Send us a text

Ever felt underprepared in your professional role and wondered how to bridge that knowledge gap? Join us as esteemed expert Ruth Warner shares her transformative journey from feeling unprepared as a massage therapist in the early 80s to becoming a beacon of knowledge on massage therapy's intersection with pathology. Ruth passionately advocates for therapists to solidify their knowledge base, moving beyond the superficial safety net of doctor's notes. Her insights into the importance of education and her celebrated textbook, "A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology," are sure to inspire anyone keen on advancing their professional capabilities and confidence.
We tackle the myths surrounding the infallibility of doctor's notes, clarifying the true legal responsibilities of massage therapists. Rather than relying solely on external validation, Ruth encourages therapists to cultivate a richer understanding of their craft and their clients' needs. By fostering better communication with healthcare providers, therapists can align treatment goals and prioritize client safety, ensuring they remain within their professional boundaries while collaborating effectively across the healthcare spectrum.
The conversation then widens to the broader theme of interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking in therapeutic practices. Ruth underscores the importance of overcoming healthcare silos and integrating evidence-based approaches with patient-centered care. We discuss the strategies for building a robust referral network and the ongoing necessity of critical thinking in healthcare. Highlighting her podcast "I Have a Client Who: Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner," and her interactive webinars, Ruth invites listeners to engage with her in this enriching journey of professional development and continuous learning.

https://ruthwerner.com/

https://booksofdiscovery.com/product-category/a-massage-therapists-guide-to-pathology/

https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/index-of-articles/1021/

Ruth Werners table for critical thinking:

1 - Recognize and analyze the question at hand = What is this client asking for, and can I provide it?
2 - Identify relevant variables that must inform your decisions = What factors affect this client's ability to safely receive massage therapy?
3 - Challenge your pre-existing assumptions = What more do I need to learn about this client's situation? Do I have a clear grasp of what he wants and needs?
4 - Consider possible solutions to challenges and explore alternatives to those solutions = What skills do I need to bring to this client's session? Do I need to refer this client to another provider? How might other strategies compare with my first choice? What have others done in similar situations? What have I missed?
5 - Plan and execute a course of action that incorporates relevant variables = Based on all this, what is my session plan?
6 - Reflect on how things went after you made a decision = What worked well, and didn't work well, in that session? What will I do differently next time?

Support the show