Rianne Chavez

A 70-year-old client fills in an online intake form, saying she has myasthenia gravis, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. She only takes Synthroid, and says her hypothyroidism and hypertension are well controlled. She has low back pain and muscle soreness.

At first glance, this seems fairly simple. MG does not appear to be a major factor for her, because she is not controlling it with medication. But a closer look reveals some possible tangles between MG, hypothyroidism, and some cautions about hypertension drugs. 

Join me as I completely overthink this situation, it will be fun!

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-500-myasthenia-gravis-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

A contributor sent me several descriptions of people dealing with the aftermath of Lyme disease, hoping for some answers to the questions this mysterious condition brings up. Sorry, no answers here—just more questions. Chronic Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, Long Lyme… whatever you call it, it’s hard to get a handle on it. But here’s a starting place. 

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-494-lyme-disease-aftermath-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

For his 40th birthday, a man is treating himself to his very first massage. His health history includes a few noteworthy details, one of which is a condition neither his massage therapist nor I had ever encountered before: hereditary spherocytosis. Are there any potential concerns? Possibly.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-488-spherocytosis-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

For nearly 30 years, Rob Kelly has taught anatomy, physiology, pathology, lymphatic work, and orthopedic massage. Recently, Kelly reached out to “I Have a Client Who . . .” host Ruth Werner to share his observations on how easy it is to misunderstand how the body works and how these stories we tell ourselves can have negative consequences.

Kelly and Werner turned their conversation into an episode about the power of language and the responsibility we have to elevate our profession by using words carefully.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-483-language-and-teaching-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

A client with Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder with dysfunctional collagen, has had multiple surgeries for a traumatic accident and their scar tissue is restricting their ease of movement. Their massage therapist is concerned about how best to help them regain function.

When “I Have a Client Who . . .” host Ruth Werner has questions about scar tissue, she goes to the Scar Tissue Diva, Cathy Ryan. In this episode, Werner and Ryan discuss the difference between “challenging tissue” and working with the fluid environment to improve function.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-476-marfan-syndrome-and-scar-tissue-scar-tissue-expert-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations

A client has a history of a very unusual and somewhat alarming condition: pyoderma gangrenosum. Can massage therapy be applied in this situation?

Probably yes, but in specific circumstances. 

Listen to this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” to learn more and to hear host Ruth Werner get on one of her favorite soapboxes: the language of massage therapy.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-470-pyoderma-gangrenosum-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner