Podcast

A school administrator and massage therapist wants guidance on how to respond to a student who is reluctant to work with clinic clients who report a history of herpes. Is this a significant risk for massage therapists?

The reality is that anyone with a history of herpes simplex can shed the virus intermittently, even without visible symptoms. However, the risk to massage therapists who follow proper hygiene and self-care protocols is extremely low. In that sense, herpes falls into the same category as other infections that may be transmitted through direct contact but are effectively managed with consistent hygienic practices. The key issue is not the client’s infection status; it is the therapist’s adherence to appropriate hygiene protocols.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-553-herpes-simplex-2026-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

Ruth is learning, writing, and teaching about thyroid disease in lots of different places, so IHACW is coming along for the ride.

Hypothyroidism: the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the right hormones to stimulate healthy metabolism—a person has a hard time turning fuel (that’s oxygen and food) into energy. The result: lethargy, weight gain, sluggish digestion, and lots, lots more. Does this describe any of your clients?

But treating endocrine diseases is a tricky business. In this episode Ruth interviews a friend who had some success, but it is an ongoing battle.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-547-hypothyroidism-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

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?

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-542-kidney-transplant-complications-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

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 explores 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.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-537-vagus-nerve-stimulator-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

A 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.

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-531-dvt-pe-vte-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

Teresa Matthews is a nationally accredited massage therapy continuing education provider, a massage school owner, an athlete and personal trainer, and now… a published author. 

Her new book, Self Defense for Massage Therapists is now available and—in my opinion—should be considered a required topic in massage therapy beginning education. In this interview Teresa shares how this project developed, and her priorities for teaching massage therapists to be safe at all times. 

What to do?

Full show notes and resources available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-525-self-defense-massage-therapists-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner