148: The Vagus Nerve: Buzzword or Biology? (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)

🎙From “vagal push-ups” to inflammation to trauma healing, the vagus nerve is everywhere in bodywork and wellness talk—but what does the science actually say? And more importantly, what does this mean in actual practice? In this episode, Til and Whitney take a grounded, myth-busting look at the vagus nerve’s role in health, relaxation, and hands-on practice. They explore what we can clearly influence through bodywork, what’s misunderstood, and how to work with and think about this vital nerve in our hands-on practices. 🔍 Key Topics: 00:00 – Intro: Why is everyone talking about the vagus nerve? 00:02 – Personal stories: Our first encounters with vagus nerve ideas 00:05 – Vagus hype: From “vagal push-ups” to miracle claims 00:07 – What is the vagus nerve, really? Anatomy and function 00:10 – Afferent vs efferent signals: What the vagus is actually doing 00:13 – Polyvagal theory: Helpful insight or oversold model? 00:17 – HRV, breathwork, and cold plunges: What’s the real science? 00:23 – Can touch influence the vagus nerve? A look at massage and manual therapy 00:28 – How to talk about vagus-related ideas without hype 00:33 – What we can do to support nervous system regulation 00:37 – The power of presence, safety, and attunement 00:41 – Cautions about vagus-based marketing and client language 00:45 – Wrap-up: What’s real, what’s helpful, and what we’ve learned Resources discussed in this episode:  Article: Luchau, Til: 'Working with the Vagus Nerve' Massage & Bodywork, 2017. https://bit.ly/luchau-workingwiththevagusnerve  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/  💡 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts with us! [email protected]  ✨ 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: [email protected] (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: [email protected] (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: [email protected] (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: [email protected] (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.)

This episode of The Thinking Practitioner Podcast pays tribute to the life and legacy of Erik Dalton, a pioneering figure in the massage and manual therapy field who recently passed away. Through conversations with some of those who knew him best, we gain insight into Dalton's unique contributions, innovative approaches, and profound impact on the profession. Key Topics: Introduction and overview of Dalton's background and influence (0:00 - 5:00) Reflections from Tom Myers, author of Anatomy Trains (5:00 - 11:40)  Insights from James Waslaski, international lecturer and author (11:40 - 15:00) Memories shared by Diane Matkowski, the "Massage Mentor" (15:00 - 19:30) Perspective from Eric Brown, consultant for Dalton's business (19:30 - 24:00) Stories and tributes from Jim Asher, Dalton's Rolfing teacher (24:00 - 29:00) Personal accounts from Tammy McCue, senior educator for Dalton's work (29:00 - 34:00) Reflections from Art Riggs, bodyworker and teacher (34:00 - 40:00) Insights from Paul Kelly, longtime collaborator with Dalton (40:00 - 50:00) Closing thoughts and information about the podcast's sponsors (50:00 - 57:00) 📌 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: [email protected] (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 special retrospective episode of The Thinking Practitioner, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau look back season five's thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and groundbreaking insights into the world of massage therapy and bodywork. Reflecting on their most impactful episodes and a guest list that included Tom Myers, Sharon Wheeler, Jill Cook, Antonio Stecco, Greg Lehman and more, they explore highlights such as pain science with Lorimer Moseley, innovative anatomical approaches with Gil Hedley, and Til's profound personal and professional journey through grief. With a mix of deep dives into manual therapy techniques and candid personal stories, this episode celebrates the depth and breadth of the profession and the podcast’s community. Key Topics and Time Codes: •[00:01:00] Introduction and celebrating five seasons of The Thinking Practitioner. •[00:04:00] Reflections on how bodywork has personally transformed Whitney and Til over the years (Episode 134). •[00:06:00] Gil Hedley’s overview of cranial nerves, and his groundbreaking Nerve Tour (Episode 110). •[00:10:35] Highlights from the conversation with Lorimer Moseley on explaining pain (Episode 111). •[00:15:20] Insights into proprioception and fascia from Rochelle Clausen and Nicole Trombley (Episode 119). •[00:17:00] "Movement optimism" with Greg Lehman and rethinking rehabilitation (Episode 114). •[00:20:20] Rolfer Sharon Wheeler discusses the legacy of her ScarWork and Bone Work (Episode 133). •[00:25:00] Low back pain updates: A practical discussion on treatment and understanding (Episode 127). •[00:30:00] Reflections on grief and its profound impact on personal and professional life (Episodes 125, 130, and 132). •[00:33:00] Jill Cook’s insights into tendon pain and the evolving understanding of tendinopathy (Episode 128). •[00:36:30] Celebrating the diversity of guests, their contributions to the field. •[00:38:00] Looking forward to Season 6 and inviting listener input for future episodes. Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring look back at the evolution of The Thinking Practitioner and a preview of what’s to come in Season 6. 📌 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: [email protected] (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.)

