Send us a text Regulation might sound like the least exciting topic in massage therapy, but it's actually the battleground where our professional identity and future are being decided. Massage therapy regulation is far more than bureaucratic red tape; it's a dynamic system that establishes professional standards, protects the public, and helps define who controls the massage profession's territory. We break down the complex regulatory landscape, explaining how licensing affects practice rights a...
Jun 05, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Send us a text Read our blog post for more in-depth information on why CAMTC should be sunsetted . California is one of only five states without massage therapy licensing, operating instead under a questionable "voluntary certification" system run by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). This system requires minimal education, no continuing education, and no examination, while creating barriers for therapist mobility and failing to protect the public. • CAMTC is a private, non-profit c...
Apr 22, 2025•11 min
Send us a text Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession New Healwell Class: Cultural Competency for Bodyworkers and Healthcare Providers Healwell News 1:24 State and National News 2:13 Association News 8:13 Events 10:58 Davonna Willis Interview Beneficial Ownership Checklist COMTA Likes Us! ABMP Events AMTA Call for Speakers MTF Grants IMTRC Registration ABMP News AMTA News Support the show Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799 Check out our i...
Mar 08, 2025•14 min
Send us a text Suicide hotline: call or text 988 International Suicide Hotlines Register for the Community Processing Event on February 25th Corey Rivera and Cal Cates address the alarming suicide rates among massage therapists by exploring underlying risk factors, including perfectionism, isolation, and occupational stress. By recognizing these nuances, the conversation encourages community engagement and accountability to promote better mental health outcomes. • Discussing general risk factors...
Feb 24, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send us a text The episode discusses the hidden mental health crisis within the massage therapy profession, spotlighting alarming suicide rates and the pressing need for open dialogue and community support. By exploring the complexity of suicidal ideation and the current model we use to understand suicide, we aim to equip listeners with tools to recognize and address these critical issues. Suicide hotline: call or text 988 International Suicide Hotlines Register for the Community Processing Even...
Jan 29, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send us a text Corey Rivera and Cal Cates explore the existence of rubbing robots and how (unsurprisingly?) they prompt a critical examination of what defines massage therapy. This episode dives into what the robots can and cannot do, why they're happening now, and how you need a human to do massage therapy. Unreal Rubbing Robot Images Michael and Aubrey's Podcast Aescape Alex: Massage Robotics Phill the Nightstand 2023 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study 2024 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study Massage Cost ...
Dec 28, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Send us a text Topics: Healwell News 0:44 State and National News 2:44 Massage Envy Settlement 2:49 Association News 7:20 AMTA, MPPR, and Veteran's Affairs 9:58 Upcoming Live and Online events 14:30 Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession Opening to the Mystery with Cal Cates (21 CEUs for most healthcare) Department of Justice AMTA's Letter to Veteran's Affairs MTF Grants IMTRC Registration ABMP News AMTA News Support the show Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org Leave us a voice...
Dec 21, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send us a text This episode contains a discussion about suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis call or text 988 on your phone to reach the suicide hotline or click the lifeline link . Healwell believes it is important to talk about the hard things. In this short episode, with an introduction by Cal Cates, Corey Rivera talks about their recent experience with suicidal ideation; what it is, what it isn't, and how to support yourself or someone els...
Nov 20, 2024•9 min
Send us a text Topics: Healwell News State and National News Association News Upcoming Live and Online events Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession NPR: Non-Compete Ban Thrown Out The Massage Therapy Foundation Ergonomics Project Interest Survey MTF Public-Based Research Network MTF Executive Director Departure (After 26 Years!) MTF Practitioner and Student Case Report Contest Support the show Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org Leave us a voice message: 703-468-1799 Check out...
Sep 14, 2024•7 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send us a text AI is everywhere. And it does everything...or does it? In this episode we break down the different types of AI, including generative AI like ChatGPT. We'll explain how each AI type operates uniquely, with a focus on their current roles and limitations. And boy, do they have limitations. Corey provides a clear breakdown of AI, explaining the distinction between weak AI, which performs specific tasks, and the elusive strong AI seen in science fiction. She explores how AI is currentl...
