

The Thinking Practitioner
Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe
Join two of the leading educators in manual therapy, bodywork, and massage therapy, as they delve into the most intriguing issues, questions, research, and client conditions that hands-on practitioners face. Stimulate your thinking with imaginative conversations, tips, and interviews related to the somatic arts and sciences.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 15, 2024 • 54min
118: Massage Down Under (with Paula Nutting)
🎙️In this episode Whitney engages in a wide-ranging discussion with Paula Nutting about the world of massage therapy in Australia and beyond. They compare notes about the professional landscape, education and numerous other topics. We all learn and grow so much when we look at things through the lens of others, so this is a great opportunity to reflect on how we see things and how they may be viewed from other perspectives. Paula also shares extensively about her experience with teaching and learning about Chapman's neurolymphatic reflex points. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
- Introduction to Paula Nutting (2:00)
- Paula's background and transition into massage therapy (3:30)
- Changes in massage therapy training requirements (7:00)
- Integration with other healthcare professions (11:00)
- Overview of Chapman's reflexes (14:00)
- Pressure and technique used in Chapman's reflexes (16:30)
- Application of Chapman's reflexes in different conditions (19:30)
- Challenges in understanding the efficacy of different techniques (23:00)
- Teaching massage therapy in different environments (27:00)
- Unique experiences teaching and learning massage in different countries (32:00)
- Outlook for massage therapy in Australia (39:00)
- Advice for new practitioners entering the field (42:00)
- Where to find more information about Paula Nutting (45:00)
Resources:
Paula's site
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at 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.)

May 1, 2024 • 57min
117: Ankle Issues Demystified (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)
🎙️Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau explore the complexities of ankle anatomy and stability, discussing everything from the mortise and tenon structure to valgus and varus alignments. Join them as they debate ligament injuries, nerve compression, and practical strategies for addressing ankle issues. Tune in for valuable insights into the importance of client education and the role of massage in enhancing ankle function. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
👉Check out Til Luchau's new Ankle Issues livestreamed and recorded course (first time online!) at a-t.tv/workshop/onl2408m/
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
- Introduction and podcast overview (0:00)
- Til Luchau's Ankle Issues live-streamed course announcement (1:00)
- Sponsorship message from Books of Discovery (3:00)
- Discussion about ankle anatomy and stability (4:00)
- Importance of ankle work in manual therapy (10:00)
- Discussion about the mortise and tenon structure of the ankle (12:00)
- Overview of ankle movements and joints (15:00)
- Discussion about valgus and varus alignments (19:00)
- Debate about the role of ligament injuries in ankle sprains (23:00)
- Discussion about nerve compression and tenosynovitis in the ankle (28:00)
- Practical strategies for addressing ankle injuries (34:00)
- Importance of educating clients about foot and ankle mobility (38:00)
- Discussion about the role of massage and manual therapy in addressing ankle issues (41:00)
- Conclusion, closing sponsor message, and closing remarks (45:00)
Resources:
Thinking Practitioner 47: Getting Over Over-Pronation
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at 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/, and check out Til Luchau's new Ankle Issues livestreamed and recorded course (first time online!) at a-t.tv/workshop/onl2408m/
Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.comcheatsheet
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.)

Apr 17, 2024 • 1h 9min
116: Anatomy Trains Updated (with Tom Myers)
🎙️This episode of the Thinking Practitioner podcast features an in-depth interview with Tom Myers, author of the influential book Anatomy Trains. Host Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe discuss Tom's bodywork background, and how his goal of providing a holistic framework for understanding the body's fascial connections lead to the development of his "Anatomy Trains" concept. They explore Ida Rolf's legacy and influence on developing a model of structural integration, and Tom shares his evolving views on topics like exercise, fascia, and the potential for sustainable posture changes. The interview provides fascinating perspectives on the history and future of bodywork models, and listeners will enjoy learning about Tom's current projects (as well as Til Luchau's contributions to his upcoming Anatomy Trains summer program). 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
[0:00-10:00] - Til Luchau interviews Tom Myers about his background and experience in bodywork. They discuss Tom's origins in the field and how he was influenced by teachers like Ida Rolf.
[10:00-20:00] - Tom explains the development of the "Anatomy Trains" concept and how it provided a holistic framework for understanding fascial connections. He shares Ida Rolf's impact on developing structural integration models.
[20:00-30:00] - The conversation explores evolving views on exercise, fascia, and the potential for sustainable posture changes. Tom discusses insights from his long career in hands-on practice.
[30:00-40:00] - Whitney Lowe asks questions about fascial contractility and the role of myofibroblasts. Tom provides perspectives on fascia and potential causes of shortening.
[40:00-50:00] - Tom's views on exercise evolution are discussed, along with the importance of movement education. He emphasizes different types of fascial elasticity.
[50:00-1:00:00] - The importance of the fascial system, current projects, and upcoming teaching opportunities are covered. The podcast concludes with thanks to sponsor Books of Discovery.
Resources:
Tom Myers' Anatomy Trains site
Til Luchau at Anatomy Trains Summer Program
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at 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.comcheatsheet
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.)

Apr 3, 2024 • 56min
115: New Evidence: Can Massage Spread Cancer? (with Cathy Ryan & Erika Slocum)
🎙️Two new studies are re-opening the age-old discussion about whether massage is safe with clients with cancer. Til and Whitney review the new evidence, the implications, and discuss best practices with expert guests Cathy Ryan and Erika Slocum. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
Introduction to The Thinking Practitioner Podcast (00:00-01:30)
The history of recommendations about massage and cancer (01:30-07:30)
The benefits of massage therapy for people with cancer (07:30-12:30)
The possible effects of massage on tumor sites (12:30-17:49)
Discussing Freidl study on massage and tumor cells migration (17:49-23:00)
Discussing Karda study on massage and osteosarcoma progression (23:00-30:00)
Red flags and referrals for potential cancer screening (30:00-37:00)
The importance of communication and partnership with clients (37:00-41:00)
Resources for further information on massage and cancer (41:00-45:00)
Closing remarks and contact information for the guests (45:00-47:30)
Resources:
[Dr. Peter Friedl's study is pending publication, but his 2016 presentation on this topic is at 9:45 here]
Karda, I.W.A.M., Wan Ismail, W.F. & Kamal, A.F. Massage manipulation and progression of osteosarcoma, does it really correlate: a combination of prospective and retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep 13, 18541 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-45808-7 https://rdcu.be/dCD6i
Guest recommendations:
Training and support: Healwell, Tracy Walton, Gayle MacDonald
Massage therapy for post-mastectomy, top surgery & oncology support: Eryn Price RMT
S4OM: Society for Oncology Massage
Book: Oncology Massage – An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care - Janet Penny & Rebecca Sturgeon
Article: Could Massage Therapy Promote CANCER Metastasis?
Cathy Ryan: cryanrmt@gmail.com
Ericka Slocum: erika.slocum@gmail.com
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at 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.comcheatsheet
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.)

Mar 20, 2024 • 48min
114: Movement Optimism (with Greg Lehman)
🎙️When we treat our client’s “problems,” are we really helping them? Or, would a more fundamental reframe yield better results? How do we help our clients (and ourselves) shift the usual viewpoints about pain, injury, and recovery? Whitney and Til catch up with physiotherapist and chiropractor Greg Lehman about the evolution of his influential “Reconciling Biomechanics with Pain Science” course, and his thinking on specifics like SI Joint pain, “flat arches,” and more. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
- Introduction to The Thinking Practitioner Podcast (0:00)- Opening Sponsor: ABMP (1:00)- Introduction of Greg Lehman (2:00)- Greg's background and expertise (3:00)- Greg's approach to reading and translating research (5:00)- The concept of Movement Optimism (7:00)- Shifting from a pessimistic view of the body to a more optimistic view (9:00)- Explaining pain to patients (11:00)- The importance of building healthy systems and ecosystems (13:00)- The fundamentals of treating people with pain (15:00)- The role of faulty firing patterns in muscles (17:00)- The concept of alignment and its importance (19:00)- The role of alignment in pain and function (21:00)- The debate between different perspectives in the field (23:00)- The importance of individualized care and patient-centered approaches (25:00)- The role of biomechanics in treating pain (27:00)- The influence of research on clinical practice (29:00)- The overselling of the need to stay updated on research (31:00)- The importance of fundamentals and common threads in treatment (33:00)- Greg's eBook "Recovery Strategies" (35:00)- Greg's views on flat feet and when they matter (37:00)- The limitations of isolating variables in research (39:00)- The need for humility and openness in the field (41:00)- Greg's upcoming teaching schedule and website (43:00)- Conclusion and thanks (45:00)
Resources:
Greg Lehman’s free workbook and site
Greg’s Movement Optimism podcast
Greg’s osteoarthritis site
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at 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.comcheatsheet
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.)

8 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 54min
113: What Did Esalen Ever Do for Massage? (with Peggy & Lucia Horan)
Peggy Horan, a senior Esalen Massage teacher with over five decades of experience, and her daughter Lucia, a somatic educator and meditation instructor, delve into the revolutionary impact of the Esalen Institute on massage practices. They share personal stories from their unique upbringing at Esalen, discussing the evolution of boundaries, the importance of trauma-informed care, and how the digital age is shaping bodywork. The conversation highlights the emotional power of touch and the lasting cultural relevance of Esalen Massage.