💥Just a few openings left! Thailand Retreat, Feb 22-Mar 5 Advanced Myofascial Techniques, ScarWork, Zoga Movement, and Contact Improvisation https://advanced-trainings.com/thailand-retreat-2025/ ----- In this special episode, Til Luchau is joined by the Sharon Wheeler, a Structural Integration pioneer who trained under Dr. Ida P. Rolf and later developed the popular methodologies of ScarWork and BoneWork. Sharon shares captivating stories from her time at the iconic Esalen Institute, her unique experiences with Dr. Rolf, and how her innovative techniques emerged from an intuitive understanding of the body.   Learn about the power of light touch in addressing scars and bones, hear about Sharon’s global teaching journey, and learn how her methods are creating lasting change for practitioners and clients alike. Joined by guest Wojtek Cackowski, the conversation dives into the mystery and magic of manual therapy, offering fresh insights for anyone interested in the art and science of healing. 🌟 Highlights: •Sharon’s Fascinating Path to Structural Integration and Beyond (02:02): Stories of Esalen Institute, dancing in San Francisco, and meeting Dr. Ida Rolf. •How ScarWork Was Originated (20:05): Sharon’s journey of discovery while treating scars and the incredible results achieved with light touch. •The Principles of BoneWork (49:25): Addressing bone structure and mobility with innovative, gentle techniques. •Lessons from Esalen and Dr. Rolf (12:15): Early influences and Sharon’s unexpected acceptance into Rolf’s training program. •The Global Impact of Sharon’s Work (57:24): Teaching ScarWork and BoneWork worldwide, including in Ukraine.   📌 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 mentioned in this episode: Sharon's site: sharonwheeler.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: [email protected] (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 episode, we delve into the intersection of massage therapy, grief, caretaking, and end-of-life. We touch on global palliative care practices, the role of touch in support for those experiencing grief, navigating sensitive conversations, and creating safe spaces for clients. Our guest, Ronna Moore, a massage therapist with over 40 years of experience, specializes in oncology and palliative care, and is pursuing a doctorate in public health focusing on the role of massage therapy in palliative care. Join us to gain insights into shifting therapeutic mindsets and exploring practical resources to support those experiencing loss. Key Topics 01:19 Guest Introduction and Personal Connection 02:08 Exploring Grief and Loss in Massage Therapy 03:43 Understanding Palliative Care 05:22 Palliative Care Practices in Different Countries 23:16 The Role of Touch in Therapy 35:18 Role-Playing Therapeutic Conversations 36:46 Navigating Grief in Therapy 37:48 The Importance of Sensitivity 38:10 Avoiding Unhelpful Phrases 39:12 The Paradox of Comfort 40:15 Shifting the Therapist Mindset 47:05 Creating a Safe Space 50:01 Understanding Grief Models 54:46 Resources and Final Thoughts 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: Ronna's grief recommendations: Frank Osteseski’s book The Five Intentions is a really valuable guide/resource for me in palliative care and its ‘aftermath'. I also appreciate Ronald Epstein’s book: Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness and Humanity Mary-Frances O’Connor: The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss Mary-Frances O’Connor: The Grieving Body (to be published in 2025) George Bonnano: The Other Side of Sadness AND George Bonnano: The End of Trauma (both of these have a resilience orientation which appeals to me). TED talk by Abraham Vergehese emphasising the humanity of care. Articles: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-26629-017.    (A polyvagal approach) O’Connor, M.-F. (2019). Grief: A Brief History of Research on How Body, Mind, and Brain Adapt. Psychosomatic Medicine, 81(8), 731–738. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000717 O’Connor, M.-F., & Seeley, S. H. (2022). Grieving as a form of learning: Insights from neuroscience applied to grief and loss. Current Opinion in Psychology, 43, 317–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.08.019 In Australia, we have a professional body called Grief Australia which is a great resource for PD/education (amongst other things). Perhaps there is something similar in the US. https://www.caresearch.com.au/Portals/20/Documents/Health-Professionals/TheRoleOfSkilledCompassionateTouchInGriefSupport_RonnaMoore_ACGBConference2018-1.pdf    What's Your Grief (you have already) has some good descriptions of the models of grief I mentioned (Dual Process Model and Growing around Grief), and there are others as well. Compassion Cultivation Training: https://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/education/cme/cct.html Mindful Self Compassion: https://centerformsc.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 About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected] (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.)  

Joon Park, author of "As Long as You Need" discusses grief and its impact on bodyworkers and their clients with Til Luchau. Park, a hospital chaplain, shares his experiences with grief, trauma, and the importance of acknowledging and integrating pain rather than suppressing it. He emphasizes the role of the body in grief, the concept of "letting in" rather than "letting go," and the significance of rituals and community in processing loss. The conversation also touches on the idea of the "intimate stranger" and the therapeutic power of touch and presence. Key Topics: •Grief isn’t about “letting go” but “letting in” and honoring the lost. •Societal pressures often encourage suppressing grief. •Parallels between grief and trauma: both require embracing pain rather than avoiding it. •Physical manifestations of grief and the role of bodywork in processing it. •Importance of rituals in grief (including the "ritual" of getting bodywork) for emotional and physical healing. •The significance of community and meaningful connections in combating loneliness. •The “intimate stranger” concept, where trust can build quickly with clients. •Touch as non-verbal "prayer" and support in grief. •Encouraging open conversations about grief and loss, and building authentic relationships. 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: JS Park's book: As Long as You Need: Permission to Grieve http://aslongasyouneedbook.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: [email protected] (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.)

Whitney interviews tendon expert Dr. Jill Cook, who discusses the current understanding of tendinopathy as a degenerative condition, emphasizing the importance of proper loading in rehabilitation. She explains why she advises against traditional treatments like friction massage and stretching, why anti-inflammatory medications are ineffective, and highlights the risks of certain drugs on tendon health. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Cook provides evidence-based insights for all manual therapists on treating tendinopathies effectively. Key Topics: Shift from thinking of tendinopathies as inflammatory conditions to degenerative conditions (03:01 - 04:24) Factors that contribute to pain in tendinopathies (04:40 - 05:41) Clinical signs and symptoms of tendinopathy (06:06 - 08:34) The role of loading and compression in tendon pathology (08:54 - 16:45) Treatment strategies for tendinopathies, including friction massage and anti-inflammatory medications (19:06 - 31:48) Medically-induced tendinopathies, such as those caused by fluoroquinolone antibiotics (32:05 - 35:04) The role of active movement and soft tissue treatments in tendinopathy rehabilitation (35:30 - 38:29) 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: Jill Cook: [email protected] Fairclough J, Hayashi K, Toumi H, et al. The functional anatomy of the iliotibial band during flexion and extension of the knee: implications for understanding iliotibial band syndrome. J Anat. 2006;208(3):309-316. doi:JOA531 [pii] 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00531.x 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: [email protected] (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.)