Ep 531 – DVT + PE = VTE: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
Release Date: 10/07/2025
Ep 542 – Kidney Transplant Complications: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner
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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Ep 541 – The Top Five Techniques I Keep Coming Back To: “The Rebel MT” with Allison Denney
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
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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Ep 540 – Exploring Gratitude with Kristin Coverly
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
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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Ep 539 – Thinking In Systems Not Symptoms with Doug Nelson
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
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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Ep 538 – Big Picture Guidance: “Business or Pressure” with Allissa Haines
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
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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Ep 537 – Vagus Nerve Stimulator: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
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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Ep 536 – The Price of Deep Tissue: “The Rebel MT” with Allison Denney
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
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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Ep 535 – Tasks and Lists in Your Massage Business: “Business or Pressure” with Allissa Haines
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
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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Ep 534 – Massage Therapy and Physical Therapy: An Integrated Environment
The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession
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...
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Ep 533 – The Collagen Matrix with Rachelle Clauson and Nicole Trombley
The 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_outlineA client was prescribed oral birth control to help manage symptoms of perimenopause. The medication caused a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which then caused a pulmonary embolism (PE). Altogether this forms a potentially deadly phenomenon called venous thromboembolism (VTE).
She survived, and she’s fine. But here’s the thing: her PE was just two weeks ago, and she wants to receive deep massage to her neck, back, and shoulders. Yikes, right? Or maybe not? Listen in for some key decision points about this question.
Resources:
A Doctor’s Note is Not Good Enough… and what is better: online self-paced continuing education course, available here.
Massage & Bodywork magazine, “Helping Clients with Complex Conditions”, Jan/Feb 2023, available here.
Host Bio:
Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.
About our Sponsors:
Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.
Website: anatomytrains.com
Email: info@anatomytrains.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains
Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA