The Thinking Practitioner

Legendary trauma pioneer Peter Levine PhD talks with Til Luchau about how bodyworkers might recognize trauma, and, how can they be most helpful with its effects. Along the way, Dr Levine reflects on topics such as his own training with Ida Rolf (the originator of Rolfing® Structural Integration), scope of practice considerations for bodyworkers, self-care and much 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 Topics: - Introduction to The Thinking Practitioner Podcast (0:00) - Sponsorship by ABMP (1:20) - Sponsorship by Advanced Trainings (2:40) - Introduction of Dr. Peter Levine (3:30) - Dr. Levine's background and work in somatic experiencing (4:30) - The role of the nervous system in trauma (7:00) - The importance of the vagus nerve in trauma response (9:30) - The difference between healed and unhealed trauma (13:00) - How bodyworkers can recognize and address trauma in their clients (15:30) - The importance of creating safety and connection in the therapeutic relationship (19:00) - The role of bodyworkers in addressing trauma (22:00) - The importance of self-care for healthcare professionals working with trauma (26:00) - The role of ritual and ceremony in healing trauma (30:00) - The impact of trauma on the world and the importance of addressing it (35:00) - Resources for learning more about trauma and somatic experiencing (38:00) - Closing remarks and sponsorships (40:00) Resources: Til's Facebook post: If you could ask Peter Levine anything... Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing® site Preorder Peter Levine's upcoming An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey 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.)

Baker's cysts, the most common cyst behind the knee, affect about 20% of all people. When painful, they can limit mobility and impact quality of life. In this episode, Til interviews Whitney about what Baker’s cysts are, what we as hands-on therapists can do about them, and how we can broaden the lens about the benefits of our work.  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: Nanduri A, Stead TS, Kupsaw GE, Deleon J, Ganti L. Baker ’ s Cyst Case Presentation. 2021;13(12). doi:10.7759/cureus.20403 Burger C. Baker’s cyst. Chirurg. 1999;70(5):611-612. doi:10.1016/s2255-4971(15)30317-7 Afandiyeva MA, Janbachishov QS. Baker’s cyst. Azerbaijan Med J. 2004;7(1):125-127. doi:10.1177/1941738113520130 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.)

The Massage Therapy Foundation is a crucial organization for the growth and development of our profession. In this episode, Whitney talks with Adrienne Asta, current president of the Foundation. In this episode, they discuss: What are the different programs the Foundation runs? What is the role of the Foundation in our profession? Why is research important for practitioners? How can people get involved with the Foundation? ...much 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 Resources: Massage Therapy Foundation International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Massage Therapy Research Network 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.)

Til Luchau and Ruth Werner talk with Walt Fritz PT, as they prepare for some hands-on work with Ruth's chronic cough. Listen in as these three powerhouse presenters discuss hands-on strategy, potential triggers, and psychosocial impacts related to chronic coughs. Ruth shares her personal experiences, emphasizing the challenges and similarities with chronic pain. Their stimulating conversation then delves into the broader implications of treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms, offering unique perspectives on the intersection of manual therapy, anatomical specificity, and the human experience. (This conversation was the run-up to Ruth and Til's "Chronic Symptoms" interview at ABMP, which was featured in Thinking Practitioner Ep. 100) 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: Walt Fritz's site Ruth Werner'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/. 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.)    

The neck's facet joints (or the harder-to-to pronounce and remember "zygapophyseal joints") are the primary articulations involved in cervical movement. They are commonly thought to be involved in a range of painful cervical conditions. What do manual and massage therapists need to know? What are some helpful ways to think about and work with these joints? Whitney and Til think it through, and touch on topics such as: Does or doesn't head-forward posture cause pain? What about text-neck? A self-assessment, and, A hands-on technique for working with the cervical facets.  ...much 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 Resources: Check out Til's upcoming AMT: Neck Jaw & Head Masterclass in Puerto Rico. This episode's image was kindly provided by Anatomy Standard. 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.)    

ABMP (the largest professional organization of massage therapists and bodyworkers in the USA) has just published the results of their regular survey of massage education programs, and it reveals some very interesting trends. Whitney discusses these and their implications with Les Sweeney, the CEO of the Professional Assist Corporation and President of the ABMP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals). Topics include: How employment trends are changing in the field How are schools doing in preparing students for the diversity in our field What may be coming down the road for professional training in the future ...much 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 Resources: About ABMP's schools survey ABMP'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/. 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.)    

Susan Salvo has been a key contributor to the advancement of the massage therapy profession in the U.S. and abroad. She has been a school owner, practitioner, author, researcher, educator, and legal expert witness. In this episode, we talk about many of these different paths she has traversed and some of the important lessons learned. We cover these key points What brought her to the world of textbook authoring How her graduate work in education has influenced her thinking Some of the challenges faced by expert witness cases in massage therapy The importance of finding and working with a mentor ...much 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 Resources: Susan' Blog : https://massagepassport.wordpress.com/ Susan's website: http://www.massagepassport.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/. 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.)  

A crucial aspect of high-quality health care is communication between the individuals that deliver that care. In this episode Whitney talks with Lane Blondheim, a physical therapist in South Bend, Indiana about various challenges and opportunities for enhanced communication in the manual therapy fields. We cover these key points Common myths and misconceptions about our professions Challenges of working within the existing system Where does the scope of practice overlap or interfere How can we enhance communication between our fields more in the future? ...much 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 Resources: Connect with Lane: lane.blondheim@athletico.com Lane's Facebook Page: Lane Blondheim, PT, MT 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.)

When Ruth Werner sought Til Luchau's hands-on help with a chronic symptom, they stopped by ABMP's Colorado studio for a fascinating discussion with Darren Buford and Kristin Coverly about what they were learning by working together.  (This special episode is thanks to ABMP.) 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: Ruth Werner's site Til'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/. 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.)

Tight tissue is more painful, right? And, helping bodies be less stiff makes them feel better, doesn’t it? Fascial researcher Robert Schleip shares new research that contradicts these commonly held (but rarely examined) assumptions, and helps us think through how we, as body therapy practitioners, can apply this new understanding to our work. Tune in for a nuanced conversation that sheds light on our evolving understanding of fascia, stiffness, and 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 Resources: Dr Schleip’s original Facebook post about this study The study featured in the episode: Myofascial stiffness of plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in individuals with plantar fasciopathy Also cited by Dr Schleip in this episode:  Assessing reliability and validity of different stiffness measurement tools on a multi-layered phantom tissue model  Dr Schleip on Instagram Dr Schleip on Facebook  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.)