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Can the flexibility of a new professional development model for massage therapists change the status quo? Discover how British Columbia’s innovative approach is setting the stage for a shift in how therapists across Canada approach continuing education. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of this flexible professional development model, weighing the benefits of personalized learning against the risks of diminished oversight. Hear firsthand about our experiences and the fervent support we’ve encountered, as well as the critical role that evidence-based practices must play in shaping the future of massage therapy education.

This episode takes us to the American Massage Therapy Association's annual conference in Tampa, Florida, where we shared insights on managing fibromyalgia. This international perspective highlights the gaps and opportunities in Canadian massage therapy professional associations. We reflect on the current climate for Registered Massage Therapists, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and a shift away from outdated traditions to evidence-backed knowledge.

Our conversation culminates in a call to action for therapists to challenge the status quo and embrace a more inclusive approach to learning. By focusing on the integration of manual skills within an evidence-based framework, we champion the need to reduce pseudoscience and foster critical thinking throughout the profession. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of how massage therapists can redefine their practice to truly benefit their clients, keeping pace with the latest scientific standards and innovations in the field.

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https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

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There are many common misunderstandings about evidence based practice (EBP). It is not all about the reserach evidence, although that is a critical component.

Join us for a critical conversation with Nadine Hawyrluk, where we clear up the common misunderstandings surrounding evidence-based practice and the new standards set by the CMTBC. We dissect the requirements for maintaining an evidence-based approach, from staying up-to-date with the latest research to ensuring learning activities are taught by knowledgeable instructors. This is your chance to refine your learning plans and improve your practice to meet these  standards, ensuring your patients receive the best possible care.

In this episode, Nadine and I address the nuanced challenges and contradictions that arise in evidence-based practices, focusing on differentiating current trends and techniques from those that simply rehash anatomical knowledge. We delve into the ethical implications of providing accurate information to patients, highlighting the responsibility of healthcare professionals to avoid perpetuating unverified treatment narratives. This conversation is essential for any RMT committed to ethical and informed practice.

Curious about the claims surrounding prenatal care techniques like Spinning Babies? We scrutinize the evidence supporting such bold claims and discuss whether these practices fall within the scope of massage therapy. Moving toward the broader picture, we emphasize critical thinking in research evaluation, using polyvagal theory as a case study to demonstrate practical techniques for challenging preconceptions. Tune in to discover valuable resources for evidence-based practice and research evaluation, and arm yourself with the tools to scrutinize educational courses and their claims effectively. This episode is a must-listen for every RMT dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based care.

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Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

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Can massage therapists truly prescribe and monitor therapeutic exercise programs effectively? Join us in a conversation with Michelle Smith from Saskatoon, making her third appearance on the podcast, as we tackle this provocative question head-on. Michelle, whose expertise spans kinesiology and exercise physiology, shares her critical insights into the current state of training for massage therapists, particularly when dealing with clients with co-occurring medical conditions. Together, we uncover potential gaps in knowledge and the practical challenges therapists face when integrating therapeutic exercise into their treatment plans.

Our discussion takes a dive into the psychological aspects of exercise, debunking common myths about stretching and its supposed benefits for pain management and athletic performance. We highlight the necessity of customizing exercise recommendations to fit individual preferences and mental readiness. By understanding each client's unique background, lifestyle, and mental health status, therapists can foster more effective and personalized therapeutic interventions. Michelle emphasizes the importance of encouraging positive behavioral changes through tailored exercise plans, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.

We also examine the broader implications for the massage therapy profession, discussing the role of therapeutic exercise within RMT scope of practice. Our conversation underscores the need for clearer guidelines and potential curriculum reforms to better equip therapists. Michelle and I stress the significance of continuous learning, critical thinking, and seeking credible sources to challenge outdated practices and advance the field. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of massage therapy and the integration of holistic, evidence-based approaches to client care.

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

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Join us as we sit down with Richard Hawes, a Registered Massage Therapist who has had over 30 years of experience as an RMT and now works with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Richard's path is anything but ordinary—starting off as an aspiring soccer player, pivoting to a police officer in Hong Kong, and ultimately finding his passion in massage therapy in Vancouver. 

