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In Part 2 of this conversation, Dr. Callewaert shares what he learned while visiting the Yanomami people of Brazil, including surprising observations about body odor and skin cancer. We also explore his work developing products to rebalance the armpit microbiome, the science of foot odor, and the potential benefits of walking barefoot in the grass.

The big takeaway: Body odor is a problem that can often be addressed, but the stigma surrounding it can make conversations difficult. Massage therapists may be uniquely positioned to help destigmatize the topic and start those conversations.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-586-interview-dr-armpit-part-2-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

Ruth interviews Dr. Chris Callewaert, also known as Dr. Armpit, about his research into the microbiomes that contribute to body odor (BO). Although his work focuses on the skin of the armpits, his findings also apply to foot odor and even bad breath.

In Part 1, we meet Dr. Callewaert and learn what led him to this career—spoiler alert: it involved a sleepover. We discuss the differences between “good” and “bad” body odor, how BO is classified, why it is a concern, and how it can affect a person’s quality of life. We also explore the skin-gut axis and how processes in the digestive tract influence the composition of our sweat and, in the case of SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), even the color of the tongue.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-580-interview-dr-armpit-part-1-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

A massage therapist notices that more clients are reporting their use of topical hormone medications. Somehow, this never came up in massage school. Is the massage therapist at risk for being dosed? It’s possible, but it’s nuanced. Listen for more information!

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-577-transdermal-transference-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

After years of misdiagnoses, medication sensitivities, injuries, and setbacks, a massage therapist is diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that causes non-typical seizures and intermittent paralysis-like weakness. Despite being unable to work, she continues advocating for the FND community and wants to help educate massage therapists about the benefits of safe, informed touch for people living with the condition. 

In this episode, Ruth explores Sarah’s journey, the realities of FND, and the role massage therapy may play in supporting those navigating complex neurological challenges. 

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-571-functional-neurological-syndrome-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

Do you have clients who are athletes? This is something you won’t want to miss.

Dr. Portia Resnick is an associate professor at Cal State Long Beach, who loves working with athletes, both as a trainer and as a massage therapist.

Her new book, The Anatomy and Physiology of Sports Massage is published by Human Kinetics. It looks at manual therapy for high-level athletes, incorporating anatomy, sports-specific knowledge, and clinical decision-making.

She uses a great I Have a Client Who… story about a college athlete who has an injury and follow-up surgery. She tracks how she was able match bodywork goals, anatomy, and client input to get the best possible outcome.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-565-anatomy-and-physiology-sports-massage-dr-portia-resnick-i-have-client-who-pathology

A client asks for a specific technique on their face. They have a bad reaction. Then they say they didn’t want work in that area anyway, and by the way, they had a skull fracture four years ago. Now they’re leaving because they feel a migraine coming on.

The therapist is left wondering what just happened.

In this episode of I Have a Client Who . . ., Ruth unpacks this interaction, what may have been going on for the client and their bones, and takes a closer look at where things started to break down.

Has this ever happened to you? You’re not alone.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-559-skull-fractures-and-failures-communication-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth