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I spend many of my days lost in thought. It isn’t unusual for me to lose track of a conversation because a stray idea occurred to me. 

Sometimes I get overwhelmed when I read a paper or a book or listen to conversations. It feels like a waterfall of ideas comes crashing down in my head, and my senses fritz as my brain frantically tries to create a cascade of new neural connections in a single moment before the revelations slip away.

The thoughts that consume me are about my intellectual project, and I think it is time to let you in on it.

Here is the question that hijacks my days:

Why does massage therapy– a profession that does profound human-centered work– remain undervalued, misunderstood, and mistreated; both internally and externally?

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Read the article here

There are many massage therapists who have worked incredibly hard to open doors in clinical settings. We have spent decades building trust, demonstrating value, and carving out space for our work in environments that didn’t initially (and often still don’t) understand or welcome us as practitioners of a uniquely valuable discipline. That pioneering work has created real impact for patients and laid groundwork that others have built on.

And somewhere along the way, I think we started accepting terms that don’t fully honor what we can contribute or who we are.

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Read the original article here

There’s no way for the associations to know our wishes if we don’t say them out loud. If we want the power to come from the bottom of the pyramid, we have to accept responsibility and ownership of that power. That doesn’t mean saying “I demand you fix my problem” it means saying “I need this specific thing from you in order to fix this problem.”

Links:

Articles where we describe problems can be found here: The Price of Free, Massage Therapy Has a Labor Problem, The Secret Health Crisis of Massage Therapists, Why Massage Therapy Needs a Divorce, Not Another Debate

...a special combination of skills that few people have. (Luckily, we have one.)

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What exactly do we mean when we call ourselves “healthcare providers”?

“Healthcare provider” does not mean the same thing everywhere. Depending on the state, it might mean defined scope and enforceable accountability. It could relate to insurance participation. Maybe it means elevated liability standards.

Worst case, it might mean mostly vibes.

These variations aren’t trivial. Once the label of “healthcare provider” or “healthcare service” enters statute, it stops being branding and starts carrying weight. Or at least, it should. Across the United States, that weight is distributed unevenly.

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It’s Time to Stop Going to Aunt Tricia’s

This article is a companion to this one written by Corey. These articles represent each author's independent perspective, and were written without our usual collaborative input. We are super excited about them. 

Every technical debate in massage therapy is displacement activity.

Every. Single. One.

We argue about measurement systems (clock hours vs. credit hours), terminology (but we call it taxonomy… all fancy-like). Is it bodywork or is it massage? And don’t get me started about how our knickers twist when it comes to credentialing language.

We have online arguments that last longer than some people’s actual training programs.

All of this “activity” allows us to keep evading the fundamental questions: What does this field want to be? And what will we do when we realize that, perhaps, it’s a field that actually contains more than one distinct pathway?

Read the original article here. 

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Why we don’t need to get along to get along.

Not all problems are created equal, and the methods that will solve one kind are very different from what you need to solve the other. Oftentimes problems are a combination of simple, complicated, or complex; or vacillate between the distinctions with time. Thinking about the features of each can help us decide how to approach them.

This article is a companion to this one written by Cal. These articles represent each author’s independent perspective, and were written without our usual collaborative input. We are super excited about them. 

Most of the information and images in this article come from the Complex Systems Framework Collection website. It’s delightful and simple, and I highly recommend you explore it.

You can read the original article here.

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Recently several of Corey's projects have come across the same stumbling block: a lot of people believe many skills can’t be taught. This has come up in my poking around the topics of therapeutic relationships, compassion, supervision, writing, and emotional labor. 

In each of these areas, there is a pervasive fallacy that the reason a person is good at a skill is the result of a mystical innate genius. Some je ne sais quoi. Some indefinable essence. This is not only untrue, it’s a limiting perspective.

Read this article here

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Read this article here

The Work We Do But Won’t Name

Scholars who study labor have a term for work that involves “particularized knowledge and sustained personal attention.” They call it intimate labor. According to scholar Viviana Zelizer’s framework, this work includes things like shared secrets, bodily information, awareness of personal vulnerability, interpersonal rituals, and private languages.

Read that list again. Now think about what happens in a massage therapy session.

We know our clients’ bodies in ways that even their partners may not. We hold their secrets about pain, about stress, about the divorce they haven’t told anyone about yet. We know things about our clients we don’t even realize we know, the way a janitor knows what a household discards, learning private details from what people throw away.

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Read this article here

The massage therapy profession has problems. We have so many problems, those problems have bred and now have enough problematic offspring to hold a problematic family reunion.

You’re probably reading our Substack because you see these problems and you want to know how to fix them. You’ve probably thought of some plans yourself. How many times have we all had conversations that start with “Well, why don’t we just [insert solution]? That would solve it!”

The next time you start to have this conversation, stop right there and really look at that question.

Why don’t we just [insert solution]?

The answer is that what you’re asking for is really hard. If it was easy, it would have been accomplished already.

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Read this article here

“Everyone who is engaging with humans—as a teacher, a psychotherapist, as a bodyworker—should be aware of the state of the other,” Porges explained. 

It’s not dismissive to say this. It’s foundational. Take a moment to consider how often you truly do this in your work. I’m not talking about structural or postural assessment, at least not in the way that many manual therapists typically do. I’m talking about sensing and feeling the level of autonomic reactivity your client [and you!] experience.

When you become polyvagal-informed, you’re evaluating your client’s autonomic state through observation: their muscle tone, their breathing patterns, the quality of their voice, how they hold themselves in space. You’re noticing who’s tightly wrapped and who’s more accessible, and these cues are often quite subtle. 

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Read this article here

Emotional labor is work that involves managing your and other people’s emotions. Emotion management (also known as emotion work) is how you actively shape and direct your feelings. Emotion management happens internally and is a private activity. It becomes emotional labor when that private activity becomes public work.

This distinction matters. 

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Read this article here

Welcome to Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs); a simple idea with big potential!

The Massage Therapy Foundation is building MassageNet, the largest (and only) international PBRN dedicated specifically to therapeutic massage.

And they’re building it for you.

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Read The Price of Free here

We’ve all felt the frustration. How can we make therapeutic massage accessible? On top of that, how can we do that while maintaining professional value and sustainability? Many well-intentioned practitioners turn to volunteerism as a solution, offering free services at community events, for hospital staff, at health fairs, and just about anywhere else we’re invited.

While this impulse comes from a genuine desire to help, massage therapy volunteerism may actually perpetuate the very systemic problems it seeks to address. Bonus: it artificially depresses the entire profession’s worth. It's like a coordinated effort to undermine ourselves, except nobody planned it.

The solution to massage therapy access issues doesn’t lie in an increase in free services. It lies in reframing massage therapy as a public health necessity rather than a luxury service.

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What's the plan for The Rub and Healwell in 2026?

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The massage therapy landscape is shifting with regulatory changes and developments across states, including the Interstate Massage Compact passing in five states and ongoing advancements in state licensing requirements. Recent months have seen significant changes including Vermont's increased registration fees, Idaho's elimination of continuing education requirements, and new regulations addressing human trafficking in multiple states.

• Interstate Massage Compact has passed in five states, with two more needed for implementation
• Vermont raised application and renewal fees for massage registration
• Idaho eliminated continuing education requirements while extending renewal cycles to two years
• Oregon increased massage therapy fees by 35% for budget rebalancing
• Utah now requires massage establishment registration starting October 1st
• Arkansas added massage businesses to those required to display human trafficking hotline information
• AMTA highlighted new research supporting massage for anxiety and depression
• Upcoming events include AMTA National Convention and Black Massage Therapist Conference
• International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork June edition features various research studies

ABMP Scholarship Sweepstakes

Healwell Substack: More Than Hands

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Regulation might sound like the least exciting topic in massage therapy, but it's actually the battleground where our professional identity and future are being decided.

Massage therapy regulation is far more than bureaucratic red tape; it's a dynamic system that establishes professional standards, protects the public, and helps define who controls the massage profession's territory. We break down the complex regulatory landscape, explaining how licensing affects practice rights and why it matters to every therapist.

If you found this episode helpful, consider donating to Healwell at healwell.org/donate. Even small donations make a big difference in helping us continue these important conversations about the massage therapy profession.

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Read our blog post for more in-depth information on why CAMTC should be sunsetted.

California is one of only five states without massage therapy licensing, operating instead under a questionable "voluntary certification" system run by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). This system requires minimal education, no continuing education, and no examination, while creating barriers for therapist mobility and failing to protect the public.

• CAMTC is a private, non-profit corporation that has been criticized for lack of transparency and accountability
• The CEO of CAMTC earns over half a million dollars while the organization collects $8 million in fees
• CAMTC has arbitrarily denied certificates to qualified students and operates without due process requirements
• Professional organizations including AMTA and ABMP support sunsetting CAMTC
• A hearing on April 29th could determine whether CAMTC will be dissolved

Show notes:

----> ABMP Template for Writing a Letter to California Legislators <----

ABMP Statement on California Licensing

AMTA Statement on California Licensing

FSMTB Model Massage Therapy Practice Act

Special thanks to Laura Allen for fact-checking this episode. Read her blogs about CAMTC here.

CAMTC Sunset Hearing Background Report

2022 CAMTC 990 tax document

2023 CAMTC 990 tax document

California Business and Professions Code- Massage Therapy Act

--------------

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Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession

New Healwell Class: Cultural Competency for Bodyworkers and Healthcare Providers

Healwell News 1:24

State and National News 2:13

Association News 8:13

Events 10:58

Davonna Willis Interview

Beneficial Ownership Checklist

COMTA Likes Us!

ABMP Events

AMTA Call for Speakers

MTF Grants
IMTRC Registration
ABMP News
AMTA News

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Suicide hotline: call or text 988
International Suicide Hotlines

Register for the Community Processing Event on February 25th

Corey Rivera and Cal Cates address the alarming suicide rates among massage therapists by exploring underlying risk factors, including perfectionism, isolation, and occupational stress. By recognizing these nuances, the conversation encourages community engagement and accountability to promote better mental health outcomes.

• Discussing general risk factors for suicide 
• Understanding perfectionism and its types 
• Examining isolation within the massage therapy profession 
• Highlighting the economic instability faced by massage therapists 
• Analyzing the impact of ACEs on mental health 
• Exploring job demand and control dynamics 
• Reflecting on the effects of COVID-19 on the workforce 
• Emphasizing the need for community and support in the profession

Healwell Blog; Worst. Game. Ever.

CDC Article: Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation
Healwell Class: Empowering Individuals to Navigate Crisis
Integrated Motivational Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior

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The episode discusses the hidden mental health crisis within the massage therapy profession, spotlighting alarming suicide rates and the pressing need for open dialogue and community support. By exploring the complexity of suicidal ideation and the current model we use to understand suicide, we aim to equip listeners with tools to recognize and address these critical issues.

Suicide hotline: call or text 988
International Suicide Hotlines

Register for the Community Processing Event on February 25th

CDC Article: Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation
Healwell Class: Empowering Individuals to Navigate Crisis
Integrated Motivational Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior
Entrapment Scale
Boring Books for Bedtime Podcast

PBS Documentary: Facing Suicide
When It Is Darkest: Why People Die by Suicide and What We Can Do to Prevent It

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Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Corey Rivera and Cal Cates explore the existence of rubbing robots and how (unsurprisingly?) they prompt a critical examination of what defines massage therapy. This episode dives into what the robots can and cannot do, why they're happening now, and how you need a human to do massage therapy.

Unreal Rubbing Robot Images
Michael and Aubrey's Podcast
Aescape
Alex: Massage Robotics
Phill the Nightstand
2023 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study
2024 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study
Massage Cost Optimization Article

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Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Topics:

• Healwell News 0:44
• State and National News 2:44
• Massage Envy Settlement  2:49
• Association News 7:20
• AMTA, MPPR, and Veteran's Affairs 9:58
• Upcoming Live and Online events 14:30

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession

Opening to the Mystery with Cal Cates (21 CEUs for most healthcare)

Department of Justice
AMTA's Letter to Veteran's Affairs
MTF Grants
IMTRC Registration
ABMP News
AMTA News

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Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

This episode contains a discussion about suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis call or text 988 on your phone to reach the suicide hotline or click the lifeline link.

Healwell believes it is important to talk about the hard things. In this short episode,  with an introduction by Cal Cates, Corey Rivera talks about their recent experience with suicidal ideation; what it is, what it isn't, and how to support yourself or someone else who may be experiencing it.

