The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy – Details, episodes & analysis

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Topics:

• Healwell News
• State and National News
• Association News
• Upcoming Live and Online events

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession

NPR: Non-Compete Ban Thrown Out
The Massage Therapy Foundation Ergonomics Project Interest Survey
MTF Public-Based Research Network
MTF Executive Director Departure (After 26 Years!)
MTF Practitioner and Student Case Report Contest

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Send us a text

AI is everywhere. And it does everything...or does it?

In this episode we break down the different types of AI, including generative AI like ChatGPT. We'll explain how each AI type operates uniquely, with a focus on their current roles and limitations. And boy, do they have limitations.

Corey provides a clear breakdown of AI, explaining the distinction between weak AI, which performs specific tasks, and the elusive strong AI seen in science fiction. She explores how AI is currently used in healthcare, from interpreting medical imaging to handling large data sets, and how it might influence massage therapy through the development of "rubbing robots." 

This episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology and massage therapy, balancing excitement with caution. Whether you're a therapist or just curious about the future of AI in health and wellness, this episode will give you a thoughtful perspective on what's ahead.

The definition of massage therapy (Kennedy 2016)
ChatGPT Just Solved Chess (Video)
Google apologises for Photos app's racist blunder (BBC)
Man is to Programmer as Woman is to Homemaker: Bias in Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Massage Therapy with Whitney Lowe (ABMP Podcast)
Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans by Melanie Mitchell
The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values by Brian Christian

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Send us a text

Embark on a journey of professional transformation with me, Corey Rivera, as we break free from the confines of routine massage therapy practice. Our latest Rub episode invites you to discover the untapped potential of interdisciplinary collaboration, with valuable takeaways from the Shiley conference in palliative care. Dr. Melinda Kavanaugh joins us, bringing her passionate insight as a social worker and researcher, to illuminate the powerful synergies that await when we step out of our comfort zones. The episode promises to equip you with a new perspective on how massage therapy can integrate into broader healthcare paradigms, and how stepping beyond familiar territory can lead to growth and impactful connections.

Tune in for tips on getting the most out of your conference experiences. Whether you're seeking education, promotion, or networking opportunities, you'll learn how to craft a strategy that aligns with your goals and the event's offerings. From the subtle art of commanding attention and sparking enriching dialogues to the merits of solo dining for recovery, this episode serves as both a guide and an encouragement for health practitioners of all disciplines to seize the day. Don't miss our conversation if you're ready to embrace new opportunities, expand your professional network, and foster the kind of growth that only comes from stepping boldly into new experiences.

Write to NCBTMB about what they should include as approved CEs!

Dr Melinda Kavanaugh's Youth Care Giving Program YCARE
Dr Katie Robinson

Conference Information:
Shiley National Symposium
NHPCO
Black Massage Therapist Conference
C-TAC | CAPC Leadership Summit
International Pain Summit
Fascial Research Congress
McGill International Palliative Care Congress

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Send us a text

Wednesday's episode will be slightly delayed due to bipolar disorder! (All is well, but productivity takes a backseat to mental health.)

I'm leaving the description the podcast AI wrote (mostly) intact because it's a great example of writing for SEO and not for purpose. 

• My "sleep and focus wavering" does not sharpen my resolve, it mostly makes me tired and frustrated. Also my focus doesn't "waver," it hyper-fixates. 
• California was not sunny, it hilariously rained the entire time due to the atmospheric river weather event.
• I have no idea where the "endless cups of coffee" came from.
• Healwell is totally down with self-care, particularly the kind that means you need to stop working right now.
• I fully intend to help "nurture your career," but not in the next 3 minutes.

AI WRITTEN DESCRIPTION: As your host, I'm opening up about my journey with bipolar disorder and how it's recently shuffled our podcast calendar. Navigating the unpredictable tides of hypomania, I've found my sleep and focus waver – but it's this very challenge that sharpens my resolve to deliver the enriching content you've come to cherish. With a candid heart, I share the strategies that help me manage my health while remaining steadfast in crafting our episodes, ensuring that our latest offering arrives imbued with the same fervor and dedication you expect.

Our latest adventure took us to a vibrant conference in sunny California, bursting with opportunities to network and exchange groundbreaking ideas over endless cups of coffee. I'm thrilled to recount this exhilarating journey and pass on pearls of wisdom that will elevate your future conference endeavors, whether you're a novice or a habitual participant. This episode is a celebration of human connection, the courage in revealing our vulnerabilities, and the importance of self-care—principles that guide us both personally and professionally. Join us for an episode that's as much a lesson in nurturing your career as it is in fostering your well-being.

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Send us a text

Embark on an eye-opening exploration of the often misunderstood world of massage therapy with me, Corey Rivera, your guide through the intricate landscapes of human touch. We're not only unmasking the differences between a casual massage and professional massage therapy, but also diving into why individuals across the spectrum seek out these services—ranging from celebrations on a cruise to seeking solace amid personal trauma.

This episode promises to stretch your understanding of massage therapy beyond its physical connotations, as we scrutinize the profound therapeutic relationships, the critical role of communication, and the essential education and skill of the massage therapist. We'll even touch on the delicate and often taboo topic of massage's relationship to sexuality, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Ready for a session that's as enlightening as it is provocative? Join me, and we'll navigate the societal currents and the healing power of professional touch with the curiosity and depth it deserves.

Links:
Kennedy, LMT, BCTMB, DrPH, A. B., Cambron, LMT, DC, MPH, PhD, J. A., Sharpe, PhD, MPH, LMBT, P. A., Travillian, PhD, NA-C, LMP, R. S., & Saunders, PhD, R. P. (2016). Clarifying Definitions for the Massage Therapy Profession: the Results of the Best Practices Symposium†. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 9(3), 15–26. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v9i3.312

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Send us a text

Prepare to navigate the intricacies of massage therapy education with Cal Cates and myself, Corey Rivera, in a conversation that's vital for the future of massage schools. We're treading into the uncharted territory of curriculum overhauls, necessitated by the Gainful Employment Act's momentum. July 2024 inches closer, and with it, the deadline for schools to meet the stringent 100% rule looms large. We'll be examining what these transformations mean for federal funding, the ongoing discourse around a standardized 625-hour training program, and the prospect of a two-tier licensure system that could redefine our profession.

The financial landscape for massage therapists can be as complex as the human body itself. We peel back the layers of IRS reporting, income misconceptions, and the stark realities of cash-based earnings in our field. Our candid discussion illuminates the struggles with underreported income and deciphers the myths that often cloud the true earning potential within our industry. We're not just talking about the dollars and cents; we're scrutinizing the impact of federal legislation on educational paths and how it shapes the aspirations and career sustainability for those who enter this trade with passion and purpose.

But passion alone doesn't pay the bills. The nobility of any profession is not measured by financial struggle, and we're dissecting the politics that shape our regulatory landscape. We're also addressing the burnout that threatens our ranks, pondering whether it's the physical toll or the relentless financial hustle that wears us down. And we're not stopping there. Our conversation extends an invitation to join us in reimagining healthcare through Healwell's mission and to lend your voice to this critical dialogue. Your insights are the heartbeat of our community, so tune in, engage, and be a part of the change we're striving to make.

Note: at about 15 minutes, Corey says "$40 an hour" when she really meant "40 hours a week." Oops!
US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Massage Therapy
Inside Higher Ed: Gainful Employment Proves Contentious, Again

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Send us a text

Discover the shift about to hit massage schools nationwide as we unpack the consequences of the new federal gainful employment rule with Lance Hostetter, Director of Government Relations for ABMP. In July 2024, a federal program to protect students from predatory education practices could have major consequences for massage therapy schools. We explore the fine line between consumer safety and the integrity of massage therapy education. The conversation takes a turn as we probe into the controversial shift from the 150% rule to a mere 100%, bringing up concerns about the potential dilution of massage training quality.

ABMP: Massage School Programs at Risk Across the Country
NASFAA: 2023 Gainful Employment

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Send us a text

To hear the full version of each interview, check out our Patreon!

Witness the dawn of a healthcare revolution with Healwell, where the nurturing power of touch meets the rigor of palliative care. Join the Healwell team of Cal Cates, Kerry Jordan, Laura Bryant-Earner,  Rebecca Sturgeon, and Corey Rivera as we reveal the heartfelt aspirations and bold missions driving our nonprofit organization. Together, we dissect the formidable task of integrating palliative massage therapy into mainstream healthcare, advocating for a future where the art of human connection through touch is not just an afterthought, but a fundamental pillar.

We're not just hands-on practitioners; we're educators, advocates, and most importantly, agents of change, envisioning a world where the healing touch of massage transcends traditional healthcare boundaries. Through our stories, you'll discover how we're crafting a new narrative for massage therapy—one where passion and professional growth coalesce to shape a brighter, more empathetic future.

The episode culminates with a call to join the ranks of those challenging the status quo and fostering a community of growth and camaraderie. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Healwell is a testament to the power of collective action and unyielding dedication to enhancing the human experience. Whether you're a practitioner, a patient, or simply a believer in the transformative potential of compassionate care, your support and participation are the keystones to this healthcare revolution. Thank you for sharing in our journey—a journey toward a more compassionate and inclusive world, one massage at a time.

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Send us a text

Hospitals are bustling, often chaotic places, where the focus is primarily on healing rather than comfort. But within this challenging environment, a unique breed of healthcare providers is emerging, offering a different kind of solace - massage therapists.

In this episode, we will take you on a journey to explore the lives of massage therapists who work in hospitals. These dedicated individuals bring relief and comfort to patients during their most vulnerable moments. They offer a listening ear and a healing touch to patients who may be experiencing pain, anxiety, or uncertainty. We will uncover the stories of Joan and Sierra, two massage therapists with different experiences working in hospitals.

Join us in this episode as we explore the world of hospital-based massage therapy, where these unique healthcare workers bring comfort and solace to those in need. The journey to establish these programs is complex, but the rewards are immeasurable. If you're interested in this joyous and challenging field, there's a place for you to make a difference. If you're interested in doing this work, check out Healwell's hospital-based massage therapy education courses. 

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Send us a text

Topics:

• Healwell News
• State and National News
• MPower Shut Down
• Baylor Research Article (They like us!)
• Association News
• Upcoming Live and Online events

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession
ABMP News Page
AMTA News Page
USOLMT News Page

Dept of Ed Asynchronous Ban Public Comment
ABMP Nebraska Call to Action
AMTA List of Resources for MPower Students
Baylor Article Press Release
Baylor Open Access Article
MTF Fundraiser
USOLMT Board
Lorimer Moseley TED talk: Why Things Hurt
Black Massage Therapist's Conference

Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet (Fantasy Overture) is performed by the Skidmore Community College Orchestra and used under Creative Commons licensing. 

Support the show

Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org
Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799

Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a free 3-day trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring us!

Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org