Podcast

A client can’t find a massage therapist, because they have a condition that no one knows how to work with: Chiari malformation. This is a problem in the spatial relationships between the cerebellum, the brainstem, and the foramen magnum—one patient describes it as, “My brain is too big for my head.”

But is massage really off the table for people with Chiari malformation? Probably not! Listen in for more on what this condition means, and how to figure out where our work fits.

Full show notes available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-208-chiari-malformation-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

In this follow-up to last week’s episode on bowel resections and colostomies, Ruth has a chat with massage therapist Marie Ruxton, who shares her story of abdominal surgery and the remarkable experience she had with bodywork while she was recovering.

We could all wish to receive touch with such sensitivity and skill.

Full show notes available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-206-follow-your-gut-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

And older client has a complicated set of surgeries on her colon. Is it safe to receive massage?

It depends, of course. But what does it depend on?

Join us for this discussion of bowel resections, colostomies, and colostomy repairs—and find out one of Ruth’s very favorite pathology-related words. (Hint: it means “poop stone.”) Plus, there’s a really bad pun.

Full show notes available at abmp.com/podcasts/ep-203-bowel-resection-and-colostomy-and-colostomy-reversal-i-have-client-who-pathology

A client has nutcracker syndrome, and she is not a good candidate for surgical correction. She wants massage to help deal with her symptoms. But nutcracker syndrome is a kidney problem with a risk of thrombosis and renal damage. Yikes, can massage be safe?

As always, it depends.

Listen in to see what it depends on. 

Full show notes available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-201-nutcracker-syndrome-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

A pregnant massage client, who is consistently late and unusually demanding, wants deep—really, really, deep pressure on her hip. The tricky part? She has been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome: a condition that often begins with an injury but complicates to chronic, intractable, and sometimes spreading pain. And massage can make it worse.

Full show notes available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-198-crps-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner

A client stiffens up when the therapist touches her upper leg, but doesn’t know why. The therapist responds with compassion and sensitivity, and creates some amazing possibilities.

In this very special episode Ruth sits down with Pamela Fitch, author of Talking Body, Listening Hands, an expert in the role of massage therapy for people with histories of touch-related trauma, to unpack why this situation worked out well, and what kinds of skills we need to provide the best care for our clients. And it concludes with a special bonus: Pam’s own IHACW story.

Full show notes available at https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-196-trauma-informed-care-interview-pamela-fitch-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth