Ep 525 – Self Defense for Massage Therapists: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Doug Nelson explores the concept of bidirectionality - the mutual and reciprocal influence where each factor shapes the other. He discusses how physiological changes during a session affect both client and therapist, and how moments of shared connection and humanity remind us of the profound healing power of touch. Host: Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977.  Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a massage therapy clinic in Champaign, IL. with 21 therapists that was established in 1982. He is the founder of NMT MidWest, Inc., providing training in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy™ across the USA. He has personally taught more than 13,000 hours of continuing education and is the author of three books. Doug is a past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation. Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    PMNT: www.pmnt.org   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: [email protected]             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA    Precision Neuromuscular Therapy seminars (www.pnmt.org) have been teaching high-quality seminars for more than 20 years. Doug Nelson and the PNMT teaching staff help you to practice with the confidence and creativity that comes from deep understanding, rather than the adherence to one treatment approach or technique.   Find our seminar schedule at pnmt.org/seminar-schedule with over 60 weekends of seminars across the country.   Or meet us online in the PNMT Portal, our online gateway with access to over 500 videos, 37 NCBTMB CEs, our Discovery Series webinars, one-on-one mentoring, and much, much more! All for the low yearly cost of $167.50. Learn more at pnmt.thinkific.com/courses/pnmtportal!    Follow us on social media: @precisionnmt on Instagram or at Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars on Facebook.    

Massage therapists give so much to others yet often lack the tools to feel financially secure. Qnity helps change that. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, president and CEO Les Sweeney speaks with Erin Kuhn Bhansali, president/partner of Qnity & Qnity for Schools, about ABMP’s partnership with Qnity, which allows members to gain access to practical, easy-to-follow financial literacy programs designed for massage professionals at every stage of their career.   Resources:   https://www.abmp.com/abmp-x-qnity   Host:   Les Sweeney is the President and CEO of ABMP. For questions about this episode reach out by emailing [email protected]     Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: [email protected]             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA        

Teresa Matthews is a nationally accredited massage therapy continuing education provider, a massage school owner, an athlete and personal trainer, and now… a published author. Her new book, Self Defense for Massage Therapists is now available and—in my opinion—should be considered a required topic in massage therapy beginning education. In this interview Teresa shares how this project developed, and her priorities for teaching massage therapists to be safe at all times. Resources:  Amazon Link https://www.amazon.com/Self-Defense-Massage-Therapists-Practical-Unacceptable/dp/196464433X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39XAX4TO7ALSU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.07_RSFDiCJH2iEEUP788kydrLxru2BrauQPS3y8KPOM.7ZJz26zVx2KmsxyawQELZ8YGoQsOtlombTZqVl23hFs&dib_tag=se&keywords=self+defense+for+massage+therapists&qid=1753384542&sprefix=Self+defense+for+massage+t%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1   Global Book Publishing link: https://globalbookpublishing.com/self-defense-for-massage-therapists-a-practical-guide-to-prevent-unacceptable-behavior-habits-to-promote-personal-safety/     Recent article in Massage & Bodywork magazine: https://www.abmp.com/massage-and-bodywork-magazine/self-defense-massage-therapists   Teresa’s FB page: https://www.facebook.com/teresa.taglionematthews     Teresa’s IG page: https://www.instagram.com/teresamatthews10s/?hl=en   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.      About our Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: [email protected]             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA     

On a recent trip to Las Vegas and on a quest to find a good cup of coffee, I found myself staring at my own eyeball. It sent me down a rabbit hole of eyeball anatomy that I didn't even know I wanted to know. Turns out, I knew more than I thought I did. And my bet is you do too. Host Bio:         Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]      Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com            Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.           About our Sponsors:   Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelmassage.com   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    Rebel Massage Therapist: My name is Allison. And I am not your typical massage therapist. After 20 years of experience and thousands of clients, I have learned that massage therapy is SO MUCH more than a relaxing experience at a spa. I see soft tissue as more than merely a physical element but a deeply complex, neurologically driven part of who you are. I use this knowledge to work WITH you—not ON you—to create change that works. This is the basis of my approach. As a massage therapist, I have worked in almost every capacity, including massage clinics, physical therapy clinics, chiropractor offices, spas, private practice, and teaching. I have learned incredible techniques and strategies from each of my experiences. In my 20 years as a massage therapist, I have never stopped growing. I currently have a private practice based out of Long Beach, California, where I also teach continuing education classes and occasionally work on my kids. If they’re good.   website: www.rebelmassage.com   FB: facebook.com/RebelMassage   IG: instagram.com/rebelmassagetherapist   YouTube: youtube.com/c/RebelMassage   email: [email protected]   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: [email protected]             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA     

Can you keep clients coming back? Allissa Haines works through the math to calculate rebooking rates and offers some ideas to improve your rebooking experience. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner. You can find her building websites and coaching massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com. Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com   Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/purepromassageproducts   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purepromassageproducts/   YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncpFzRVwZA_V_SnylkHyMw    

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Whitney Lowe explores a systematic, creative approach to moving beyond basic routines, while confidently solving MT’s most challenging client cases.   Host:   Whitney Lowe is a known authority in the field of massage therapy, with a 36-year career marked by clinical work, research, publications, and teaching in advanced massage principles. He specializes in treating pain and injuries using massage and is one of the pioneers of the orthopedic massage approach. Lowe's Orthopedic Massage Program stands out in its engaging and accessible design and comprehensive curriculum. Students, whether learning online or in-person, praise Lowe for his approachable style and personalized training.    Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    PMNT: www.pmnt.org   MassageBook: www.massagebook.com   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: [email protected]             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA    Precision Neuromuscular Therapy seminars (www.pnmt.org) have been teaching high-quality seminars for more than 20 years. Doug Nelson and the PNMT teaching staff help you to practice with the confidence and creativity that comes from deep understanding, rather than the adherence to one treatment approach or technique.   Find our seminar schedule at pnmt.org/seminar-schedule with over 60 weekends of seminars across the country.   Or meet us online in the PNMT Portal, our online gateway with access to over 500 videos, 37 NCBTMB CEs, our Discovery Series webinars, one-on-one mentoring, and much, much more! All for the low yearly cost of $167.50. Learn more at pnmt.thinkific.com/courses/pnmtportal!    Follow us on social media: @precisionnmt on Instagram or at Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars on Facebook.     MassageBook is offering listeners $50 off when they sign up with coupon code ABMP50. Start your free 30-day trial today and transform your practice with tools designed to increase bookings and streamline client management.   Connect with MassageBook:   Visit their website: MassageBook   Follow MassageBook on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn      

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin speak with Chris Curry about his massage therapy origin story and the journey that inspired him to guide future therapists. Chris also opens up about his experience competing in massage therapy competitions, including what he won and what he learned. Finally, he gives listeners five practical tips to elevate their next massage session, straight from an award-winning massage therapist.   Resources:   Chris Curry is an award-winning massage therapist and instructor practicing in Denver, Colorado. He specializes in therapeutic and medical massage techniques including myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, structural integration, and craniosacral therapy. Chris believes in a holistic approach to wellness, where massage therapy is not just a treatment, but a gateway to a balanced and healthier lifestyle. This combination of different modalities creates a truly unique and powerful massage, catered to the client’s specific needs. Chris has worked with professional sports teams and athletes. And he owns and runs his business Discover Wellness Massage. And Chris represented Team USA at the 2024 and 2025 World Championship of Massage. For more information about Chris, visit discoverwellnessmassage.com.    Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at [email protected]. Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage therapists and bodyworkers as they enhance their lives and practices. Contact her at [email protected].   Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    PMNT: www.pmnt.org   MassageBook: www.massagebook.com

A seasoned massage therapist has just started working at a prestigious facility where client intakes are only conducted on the fly, and nothing is documented. Almost immediately, two clients present with complex situations that could be made substantially worse by thoughtless massage. What to do? In this episode we explore this complex question. I have some thoughts from the massage side of the equation, and I also turned to an industry expert, Sherrie Tennessee, PhD, to help understand this from the point of view of the businesses. I also speculate on what it would be like if I were Queen of the World, but that’s a bit beside the point.   Resources:  Sherrie Tennessee, Ph.D., CHE,  Founder, SpaSOS | Author | Educator | Industry Speaker   Website: www.spasos.com SpaSOS: Revolutionizing Your Spa with Wellness Technology https://youtu.be/Pk2T0ygfoqk?si=ZOn9tJf7c6FD44FR Author: How to Open a Wellness Center: 31-Day Guide www.amazon.com/How-Open-Wellness-Center-Workbook   Instagram: @thespasos YouTube: @spasos LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-tennessee-phd/   Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.      About our Sponsors: Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com  PMNT: www.pmnt.org MassageBook: www.massagebook.com   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: [email protected]             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA      Precision Neuromuscular Therapy seminars (www.pnmt.org) have been teaching high-quality seminars for more than 20 years. Doug Nelson and the PNMT teaching staff help you to practice with the confidence and creativity that comes from deep understanding, rather than the adherence to one treatment approach or technique. Find our seminar schedule at pnmt.org/seminar-schedule with over 60 weekends of seminars across the country. Or meet us online in the PNMT Portal, our online gateway with access to over 500 videos, 37 NCBTMB CEs, our Discovery Series webinars, one-on-one mentoring, and much, much more! All for the low yearly cost of $167.50. Learn more at pnmt.thinkific.com/courses/pnmtportal!  Follow us on social media: @precisionnmt on Instagram or at Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars on Facebook.   MassageBook is offering listeners $50 off when they sign up with coupon code ABMP50. Start your free 30-day trial today and transform your practice with tools designed to increase bookings and streamline client management.   Connect with MassageBook:   Visit their website: MassageBook   Follow MassageBook on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn  

How exactly are we supposed to hold our bodies so that we don't hurt ourselves and have a long, healthy career? In this episode, Allison dives into the difference between "correct" and "good", tackles the 3 major components of understanding body mechanics, and contemplates what is truly at our core. Want to tap into finding your best approach? This is the episode for you!   Host Bio:           Contact Allison Denney: [email protected]             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.                             About our Sponsors:   Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelmassage.com   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    PMNT: www.pmnt.org   MassageBook: www.massagebook.com