Getting “good at money” doesn’t happen overnight. Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines shares the financial ups and downs of the last year and the skills that got her through. Resources : What It's Like to Be...A Massage Therapist, https://www.whatitsliketobe.com/2246914/episodes/17326674-a-massage-therapist Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner. You can find her building websites and coaching massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com . Author links: Web...
Jul 18, 2025•16 min•Ep. 515
A client has a recently placed stent in their left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. The therapist isn’t clear about safety. What to do—get permission to work? Or get information to work safely? (You get two guesses, and one of them doesn’t count.) This episode explores a helpful communication to establish client safety—and an example to us all! Resources : I Have a Client Who: Femoral Artery Stent ( episode 77 ) I Have a Client Who: Cardiac Catheter ( episode 297 ) I Have a Cli...
Jul 15, 2025•14 min•Ep. 514
Sitting is shockingly not good for your hips. Not that we need to stop sitting, but we do need to take a closer look at what happens when we cross our legs—specifically to the piriformis and the tensor fascia latae (TFL). In this episode of The Rebel MT , join Allison Denney as she compares the TFL to French cheese and the piriformis to a salty rope tethered to an anchor and unwraps how to unravel them from years of leg-crossing habits. Host Bio : Contact Allison Denney: rebelmt@abmp.com Allison...
Jul 08, 2025•13 min•Ep. 513
In this episode of The ABMP Podcast , Doug Nelson shares how touch, like language, is a powerful form of communication. From verbal and somatic expression to the importance of presence and responsiveness, Doug explains how touch can say just as much as your voice. Host : Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977. Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a...
Jun 24, 2025•21 min•Ep. 512
Small business owners are often asked to donate money, time, and skills to various events and causes. Business or Pressure host Allisa Haines walks through the factors to consider before you commit to giving your work away. Resources : Chris Widlund Owner, CranioSacral practitioner at Stillpoint in VT https://www.stillpointvt.com/ Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner. You can find her building websites and coaching massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com ...
Jun 20, 2025•25 min•Ep. 511
What even is mobility? Host Allison Denney is so glad you asked! Join Denney on this episode of The Rebel MT to hang out with Neo, follow the white rabbit, take the red pill, and uncover the matrix that is mobility. Pro tip—thinking about green lines of numbers and equations surrounding your clients’ joints makes it way more fun. Host Bio : Contact Allison Denney: rebelmt@abmp.com Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You ...
Jun 10, 2025•13 min•Ep. 510
Decisions are often made with emotion. In this episode of Business or Pressure , Allissa Haines presents some questions to ask yourself to help make better decisions in your business. Resources : Nanci Newton: Owner of The Healing ZONE Therapeutic Massage in western Massachusetts. www.thehealingzonemassage.com Pan-Mass Challenge https://www.pmc.org/volunteer/massage Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner. You can find her building websites and coaching massage ...
Jun 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 509
In this episode of The ABMP Podcast , Darren and Kristin are joined by Allison Denney to discuss the challenges of navigating today’s digital landscape, where content is abundant but not always trustworthy. Allison explains why people are quick to trust influencers, how to develop discernment online, and the dangers of misleading pain-relief claims. Resources: Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage . ...
Jun 03, 2025•35 min•Ep. 508
Having your business finances together can have a positive impact on every part of your life. Allissa considers the balance of structure and freedom in money management. Resources : Megan Belanger, Owner of One River Massage Therapy in Massachusetts https://onerivermassage.com/ Under Your Skin cartoons https://onerivermassage.com/category/under-your-skin/ A Liberated Mind, Steven C. Hayes, PhD https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549319/a-liberated-mind-by-steven-c-hayes-phd/ Host: Allissa H...
May 23, 2025•20 min•Ep. 507
A massage therapist wonders about the communicability of herpes from lesions on the sacrum: How might this infection spread from one person to another? “I Have a Client Who . . .” host Ruth Werner takes the opportunity to talk about herpes epidemiology, communicability, and asymptomatic viral shedding. You won’t want to miss this one! Resources : ABMP Education Center: https://www.abmp.com/learn/courses Hygiene: Critical Updates for Massage Therapists Protect Your Practice: Public Health and Con...
May 20, 2025•16 min•Ep. 506
Massage therapists love the subscapularis and for good reason. It’s often intensely tense, overly sensitive, or simply too ticklish or tender to touch. But when we can access it, we can work wonders. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison explores our techniques for working with the subscapularis and explains how upregulating this powerful muscle can change everything. Host Bio : Contact Allison Denney: rebelmt@abmp.com Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com Allison Denney is a certified mass...
May 13, 2025•14 min•Ep. 505
Debt is a drag, and eliminating debt can be a long process. Allissa walks us through the steps and shares some tips to pay off business and personal debt. Resources : Ruth Werner author of A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology in its 7th edition. Visit www.ruthwerner.com to grab a spot at the next "Stump the Pathology Teacher" online event, monthly on third Thursdays at 5 pm Pacific, 8 pm Eastern. Ep 489 – Managing an Irregular Income https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-489-managing-irregular-in...
May 09, 2025•21 min•Ep. 504
In this episode of The ABMP Podcast , Whitney Lowe explores the powerful concept of descending modulation. Whitney breaks down the science behind this neurological process and how it applies directly to massage, manual therapy, and bodywork. Can therapeutic touch, trust, and context turn down the pain dial and support long-term healing? Tune in to find out. Resources : The Role of Descending Modulation in Manual Therapy and Its Analgesic Implications: A Narrative Review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.n...
May 06, 2025•20 min•Ep. 503
In this reflective episode of The ABMP Podcast , Doug Nelson shares a powerful moment sparked by a client’s compliment and dives deep into the mystery of intuitive touch. Doug explores the concept of unconscious competence and why it's crucial to bring these instincts into conscious awareness, especially for those teaching or leading in the field. Host: Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977. Seeing over 1,20...
Apr 29, 2025•14 min•Ep. 502
With political and economic uncertainty all around us, how can business owners prepare for the inevitable ups and downs? In this episode, Allissa shares practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you stay grounded, adaptable, and ready. Resources : Chelle Doetsch Owner, New Yew in Michigan: www.newyewhealing.com How to Better Serve Your Neurodivergent Clients: https://www.abmp.com/massage-and-bodywork-magazine/how-better-serve-your-neurodivergent-clients Ep 495 – How Much Do I Need in an E...
Apr 25, 2025•15 min•Ep. 501
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 h...
Apr 22, 2025•16 min•Ep. 500
Algorithms might dominate our feeds, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Anatomy has the same issue. Dominated by what is the popular belief, muscles will often do what they are fed to believe is possible. Take, for example, the supraspinatus. Host Bio: Contact Allison Denney: rebelmt@abmp.com Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage . She is also passionate ...
Apr 15, 2025•13 min•Ep. 499
Before making a big purchase or financial change, try living like you’ve already made it—for at least three months. This simple practice helps you adjust to new expenses, identify what’s truly essential, and build savings in the process. It's a powerful way to test decisions with real-world impact—before you're locked in. Resources : Annette Montgomery, practicing LMT in Indiana and founder of Bolstered, a virtual support community for Massage Therapists Find more about Annette at www.annettemon...
Apr 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 498
Taking the leap into full-time massage is a dream for many practitioners, but it can feel daunting. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make the transition from a part-time role, the step to full time is one that requires courage, planning, and action. Kristin and Darren are joined by Elicia Crook to talk about what’s holding people back from taking the leap in becoming a solo practitioner, and ideas to help them overcome the fear of being a business owner. Resources: Elicia Crook is ...
Apr 08, 2025•26 min•Ep. 497
Fascia has been a hot topic in both research and hands-on therapy for some time now. While the idea that massage therapists affect more than just muscle isn’t new, defining exactly what "the other stuff" is has proven trickier than expected. Today, multiple definitions of fascia are debated worldwide. To bring clarity and foster better communication, a new, unified definition has been proposed in the Journal of Anatomy (January 2025). Join hosts Rachelle Clauson and Nicole Trombley, co-directors...
Apr 01, 2025•27 min•Ep. 496
What if you suddenly couldn’t work? Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines breaks down how much money you should have set aside in an emergency fund and the key factors that influence that number. From fixed expenses to income replacement strategies, she walks you through the options to help you stay financially secure in uncertain times. Resources : Barry Hatfield, Main Street Massage https://hudsonmassagetherapy.com/blog/ Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business ow...
Mar 28, 2025•19 min•Ep. 495
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. Resources : Long-Term Lyme Disease, Controversies and Challenges , July/Aug 2022 Development, P. (no date) 73: Long Term Lyme ...
Mar 25, 2025•17 min•Ep. 494
To get a solid understanding of the tensor fascia lata (TFL), it’s important to first understand its function. But to understand its function, one needs to clearly grasp its tendon—the IT band. And to really know the IT band, it is necessary to first appreciate fascia. In this episode of The Rebel MT , join Allison Denney as she dives down the rabbit hole that is the TFL. But first, she needs to start a load of laundry. Host Bio: Contact Allison Denney: rebelmt@abmp.com Allison’s website: www.re...
Mar 18, 2025•11 min•Ep. 493
What happens in your personal budget inevitably impacts your business budget (and vice versa). Business or Pressure host Allissa Haines walks through the basics of creating a personal budget, which ultimately could help your business budget. Resources : Erin Copelan, Owner of Erin Copelan Massage: https://erincopelan.com/resources/ Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of ...
Mar 14, 2025•24 min•Ep. 492
Join Kristin Coverly as she asks massage and bodywork experts Les Sweeney, Whitney Lowe, and Ruth Werner “What’s a common challenge for you and how do you overcome it?” Gain inspiration you can immediately apply to your personal and professional lives! Resources : ABMP Education Center: https://www.abmp.com/learn/ ABMP CE Summit: Neck https://www.abmp.com/summit Todoist App: https://www.todoist.com/ Book: “The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins, https://www.melrobbins.com/5secondrule Video: “The 5 Se...
Mar 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 491
In this episode of The ABMP Podcast , Doug Nelson explores the fascinating connections between the artistry and structure of music—think orchestra, composition, and rhythm—and how it parallels the flow and intention behind a well-crafted massage therapy session. Host: Douglas Nelson is board certified in massage therapy and therapeutic bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977. Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a ma...
Mar 04, 2025•16 min•Ep. 490
Managing an irregular income and planning for less predictable expenses is a big challenge for many business owners. Allissa works through the process to prepare for the leaner times, without sacrificing your own paycheck. Resources : Sarah Cheney, LMT Bloomington Athletic Massage: http://www.bloomingtonathleticmassage.com Allissa’s money coaching: https://www.deepbreathdigital.com/money Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bod...
Feb 28, 2025•16 min•Ep. 489
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. Resources : Hereditary Spherocytosis - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD (no date). Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/anemia-hereditary-spherocytic-hemolytic/ (Accessed: 19 February 2025)...
Feb 25, 2025•17 min•Ep. 488
We know it. We can feel it. But understanding the science behind how adrenaline and cortisol affect our soft tissue health is like watching a superhero movie. Kind of. In this episode, join Allison as she unpacks her favorite anatomical system and how it plays a role not only in our clients' soft tissue health, but also how we approach them. Host Bio: Contact Allison Denney: rebelmt@abmp.com Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified You...
Feb 18, 2025•12 min•Ep. 487
What kinds of account do I need in my small business? We go beyond the usual “checking and savings” to determine what serves you well now and in the future. Resources : Meg Donnelly owner of NoVA Weekend Warriors in Herndon, VA, https://novaweekendwarriors.com Self Employment tax calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/self-employment-tax (calculates federal tax only) The Basic Facts About Women in Poverty https://www.americanprogress.org/article/basic-facts-women-poverty/ Host: Alli...
Feb 14, 2025•19 min•Ep. 486
