Ep 521 – Be Strategic. Stay Professional. Keep Curious with Chris Curry
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
Release Date: 08/19/2025
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
A client has a very traumatic experience with their kidney transplant surgery in 2017. Ever since, they have lived with chronic, intractable neck and head pain that doesn’t respond to any treatment they’ve tried so far. A recent CT scan reveals some calcium deposits inside the cranium but - is that the cause? Can massage therapy help? Are there any options for this person? Resources: Anwar, Z. et al. (2011) “Superficial temporal artery calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease: Association with vascular risk factors and ischemic cerebrovascular disease,” The Indian...
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For my last episode of 2025, I am giving you a top 5 list. These are the top 5 techniques that I have kept in my pocket throughout my 25 years as a massage therapist. I break down how they work, why they're so effective, and, of course, why I love them. Thank you for getting me to my 84th episode. Here's to 2026! Host Bio: Contact Allison Denney: Allison’s website: Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber....
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Join Kristin Coverly as she explores the health benefits of gratitude, practices to incorporate into your daily life, and chats with guests Allison Denney and Ann and Lynn Teachworth about their gratitude practices. Gain information and tools you can immediately apply to your personal and professional lives! Resources: ABMP Education Center: ABMP CE Socials Event: What is Gratitude and Why Is It So Important?: The Neuroscience of Gratitude & Its Effects on the Brain: The Effects of Gratitude Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Health benefits of gratitude: 11 Best...
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In integrated and interrelated systems, small effects cascade to become much larger forces over time. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Doug Nelson asks if there is more of an integrated and interrelated system than the human body? Host: Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977. Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a massage therapy clinic in Champaign, IL. with 21 therapists that was established in 1982. He is the founder of...
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In her final Business or Pressure episode, Allissa shares some of the big-picture guidance that has helped her make better decisions in her businesses. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner. You can find her building websites and coaching massage therapists at . Author links: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube:
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A simple question turned into a deep dive, and I learned a ton along the way! A client has an implanted vagus nerve stimulator. Now what? In this episode of I Have a Client Who . . ., Ruth explore's how vagus nerve stimulators work, why they’re used, and the precautions massage therapists should consider. Plus, we discuss the exciting possibilities these devices hold for a wide range of treatments. Resources: Ben-Menachem, E. (2001) “Vagus nerve stimulation, side effects, and long-term safety,” Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology: Official Publication of the American...
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This month mark's my 25th anniversary of being a massage therapist. In my 25 years, I have developed some opinions about definitions. In this episode of The Rebel MT, I am breaking down the cost of deep tissue therapy, calling out who is paying the price, and analyzing how we need to rethink things. Not just for our clients, but for the sake of a long and awesome career. Host Bio: Contact Allison Denney: Allison’s website: Allison Denney is...
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It’s easy to skip some of the less-than-daily tasks that need to be handled in a small business. In this episode of Business or Pressure, Allissa Haines walks you through some common tasks and universal lists. Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner. You can find her building websites and coaching massage therapists at . Links: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube:
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In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin are joined by Doug Nelson to discuss how collaboration between MTs and PTs can accelerate client outcomes and strengthen the continuum of care. Doug shares how to navigate professional boundaries, build effective communication systems, and offers practical advice for massage therapists looking to establish stronger referral relationships as well as the importance of a shared language between disciplines. Resources: Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy...
info_outlineThe ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
Collagen is everywhere in the body. The 30 trillion cells that make up the human body are held together in a matrix of collagen fibers that provides structural support and gives the body its recognizable form. In this episode, Rachelle and Nicole explore all things collagen—asking if we are really "losing" it as we age, explaining its role as the body's "glue," and discussing why understanding this matrix is essential for massage therapists. You'll learn about the different types of collagen, how the matrix adapts to movement and injury, and how massage techniques communicate with the...
info_outlineIn this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin speak with Chris Curry about his massage therapy origin story and the journey that inspired him to guide future therapists. Chris also opens up about his experience competing in massage therapy competitions, including what he won and what he learned. Finally, he gives listeners five practical tips to elevate their next massage session, straight from an award-winning massage therapist.
Resources:
Chris Curry is an award-winning massage therapist and instructor practicing in Denver, Colorado. He specializes in therapeutic and medical massage techniques including myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, structural integration, and craniosacral therapy. Chris believes in a holistic approach to wellness, where massage therapy is not just a treatment, but a gateway to a balanced and healthier lifestyle. This combination of different modalities creates a truly unique and powerful massage, catered to the client’s specific needs. Chris has worked with professional sports teams and athletes. And he owns and runs his business Discover Wellness Massage. And Chris represented Team USA at the 2024 and 2025 World Championship of Massage. For more information about Chris, visit discoverwellnessmassage.com.
Hosts:
Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at editor@abmp.com.
Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage therapists and bodyworkers as they enhance their lives and practices. Contact her at ce@abmp.com.
Sponsors:
Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com
PMNT: www.pmnt.org
MassageBook: www.massagebook.com