Shows
The Thinking Practitioner147: Palpating Fibrosis, Easing Inflammation (with Geoffrey Bove and Holly McMillan)
🎙What can trained hands feel in irradiated tissue—and how might that inform both research and practice?
In this episode, Til Luchau and guest cohost Cathy Ryan, RMT, talk with neurobiologist Dr. Geoffrey Bove and manual therapist/speech pathologist Holly McMillan about their collaborative animal study. They explore how massage therapy may influence radiation-induced fibrosis, the use of palpation as a formal outcome, and the challenges of correlating what we feel with what science can measure. This wide-ranging discussion offers practical takeaways for manual therapists working with inflammation, scarring, or post-radiation clients.
Stick around after the o...2025-06-2558 min
The Thinking Practitioner[Class Announcement Episode!] Leg Knee & Foot Masterclass (Thomas Myers with Til Luchau)
🎙In this special mini-episode, Til Luchau previews his upcoming Leg, Knee & Foot Masterclass (August 17–19, 2025 in Walpole, Maine) while catching up with his longtime friend and colleague Thomas Myers, founder of Anatomy Trains and host of the Anatomy Trains Summer Program.Â
Together, they reflect on:
How their teaching—and their excitement for it—has evolved
Why the leg, knee, and foot deserve more focused attention
The meaning of mastery after decades in the field
The value of proprioception and embodied experience in our work
How hands-on practice helps restore a...2025-06-1815 min
The Thinking Practitioner146: Inflammation, Touch, & the Grieving Body (with Mary-Frances O’Connor)
🎙Grief is not just an emotion—it’s a full-body experience. In this episode, Til Luchau talks with neuroscientist and psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor, author of The Grieving Body, about how grief changes the brain, affects inflammation, and alters our physiology. They explore how attachment loss rewires the brain, how inflammatory responses shape behavior and mood, and how the body experiences grief via physical sensations.
They also discuss the role of touch, bodywork, and therapeutic presence in supporting people through grief, and together they reflect on the profound connections between grief, the body, and the healing power of...2025-06-1156 min
The Thinking Practitioner145: Can Discs Heal? (with Stuart McGill)
🎙 World-renowned spine expert Dr. Stuart McGill returns for a deep dive into the complexities of disc healing and adaptation, back pain mechanics, and what manual and movement therapists need to understand about spinal loading, adaptation, and practitioner longevity. In this rich and wide-ranging conversation with Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe, Dr. McGill offers both cutting-edge science and practical insights for helping clients—and ourselves—move with more strength, resilience, and less pain.
🔍 Key Topics:
(04:43) Can Discs Heal or Adapt? – What the science says about disc recovery and tissue response.
(09:47) Posture vs. Load-Driven Pain – Simple tests to dif...2025-05-281h 11
The Thinking Practitioner144: Fascia, Emotion, Inflammation, & Attention (with Robert Schleip)
🎙In this thought-provoking episode, Til and Whitney welcome back fascia researcher Robert Schleip to explore the evolving science behind fascia’s role in emotional regulation, inflammation, and sensory experience. They dive into Schleip’s keynote for the upcoming 7th International Fascia Research Congress and discuss emerging research on fascia as a dynamic neuro-immune interface.
Robert shares his updates on fascinating insights into attention, depression, touch, circadian rhythms, and how fascia may bridge body and mind in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
đź•‘ Key Topics
04:15 – Schleip’s keynote preview: fascia, emotion, and immune interaction
...2025-05-1459 min
The Thinking Practitioner143: Palliative Massage is for Everyone (with Cal Cates)
🎙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 ca...2025-04-301h 03
The Thinking Practitioner142: Fascia and the Vagus Nerve (with Fabiana Silva)
🎙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:...2025-04-1645 min
The Thinking Practitioner141: Massage in Integrative Healthcare (with Dale Healey)In this illuminating episode of The Thinking Practitioner, Whitney Lowe sits down with Dale Healey, a leading expert in integrative healthcare, to explore the evolving role of massage therapy in modern medical settings. Healey shares profound insights into interprofessional collaboration, the potential of massage therapy in healthcare, and how practitioners can become more effective advocates for whole-person care.
Key Topics:
0:07:00 Defining Integrative Healthcare
0:22:30 The Role of Massage in Medical Settings
0:34:00 Challenges in Massage Therapy Education
0:42:00 Building Relationships Across Healthcare Disciplines
0:45:30 Strategies for Massage Therapists to Expand Their Impact
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đź’ˇ Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts with us...2025-04-0247 min
The Thinking Practitioner140: Embodied Attention: Contact Improvisation and Bodywork (with Nita Little)
🎙How does touch shape our perception, our movement, and our connection with others? In this fascinating conversation, Til Luchau welcomes movement pioneer Nita Little, a foundational figure in Contact Improvisation dance, for a deep dive into the world of touch, movement, and attention. Join them as they explore the ways that touch is a language, why attention transforms both bodywork and movement, and how embracing uncertainty can expand our understanding of presence and connection.
Their conversation also touches on the challenges of aging, the importance of imagination, and the potential of touch to expand our identity and sen...2025-03-191h 01
The Thinking Practitioner139: Scoliosis: Lessons for Every Back (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)
🎙Scoliosis can offer valuable insights into working with the spine, and the same principles can be applied to anyone dealing with stiffness, back pain, postural issues, or mobility challenges.
In this deep-dive update, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau explore the latest perspectives on scoliosis, debunk common myths, and discuss how hands-on therapy can support mobility and comfort.
Drawing from their decades of experience, Whitney and Til discuss the differences between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and adult-onset scoliosis, the role of strength and balance training, and why spinal curvature doesn’t necessarily mean more pain. They also exami...2025-03-051h 08
The Thinking Practitioner138: Carpal Tunnel Crash Course (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)
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 carp...2025-02-1945 min
The Thinking Practitioner137: Remembering Erik Dalton (with Tom Myers, Art Riggs, & more)
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)Â
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 f...2025-02-051h 07
The Thinking Practitioner136: Season 5 Highlights (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)
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...2025-01-2241 min
The Thinking Practitioner135: The Neuroscience of Bodywork (with Mark Olson)
In this episode, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau welcome Dr. Mark Olson, a neuroscientist and massage practitioner, for an engaging conversation about the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, trauma, and massage therapy. Dr. Olson shares insights into the complex processes of pain perception, the role of descending modulation, and how manual therapy can create lasting impacts beyond any tissue effects. The trio dives deep into practical applications for massage therapists, addressing divergent views around posture, nociception, and the impact of environment and interpersonal dynamics on client care. This episode will leave you inspired to deepen your practice and reconsider how...2025-01-0859 min
The Thinking Practitioner134: How Bodywork Changed Our Lives (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)
In this reflective anniversary episode, hosts Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau take a heartfelt look at the transformative impact of massage and manual therapy—both personally and professionally. Sharing stories from their own journeys into the field, lessons learned from clients, and transformative bodywork experiences, they explore how this work profoundly shapes lives.
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The conversation touches on balancing professional demands with personal growth, the joys and challenges of teaching, and the deeper connections formed through touch. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a celebration of the uniqu...2024-12-2647 min
The Thinking Practitioner133: ScarWork: Origins and Legacy (with Sharon Wheeler & Wojtek Cackowski)
đź’ĄJust 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/
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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.
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Learn about the power of light touch in addressing scars and bone...2024-12-111h 05
The Thinking Practitioner132: Bodywork and Grief (with Ronna Moore)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 Topics2024-11-2759 min
The Thinking Practitioner131: Mindfulness, Hands-On Therapy, and Pain (with Bronnie Lennox Thompson)In this episode Til Luchau interviews Bronnie Lennox Thompson, a pain management expert from the University of Otago in New Zealand. Bronnie shares insights on supporting people with chronic pain to live well, emphasizing pain’s complexity as a personal, multi-dimensional experience. They discuss the value of hands-on therapy, discussing both physical benefits and its comforting, human connection.
The conversation highlights mindfulness as a tool for managing chronic pain, extending beyond meditation to include simple, everyday practices. Bronnie and Til explain how mindfulness helps people observe pain without reacting, fostering a healthier relationship with their bodies. Bronnie al...2024-11-131h 09
The Thinking Practitioner130: The Body of Grief (with JS Park)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 ab...2024-10-301h 00
The Thinking Practitioner129: Is Your Touch Aging Out? (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)A new study shows that our fingertips lose sensitivity as we age. What are the implications for massage and bodywork practitioners? Tune in and listen as Til and Whitney think it through, and along the way, share fascinating tidbits about tactile sensitivity training, and its relevance to actual practice.Â
Key Topics:
•Introduction and Sponsor Message (00:00 - 01:30)
•Discussion of Tactile Sensitivity Study (01:30 - 03:30)
•Decline in tactile sensitivity, especially in fingers with age
•Importance of glabrous skin (hairless skin) in mechanoreception
•Mechanoreceptors and Aging (03:30 - 06:00)
•Von Frey monofilament...2024-10-1645 min
The Thinking Practitioner127: Low Back Pain Update (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)In this episode, Til and Whitney dive into strategies for addressing low back pain (LBP) with hands-on work, exploring LBP's prevalence, causes, and treatments. Sharing the insights they've gained from experts such as Nikolai Bogduk, Stewart McGill, Paul Hodges, Lorimer Moseley, Helene Langevin and Antonio Stecco, they lay out the diverse views on both the structural and non-mechanical origins of LBP. Listeners will also learn about therapeutic approaches, the significance of practitioner confidence, and the importance of comprehensive evaluations. Tune in for a fascinating look at how practitioners and clients alike can better understand and work with low back...2024-09-1850 min
The Thinking Practitioner126: Fascia: A Deep Dive (with Dr. Antonio Stecco, Rebroadcast)Til and Whitney speak with fascial researcher, anatomist, and manual therapy teacher Antonio Stecco MD PhD about his research in to fascial properties, pain, and the effects of hands-on work, in this audience-favorite episode from our archives, where it originally ran as Ep. 53.
Key Topics:
Introduction to Dr. Antonio Stecco and his background in fascia research
The role of the Stecco family in advancing fascia research
Differences between superficial fascia and deep fascia
The concept of fascial densification vs. fibrosis
How manual therapy affects fascial lubrication and gliding
The relationship between fascial stiffness/thickness and...2024-09-041h 09
The Thinking Practitioner125: Moving with Grief (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)🎙️ Grief affects everyone: every person, every practitioner, and every client will lose something important to them, whether it’s their youth, ability, dreams, or a loved one. And so, everyone will grieve.
In this episode, Whitney interviews Til about how the recent loss of his wife has given him a new perspective on grieving, and being with others in grief: what helps, what’s important to know, and how to move with grief, as we feel what needs to be felt, and do the things that need to be done. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Key Points in the Podcast
Introduction to the p...2024-08-2144 min
The Thinking Practitioner124: Movement Logic (with Laurel Beversdorf & Sarah Court)In this episode Whitney interviews Laurel Beversdorf and Dr. Sarah Court (co-hosts of the Movement Logic Podcast) to talk about movement, exercise, and rehabilitation. They discuss topics such as the misconceptions surrounding strength training and its impact on flexibility and mobility, strength training for women, posture, movement re-education, and the importance of load management, and much more. Check it out now!
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
- Misconce...2024-08-071h 05
The Thinking Practitioner123: Getting Over Over-Pronation: Ankle & Foot Function (Rebroadcast)In celebration of Til Luchau's upcoming "Ankle Issues" livestreamed course, Til and Whitney pulled one of their favorite ankle-related episodes (#43) out of the archives. Listen in as they geek out on ankle- and foot-related conditions, anatomy, function, biomechanics and more.
Topics include:Â
How the structure of the foot/ankle complex determines function
Are we over over-pronation yet?Â
Plantar fasciitis/fasciosis, bunions, hammertoes, and other things you wouldn’t have thought of as ankle issues.
Episode Outline:
Structure of the foot/ankle complex
Medial side deltoid ligament complex
Lateral side ATF, CF, PTF
How does stru...2024-07-2455 min
The Thinking Practitioner122: Performing Arts Massage (with Christian Green)🎙️In this episode Whitney talks with Christian Green about working with athletes and performing artists. They cover some of the unique facets of working with these special populations. There is much more than specialized techniques necessary to work in these environments and Christian shares some unique and interesting perspectives. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
Introduction to the podcast (0:00)
Introduction of Christian Green and his background (1:00)
Working with performing artists (4...2024-07-1043 min
The Thinking Practitioner121: Analyzing Manual Therapy (with Whitney Lowe)🎙️ In this episode Whitney discusses a 2024 paper on modern manual therapy teaching and practice. The paper describes traditional manual therapy principles, including clinician-centered assessment, pathoanatomical reasoning, and technique specificity, and their criticisms based on recent research. He then outlines a proposed new framework for manual therapy practice and education. Lowe encourages listeners to read the paper and reflect on how these concepts align with or differ from their current practices, aiming to stimulate critical thinking about the evolution of manual therapy approaches in light of current research and understanding.
Watch the video and get the full transcript of th...2024-06-2640 min
The Thinking Practitioner120: Kinesiology, Pain Management, & Massage (with Justin Solace)🎙️In this episode Whitney and Justin discuss the benefits of a diverse educational background and the value of pursuing additional higher education for clinical massage practitioners. They also delve into some of the key facets of how massage and corrective movement can be used most effectively for pain management. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
Introduction to the podcast (0:00)
Background of Justin Solace (2:00)
Pursuing a master's degree in kinesiology (6:00)
Integ...2024-06-1246 min
The Thinking Practitioner119: The Ankle's Most Sensitive Fascia (with Rachelle Clauson & Nicole Trombley)🎙️In this episode, educators, authors, and massage therapists Rachelle Clauson and Nicole Trombley discuss the surprising sensitivity and functional significance of the ankle’s fascial retinaculum. Their conversation with Whitney and Til also ventures into Rachelle’s work on the Fascial Plastination Project, and their hands-on anatomy educational offerings via AnatomySCAPES. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
👉Check out Til Luchau's new Ankle Issues livestreamed and recorded course (first time online!) at a-t.tv/workshop/onl2408m/
Key Poi...2024-05-291h 01
The Thinking Practitioner118: 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 conversati...2024-05-1554 min
The Thinking Practitioner117: 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: 2024-05-0156 min
The Thinking Practitioner116: 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 model...2024-04-171h 08
The Thinking Practitioner115: 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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
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)
...2024-04-0355 min
The Thinking Practitioner114: 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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
2024-03-2047 min
The Thinking Practitioner113: What Did Esalen Ever Do for Massage? (with Peggy & Lucia Horan)🎙️It's no exaggeration to say that in the history of massage and bodywork, there was "before Esalen," and "after Esalen." Til & Whitney talk to Peggy Horan (senior Esalen Massage teacher) and her daughter Lucia (who grew up at Esalen) about their stories, the Esalen Institute, and its influence on how massage and bodywork are practiced and taught today. 🔍🗣️👥🔊
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcast
- Introduction and background on Esalen I...2024-03-0653 min
The Thinking Practitioner112: 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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Key Points in the Podcas...2024-02-2141 min
The Thinking Practitioner111. 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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings...2024-02-0753 min
The Thinking Practitioner110: 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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
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...2024-01-2454 min
The Thinking Practitioner109: 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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resour...2024-01-1036 min
The Thinking Practitioner108: Trauma & Bodywork (with Peter Levine)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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Topics:
- Introduction to The Thinking Practitioner Podcast...2023-12-2740 min
The Thinking Practitioner107: Knee Deep: Understanding Baker’s Cysts (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)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.Â
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resources:
Nanduri A, Stead TS, Kupsaw GE, Deleon J...2023-12-1340 min
The Thinking Practitioner106: The Massage Therapy Foundation (with Adrienne Asta)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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resou...2023-11-2949 min
The Thinking Practitioner105: Chronic Cough: the Prequel (with Walt Fritz and Ruth Werner)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...2023-11-1537 min
The Thinking Practitioner104: The Many (Cervical) Facets of Neck Pain (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)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.Â
...much more
Watch the video and g...2023-11-0139 min
The Thinking Practitioner103: Where the Profession Is Now (with Les Sweeney)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
...2023-10-1856 min
The Thinking Practitioner102: Lessons Learned (with Susan Salvo)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...2023-10-0455 min
The Thinking Practitioner101: Interprofessional Communication (with Lane Blondheim)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...2023-09-2051 min
The Thinking Practitioner100: Chronic Symptoms & Other Mysteries (with Ruth Werner & Til Luchau)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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
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.c...2023-09-0632 min
The Thinking Practitioner99: Wait, What? Fascial Stiffness & Pain (with Robert Schleip)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:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy o...2023-08-2352 min
The Thinking Practitioner98: Working in Professional Sports (with Brian Glotzbach)Brian Glotzbach has been working with high-performance athletes and professional teams for three decades. Whitney talks with Brian about the unique facets of working as a massage therapist in this environment. Things we cover include:
How to get started and make connections
Speaking the language of the athletic staff
What is unique about working with these athletes
What will make you successful in this environment.
...much more
Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resourc...2023-08-0959 min
The Thinking Practitioner97: Back At It: Back Pain Revisited (with Stuart McGill)Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe welcome back special guest Dr. Stuart McGill, a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo and one of the world's leading experts in back pain and spine health. They discuss:
• Common misconceptions about back painÂ
• Stiffness and mobility in back pain, and the role of bodyworkÂ
• Inflammatory factors in back pain
• Traction and movement techniques to mechanically "vacuum" extruded nucleus and alleviate disc bulges
• The McKenzie prone press-up exercise, and its potential effects on disc bulges and facet joints,
• and more.Â
Overall, this episode sheds light on the complexi...2023-07-261h 04
The Thinking Practitioner96: Curious Souls (with Aaron Alexander & Sue Hitzmann)Sue Hitzmann and Aaron Alexander are curious about other people. So how do these two well-known interviewers exercise their curiosity and their "openness muscles?" And, how do they know when their openness is going too far? Listen in as we discuss what makes us feel each good, connecting our personal journeys to our professional work, and much more.Â
Watch the video and get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resources:
Sue Hitzmann’s Costa Rican retreat Â
Sue’s website MELT Method
Free tri...2023-07-121h 04
The Thinking Practitioner95: Learning to Learn (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)If we don’t learn, we’re doomed to the same results over and over. But sometimes, we get in the way of our own learning. Can we learn to be better learners? Til takes Whitney on an illustrated tour of some of his favorite obstacles to learning, and gets his help applying these to our work as hands-on practitioners.Â
Get the slideshow-handout, watch the video, and get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resources:
Handout (self-assessment and key slides)2023-06-2846 min
The Thinking Practitioner94: Contact Improvisation and Bodywork (with Alicia Grayson)Til interviews Alicia Grayson, an expert practitioner and teacher of Contact Improvisation dance, about that form’s significance as an embodiment and movement practice. They explore its connection to other forms of movement and therapy, share their personal journeys, and discuss the similarities and differences between Contact Improv and hands-on bodywork, comparing methods and therapeutic goals. They also delve into topics such as the role of gravity, the benefits of touch sensitivity and human connection, as well as highlighting the joy and exploration involved in play.
Check out the video (which includes visual examples of Contact Improv) or...2023-06-1444 min
The Thinking Practitioner93: Evidence-Informed Education (with Patti Shank)Whitney talks with education specialist Patti Shank on what the current research tells us about the most effective methods of learning. In Episode 17 Til and Whitney talked about how massage and manual therapists chart their own path of learning, so here we talk to an education expert to help us figure out more about what makes a good learning experience. Things we cover include:
Common myths around learning, such as "learning styles"
What makes a good video lesson?
What is best done online vs. in the classroom?
How important is feedback in the learning process?
Is text better...2023-05-3158 min
The Thinking Practitioner92: The Art of a Good Question (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)A good question is said to be the first half of knowing, and can make the difference between understanding each other, or operating on our own assumptions. Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe compare notes on some of their favorite questions to ask clients, mentors, and themselves, as well as principles that will help practitioners craft their own good questions.Â
Resources mentioned:
"Favorite question" Facebook postÂ
Check out the video, show notes, and full transcript on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Sponsor Offers:
Books o...2023-05-1754 min
The Thinking Practitioner91: Employer Blues (with Drew Freedman & Diane Matkowski)Employers are having a hard time finding therapists to hire. Like workers everywhere, massage and manual therapists' relationship to employment is different than it was a few years ago. Til and Whitney talk with independent clinic and spa owners Drew Freedman and Diane Matkowski about the trials, tribulations, and triumphs involved in this changing landscape, in a conversation that solo practitioners, employed therapists, and employers will all find stimulating and informative.Â
Check out the video, and full transcript on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resource...2023-05-031h 11
The Thinking Practitioner90: Turning Down the Volume on Back Pain (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)Back pain is incredibly common, and it can be incredibly puzzling. Whitney and Til discuss their respective views on causes, types, and effective manual therapy treatment strategies for turning down the volume on back pain. Check out the video, show notes, and full transcript on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Sponsor Offers:
The Back Jam: 1 body part, 17 amazing teachers, 4 days. Live in May or by recording.Â
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinki...2023-04-191h 03
The Thinking Practitioner89: Adventure Education (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)What's the reality of combining learning with travel? Whitney talks with Til about his recent educational retreat in Thailand, his teaching trip to Taiwan, and his upcoming professional continuing education retreats in Puerto Rico, on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and around the USA.Â
Check out the video, and full transcript on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resources:
Til's schedule of upcoming retreats and events
Whitney's schedule of upcoming classesÂ
Sponsor Offers:
The Back Jam: 1 body part, 17 amazing teachers, 4 days. Live in Ma...2023-04-0533 min
The Thinking Practitioner88: What is Frequency Specific Microcurrent (with Shannon Goossen)Whitney talks with massage therapist and acupuncture physician Shannon Goossen about Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FMS). You may have never heard of FMS, but practitioners like our guest report impressive results with a variety of soft-tissue disorders. Could this approach be an adjunct to your practice? Key points include:
What is FSM?
How does it work?
What kinds of conditions can it best be used for?
Are there limitations on who can use it?
The value of neurological examinations
An exploration of the Functional NeuroMyofascial Techniques
...much more
Get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or W...2023-03-2259 min
The Thinking Practitioner87: Shared Decision-Making (with Walt Fritz)Shared decision-making: In this episode, Whitney talks with Walt Fritz about key challenges in the world of manual therapy. We delve into:
How he got started in manual therapy
How manual therapy differs in physical therapy and massage therapy
Ways to break down silos between our professions
How important are specific techniques in our treatment strategies
The value of working with clients in shared decision-making
...much more
Get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resources:
Free talk on shar...2023-03-0853 min
The Thinking Practitioner86: Body by Breath (with Jill Miller)Til and Whitney talk with self-care expert Jill Miller about her new book "Body by Breath: The Science and Practice of Physical and Emotional Resilience" and other topics including:
Jill's "Five Ps:" levers on our own well-being
Applying polyvagal theory in self-care
Body image and body awareness in fitness
Applications for massage and manual therapy
Check out the video, full transcript, and a special offer from Jill on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Sponsor Offers:
The Back Jam: 1 body part, 17 amazing teachers, 4 days. Live in...2023-02-1955 min
The Thinking Practitioner85: Collateral Damage: Acute Knee Injuries (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)Whitney and Til talk about acute knee ligament injuries, with Til's recent ski accident being an apt case study. Topics include:
Differences between the "big four" knee ligament injuries
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) specificies
Rehabilitation and bracing controversies
Psychological or mental impacts
The role of manual therapy
Check out the video, illustrations, outline, and full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Sponsor Offers:
The Back Jam: 1 body part, 17 amazing teachers, 4 days. Live in May or by recording
Books of Discove...2023-02-0852 min
The Thinking Practitioner84: Working With Veterans (with Nicole Miller)Essential skills in working with veterans: In this episode Whitney talks with Nicole Miller about her extensive work with the veterans population. We cover important topics such as
How is massage therapy being supported by the VA
What are important skills a massage therapist would need to work with veterans
Where can you get further training to work with this population
Essential precautions to be aware of in your work with veterans
...much more
Get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinica...2023-01-2549 min
The Thinking Practitioner83: Business, Success, and Change (with Allissa Haines)How do we think about our business? In this episode Whitney talks with Allissa Haines of Massage Business Blueprint about pertinent business topics such as: What's coming up for the new year? How to get more massage and bodywork clients? How to communicate with your client's healthcare practitioners? And much more.
Get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resources:
Massage Business Blueprint
Communicating with a client's healthcare team
How to get new massage clients
The Walton Pressure Scale
2023-01-1153 min
The Thinking Practitioner82: Season 3 Highlights - Best of the Thinking PractitionerWith a quarter-million downloads to date, Whitney and Til share their top 5 episode highlights and notable ideas from their third season of interviews, conversations, and inquiries into the thinking behind effective hands-on work.
The Ten Most-Downloaded Episodes from Season Three:
53: Fascia: A Deep Dive (with Dr. Antonio Stecco)
69: Back Pain, Stiffness & Fascia (with Stuart McGill)
56: Working with Rib Issues (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)
71: Fascia & Pain: What We Know (with Helene Langevin)
67: Aging Gracefully, Breathing Well, and Long COVID Recovery (with Jan Sultan)
70: Stretching: Would Everyone Just Relax? (with Jules Mitch...2022-12-2846 min
The Thinking Practitioner81: Fascia, Length-Change, and Language (with John Sharkey)Is language important? Do muscles actually change length? Does posture matter? Is “fascia” a reductionist idea? Whitney and Til head straight down these rabbit holes (and more) in conversation with clinical anatomist John Sharkey.
Get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Â
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.Â
Handspring Publishing: save 20% by entering “TTP” at checkout at handspringpublishing.com.Â
About Whitney Low...2022-12-1451 min
The Thinking Practitioner80. What We Might Learn From Sex (with Betty Martin)What can we as bodyworkers can learn about intimacy, ethics, consent, touch, and boundaries, from people working on the other side of the no-sex "firewall" that (very appropriately) separates our profession from erotic and sex work? Betty Martin is a leading author, thinker, and trainer in the field of consent and touch; listen in as she and Til think it through.Â
Check out the video or get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resources:
Waking Up The Hands (Y...2022-11-3048 min
The Thinking Practitioner79: Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos, Fascia, and Pain (with Tina Wang)Does stiff fascia hurt because it's stiff? Why then is there pain with the softer-tissue patterns of hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes? Dr. Tina Wang's fascinating research (as well as her own story) helps shed some light on this paradox. Check out the video of her Thinking Practitioner conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage
Resources:
Dr Wang's clinical practice https://tupelopointe.com/
Dr Wang's neurofascialinflammation seminars including hEDS course: https://www.thebraincelledu.com/seminars
Selected research:
Wang, Tina J., and Antonio Stecco. “Fascial Thickness and Stiffness...2022-11-1653 min
The Thinking Practitioner78: More Carrots, or More Sticks? The Continuing Education ConundrumMost everyone agrees that the current system of continuing professional education (CE or CPD) for massage and manual therapy has problems. Should CE requirements simply be abolished? Or is even more regulation needed? Whitney and Til think these things through and come up with individual and system-wide options. Check out the video of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources:
Julie Onofrio’s post “The Continuing CE Conundrum in the Massage Profession”Â
Whitney Lowe’s “The Future of Advanced Massage Credentialing”Â
2022-11-0255 min
The Thinking Practitioner77: The Future of the Profession (with Sandy Fritz)Whitney has a conversation with Sandy Fritz on her vision of the current and future state of the profession.Â
How the current economic situation has impacted the massage profession
Innovative changes with the ICMT
The migration of massage employment to a "job"
Challenges with massage employees
How to work full time
Ergonomic challenges in our field
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources:
International Consortium of Manual Therapies: https://www.icmtconference.org/
Health Enrichment Center: https://www.hea...2022-10-191h 03
The Thinking Practitioner76: Fascia Research Congress Highlights (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)Til & Whitney share their takeaways, impressions, and highlights from the recent 6th International Fascia Research Congress in Montreal. Topics include:
New research correlating tissue qualities with depression
Biomechanics of thoracolumbar fascia
Counterintuitive findings about Ehlers-Danlos
Fascia and elastic recoil
Should we massage tumors?
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources:
Robert Schleip's recent article in Massage & Bodywork magazine: The Fascial Network; Our Richest Sensory Organ
The Fascia Research Congress info page for speaker info, recordings and 2025 dates...2022-10-0548 min
The Thinking Practitioner75: Secret Shopper CE Review (bonus episode, with Hands at the Table podcast)Unbeknownst to us, the hosts of the 'Hands at the Table' podcast recorded and aired a “secret shopper” episode about one of Til Luchau’s most popular online CE classes. Listen in as they dissect and review the course, bit-by-excruciating-bit.Â
(And, you can find out more about Til’s next Principles course, live or by recording, at Advanced-Trainings.com.)
In this episode:
Were the techniques useful?
How was the course structured?Â
Can something like this even be learned at a distance?
Get the transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe...2022-09-2645 min
The Thinking Practitioner74: Sacroiliac Joints: The Next Level (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)Whitney and Til dive deep into their differing (and shared) approaches to sacroiliac joint pain, pelvic anatomy, biomechanics, and much more, all in celebration of Whitney’s recent SIJ article and Til’s upcoming live-online hands-on training. NEW: check out the video of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources:
Article: “Current Concepts in Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction” (free, registration required)
Training: Ilia & SI Joints: Principles
Free intro: Sep 28, first lecture: Oct 5, 2022
Review: the Hands at the Table podcast hosts dissect an AMT P...2022-09-211h 03
The Thinking Practitioner73: Long Term Lyme Disease: What Helps? (with Ruth Werner)Can massage and bodywork help with long-term Lyme Disease? The answer has implications for working with similar conditions such as long COVID, post-viral syndromes, and more. Til Luchau talks it through with pathology writer Ruth Werner.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources:
Ruth Werner's:
Podcast: I Have a Client Who
Textbook: A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology from Books of Discovery
Article: "Long-Term Lyme Disease: Controversies and Challenges" in Massage & Bodywork July-August 2022, p72
CE site...2022-09-0745 min
The Thinking Practitioner72: Intimacy, Sex & Massage: Strange Bedfellows? (with Cal Cates)Til Luchau talks with Cal Cates about "massage therapy's sex problem:" how the profession's "touchiness" about the intimacy-sensuality-sexuality continuum, however well-founded, might not be serving either our clients, nor ourselves.Â
Watch the video of their conversation and get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe:Â Academy of Clinical Massage
Til Luchau:Â Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources:
Cal Cates’ Strange Bedfellows blog postÂ
Interdisciplinary Podcast
Healthcare & Intimacy Virtual Symposium on September 24, 2022Â
The Healwell Online Community
Sponsor Offers:
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking"...2022-08-2455 min
The Thinking Practitioner71: Fascia & Pain: What We Know (with Helene Langevin)Famed fascial researcher Helene Langevin MD talks with Til and Whitney about what we know (and _don't_ know) about the role of tissue stiffness in pain; the effects of stretching on cell function and inflammation; contextual effects and placebos; and much more.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources:
Fascia Mobility, Proprioception, and Myofascial Pain (Langevin 2021)
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) site
NCCIH Director’s Page
Sponsor Offers:
The 6th Internatio...2022-08-1043 min
The Thinking Practitioner70: Stretching: Would Everyone Just Relax? (with Jules Mitchell)Whitney and Til have an in-depth conversation with Jules Mitchell (author of Yoga Biomechanics: Stretching Redefined) about topics like tissue change, flexibility, hyper-mobility as they relate to yoga and manual therapy.Â
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources:
Jules Mitchell’s book: Yoga Biomechanics: Stretching Redefined.
Save 20% when you enter TTP at checkout at Handspring Publishing.Â
Jules Mitchell’s site: julesmitchell.com
Previous podcast: Stretching the Tissues, or the Truth?
Episode 11 of The Thinking Practitioner
...2022-07-271h 03
The Thinking Practitioner69: Back Pain, Stiffness & Fascia (with Stuart McGill)Legendary back pain researcher Stuart McGill (author of Back Mechanic and others) talks with Whitney and Til about spinal pain, fascia, biomechanics and other topics including:
- Stiffness/mobility tuning in manual therapy
- The psoas' role in supporting the spine
- Fascial connections, Janda's lower-crossed model, and more.Â
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources:
Stuart McGill’s site:
Backfitpro.com
Books by Stuart McGill:
Back Mechanic ISBN: 978-0...2022-07-131h 08
The Thinking Practitioner68: Working with Sciatic Pain (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)Til and Whitney compare notes about their tests and techniques for recognizing, understanding, and working with sciatica, sciatic pain, and similar conditions.
Download the free technique handout from https://bit.ly/sciatica-handout-68
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Sponsor Offers:
Til Luchau's 'Sciatica & Disc Issues' training: save 15% by entering "thinking" at https://a-t.tv/onl2208/.Â
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.Â
...2022-06-291h 08
The Thinking Practitioner67: Aging Gracefully, Breathing Well, and Long COVID Recovery (with Jan Sultan)Til talks with Jan Sultan (one of the first Rolfers trained by Ida Rolf to teach her work), about his life and work; about aging well; and about his take-aways from his ongoing COVID recovery process.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources mentioned Â
Til's 'Cytokine Storm' article
Dr. Ida Rolf Institute®
Jan Sultan's email: janhsultan@gmail.com
Sponsor Offers: Z
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
ABMP: save $24 o...2022-06-151h 24
The Thinking Practitioner66: Beyond ”It Depends:” Oncology Massage (with Janet Penny, Rebecca Sturgeon, and Loretta Luchau)Til gets personal as he discusses bodywork with people living with cancer, with Janet Penny and Rebecca Sturgeon, the authors of “Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care.” They’re joined by Til’s wife Loretta Carridan Luchau, a bodyworker and therapist who has been living with cancer for many years.Â
Watch the video (NEW!) and get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites:Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources mentioned Â
Oncology Massage: An integrative approach to cancer care at Handspring (enter TTPÂ at checkout fo...2022-06-011h 04
The Thinking Practitioner65: Women Leaders in Massage Therapy (with CG Funk, Ruth Werner, and Irene Diamond)Women account for about 85 percent of Massage Therapists in the US. However, there isn't always a corresponding representation of women as CE providers, conference headliners, or in other roles of visible leadership.
Whitney and Til explore this phenomenon in discussions with three women leaders, as a way to acknowledge just a few of the many women who have made significant contributions and impacts on our field, and who continue to provide outstanding leadership and guidance for the future.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Cour...2022-05-181h 02
The Thinking Practitioner64: The Handspring Story (with Andrew Stevenson and Mary Law)It’s no exaggeration to say that in its ten years of existence, Handspring Publishing has had a profound impact on the bodywork and movement therapy fields. Til and Whitney talk with two of Handspring's founders about some very big recent news, and about their unique vision of a place where both long-established authors (such as Robert Schleip, Leon Chaitow, and more), as well as promising newer voices, could all share their knowledge and advance our field.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s course...2022-05-0458 min
The Thinking Practitioner63: Turnabout is Fair Play: Our Favorite Perspective ReversalsPeople change their minds--sometimes, radically. Learning, improving, refining, all involve changing how we saw things before. But is there a cost? And what makes changing our views such a challenge? Whitney and Til compare notes about how their perspectives have taken a 180° from how they used to think, and, about how that's played out.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources mentioned Â
Todd Hargrove: Three Reasons It Matters Why A Treatment Works (blog)
Andreo Spi...2022-04-2055 min
The Thinking Practitioner62: Educational Innovations (with Anne Williams and Eric Brown)Whitney talks with Anne Williams and Eric Brown about innovations in education.
They delve into these important topics:Â such as:
-Early explorations of online education, podcasting, and the World Massage Conference
-Why instructional design and educational theory matter in education?
-New frontiers in the publishing of digital textbooks
…and much more.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources mentioned Â
Massage Mastery Digital Textbook
Sponsor Offers:Â
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "...2022-04-061h 03
The Thinking Practitioner61: Massage Therapy Research (with Niki Munk)Whitney talks with Niki Munk about massage therapy research.
They delve into these important topics:Â such as:
-What are levels of evidence and why does this matter?
-Why should massage therapists care about research?
-How to get involved with research
-Challenges of massage education existing outside traditional academic models
…and much more.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Resources mentioned Â
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: a unifying model for th...2022-03-2357 min
The Thinking Practitioner60: Physical Therapy Assisting and Massage (with Matt Gavzy)Whitney talks with massage therapist and physical therapy assistant Matt Gavzy about working in a team practice with other professionals, and about integrating massage therapy with physical therapy approaches. Â Â
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Episode Resources
Matt Gavzy's contact info:
Email: Â bodyworkingsmt@gmail.com
Phone: 201-410-7855
Sponsor Offers:Â
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.Â
Handspring Publishing: save 20% by entering “...2022-03-0945 min
The Thinking Practitioner59: What Influenced You? (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)Whitney and Til compare notes about the major influences on their own careers, and along the way discuss topics such as:
-The development of massage and bodywork education and practiceÂ
-Their Esalen Institute and Emory University crossroads
-The role of lineage, teacher personality, and standards
-The evolution of online learning
-Mentors and mentoring
…and much more.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Sponsor Offers:Â
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at...2022-02-2351 min
The Thinking Practitioner58: Outside the Box (with Judith Aston)Til Luchau asks pioneering movement and bodywork teacher Judith Aston "Do you think being a woman ever held you back?" Then, they talk about what she thought of that question. Â
Get the full transcript, and the answer to Judith's 9-dot puzzle, at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Episode Resources
Judith Aston's upcoming classes, newsletter and more:
Site: astonkinetics.com
Email: office@astonkinetics.com
Phone: +1 775-831-8228
Sponsor Offers:Â
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdisc...2022-02-0949 min
The Thinking Practitioner57: A Fine Irish Visit (with Aubrey Gowing)Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau catch up with Aubrey Gowing about the practice of massage and bodywork in Ireland. Aubrey is Senior Instructor at the Holistic College Dublin and past President of the Irish Massage Therapists Association.
Plus: Check out the FREEÂ 'Rib Issues' Intro Jan 26, and join the live course with Til Luchau until Feb 9.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s courses at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Episode Resources
Holistic College of Dublin website, Facebook page
Aubrey Gowing's Facebook...2022-01-2656 min
The Thinking Practitioner56: Working with Rib IssuesTil Luchau and Whitney Lowe talk through their hands-on approaches to rib pain, ribcage restrictions, and related breathing issues. Download the technique handout at https://bit.ly/rib-handout-56Â
Get the handout and full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s Online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s 'Rib Issues: Principles' training at Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Sponsor Offers:Â
'RIB Issues: Principles AMT' training with Til Luchau: https://a-t.tv/rib-principles
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.Â
Handspring Publishing...2022-01-1256 min
The Thinking Practitioner55: What Is Success? (with Diane Matkowski)Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe get personal with Diane Matkowski (The Massage Mentor) about what "success" means to each of them, and preview their upcoming online collaborative, the "Success is an Inside Job" training (learn more at bit.ly/thinking-success).
Get the full transcript) at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Whitney Lowe’s Online Clinical & Orthopedic Massage Courses
Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Sponsor Offers:Â
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.Â
Handspring Publishing: save 20% by entering “TTP” at checkout at handspring...2021-12-2957 min
The Thinking Practitioner54: Season Two Highlights - Best of the Thinking Practitioner PodcastWhitney Lowe and Til Luchau review highlights and key take-aways from their busy second season of interviews, conversations, and inquiries into the thinking behind effective hands-on work.Â
The Ten Most-Downloaded Episodes from Season Two:
45: Fascia in Sport & Movement (with Robert Schleip)
38: Frozen Shoulder & Adhesive Capsulitis: Updating our Approach
42: Scars and Scar Tissue (with Cathy Ryan)
46: To ITB, or Not To ITB? (Iliotibial Band Controversies, Conditions, and Approaches)
47: Getting Over Over-Pronation (Ankle & Foot Function)
48: Psoas Work: Is it Safe? Is it Necessary? (Hip Jam rebroadcast)
44: Table Lessons (with Doug Nelson)2021-12-151h 03The Thinking Practitioner53: Fascia: A Deep Dive (with Dr. Antonio Stecco)Til and Whitney speak with fascial researcher, anatomist, and manual therapy teacher Antonio Stecco MD PhD about his research in to fascial properties, pain, and the effects of hands-on work.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Resources discussed in this episode:
Dr Stecco’s research and publications (NYU)
FM app on the Apple Store and Google Play
Dr Stecco’s site: fascialmanipulation.com
Papers mentioned in the episode:
Gerber et al., “A Systematic Comparison Between Subjects With No Pain and Pain Associated With Active Myofascial Trigger Points.”
Langevin, Helene M. et al. “Reduc...2021-12-011h 09
The Thinking Practitioner52: Orthopedic Special Tests (with Whitney Lowe)Til interviews Whitney about his use of Orthopedic Special Tests. Topics include:
The promise and the reality of special tests
Pros, cons, and controversies
When to use them, when not to.
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Resources discussed in this episode:
Lowe, Whitney. “Suggested Variations on Standard Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Assessment Tests.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 12, no. 2 (April 2008): 151–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2007.04.001.
Hegedus, Eric J, Alexis A Wright, and Chad Cook. “Orthopaedic Special Tests and Diagnostic Accuracy Studies: House Wine Served in Very Cheap Containers.” British Journal of Sports Me...2021-11-1753 min
Action's AntidotesHow To Make Decisions That Set You Up For Financial Success With Paul LuchauLife is all about making decisions. But are you making the right ones that will set you up for financial success? In this episode, Paul Luchau poses important questions to help you evaluate how you’re handling your finances. Paul is a speaker, educator, and financial adviser. Today he shares how he helps his clients get started on their path to financial freedom. He explains the importance of savings and the concept of lost opportunity costs. If you want to learn more about managing your money, then this is the episode for you. Join in to get more financial know-how fro...2021-11-1639 min
The Thinking Practitioner51: Neuroinflammation (with Todd Hargrove)Til & Whitney talk with Todd Hargrove of the Better Movement blog and podcast about neuroinflammation and its role in pain and health. Topics include:
What is neuroinflammation, and how is it relevant to hands-on work?
How does the concept of the "neuro-immune system" change things?
What are our levers for helping with neuroinflammatory conditions?
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Resources discussed in this episode:
“Neuroinflammation: A common factor in many chronic health problems" blog post
Todd's Better Movement blog and podcast
Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.comÂ
Til Luchau’s site: Adva...2021-11-0352 min
The Thinking Practitioner50: A View Across The Border (with Jamie Johnston & Eric Purves)Whitney interviews Jamie Johnston and Eric Purves
Topics include:
How does massage education differ in the U.S. and Canada
How have things changed with the adoption of educational competencies for MTs in British ColumbiaÂ
Should we keep performing special orthopedic tests if they aren't considered as accurate?
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Resources discussed in this episode:
Hegedus, E. J., Wright, A. A., & Cook, C. (2017). Orthopaedic special tests and diagnostic accuracy studies: House wine served in very cheap containers. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(22), 1578–1579. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjspo...2021-10-2157 min
The Thinking Practitioner49: Interoception Is The Key, Like It Or Not (with Til Luchau)Whitney interviews Til about his upcoming “Three Questions About Interoception” article in Massage & Bodywork magazine. Topics include:
What is interoception, and why should I care?
Is interoception our profession’s “mindfulness?”
How can I actually use interoception with my clients?
Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!Â
Resources discussed in this episode:
“Three Questions about Interoception” article in Massage & Bodywork November/December 2021
Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.comÂ
Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.comÂ
Sponsor Offers:Â
Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.Â
ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abm...2021-10-0652 min