Richard opens up about his personal battle with cancer and how this life-altering experience reignited his passion for massage therapy. From owning a clinic to treating top athletes, Richard's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of following your professional dreams and not settling into a routine job. Listen as he shares invaluable insights on the challenges and rewards of working with high-performing athletes and the significance of maintaining passion in one's career. His narrative underscores the vital role of listening in clinical practice and the profound impact of therapeutic relationships with athletes.

Get an insider's perspective on what it's like to be a sports massage therapist integrated within a professional team. We explore everything from the demanding pre-season schedules and game day preparations to the collaborative efforts of medical professionals ensuring optimal player care. Richard offers a detailed look at the daily routines, the complexities of travel, and the importance of a therapeutic alliance between therapist and athlete. Whether you're an aspiring therapist, a sports enthusiast, or simply someone interested in compelling life stories, this conversation with Richard Hawes is sure to enlighten and inspire.

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

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Forrest and Monica, two therapists from the town of Nelson, BC, join me to discuss the  manual therapies like osteopathy, massage, and acupuncture. They share their journey from education to practice. With their stories, we have a  look into the art of listening and communicating, and how these skills contribute to effective patient care.

Our discussion explores the evidence and anecdotes behind manual therapies, as we consider the challenges of marrying traditional techniques with modern evidence-based practice. With Forrest and Monica's experiences, we illuminate the significant role of human touch in evoking therapeutic responses, and how it serves as a common thread across different therapeutic disciplines. Additionally, we'll navigate the intricacies of creating a calming clinic atmosphere that promotes wellness and the importance of your approach in eliciting a desired response in patients.

Lastly, we debate the delicate balance between ethics and compassion, sharing personal stories that highlight the power of personalized treatment. Monica introduces us to the "three legs of a stool" concept in patient communication, vital for ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient care. We also touch on the emotional aspect of physical illnesses and the necessity for a safe space where clients can express and process their emotions. This episode promises not just to enlighten but also to inspire both practitioners and patients in the continuous journey of healing and self-discovery.

To listen to their podcast please search for The Healthful Perspectives.
Monica can be found at www.acunelson.com and Forrest through rebalancing.ca

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

IG: @eric_purves_rmt

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericpurves2502

Would you like to make a donation to help support the costs of running my podcast?
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We welcome Anna Maria Mazzieri, a soft tissue therapist and educator from the UK. We share our stories and insights that hope to reshape the landscape of manual therapy. Together, we dismantle the problems of outdated therapeutic models so we can build a new framework where evidence-based practice is the core of clinical success. Anna Maria's expertise, cultivated at the Soft Tissue School in the UK, offers a refreshing perspective on the significance of integrating communication, reassurance, and rehabilitation advice into the holistic treatment of clients.

Join us on our journey as manual therapists as we share our experiences from our professional paths and the impact they have had on our approach to care. This dialogue, rich with anecdotes and reflections, is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the evolution of our clinical expertise. For practitioners, students, or anyone interested by the art and science of hands-on care, this episode aims to  provide you a deeper connection to the nuances of soft tissue therapy.

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

IG: @eric_purves_rmt

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericpurves2502

Would you like to make a donation to help support the costs of running my podcast?
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Meet Dave Cordoviz, a new Registered Massage Therapist, in Vancouver, BC. Dave discusses the invaluable lessons he'd learn while juggling work at multiple clinics while working at his family's Filipino restaurant. This episode shares insights from Dave's journey towards establishing a successful RMT practice.

Navigating the labyrinth of healthcare education can be complex. We dissect the heart of massage therapy education itself—contrasting the atmosphere of RMT school settings with that of university, and unraveling the threads of clinical relevance into an outdated curriculum. We examine the educational landscape with a call for an evidence-based approach that benefits both aspiring therapists and future clients.

Dave and I share stories from our educational journey's, advocating for a shift towards curricula that arm therapists with more than just textbook knowledge. This episode is another push for Eric to challenge the status quo, and weaving a new narrative for the future of massage therapy education—one where adaptability, patient empowerment, and the strength of community are at the core. 

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

IG: @eric_purves_rmt

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericpurves2502

Would you like to make a donation to help support the costs of running my podcast?
You can buy me a coffee by clicking here

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Ever wondered if everything you've heard about scar tissue and massage therapy is consistent with the evidence? Prepare to have your beliefs challenged as we're joined by Susan Shipton RMT from Toronto, Ontario. In this episode we discuss the myths and realities of scar tissue management in massage therapy, particularly following surgery. We've all heard the tales of aggressive massage techniques "breaking down" scar tissue, but Susan and I, draw from some current research and our shared experiences to illuminate the path that blends scientific inquiry with the tender compassion necessary in our profession.

Scar tissue isn't just a physical hurdle; it's a complex puzzle that intertwines with our body's pain response, healing mechanisms, and psychological well-being. In this episode, we dissect the multifaceted nature of scar formation and the delicate process of recovery, considering everything from the perplexing axillary web syndrome to the influence of gentle touch post-surgery. Susan's insights from her VODER training on manual lymph drainage reinforce our conversation on the kind of soft, evidence-supported care that respects the body's integrity during such a vulnerable time.

Lastly,  the management of pain and patient expectations. We address the pressing need for honesty and realism when discussing treatment outcomes with patients, exploring how reassessing our approach to scar tissue can lead to more effective healing journeys. Susan and I examine the critical role of movement and touch in not just improving physical symptoms but also in supporting patients' psychological recovery, helping them to embrace and integrate changes to their bodies. Join us as we offer a nuanced perspective that challenges convention and encourages a deeper understanding of the body's response to trauma and therapy.

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

IG: @eric_purves_rmt

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericpurves2502

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In this episode I have a great conversation with Ashley Brzezicki, an RMT and death doula, whose personal narrative and cultural insights bridge the gap between massage therapy and end-of-life care. Exploring this tender intersection, we shine a light on the human touch in healthcare—a touch that offers solace to those grappling with terminal illnesses and envelops their loved ones in the warm embrace of empathy and understanding. 

Ashley's tapestry of narratives threads through our conversation, from confronting the cultural discomfort around death to the art of finding meaning amidst life's final chapter. We delve into the vital role of hospice care, a misunderstood haven offering more than just comfort in dying—it's about living each moment to the fullest, with dignity. Our discourse challenges the medical community's preoccupation with cure over care, advocating for a holistic approach where every healthcare provider, from the massage therapist to the hospice nurse, becomes a guide in the patient's odyssey of self-discovery and acceptance.

This episode calls out some of the noticeable absences in healthcare education, and we advocate for massage therapy to become a university-level degree. We dissect the ethical implications of outdated teachings and the significance of evidence-based practice, as well as the challenges practitioners face in the evolving landscape of Continuing Education. Our exchange extends beyond academia to the essence of patient-centered care, weighing the merits of various modalities against the need for genuine relief. Join us, as we unfurl the importance of compassionate healthcare and the enduring impact of a simple human touch in the profound journey of life's sunset.

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

IG: @eric_purves_rmt

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericpurves2502

Would you like to make a donation to help support the costs of running my podcast?
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In my conversation with Pam Fitch, a respected RMT and author,  we explore the past and future of massage therapy to reveal its ethical and communicative core.  Pam and I explore the delicate balance between physical relief and psychological comfort, and the potential held within our profession.

We all carry our life stories, and it's through understanding this narrative that wellness begins. Pam and I share personal anecdotes that underscore the significance of recognizing each client's unique touch history. From the intricacies of informed consent to common presentations like neck and shoulder pain, we traverse the human aspect of massage therapy, emphasizing empathy and respect as pillars of our practice. This episode is a tribute to the profound connections we forge in the therapy room, where we treat the person, not just the condition.

Pam and I challenge the profession to elevate its value within the healthcare community by embracing the psychological and emotional support we provide. With Pam's insights, we confront the complexities of treating conditions like obesity and chronic pain, advocating for evidence-based practice over pseudoscientific advice. Every word, every treatment decision carries meaning, and we discuss the responsibility we hold as RMTs to communicate with integrity and to adapt to each client's needs with open minds and informed methods. Tune in to gain a new perspective on the therapist-client relationship and the ethical landscape of massage therapy.

To connect with Pam and/or purchase her book, please visit her website:
https://www.pamelafitch-rmt.com/

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

IG: @eric_purves_rmt

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericpurves2502

Would you like to make a donation to help support the costs of running my podcast?
You can buy me a coffee by clicking here