Feb 21, 2024 • 41min
112: The San Diego Pain Summit (with Rajam Roose)
🎙️ Ten years ago, massage therapist Rajam Roose was curious about pain science. Seeing a need for an interdisciplinary conference focusing on the clinical applications of this emerging field, and took a leap and created what has become a regular event. The San Diego Pain Summit has continued to grow, and gets outstanding reviews from the many people, from so many different fields, that it brings together each year. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
Introduction and background of Rajam Roose (0:00-4:00)
How Rajam Roose started the San Diego Pain Summit (4:00-9:00)
The focus of the San Diego Pain Summit on topics not typically covered in other conferences (9:00-14:00)
The interdisciplinary nature of the summit and the importance of collaboration between different professions (14:00-19:00)
Challenges faced by the summit, including limited resources and the need for nonprofit status (19:00-25:00)
The motivation behind organizing the summit and the passion for sharing important information (25:00-29:00)
The availability of past summit talks on the San Diego Pain Summit YouTube channel (29:00-32:00)
The upcoming San Diego Pain Summit in March 2024 and the changes in format (32:00-36:00)
Trends and changes in pain science education observed through the summit (36:00-40:00)
How to find more information about the San Diego Pain Summit (40:00-43:00)
Closing remarks and contact information (43:00-46:00)
Resources:
San Diego Pain Summit
SDPS YouTube Channel
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at 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.comcheatsheet
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.)

Feb 7, 2024 • 54min
111. How Bodyworkers Can Explain Pain (with Lorimer Moseley)
🎙️Twelve years ago, Lorimer Moseley’s TEDx talk “Why Things Hurt” helped to catalyze profound changes in how pain is conceptualized, in our field and in many others. If we think about pain as protection, rather than as damage, it changes how we explain the improvements we see in hands-on work. Professor Moseley joins Til and Whitney to update us on his thinking, and to offer bodyworks and massage therapists practical advice on working with our clients with pain.🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
Introduction to The Thinking Practitioner Podcast (0:00)
Sponsorship by Books of Discovery (1:30)
Introduction of Lorimer Moseley (3:00)
Lorimer Moseley's TEDx talk and its impact (6:00)
Description of pain to those experiencing chronic pain (9:00)
Historical context of pain education (13:00)
Three historical phases of pain education evolution: (15:30)
ancient pain education,
old school pain education, and
current pain science education
Four essential pain facts: (19:30)
pain protects us and promotes healing,
persistent pain is also a protective function,
many factors can influence pain, and
therefore, there are many ways to reduce pain and recover.
Challenges of explaining complex concepts in a short period of time (26:00)
Importance of validation and empathy in pain education (30:30)
Role of optimism and encouragement in pain education (34:30)
Lorimer Moseley's upcoming courses in North America (39:00)
Sponsorship by ABMP (42:00)
Closing remarks and contact information (43:30)
Resources:
“Why Things Hurt” TEDx talk
Pain Matters podcast
Lorimer Moseley’s North American tour: noigroup.com
Lorimer Moseley’s charity: painrevolution.org
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at 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.comcheatsheet
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.)

Jan 24, 2024 • 54min
110: Hands-On the Nerves (with Gil Hedley)
🎙️ Anatomist extraordinaire Gil Hedley stops by to talk with Til and Whitney about nerves, dissection, bodywork, and what hands-on therapists can learn from his most recent project, the Nerve Tour. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Topics:
0:00 - Introduction to The Thinking Practitioner Podcast
0:30 - Introduction of hosts Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau and sponsor ABMP
1:57 - Introduction of guest Gil Hedley and discussion of his nerve tour
7:00 - Gil Hedley's background and introduction to integral anatomy
12:00 - The importance of understanding the nervous system in manual therapy
16:00 - The unique aspects of dissecting nerve tissues
20:00 - The impact of nerve tissues on texture and pain in the body
24:00 - The importance of the state of the practitioner when working with nerve tissues
28:00 - The personal connection to the donors in Gil Hedley's projects
34:00 - The future of Gil Hedley's nerve project and availability of the content
38:00 - Gil Hedley's upcoming tour schedule and accessibility of his content
43:00 - Conclusion and thanks to sponsor Books of Discovery
45:00 - Closing remarks and contact information for hosts and guest Whitney Lowe
Resources:
Gil Hedley's site
Gil Hedley's Youtube channel
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at 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/.
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.)

Jan 10, 2024 • 36min
109: Season 4 Highlights: Insights and Legacies
🎙️ Join us as we revisit the key moments of The Thinking Practitioner’s fourth season. This year, our esteemed guests shared both the latest research, and historical insights into the legacies that continue to shape our field. A heartfelt thanks to our amazing guests, sponsors, and to you, our audience—your support continues to drive the Thinking Practitioner community. Subscribe now for a condensed dose of practical wisdom and discerning reflection. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resources:
Whitney & Til’s Season 4 Favorites:
84: Working with Veterans (with Nicole Miller)
87: Shared Decision Making (with Walt Fritz)
92: The Art of a Good Question (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)
96: Curious Souls (with Aaron Alexander & Sue Hitzmann)
97: Back At It: Back Pain Revisited (with Stuart McGill)
99: Wait, What? Fascial Stiffness & Pain (with Robert Schleip)
103: Where the Profession Is Now (with Les Sweeney)
108: Trauma & Bodywork (with Peter Levine)
Your favorites (top downloads of all time):
69: Back Pain, Stiffness & Fascia (with Stuart McGill)
79: Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos (with Tina Wang)
71: Fascia & Pain: What We Know (with Helene Langevin)
56: Working with Rib Issues (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)
70: Stretching: Would Everyone Just Relax? (with Jules Mitchell)
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at 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/.
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.)


