🎙Cal Cates returns to The Thinking Practitioner to explore the essential role massage therapy can play in palliative and end-of-life care. In conversation with Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe, Cal shares practical insights, personal stories, and the philosophy behind Healwell’s innovative mPATH training program. Together they unpack ways that all massage therapists and bodyworkers can better support patients, caregivers, and care teams—not by fixing, but by listening, noticing, and showing up with presence.

🌟 Key Topics:

[04:37] What is palliative care—and where massage therapy fits

[07:15] The cultural fear of dying and how it limits care

[11:38] Common assumptions therapists make about palliative care

[13:21] Massage therapy is palliative care—philosophically and practically

[16:36] Caregiver stress: why the family is the “unit of care”

[20:23] Communication as the primary intervention in palliative settings

[24:06] How therapeutic touch invites emotional openness

[25:44] Self-regulation and presence as clinical skills

[31:38] Cal’s personal story: how they began this work

[36:39] Are we making progress as a culture in facing death?

[38:37] Skills and mindsets bodyworkers can cultivate

[46:16] The mPATH program: advanced training for palliative care massage

[52:21] What can go wrong without proper preparation

[57:13] Technique is important—but presence makes it land

[58:17] Resources and where to learn more

💡 Join the Conversation:  Share your thoughts with us!

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery, with in-kind support from the Fascia Research Society

✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast.

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

Resources discussed in this episode: 

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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.)

🎙Til Luchau speaks with physiotherapist and fascia researcher Fabiana Silva about the emerging connections between fascia, the vagus nerve, and systemic inflammation. They explore both the science and the practical applications of manual therapy, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, and the challenges of clinical research in the hands-on healing arts. Fabiana is also the President of the Fascia Research Society, and shares highlights from the upcoming 2025 Fascia Research Congress in New Orleans.

🎧 Tune in to learn how fascia influences vagal tone, inflammation, mood, and more — and how practitioners can work more effectively with these systems.

🌟 Key Topics:

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💡 Join the Conversation:  Share your thoughts with us!

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery, with in-kind support from the Fascia Research Society

✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast.

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

Resources discussed in this episode: 

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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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💡 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts with us!

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast.

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

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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.)

🎙How does touch shape our perception, our movement, and our connection with others? In this fascinating conversation, Til Luchau welcomes movement pioneer Nita Little, a foundational figure in Contact Improvisation dance, for a deep dive into the world of touch, movement, and attention. Join them as they explore the ways that touch is a language, why attention transforms both bodywork and movement, and how embracing uncertainty can expand our understanding of presence and connection.

Their conversation also touches on the challenges of aging, the importance of imagination, and the potential of touch to expand our identity and sense of self, and offers transformative insights for bodyworkers, dancers, and anyone curious about human interaction.

🌟 Key Topics:

•The Origins of Contact Improvisation Dance (02:21) – How Nita’s work with Steve Paxton helped shape a new movement form.

•Reflexive Action & Improvisational Touch (07:13) – How instinctive movement informs our interactions.

•Touch as a Language (10:36) – Understanding touch beyond technique, and instead, as a dynamic dialogue.

•The Eternal Moment & Presence in Touch (17:23) – How touch can alter our perception of time.

•Boundaries, Social Norms, and Touch (35:09) – Expanding our understanding of what’s possible.

•Proprioception & The Mind-Body Connection (44:18) – Exploring movement beyond conscious control.

•Aging & Touch (55:39) – How embodied attention supports lifelong movement and adaptability.

💡 Join the Conversation: How has embodied attention, dance, or improvisation influenced your practice? Share your thoughts with us!

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast.

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

Resources discussed in this episode: 

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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.)

🎙Scoliosis can offer valuable insights into working with the spine, and the same principles can be applied to anyone dealing with stiffness, back pain, postural issues, or mobility challenges.

In this deep-dive update, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau explore the latest perspectives on scoliosis, debunk common myths, and discuss how hands-on therapy can support mobility and comfort.

Drawing from their decades of experience, Whitney and Til discuss the differences between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and adult-onset scoliosis, the role of strength and balance training, and why spinal curvature doesn’t necessarily mean more pain. They also examine the impact of body image, surgical considerations, and how touch- and movement-based strategies can provide lasting benefits for all clients, not just those with scoliosis. 

🌟 Highlights:

•Scoliosis Overview & Common Misconceptions (02:50) – Understanding spinal curvature: causes,.

•Structural vs. Functional Scoliosis Debate (15:34) – Rethinking traditional perspectives on treatment.

•Scoliosis and Pain: The Surprising Truth (22:39) – Why people with scoliosis don’t necessarily experience more pain.

•Manual Therapy Approaches (38:20) – How bodywork can help.

•The Role of Proprioception & Movement Options (44:18) – Helping clients refine their body awareness for better function.

•Working with Clients’ Goals (45:25) – Aligning treatment strategies with what truly matters to each individual.

•Surgical Considerations & Working with Rods (51:03) – What hands-on therapists need to know about post-surgical scoliosis care.

•The Importance of Strength & Balance Training (56:55) – How conditioning and proprioceptive exercises can help manage scoliosis.

💡 Join the Conversation: What’s your experience with scoliosis and manual therapy? Share your thoughts with us!

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast.

Episode image thanks to Helmut Hillenkamp, used by permission. An earlier version of their deep-dive conversation first aired as Episode 7.

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

Resources discussed in this episode: 

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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.)

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve compression issues—but how can massage and manual therapy help? In this in-depth episode, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau break down the anatomy, risk factors, and assessment strategies for carpal tunnel syndrome, exploring its causes, differential diagnosis, and effective hands-on approaches. They discuss the importance of nerve mobility, client education, and activity modifications to relieve symptoms and improve function.

Whether you’re a hands-on therapist looking to refine your treatment strategies, or someone experiencing wrist and hand discomfort, this episode offers valuable insights into understanding and managing carpal tunnel syndrome.

🌟 Highlights:

•Carpal Tunnel Basics (02:50) – Understanding the anatomy and mechanics of nerve compression.

•Risk Factors (04:00) – Why some people are more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome.

•Differential Diagnosis (12:00) – How to distinguish carpal tunnel from other nerve compression issues.

•Assessment Questions and Tests (13:40) – Key evaluation techniques to identify carpal tunnel syndrome.

•Nerve Fiber Distribution and Symptom Progression (18:30) – How symptoms develop and why sensory signs appear first.

•Soft Tissue Goals (21:40) – The role of manual therapy in relieving pressure and improving mobility.

•Activity Modification and Client Education (31:30) – Helping clients make lasting changes to prevent symptom recurrence.

•Night Splinting and Nerve Healing (38:00) – How positioning at night can aid recovery.

•Nerve Gliding and Neurodynamics (43:50) – Gentle movement strategies to improve nerve function.

•Massage and Manual Therapy Outcomes (54:10) – Research-backed benefits of hands-on treatment.

💡 Join the Conversation: Have experience working with carpal tunnel syndrome or dealing with it yourself? Share your story with us!

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast.

Episode image ©Primal Pictures, used by permission.

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

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Til's carpal tunnel ball technique: Advanced Myofascial Techniques, volume 1

• Research into massage and manual therapy's effectiveness with CTS:

1. Reduction of Pain and Symptoms

•Massage Therapy: A 2013 study evaluated the efficacy of massage therapy as a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), finding it beneficial in reducing pain and improving function.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23768278

•Manual Therapy: A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of manual therapy on pain and physical function in CTS patients, concluding that manual therapy can significantly reduce pain intensity and improve hand function.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00264-021-05272-2

2. Improvement in Median Nerve Function

•A 2017 systematic review analyzed the effectiveness of nerve gliding exercises on CTS, indicating improvements in nerve conduction and symptom severity.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27842937

3. Decreased Swelling

•An article from Medical News Today discusses that massage therapy can improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling in the carpal tunnel area, which may help alleviate pressure on the median nerve.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/carpal-tunnel-massage

4. Improved Grip Strength and Function

•A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis found that manual therapy effectively improves physical function in CTS patients.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00264-021-05272-2

5. Enhanced Overall Quality of Life

•The American Massage Therapy Association notes that massage therapy can be of great benefit for people dealing with pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, potentially improving their quality of life.

https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/massage-and-carpal-tunnel-syndrome

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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.)

This episode of The Thinking Practitioner Podcast pays tribute to the life and legacy of Erik Dalton, a pioneering figure in the massage and manual therapy field who recently passed away. Through conversations with some of those who knew him best, we gain insight into Dalton's unique contributions, innovative approaches, and profound impact on the profession.

Key Topics:

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

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

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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.)

In this special retrospective episode of The Thinking Practitioner, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau look back season five's thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and groundbreaking insights into the world of massage therapy and bodywork. Reflecting on their most impactful episodes and a guest list that included Tom Myers, Sharon Wheeler, Jill Cook, Antonio Stecco, Greg Lehman and more, they explore highlights such as pain science with Lorimer Moseley, innovative anatomical approaches with Gil Hedley, and Til's profound personal and professional journey through grief. With a mix of deep dives into manual therapy techniques and candid personal stories, this episode celebrates the depth and breadth of the profession and the podcast’s community.

Key Topics and Time Codes:

•[00:01:00] Introduction and celebrating five seasons of The Thinking Practitioner.

•[00:04:00] Reflections on how bodywork has personally transformed Whitney and Til over the years (Episode 134).

•[00:06:00] Gil Hedley’s overview of cranial nerves, and his groundbreaking Nerve Tour (Episode 110).

•[00:10:35] Highlights from the conversation with Lorimer Moseley on explaining pain (Episode 111).

•[00:15:20] Insights into proprioception and fascia from Rochelle Clausen and Nicole Trombley (Episode 119).

•[00:17:00] "Movement optimism" with Greg Lehman and rethinking rehabilitation (Episode 114).

•[00:20:20] Rolfer Sharon Wheeler discusses the legacy of her ScarWork and Bone Work (Episode 133).

•[00:25:00] Low back pain updates: A practical discussion on treatment and understanding (Episode 127).

•[00:30:00] Reflections on grief and its profound impact on personal and professional life (Episodes 125, 130, and 132).

•[00:33:00] Jill Cook’s insights into tendon pain and the evolving understanding of tendinopathy (Episode 128).

•[00:36:30] Celebrating the diversity of guests, their contributions to the field.

•[00:38:00] Looking forward to Season 6 and inviting listener input for future episodes.

Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring look back at the evolution of The Thinking Practitioner and a preview of what’s to come in Season 6.

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

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

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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.)

In this episode, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau welcome Dr. Mark Olson, a neuroscientist and massage practitioner, for an engaging conversation about the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, trauma, and massage therapy. Dr. Olson shares insights into the complex processes of pain perception, the role of descending modulation, and how manual therapy can create lasting impacts beyond any tissue effects. The trio dives deep into practical applications for massage therapists, addressing divergent views around posture, nociception, and the impact of environment and interpersonal dynamics on client care. This episode will leave you inspired to deepen your practice and reconsider how you approach pain and trauma in the treatment room.

Key Topics:

•[00:03:18] Introduction to Dr. Mark Olson and his background in neuroscience and massage.

•[00:06:24] Overview of nerve processing: sensory input, motor output, and top-down vs. bottom-up influences.

•[00:12:00] Ascending vs. descending modulation: What they mean and how they affect pain perception.

•[00:20:30] Understanding pain as a perception of danger rather than tissue injury.

•[00:33:35] Defining trauma-informed care and its importance for manual therapists.

•[00:36:45] Recognizing developmental and shock trauma in practice.

•[00:45:43] Exploring myths around posture and its relationship to pain.

•[00:54:26] Practical advice for integrating neuroscience into manual therapy practice.

Tune in to gain practical tools for fostering safety, understanding pain, and transforming your approach to bodywork.

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

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

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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.)

In this reflective anniversary episode, hosts Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau take a heartfelt look at the transformative impact of massage and manual therapy—both personally and professionally. Sharing stories from their own journeys into the field, lessons learned from clients, and transformative bodywork experiences, they explore how this work profoundly shapes lives.

The conversation touches on balancing professional demands with personal growth, the joys and challenges of teaching, and the deeper connections formed through touch. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a celebration of the unique power of this work.

🌟 Highlights:

•Podcast Anniversary and Reflection (00:56): Celebrating milestones and revisiting the podcast’s journey.

•Whitney and Til’s Journeys into Bodywork (02:51, 06:49): Their unique paths into the field and what inspired them to stay.

•The Transformative Power of Massage Therapy (09:58): Exploring how massage changes lives—both clients’ and practitioners’.

•Lessons Learned from Clients (16:25): Profound insights gained from working closely with clients.

•Receiving Bodywork: Personal Transformations (21:47): Whitney and Til recount their most impactful bodywork experiences.

•From Practitioner to Teacher (25:54): Transitioning into teaching and sharing the work with others.

•Balancing Work and Wellbeing (33:15): How to navigate the emotional and physical demands of the profession.

💡 Listeners: Share your story! How has massage or manual therapy changed your life? Send a message or voice recording to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you and maybe even feature your story in a future episode.

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

Sponsor Offers: 

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: [email protected]

(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.)