Episodes

  • 129: Is Your Touch Aging Out? (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)

    129: Is Your Touch Aging Out? (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)
    Oct 16 2024
    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. 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 test used to measure sensitivity •Examples of exercises to improve tactile sensitivity in manual therapy •Proprioception and Sensory Discrimination (06:00 - 09:00) •Importance of spatial discrimination in manual therapy •Stiffness testing for practitioners •Tactile Acuity and Practice (09:00 - 12:00) •Training methods for developing tactile sensitivity, including touch games and exercises •Aging and Mechanoreceptor Deterioration (12:00 - 16:00) •Impact of aging on nerve function and tissue hydration •Central processing changes in the brain affecting tactile perception •Implications for Clients and Practitioners (16:00 - 23:00) •Loss of sensitivity and its effect on daily activities and manual therapy •Correlation between pain and reduced tactile sensitivity •Qualitative vs Quantitative Touch in Therapy (23:00 - 30:00) •Debate on whether tactile acuity is essential for effective manual therapy •Importance of qualitative touch and attentiveness in client care •Social Grooming and Pleasant Touch (30:00 - 38:00) •The role of pleasant touch in therapy, linked to brain processes •Sensitivity in non-fingertip areas (forearms, cheeks) and its significance •Takeaways on Tactile Sensitivity and Aging (38:00 - 45:00) •Summary of findings on aging and tactile sensitivity •Importance of listening and touch quality in manual therapy Get the video and full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites! Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Samain-Aupic, Léonard, Mariama Dione, Edith Ribot-Ciscar, Rochelle Ackerley, and Jean-Marc Aimonetti. “Relations between Tactile Sensitivity of the Finger, Arm, and Cheek Skin over the Lifespan Showing Decline Only on the Finger.” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 16 (July 2, 2024): 1387136. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2024.1387136. Bartsch, Katja Martina, Robert Schleip, Alberto Zullo, Kerstin Hoppe, and Werner Klingler. “The Stiffness Comparison Test: A Pilot Study to Determine Inter-Individual Differences in Palpatory Skill Related to Gender, Age, and Occupation-Related Experience.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 24, no. 4 (October 2020): 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.06.009. Sponsor Offers: Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com. ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking. Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,.Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet About Whitney Lowe | About Til Luchau | Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)
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    46 mins
  • 128: Tendon Pain Update (with Jill Cook)

    128: Tendon Pain Update (with Jill Cook)
    Oct 2 2024
    Whitney interviews tendon expert Dr. Jill Cook, who discusses the current understanding of tendinopathy as a degenerative condition, emphasizing the importance of proper loading in rehabilitation. She explains why she advises against traditional treatments like friction massage and stretching, why anti-inflammatory medications are ineffective, and highlights the risks of certain drugs on tendon health. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Cook provides evidence-based insights for all manual therapists on treating tendinopathies effectively. Key Topics: Shift from thinking of tendinopathies as inflammatory conditions to degenerative conditions (03:01 - 04:24)Factors that contribute to pain in tendinopathies (04:40 - 05:41)Clinical signs and symptoms of tendinopathy (06:06 - 08:34)The role of loading and compression in tendon pathology (08:54 - 16:45)Treatment strategies for tendinopathies, including friction massage and anti-inflammatory medications (19:06 - 31:48)Medically-induced tendinopathies, such as those caused by fluoroquinolone antibiotics (32:05 - 35:04)The role of active movement and soft tissue treatments in tendinopathy rehabilitation (35:30 - 38:29)Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites! Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Jill Cook: J.Cook@latrobe.edu.auFairclough J, Hayashi K, Toumi H, et al. The functional anatomy of the iliotibial band during flexion and extension of the knee: implications for understanding iliotibial band syndrome. J Anat. 2006;208(3):309-316. doi:JOA531 [pii] 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00531.x Sponsor Offers: Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com. ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking. Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,.Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet About Whitney Lowe | About Til Luchau | Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)
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    45 mins
  • 127: Low Back Pain Update (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)

    127: Low Back Pain Update (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau)
    Sep 18 2024

    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 pain. Key Topics:

    1. Prevalence of low back pain

    • Over 60-70% of people have episodes of low back pain at some point [01:51]
    • Leading cause of disability worldwide
    • Huge economic impact

    2. Potential evolutionary factors contributing to low back pain

    • Transition to bipedalism and upright posture
    • Differences in spinal curvature and hip mobility between cultures [05:45]

    3. Causes and contributors to low back pain - [07:39]

    • Overemphasis on disc and structural issues in the past
    • Importance of comprehensive evaluation beyond just structural issues
    • Role of soft tissue, muscular, and neural factor

    4. Influence of practitioner perspective and confidence on outcomes [30:20]

    • Importance of the therapeutic relationship and rapport
    • Unexpected interventions can sometimes be effective [35:53]

    5. Personal experiences with low back pain

    • Overuse vs. underuse/immobility as contributors
    • Debates about the significance of posture, load, and context [41:31]
    • Limits of expertise vs. scope of practice for massage therapists

    Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!

    • Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com
    • Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    • ABMPs’ CE Summit on LBP: live Oct 1, 2024 and free to everyone in the profession: abmp.com/summit Portions also available by recording to ABMP members and next year, to A-T Subscribers

    Sponsor Offers:

    • Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
    • ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.
    • Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,.
    • Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet

    About Whitney Lowe | About Til Luchau | Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com

    (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)
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    50 mins
  • 126: Fascia: A Deep Dive (with Dr. Antonio Stecco, Rebroadcast)

    126: Fascia: A Deep Dive (with Dr. Antonio Stecco, Rebroadcast)
    Sep 4 2024

    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 pain
    • Mechanisms for long-lasting effects of fascial manipulation
    • The importance of restoring proper biomechanics, not just treating pain
    • The role of retinacula in proprioception and joint stability
    • New MRI techniques for imaging fascial properties
    • Molecular structure of hyaluronan in fascia
    • Use of hyaluronidase injections for treating spasticity
    • Resources for learning more about fascial manipulation

    Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!

    • Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com
    • Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    • 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. “Reduced Thoracolumbar Fascia Shear Strain in Human Chronic Low Back Pain.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 12, no. 1 (December 2011): 203. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-12-203.
      • Stecco, Antonio at al. “Ultrasonography in Myofascial Neck Pain: Randomized Clinical Trial for Diagnosis and Follow-Up.” Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 36, no. 3 (April 2014): 243–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-013-1185-2.

    Sponsor Offers:

    • Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
    • ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.
    • Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,.
    • Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet

    About Whitney Lowe | About Til Luchau | Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com

    (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 125: Moving with Grief (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)

    125: Moving with Grief (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe)
    Aug 21 2024

    🎙️ 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 podcast and sponsors (0:00-1:20)
    • Til Luchau's personal experience with grief and loss (1:20-5:30)
    • The importance of self-care for caretakers (5:30-8:30)
    • Lessons learned from the grief process (8:30-14:55)
    • Balancing work and personal life during grief (14:55-18:00)
    • The importance of acknowledging grief in client interactions (18:00-21:00)
    • Understanding the stages and timeline of grief (21:00-23:30)
    • Strategies for supporting others dealing with loss (23:30-26:30)
    • The impact of grief on cognitive function (26:30-31:51)
    • Final insights and reflections on grief (31:51-37:00)
    • Closing remarks and sponsor acknowledgements (37:00-39:00)

    Resources

    • Episode 66: Beyond "It Depends" Oncology Massage (with Janet Penny, Rebecca Sturgeon, and Loretta Luchau)
    • Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com
    • Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com

    Sponsor Offers:

    • Til Luchau’s “ANKLE Issues” livestream course (live Aug 24-25 '24, or later by recording): advanced-trainings.com/workshop/onl2408m/
    • Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
    • ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.
    • Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/.
    • Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet

    About Whitney Lowe | About Til Luchau | Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com

    (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)
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    45 mins
  • 124: Movement Logic (with Laurel Beversdorf & Sarah Court)

    124: Movement Logic (with Laurel Beversdorf & Sarah Court)
    Aug 7 2024

    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:

    • Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
    • Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage

    Key Points in the Podcast

    - Misconceptions about strength training and its impact on flexibility (06:00)

    - Overcoming resistance to strength training in the yoga community (08:00)

    - The fear of injury associated with lifting heavy weights (10:00)

    - The benefits of strength training at home (14:00)

    - Starting strength training after developing a physical injury (16:00)

    - The importance of proper technique and strength for manual therapists (18:00)

    - The scope of practice for manual therapists in recommending exercise (20:00)

    - The limitations of personal trainer certifications (22:00)

    - Differentiating between scope of practice and scope of expertise (24:00

    - The shift towards loading and strengthening in tendon rehabilitation (32:00)

    - The impact of posture and load on the body (34:00)

    - The importance of considering individual goals and abilities in posture (38:00)

    - The role of elite athletes and their unique movement patterns (40:00)

    - The social and hierarchical implications of posture (46:00)

    - How to connect with Laurel Beversdorf and Sarah Court (48:00)

    Resources:

    • Slouch, Posture Panic in Modern America by Beth Linker

    • Movement Logic Podcast

    • Social Media: @movementlogictutorials , @laurelbeversdorf, @sarahcourtdpt

    Sponsor Offers:

    • Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at booksofdiscovery.com.
    • ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.
    • Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/
    • Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet

    About Whitney Lowe | About Til Luchau | Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 123: Getting Over Over-Pronation: Ankle & Foot Function (Rebroadcast)

    123: Getting Over Over-Pronation: Ankle & Foot Function (Rebroadcast)
    Jul 24 2024

    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:

    • How the structure of the foot/ankle complex determines function
    • Are we over over-pronation yet?
    • 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 structure govern function
      • Distal tibiofibular joint & talocrural joint form mortise & tenon
      • Primary supporting ligaments
    • Mechanics of the region:
      • Talocrural motions: dorsiflexion & plantarflexion
      • Type I and type II limitations
      • Subtalar motions: inversion & eversion
      • Pronation and supination (definitions and confusion)
      • Phases of gait
    • Some common issues/problems
      • Valgus and varus angulations (toes and calcaneal region)
      • “Overpronation”
      • Bunions & hammertoes
      • Plantar fasciitis
      • Tendon overuse (Achilles tendon etc.)
      • Trauma: sprains breaks
      • Nerve entrapments mimicking soft-tissue pathology (i.e. tarsal tunnel syndrome, Baxter’s neuropathy, etc.)

    Resources and references discussed in this episode:

    • Til Luchau’s “ANKLE Issues” livestream course (live Aug 24-25 '24, or later by recording): advanced-trainings.com/workshop/onl2408m/
    • Trail Guide to Movement: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com
    • Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com
    • Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com

    Podcast anatomy image from Advanced Myofascial Techniques, Volume 1. Used under license from Primal Pictures.

    Sponsor Offers:

    • Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.
    • ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.
    • Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,.
    • Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet

    About Whitney Lowe | About Til Luchau | Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com

    (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)
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    55 mins
  • 122: Performing Arts Massage (with Christian Green)

    122: Performing Arts Massage (with Christian Green)
    Jul 10 2024

    🎙️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:

    • Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com
    • 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 (4:00)
    • Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) (6:00)
    • Challenges in finding performing artists as clients (9:00)
    • Stigma around seeking help in the performing arts community (11:00)
    • Reasons for the stigma (13:00)
    • Collaboration with other healthcare professionals (17:00)
    • Preventive care for athletes and performing artists (19:00)
    • Biomechanical challenges in performing arts (23:00)
    • Importance of education and research in massage therapy (27:00)
    • Advice for new massage therapists interested in working with athletes and performing artists (29:00)
    • Trend lines in acceptance of massage therapy in the athletic and performing arts communities (32:00)
    • Closing thoughts on the essence of bodywork (35:00)
    • Contact information for Christian Green (37:00)
    • Conclusion and call to support the podcast (38:00)

    Resources:

    • Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA)

    • christian@manualtherapyseattle.com

    • Christian's website

    Sponsor Offers:

    • Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at booksofdiscovery.com.
    • ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.
    • Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,.
    • Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet

    About Whitney Lowe | About Til Luchau | Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)
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    43 mins