Best Til Luchau Podcasts (2025)

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152. Does Pressure Matter? What the Research Says (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe) 36:47

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21d ago36:47

36:47

🎙In this intriguing episode, Til and Whitney dig into a recent study that tested the effects of pressure in myofascial release—comparing a traditional pressure-based technique with a light-touch "sham" version. The study measured changes in pain sensitivity, neck mobility, and proprioception. What did the study find? And what can that teach us abou…

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153: Conversations from the 7th Fascial Research Congress (with Robert Schleip, Gil Hedley, & more) 44:19

7d ago44:19

44:19

🎙In this special episode recorded live at the 7th International Fascial Research Congress in New Orleans, Til Luchau gathers conversations with leading researchers, educators, and practitioners from around the world. From collagen synthesis breakthroughs to fascia typologies, scar tissue management, mental imagery, and integrative perspectives on t…

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151: Finding Balance in an Out-of-Balance World (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe) 55:30

1M ago55:30

55:30

🎙What does it mean to find balance—when the world around us feels anything but balanced? Til and Whitney explore the many meanings of “balance,” from physical coordination and structural asymmetry to emotional regulation, interoception, and life rhythm. Drawing on neuroscience, somatics, and their own experience as bodyworkers, they reflect on how …

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150: Listener Favorite: Fascia, Fitness, and Feeling (with Robert Schleip) 1:10:53

2M ago1:10:53

1:10:53

Rebroadcast: One of our most popular episodes (Ep 45), shared again in honor of the upcoming Fascia Research Congress. 🎙In this lively and far-reaching conversation, fascia researcher and manual therapy pioneer Robert Schleip returns to talk with Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe about the newly expanded second edition of Fascia in Sport and Movement. Th…

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149: Bodywork through the Polyvagal Lens (with Stephen Porges) 1:05:04

2M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

🎙In this episode, Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe speak with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges, originator of Polyvagal Theory. Together, they explore how our nervous systems respond to cues of safety, how touch can support regulation and connection, and what all this means for bodyworkers and manual therapists. Dr. Porges shares the latest th…

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148: The Vagus Nerve: Buzzword or Biology? (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe) 54:22

3M ago54:22

54:22

🎙From “vagal push-ups” to inflammation to trauma healing, the vagus nerve is everywhere in bodywork and wellness talk—but what does the science actually say? And more importantly, what does this mean in actual practice? In this episode, Til and Whitney take a grounded, myth-busting look at the vagus nerve’s role in health, relaxation, and hands-on …

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147: Palpating Fibrosis, Easing Inflammation (with Geoffrey Bove & Holly McMillan) 58:54

3M ago58:54

58:54

🎙What can trained hands feel in irradiated tissue—and how might that inform both research and practice? In this episode, Til Luchau and guest cohost Cathy Ryan, RMT, talk with neurobiologist Dr. Geoffrey Bove and manual therapist/speech pathologist Holly McMillan about their collaborative animal study. They explore how massage therapy may influence…

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146: Inflammation, Touch, & the Grieving Body (with Mary-Frances O’Connor) 56:17

4M ago56:17

56:17

🎙Grief is not just an emotion—it’s a full-body experience. In this episode, Til Luchau talks with neuroscientist and psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor, author of The Grieving Body, about how grief changes the brain, affects inflammation, and alters our physiology. They explore how attachment loss rewires the brain, how inflammatory responses shape…

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145: Can Discs Heal? (with Stuart McGill) 1:11:59

4M ago1:11:59

1:11:59

🎙 World-renowned spine expert Dr. Stuart McGill returns for a deep dive into the complexities of disc healing and adaptation, back pain mechanics, and what manual and movement therapists need to understand about spinal loading, adaptation, and practitioner longevity. In this rich and wide-ranging conversation with Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe, Dr. M…

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144: Fascia, Emotion, Inflammation, & Attention (with Robert Schleip) 59:52

4M ago59:52

59:52

🎙In this thought-provoking episode, Til and Whitney welcome back fascia researcher Robert Schleip to explore the evolving science behind fascia’s role in emotional regulation, inflammation, and sensory experience. They dive into Schleip’s keynote for the upcoming 7th International Fascia Research Congress and discuss emerging research on fascia as …

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143: Palliative Massage is for Everyone (with Cal Cates) 1:03:10

5M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

🎙Cal Cates returns to The Thinking Practitioner to explore the essential role massage therapy can play in palliative and end-of-life care. In conversation with Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe, Cal shares practical insights, personal stories, and the philosophy behind Healwell’s innovative mPATH training program. Together they unpack ways that all massa…

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142: Fascia and the Vagus Nerve (with Fabiana Silva) 45:21

5M ago45:21

45:21

🎙Til Luchau speaks with physiotherapist and fascia researcher Fabiana Silva about the emerging connections between fascia, the vagus nerve, and systemic inflammation. They explore both the science and the practical applications of manual therapy, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, and the challenges of clinical research in the hands-on healing…

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141: Massage in Integrative Healthcare (with Dale Healey) 47:33

6M ago47:33

47:33

In this illuminating episode of The Thinking Practitioner, Whitney Lowe sits down with Dale Healey, a leading expert in integrative healthcare, to explore the evolving role of massage therapy in modern medical settings. Healey shares profound insights into interprofessional collaboration, the potential of massage therapy in healthcare, and how prac…

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140: Embodied Attention: Contact Improvisation and Bodywork (with Nita Little) 1:01:07

6M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

🎙How does touch shape our perception, our movement, and our connection with others? In this fascinating conversation, Til Luchau welcomes movement pioneer Nita Little, a foundational figure in Contact Improvisation dance, for a deep dive into the world of touch, movement, and attention. Join them as they explore the ways that touch is a language, w…

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139: Scoliosis: Lessons for Every Back (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe) 1:08:07

7M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

🎙Scoliosis can offer valuable insights into working with the spine, and the same principles can be applied to anyone dealing with stiffness, back pain, postural issues, or mobility challenges. In this deep-dive update, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau explore the latest perspectives on scoliosis, debunk common myths, and discuss how hands-on therapy can…

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138: Carpal Tunnel Crash Course (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau) 45:04

7M ago45:04

45:04

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve compression issues—but how can massage and manual therapy help? In this in-depth episode, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau break down the anatomy, risk factors, and assessment strategies for carpal tunnel syndrome, exploring its causes, differential diagnosis, and effective hands-on approaches. They…

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137: Remembering Erik Dalton (with Tom Myers, Art Riggs, & more) 1:07:56

8M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

This episode of The Thinking Practitioner Podcast pays tribute to the life and legacy of Erik Dalton, a pioneering figure in the massage and manual therapy field who recently passed away. Through conversations with some of those who knew him best, we gain insight into Dalton's unique contributions, innovative approaches, and profound impact on the …

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136: Season 5 Highlights (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe) 41:07

8M ago41:07

41:07

In this special retrospective episode of The Thinking Practitioner, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau look back season five's thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and groundbreaking insights into the world of massage therapy and bodywork. Reflecting on their most impactful episodes and a guest list that included Tom Myers, Sharon Wheeler, Ji…

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135: The Neuroscience of Bodywork (with Mark Olson) 59:13

9M ago59:13

59:13

In this episode, Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau welcome Dr. Mark Olson, a neuroscientist and massage practitioner, for an engaging conversation about the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, trauma, and massage therapy. Dr. Olson shares insights into the complex processes of pain perception, the role of descending modulation, and how manual thera…

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134: How Bodywork Changed Our Lives (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau) 47:18

9M ago47:18

47:18

In this reflective anniversary episode, hosts Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau take a heartfelt look at the transformative impact of massage and manual therapy—both personally and professionally. Sharing stories from their own journeys into the field, lessons learned from clients, and transformative bodywork experiences, they explore how this work profo…

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133: ScarWork: Origins and Legacy (with Sharon Wheeler & Wojtek Cackowski) 1:05:38

10M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

💥Just a few openings left! Thailand Retreat, Feb 22-Mar 5 Advanced Myofascial Techniques, ScarWork, Zoga Movement, and Contact Improvisationhttps://advanced-trainings.com/thailand-retreat-2025/ -----In this special episode, Til Luchau is joined by the Sharon Wheeler, a Structural Integration pioneer who trained under Dr. Ida P. Rolf and later devel…

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132: Bodywork and Grief (with Ronna Moore) 59:51

10M ago59:51

59:51

In this episode, we delve into the intersection of massage therapy, grief, caretaking, and end-of-life. We touch on global palliative care practices, the role of touch in support for those experiencing grief, navigating sensitive conversations, and creating safe spaces for clients. Our guest, Ronna Moore, a massage therapist with over 40 years of e…

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131: Mindfulness, Hands-On Therapy, and Pain (with Bronnie Lennox Thompson) 1:09:17

11M ago1:09:17

1:09:17

In this episode Til Luchau interviews Bronnie Lennox Thompson, a pain management expert from the University of Otago in New Zealand. Bronnie shares insights on supporting people with chronic pain to live well, emphasizing pain’s complexity as a personal, multi-dimensional experience. They discuss the value of hands-on therapy, discussing both physi…

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130: The Body of Grief (with JS Park) 1:00:42

11M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Joon Park, author of "As Long as You Need" discusses grief and its impact on bodyworkers and their clients with Til Luchau. Park, a hospital chaplain, shares his experiences with grief, trauma, and the importance of acknowledging and integrating pain rather than suppressing it. He emphasizes the role of the body in grief, the concept of "letting in…

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129: Is Your Touch Aging Out? (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe) 45:48

11M ago45:48

45:48

A new study shows that our fingertips lose sensitivity as we age. What are the implications for massage and bodywork practitioners? Tune in and listen as Til and Whitney think it through, and along the way, share fascinating tidbits about tactile sensitivity training, and its relevance to actual practice. Key Topics: •Introduction and Sponsor Messa…

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128: Tendon Pain Update (with Jill Cook) 45:04

12M ago45:04

45:04

Whitney interviews tendon expert Dr. Jill Cook, who discusses the current understanding of tendinopathy as a degenerative condition, emphasizing the importance of proper loading in rehabilitation. She explains why she advises against traditional treatments like friction massage and stretching, why anti-inflammatory medications are ineffective, and …

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127: Low Back Pain Update (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau) 50:06

1y ago50:06

50:06

In this episode, Til and Whitney dive into strategies for addressing low back pain (LBP) with hands-on work, exploring LBP's prevalence, causes, and treatments. Sharing the insights they've gained from experts such as Nikolai Bogduk, Stewart McGill, Paul Hodges, Lorimer Moseley, Helene Langevin and Antonio Stecco, they lay out the diverse views on …

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126: Fascia: A Deep Dive (with Dr. Antonio Stecco, Rebroadcast) 1:09:33

1y ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Til and Whitney speak with fascial researcher, anatomist, and manual therapy teacher Antonio Stecco MD PhD about his research in to fascial properties, pain, and the effects of hands-on work, in this audience-favorite episode from our archives, where it originally ran as Ep. 53. Key Topics: Introduction to Dr. Antonio Stecco and his background in f…

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125: Moving with Grief (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe) 44:34

1y ago44:34

44:34

🎙️ Grief affects everyone: every person, every practitioner, and every client will lose something important to them, whether it’s their youth, ability, dreams, or a loved one. And so, everyone will grieve. In this episode, Whitney interviews Til about how the recent loss of his wife has given him a new perspective on grieving, and being with others…

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124: Movement Logic (with Laurel Beversdorf & Sarah Court) 1:05:34

1y ago1:05:34

1:05:34

In this episode Whitney interviews Laurel Beversdorf and Dr. Sarah Court (co-hosts of the Movement Logic Podcast) to talk about movement, exercise, and rehabilitation. They discuss topics such as the misconceptions surrounding strength training and its impact on flexibility and mobility, strength training for women, posture, movement re-education, …

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123: Getting Over Over-Pronation: Ankle & Foot Function (Rebroadcast) 55:24

1y ago55:24

55:24

In celebration of Til Luchau's upcoming "Ankle Issues" livestreamed course, Til and Whitney pulled one of their favorite ankle-related episodes (#43) out of the archives. Listen in as they geek out on ankle- and foot-related conditions, anatomy, function, biomechanics and more. Topics include: How the structure of the foot/ankle complex determines …

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122: Performing Arts Massage (with Christian Green) 43:15

1y ago43:15

43:15

🎙️In this episode Whitney talks with Christian Green about working with athletes and performing artists. They cover some of the unique facets of working with these special populations. There is much more than specialized techniques necessary to work in these environments and Christian shares some unique and interesting perspectives. 🔍🗣️👥🔊 Watch the…

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121: Analyzing Manual Therapy (with Whitney Lowe) 40:04

1y ago40:04

40:04

🎙️ In this episode Whitney discusses a 2024 paper on modern manual therapy teaching and practice. The paper describes traditional manual therapy principles, including clinician-centered assessment, pathoanatomical reasoning, and technique specificity, and their criticisms based on recent research. He then outlines a proposed new framework for manua…

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120: Kinesiology, Pain Management, & Massage (with Justin Solace) 46:53

1+ y ago46:53

46:53

🎙️In this episode Whitney and Justin discuss the benefits of a diverse educational background and the value of pursuing additional higher education for clinical massage practitioners. They also delve into some of the key facets of how massage and corrective movement can be used most effectively for pain management. 🔍🗣️👥🔊 Watch the video and get the…

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119: The Ankle's Most Sensitive Fascia (with Rachelle Clauson & Nicole Trombley) 1:01:10

1+ y ago1:01:10

1:01:10

🎙️In this episode, educators, authors, and massage therapists Rachelle Clauson and Nicole Trombley discuss the surprising sensitivity and functional significance of the ankle’s fascial retinaculum. Their conversation with Whitney and Til also ventures into Rachelle’s work on the Fascial Plastination Project, and their hands-on anatomy educational o…

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118: Massage Down Under (with Paula Nutting) 54:15

1+ y ago54:15

54:15

🎙️In this episode Whitney engages in a wide-ranging discussion with Paula Nutting about the world of massage therapy in Australia and beyond. They compare notes about the professional landscape, education and numerous other topics. We all learn and grow so much when we look at things through the lens of others, so this is a great opportunity to ref…

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117: Ankle Issues Demystified (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau) 56:56

1+ y ago56:56

56:56

🎙️Whitney Lowe and Til Luchau explore the complexities of ankle anatomy and stability, discussing everything from the mortise and tenon structure to valgus and varus alignments. Join them as they debate ligament injuries, nerve compression, and practical strategies for addressing ankle issues. Tune in for valuable insights into the importance of cl…

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116: Anatomy Trains Updated (with Tom Myers) 1:08:50

1+ y ago1:08:50

1:08:50

🎙️This episode of the Thinking Practitioner podcast features an in-depth interview with Tom Myers, author of the influential book Anatomy Trains. Host Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe discuss Tom's bodywork background, and how his goal of providing a holistic framework for understanding the body's fascial connections lead to the development of his "Anat…

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115: New Evidence: Can Massage Spread Cancer? (with Cathy Ryan & Erika Slocum) 55:34

1+ y ago55:34

55:34

🎙️Two new studies are re-opening the age-old discussion about whether massage is safe with clients with cancer. Til and Whitney review the new evidence, the implications, and discuss best practices with expert guests Cathy Ryan and Erika Slocum. 🔍🗣️👥🔊 Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites: Til L…

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114: Movement Optimism (with Greg Lehman) 47:56

1+ y ago47:56

47:56

🎙️When we treat our client’s “problems,” are we really helping them? Or, would a more fundamental reframe yield better results? How do we help our clients (and ourselves) shift the usual viewpoints about pain, injury, and recovery? Whitney and Til catch up with physiotherapist and chiropractor Greg Lehman about the evolution of his influential “Rec…

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113: What Did Esalen Ever Do for Massage? (with Peggy & Lucia Horan) 53:40

1+ y ago53:40

53:40

🎙️It's no exaggeration to say that in the history of massage and bodywork, there was "before Esalen," and "after Esalen." Til & Whitney talk to Peggy Horan (senior Esalen Massage teacher) and her daughter Lucia (who grew up at Esalen) about their stories, the Esalen Institute, and its influence on how massage and bodywork are practiced and taught t…

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112: The San Diego Pain Summit (with Rajam Roose) 41:26

1+ y ago41:26

41:26

🎙️ Ten years ago, massage therapist Rajam Roose was curious about pain science. Seeing a need for an interdisciplinary conference focusing on the clinical applications of this emerging field, and took a leap and created what has become a regular event. The San Diego Pain Summit has continued to grow, and gets outstanding reviews from the many peopl…

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111. How Bodyworkers Can Explain Pain (with Lorimer Moseley) 53:56

1+ y ago53:56

53:56

🎙️Twelve years ago, Lorimer Moseley’s TEDx talk “Why Things Hurt” helped to catalyze profound changes in how pain is conceptualized, in our field and in many others. If we think about pain as protection, rather than as damage, it changes how we explain the improvements we see in hands-on work. Professor Moseley joins Til and Whitney to update us on…

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110: Hands-On the Nerves (with Gil Hedley) 54:28

1+ y ago54:28

54:28

🎙️ Anatomist extraordinaire Gil Hedley stops by to talk with Til and Whitney about nerves, dissection, bodywork, and what hands-on therapists can learn from his most recent project, the Nerve Tour. 🔍🗣️👥🔊 Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites: Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com Whitney Lowe’s Ac…

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109: Season 4 Highlights: Insights and Legacies 36:01

1+ y ago36:01

36:01

🎙️ Join us as we revisit the key moments of The Thinking Practitioner’s fourth season. This year, our esteemed guests shared both the latest research, and historical insights into the legacies that continue to shape our field. A heartfelt thanks to our amazing guests, sponsors, and to you, our audience—your support continues to drive the Thinking P…

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108: Trauma & Bodywork (with Peter Levine) 40:52

1+ y ago40:52

40:52

Legendary trauma pioneer Peter Levine PhD talks with Til Luchau about how bodyworkers might recognize trauma, and, how can they be most helpful with its effects. Along the way, Dr Levine reflects on topics such as his own training with Ida Rolf (the originator of Rolfing® Structural Integration), scope of practice considerations for bodyworkers, se…

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107: Knee Deep: Understanding Baker’s Cysts (with Whitney Lowe & Til Luchau) 40:52

2y ago40:52

40:52

Baker's cysts, the most common cyst behind the knee, affect about 20% of all people. When painful, they can limit mobility and impact quality of life. In this episode, Til interviews Whitney about what Baker’s cysts are, what we as hands-on therapists can do about them, and how we can broaden the lens about the benefits of our work. Watch the video…

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106: The Massage Therapy Foundation (with Adrienne Asta) 49:55

2y ago49:55

49:55

The Massage Therapy Foundation is a crucial organization for the growth and development of our profession. In this episode, Whitney talks with Adrienne Asta, current president of the Foundation. In this episode, they discuss: What are the different programs the Foundation runs? What is the role of the Foundation in our profession? Why is research i…

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105: Chronic Cough: the Prequel (with Walt Fritz and Ruth Werner) 37:04

2y ago37:04

37:04

Til Luchau and Ruth Werner talk with Walt Fritz PT, as they prepare for some hands-on work with Ruth's chronic cough. Listen in as these three powerhouse presenters discuss hands-on strategy, potential triggers, and psychosocial impacts related to chronic coughs. Ruth shares her personal experiences, emphasizing the challenges and similarities with…

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104: The Many (Cervical) Facets of Neck Pain (with Til Luchau & Whitney Lowe) 39:06

2y ago39:06

39:06

The neck's facet joints (or the harder-to-to pronounce and remember "zygapophyseal joints") are the primary articulations involved in cervical movement. They are commonly thought to be involved in a range of painful cervical conditions. What do manual and massage therapists need to know? What are some helpful ways to think about and work with these…