Call or Text 988
988 Lifeline Home Page

International Suicide Hotlines

For more information:
Ologies Podcast: Suicidology
NPR: Reach out and listen: How to help someone at risk of suicide
Toxic Positivity and Mental Health | When Does Optimism Become Toxic?

Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Suicide Prevention Resource for Action
2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Topics:

• Healwell News
• State and National News
• Association News
• Upcoming Live and Online events

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession

NPR: Non-Compete Ban Thrown Out
The Massage Therapy Foundation Ergonomics Project Interest Survey
MTF Public-Based Research Network
MTF Executive Director Departure (After 26 Years!)
MTF Practitioner and Student Case Report Contest

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

AI is everywhere. And it does everything...or does it?

In this episode we break down the different types of AI, including generative AI like ChatGPT. We'll explain how each AI type operates uniquely, with a focus on their current roles and limitations. And boy, do they have limitations.

Corey provides a clear breakdown of AI, explaining the distinction between weak AI, which performs specific tasks, and the elusive strong AI seen in science fiction. She explores how AI is currently used in healthcare, from interpreting medical imaging to handling large data sets, and how it might influence massage therapy through the development of "rubbing robots." 

This episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology and massage therapy, balancing excitement with caution. Whether you're a therapist or just curious about the future of AI in health and wellness, this episode will give you a thoughtful perspective on what's ahead.

The definition of massage therapy (Kennedy 2016)
ChatGPT Just Solved Chess (Video)
Google apologises for Photos app's racist blunder (BBC)
Man is to Programmer as Woman is to Homemaker: Bias in Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Massage Therapy with Whitney Lowe (ABMP Podcast)
Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans by Melanie Mitchell
The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values by Brian Christian

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Topics:

• Healwell News
• State and National News
• MPower Shut Down
• Baylor Research Article (They like us!)
• Association News
• Upcoming Live and Online events

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession
ABMP News Page
AMTA News Page
USOLMT News Page

Dept of Ed Asynchronous Ban Public Comment
ABMP Nebraska Call to Action
AMTA List of Resources for MPower Students
Baylor Article Press Release
Baylor Open Access Article
MTF Fundraiser
USOLMT Board
Lorimer Moseley TED talk: Why Things Hurt
Black Massage Therapist's Conference

Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet (Fantasy Overture) is performed by the Skidmore Community College Orchestra and used under Creative Commons licensing. 

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

When is a tool a robot?

Join your host, Corey Rivera on the meandering development of tools used for massage (but not necessarily massage therapy). We'll talk about:

• Tools that help
• Tools that don't
• Tools that are robots
• Tools that are fish

Cathy Ryan, The Fascia Nerd also stops by to explain cellulite! Stay tuned after the outro to hear bonus Cathy.

Take a class with Cathy Ryan!
You can't break fascia (Threlkeld 1992)
National Library of Medicine TENS Article
Tool-Making and Tool-Using in the Northern Blue Jay
The definition of massage therapy (Kennedy 2016)

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Topics:

• Healwell News
• State and National News
• AMTA Files a Lawsuit Against the Department of Education
• Association News
• Upcoming Live and Online events

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession
ABMP News Page
AMTA News Page
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

ABMP's Response to Change.org Petition
AMTA and Friends of Veteran's Affairs Research
Massage Therapy Foundation's Bob King Legacy Grant
NCBTMB Strategic Plan
USOLMT Board
Lorimer Moseley TED talk: Why Things Hurt
Black Massage Therapist's Conference

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

In this episode of "The Rubdown," your host Corey Rivera brings you the latest news and updates from the massage therapy profession for May 2024.

Topics:

• Healwell News
• State and National News
• Coalition for National Massage Organization Meeting 
• Upcoming Live and Online events

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession
Support Georgia joining the interstate compact with ABMP
MTF Poster Submissions
Lorimer Moseley TED talk: Why Things Hurt
Davonna Willis; 4 Nineteen Education
Black Massage Therapist's Conference
AFMTE Educational Congress

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Welcome to an exploration of intersectional identities, featuring those who live at the crossroads of race, gender, sexuality, and disability. This episode is a departure from The Rub's usual style, and we hope you enjoy this brief detour.

Here is the audio piece about addiction that inspired this episode: Life Left In Me

All audio is from interviews on Healwell's podcast "Interdisciplinary."

Original interviews:
Authenticity Soup with Arika Patneaude and Bridget Sumser
People Just Want to Live with Chase Anderson
Celebrate and Affirm with Kalyn Falk and Ro Walker Mills
Don't Make It About You with Anna Valdez
Everyone is Afraid Sometimes with Harry Pickens
Put Me At the Center with Frances Reed
If I Had Been Seen Sooner (Part 2) with Frances Reed
Keep Going with Jennifer Hutton
WHYYYY? with Jennifer Hutton
What You See You Can't Unsee with Jamil Rivers
Worthy of Care with Jamil Rivers

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

In this episode of "The Rubdown," your host Corey Rivera brings you the latest news and updates from the massage therapy profession spanning from January 1st to April 30th, 2024.

Topics:

• Massage Therapy Foundation Grants
• Healwell News
• FTC Non-compete ban
• Gainful employment 
• Interstate compact 
• National Association updates
• IJTMB Journal review
• Upcoming Live and Online events

Support Georgia joining the interstate compact
Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
MTF Grants

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Welcome to "The Rub," a captivating podcast delving into the world of massage therapy. Join your host, Corey Rivera, as they explore the intricacies of continuing education in massage therapy with guests Ruth Werner, Whitney Lowe, and Rebecca Sturgeon.

In this enlightening episode, Corey engages in insightful conversations with industry experts about the transformative shift in massage therapy education, particularly focusing on the transition from traditional in-person classes to the realm of online learning.

The discussion delves into contrasting viewpoints on education's purpose within the massage therapy community. Whitney laments the prevailing focus on technique-oriented courses, advocating for broader clinical reasoning skills.

Ruth Werner shares her passion for teaching ethics in massage therapy, emphasizing the power of role-playing and peer discussions in cultivating a supportive learning environment.

Rebecca Sturgeon champions the emotional and social dimensions of in-person learning, highlighting its unique ability to foster camaraderie and resilience among practitioners.

As the episode draws to a close, Corey invites reflections from the guests on their favorite topics to teach and learn.

Join Corey Rivera and their esteemed guests on "The Rub," where each episode invites you to uncover the secrets, challenges, and triumphs of the massage therapy profession.

Links:
Healwell's Oncology Classes
What is the Transformative Learning Theory?
An Update on Transformational Learning

Ruth Werner
Whitney Lowe
Rebecca Sturgeon's Oncology Book

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Join us on a journey through the intricate landscape of medical philosophy as we explore the dynamic interplay between reductionism and holism. In this thought-provoking podcast, we delve into the contrasting perspectives that shape modern healthcare and challenge traditional notions of disease and wellness.

At the heart of our discussion lies the age-old debate between reductionism and holism. While reductionism champions the idea that understanding the smallest components of a system unlocks the secrets of the whole, holism contends that the synergy of interconnected parts yields emergent properties beyond individual comprehension.

Through engaging narratives and insightful anecdotes, we unravel the complexities of these philosophical frameworks and their implications for medical practice. From the biomedical reductionism that underpins our understanding of disease to the holistic approaches revolutionizing patient care, we examine the strengths and limitations of each perspective.

So, whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to broaden your understanding of medical philosophy or a curious listener intrigued by the complexities of human health, tune in to our podcast as we navigate the intricate terrain of reductionism and holism in healthcare. Together, let's embark on a journey to embrace the richness and diversity of approaches that define modern medicine.

Pubmed "holistic" graph
Joshua Freeman: Towards a Definition of Holism
The history of reductionism versus holistic approaches to scientific research
"Touching Work" by Dr Carrie Ann Purcell
Whole Health
Total Pain
The UK's Holistic Massage
Alternative therapies: are they holistic?

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Embark on a journey of professional transformation with me, Corey Rivera, as we break free from the confines of routine massage therapy practice. Our latest Rub episode invites you to discover the untapped potential of interdisciplinary collaboration, with valuable takeaways from the Shiley conference in palliative care. Dr. Melinda Kavanaugh joins us, bringing her passionate insight as a social worker and researcher, to illuminate the powerful synergies that await when we step out of our comfort zones. The episode promises to equip you with a new perspective on how massage therapy can integrate into broader healthcare paradigms, and how stepping beyond familiar territory can lead to growth and impactful connections.

Tune in for tips on getting the most out of your conference experiences. Whether you're seeking education, promotion, or networking opportunities, you'll learn how to craft a strategy that aligns with your goals and the event's offerings. From the subtle art of commanding attention and sparking enriching dialogues to the merits of solo dining for recovery, this episode serves as both a guide and an encouragement for health practitioners of all disciplines to seize the day. Don't miss our conversation if you're ready to embrace new opportunities, expand your professional network, and foster the kind of growth that only comes from stepping boldly into new experiences.

Write to NCBTMB about what they should include as approved CEs!

Dr Melinda Kavanaugh's Youth Care Giving Program YCARE
Dr Katie Robinson

Conference Information:
Shiley National Symposium
NHPCO
Black Massage Therapist Conference
C-TAC | CAPC Leadership Summit
International Pain Summit
Fascial Research Congress
McGill International Palliative Care Congress

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Wednesday's episode will be slightly delayed due to bipolar disorder! (All is well, but productivity takes a backseat to mental health.)

I'm leaving the description the podcast AI wrote (mostly) intact because it's a great example of writing for SEO and not for purpose. 

• My "sleep and focus wavering" does not sharpen my resolve, it mostly makes me tired and frustrated. Also my focus doesn't "waver," it hyper-fixates. 
• California was not sunny, it hilariously rained the entire time due to the atmospheric river weather event.
• I have no idea where the "endless cups of coffee" came from.
• Healwell is totally down with self-care, particularly the kind that means you need to stop working right now.
• I fully intend to help "nurture your career," but not in the next 3 minutes.

AI WRITTEN DESCRIPTION: As your host, I'm opening up about my journey with bipolar disorder and how it's recently shuffled our podcast calendar. Navigating the unpredictable tides of hypomania, I've found my sleep and focus waver – but it's this very challenge that sharpens my resolve to deliver the enriching content you've come to cherish. With a candid heart, I share the strategies that help me manage my health while remaining steadfast in crafting our episodes, ensuring that our latest offering arrives imbued with the same fervor and dedication you expect.

Our latest adventure took us to a vibrant conference in sunny California, bursting with opportunities to network and exchange groundbreaking ideas over endless cups of coffee. I'm thrilled to recount this exhilarating journey and pass on pearls of wisdom that will elevate your future conference endeavors, whether you're a novice or a habitual participant. This episode is a celebration of human connection, the courage in revealing our vulnerabilities, and the importance of self-care—principles that guide us both personally and professionally. Join us for an episode that's as much a lesson in nurturing your career as it is in fostering your well-being.

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Embark on an eye-opening exploration of the often misunderstood world of massage therapy with me, Corey Rivera, your guide through the intricate landscapes of human touch. We're not only unmasking the differences between a casual massage and professional massage therapy, but also diving into why individuals across the spectrum seek out these services—ranging from celebrations on a cruise to seeking solace amid personal trauma.

This episode promises to stretch your understanding of massage therapy beyond its physical connotations, as we scrutinize the profound therapeutic relationships, the critical role of communication, and the essential education and skill of the massage therapist. We'll even touch on the delicate and often taboo topic of massage's relationship to sexuality, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Ready for a session that's as enlightening as it is provocative? Join me, and we'll navigate the societal currents and the healing power of professional touch with the curiosity and depth it deserves.

Links:
Kennedy, LMT, BCTMB, DrPH, A. B., Cambron, LMT, DC, MPH, PhD, J. A., Sharpe, PhD, MPH, LMBT, P. A., Travillian, PhD, NA-C, LMP, R. S., & Saunders, PhD, R. P. (2016). Clarifying Definitions for the Massage Therapy Profession: the Results of the Best Practices Symposium†. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 9(3), 15–26. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v9i3.312

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Prepare to navigate the intricacies of massage therapy education with Cal Cates and myself, Corey Rivera, in a conversation that's vital for the future of massage schools. We're treading into the uncharted territory of curriculum overhauls, necessitated by the Gainful Employment Act's momentum. July 2024 inches closer, and with it, the deadline for schools to meet the stringent 100% rule looms large. We'll be examining what these transformations mean for federal funding, the ongoing discourse around a standardized 625-hour training program, and the prospect of a two-tier licensure system that could redefine our profession.

The financial landscape for massage therapists can be as complex as the human body itself. We peel back the layers of IRS reporting, income misconceptions, and the stark realities of cash-based earnings in our field. Our candid discussion illuminates the struggles with underreported income and deciphers the myths that often cloud the true earning potential within our industry. We're not just talking about the dollars and cents; we're scrutinizing the impact of federal legislation on educational paths and how it shapes the aspirations and career sustainability for those who enter this trade with passion and purpose.

But passion alone doesn't pay the bills. The nobility of any profession is not measured by financial struggle, and we're dissecting the politics that shape our regulatory landscape. We're also addressing the burnout that threatens our ranks, pondering whether it's the physical toll or the relentless financial hustle that wears us down. And we're not stopping there. Our conversation extends an invitation to join us in reimagining healthcare through Healwell's mission and to lend your voice to this critical dialogue. Your insights are the heartbeat of our community, so tune in, engage, and be a part of the change we're striving to make.

Note: at about 15 minutes, Corey says "$40 an hour" when she really meant "40 hours a week." Oops!
US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Massage Therapy
Inside Higher Ed: Gainful Employment Proves Contentious, Again

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Discover the shift about to hit massage schools nationwide as we unpack the consequences of the new federal gainful employment rule with Lance Hostetter, Director of Government Relations for ABMP. In July 2024, a federal program to protect students from predatory education practices could have major consequences for massage therapy schools. We explore the fine line between consumer safety and the integrity of massage therapy education. The conversation takes a turn as we probe into the controversial shift from the 150% rule to a mere 100%, bringing up concerns about the potential dilution of massage training quality.

ABMP: Massage School Programs at Risk Across the Country
NASFAA: 2023 Gainful Employment

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

To hear the full version of each interview, check out our Patreon!

Witness the dawn of a healthcare revolution with Healwell, where the nurturing power of touch meets the rigor of palliative care. Join the Healwell team of Cal Cates, Kerry Jordan, Laura Bryant-Earner,  Rebecca Sturgeon, and Corey Rivera as we reveal the heartfelt aspirations and bold missions driving our nonprofit organization. Together, we dissect the formidable task of integrating palliative massage therapy into mainstream healthcare, advocating for a future where the art of human connection through touch is not just an afterthought, but a fundamental pillar.

We're not just hands-on practitioners; we're educators, advocates, and most importantly, agents of change, envisioning a world where the healing touch of massage transcends traditional healthcare boundaries. Through our stories, you'll discover how we're crafting a new narrative for massage therapy—one where passion and professional growth coalesce to shape a brighter, more empathetic future.

The episode culminates with a call to join the ranks of those challenging the status quo and fostering a community of growth and camaraderie. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Healwell is a testament to the power of collective action and unyielding dedication to enhancing the human experience. Whether you're a practitioner, a patient, or simply a believer in the transformative potential of compassionate care, your support and participation are the keystones to this healthcare revolution. Thank you for sharing in our journey—a journey toward a more compassionate and inclusive world, one massage at a time.

Support the show

Subscribe to our Substack: "More Than Hands"

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message:  703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Ways join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Check out Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP and AMTA for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org 

Hospitals are bustling, often chaotic places, where the focus is primarily on healing rather than comfort. But within this challenging environment, a unique breed of healthcare providers is emerging, offering a different kind of solace - massage therapists.

In this episode, we will take you on a journey to explore the lives of massage therapists who work in hospitals. These dedicated individuals bring relief and comfort to patients during their most vulnerable moments. They offer a listening ear and a healing touch to patients who may be experiencing pain, anxiety, or uncertainty. We will uncover the stories of Joan and Sierra, two massage therapists with different experiences working in hospitals.

Join us in this episode as we explore the world of hospital-based massage therapy, where these unique healthcare workers bring comfort and solace to those in need. The journey to establish these programs is complex, but the rewards are immeasurable. If you're interested in this joyous and challenging field, there's a place for you to make a difference. If you're interested in doing this work, check out Healwell's hospital-based massage therapy education courses. 

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• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

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Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area.  Check us out at www.healwell.org