The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession

In this conversation with Dr. John Douillard, a leading Ayurvedic educator with 40 years of experience, the focus is on the transformative power of nasal breathing during exercise. He explains how this technique replaces stress with composure and enhances flexibility. The duo also delves into the role of carbon dioxide in breath control, linking it to emotional resilience and athletic performance. Dr. Douillard shares tools for optimal brain function, promising a refreshing look at ancient practices meeting modern science.

Allissa Haines, a practicing massage therapist and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine, dives into the concept of a spending freeze to help reset financial habits for small business owners. She discusses how this strategy encourages a focus on essential expenses and sheds light on common pitfalls, like excess massage linens, which can harm quality over time. Allissa provides practical tips for implementing a spending freeze and highlights the benefits of reevaluating financial disciplines in the massage industry.

Ruth Werner, a pathology expert, dives into the complex world of hereditary hemochromatosis, a condition impacting iron metabolism and leading to serious joint issues. She discusses a specific client facing hip pain and considering joint replacement, complicating matters with their recent strokes. Ruth unpacks how iron overload can cause joint damage and the challenges of providing bodywork in such cases. This insightful conversation emphasizes the need for careful management and inter-professional communication in treating clients with this condition.

Allison Denney, a certified massage therapist and host of a podcast dedicated to migraines, dives deep into the complexities of these debilitating headaches. She unpacks the fascinating history and anatomy of migraines, revealing how our understanding has evolved. The discussion explores the role of the meninges and the trigeminal nerve, shedding light on potential treatment strategies. Denney emphasizes the phases of migraines and the importance of symptom tracking and bodywork techniques for effective recovery, offering valuable insights for both therapists and sufferers.

Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist, business owner, and columnist dedicated to empowering the massage community. In this conversation, she shares essential financial strategies for small business owners, emphasizing the importance of separating business and personal finances. Allissa explores establishing clear payment structures and evaluating discounts to promote sustainable financial health. With her practical insights, she guides listeners towards making smart money moves for a robust business foundation.

Doug Nelson, a seasoned massage therapist and educator, shares insights on the strength found in not knowing. He emphasizes that true confidence diverges from mere bravado and highlights the importance of tenacity and curiosity in therapeutic practices. Nelson discusses the value of embracing failure as part of learning, advocating for critical thinking over simple answers. He narrates personal anecdotes illustrating how confronting uncertainty can lead to professional growth, underscoring the need for a beginner's mindset in continuous learning.

Cindy Williams, a massage therapist and bodywork expert with over 24 years of experience, discusses how to help clients change ingrained patterns for better well-being. She emphasizes the importance of attention, emotion, and repetition in learning new movement patterns. Cindy highlights the need for practitioners to recognize harmful habits and guide clients through healthier movements. Mindfulness and emotional engagement are key in transforming client sessions, making lasting changes more achievable.

Allissa Haines, a practicing massage therapist and business owner, dives into the nitty-gritty of whether you need a separate phone number for your business. She discusses the perks of maintaining professional boundaries and shares practical solutions for obtaining that second number. The conversation also touches on tax deductions related to business phones and highlights essential compliance for LLC owners. Allissa encourages listeners to prioritize their professional image while navigating the complexities of ownership reporting.

In this discussion, Ruth Werner, an expert in pathology and client care, delves into a complex case involving an older client with severe leg pain following aortic surgery. She explores the critical decisions a young massage therapist must make in navigating this life-or-death scenario. The conversation covers the intricacies of iliac artery grafts, the evolution of endovascular aneurysm repair, and the essential role of patient safety. Ruth emphasizes the importance of professional boundaries and advocating for a client's health in challenging situations.

Allison Denney, a certified massage therapist and YouTuber, dives into the intriguing world of the plantar fascia. She draws parallels between childhood resilience and body tension, emphasizing how challenges shape us. Denney discusses the complex anatomy of the foot, the significance of the plantar fascia in injury prevention, and shares individualized treatment strategies for plantar fasciitis. With a wealth of knowledge, she highlights the importance of balance between strength and self-care, leaving listeners inspired to reflect on their own journeys of resilience.