 💡 Join the Conversation: Have experience working with carpal tunnel syndrome or dealing with it yourself? Share your story with us! 📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. Episode image ©Primal Pictures, used by permission. 📄 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  Resources mentioned in this episode: • Til's carpal tunnel ball technique: Advanced Myofascial Techniques, volume 1 • Research into massage and manual therapy's effectiveness with CTS: 1. Reduction of Pain and Symptoms •Massage Therapy: A 2013 study evaluated the efficacy of massage therapy as a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), finding it beneficial in reducing pain and improving function. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23768278 •Manual Therapy: A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of manual therapy on pain and physical function in CTS patients, concluding that manual therapy can significantly reduce pain intensity and improve hand function. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00264-021-05272-2 2. Improvement in Median Nerve Function •A 2017 systematic review analyzed the effectiveness of nerve gliding exercises on CTS, indicating improvements in nerve conduction and symptom severity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27842937 3. Decreased Swelling •An article from Medical News Today discusses that massage therapy can improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling in the carpal tunnel area, which may help alleviate pressure on the median nerve. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/carpal-tunnel-massage 4. Improved Grip Strength and Function •A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis found that manual therapy effectively improves physical function in CTS patients. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00264-021-05272-2 5. Enhanced Overall Quality of Life •The American Massage Therapy Association notes that massage therapy can be of great benefit for people dealing with pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, potentially improving their quality of life. https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/massage-and-carpal-tunnel-syndrome Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)