Aug 21, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Send us a text Topics: Healwell News State and National News MPower Shut Down Baylor Research Article (They like us!) Association News Upcoming Live and Online events Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession ABMP News Page AMTA News Page USOLMT News Page Dept of Ed Asynchronous Ban Public Comment ABMP Nebraska Call to Action AMTA List of Resources for MPower Students Baylor Article Press Release Baylor Open Access Article MTF Fundraiser USOLMT Board Lorimer Moseley TED talk: Why Thi...
Aug 02, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send us a text When is a tool a robot? Join your host, Corey Rivera on the meandering development of tools used for massage (but not necessarily massage therapy). We'll talk about: Tools that help Tools that don't Tools that are robots Tools that are fish Cathy Ryan, The Fascia Nerd also stops by to explain cellulite! Stay tuned after the outro to hear bonus Cathy. Take a class with Cathy Ryan ! You can't break fascia (Threlkeld 1992) National Library of Medicine TENS Article Tool-Making and Too...
Jul 10, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Send us a text Topics: Healwell News State and National News AMTA Files a Lawsuit Against the Department of Education Association News Upcoming Live and Online events Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession ABMP News Page AMTA News Page International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork ABMP's Response to Change.org Petition AMTA and Friends of Veteran's Affairs Research Massage Therapy Foundation's Bob King Legacy Grant NCBTMB Strategic Plan USOLMT Board Lorimer Moseley TED...
Jul 05, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Send us a text In this episode of "The Rubdown," your host Corey Rivera brings you the latest news and updates from the massage therapy profession for May 2024. Topics: Healwell News State and National News Coalition for National Massage Organization Meeting Upcoming Live and Online events Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession Support Georgia joining the interstate compact with ABMP MTF Poster Submissions Lorimer Moseley TED talk: Why Things Hurt Davonna Willis; 4 Nineteen Educat...
Jun 07, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Send us a text Welcome to an exploration of intersectional identities, featuring those who live at the crossroads of race, gender, sexuality, and disability. This episode is a departure from The Rub's usual style, and we hope you enjoy this brief detour. Here is the audio piece about addiction that inspired this episode: Life Left In Me All audio is from interviews on Healwell's podcast "Interdisciplinary." Original interviews: Authenticity Soup with Arika Patneaude and Bridget Sumser People Jus...
May 22, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Send us a text In this episode of "The Rubdown," your host Corey Rivera brings you the latest news and updates from the massage therapy profession spanning from January 1st to April 30th, 2024. Topics: Massage Therapy Foundation Grants Healwell News FTC Non-compete ban Gainful employment Interstate compact National Association updates IJTMB Journal review Upcoming Live and Online events Support Georgia joining the interstate compact Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession Internati...
May 01, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Send us a text Welcome to "The Rub," a captivating podcast delving into the world of massage therapy. Join your host, Corey Rivera, as they explore the intricacies of continuing education in massage therapy with guests Ruth Werner, Whitney Lowe, and Rebecca Sturgeon. In this enlightening episode, Corey engages in insightful conversations with industry experts about the transformative shift in massage therapy education, particularly focusing on the transition from traditional in-person classes to...
Apr 17, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Send us a text Join us on a journey through the intricate landscape of medical philosophy as we explore the dynamic interplay between reductionism and holism. In this thought-provoking podcast, we delve into the contrasting perspectives that shape modern healthcare and challenge traditional notions of disease and wellness. At the heart of our discussion lies the age-old debate between reductionism and holism. While reductionism champions the idea that understanding the smallest components of a s...
Mar 27, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Send us a text Embark on a journey of professional transformation with me, Corey Rivera, as we break free from the confines of routine massage therapy practice. Our latest Rub episode invites you to discover the untapped potential of interdisciplinary collaboration, with valuable takeaways from the Shiley conference in palliative care. Dr. Melinda Kavanaugh joins us, bringing her passionate insight as a social worker and researcher, to illuminate the powerful synergies that await when we step ou...
Mar 07, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Send us a text Wednesday's episode will be slightly delayed due to bipolar disorder! (All is well, but productivity takes a backseat to mental health.) I'm leaving the description the podcast AI wrote (mostly) intact because it's a great example of writing for SEO and not for purpose. My "sleep and focus wavering" does not sharpen my resolve, it mostly makes me tired and frustrated. Also my focus doesn't "waver," it hyper-fixates. California was not sunny, it hilariously rained the entire time d...
Feb 26, 2024•3 min
Send us a text Embark on an eye-opening exploration of the often misunderstood world of massage therapy with me, Corey Rivera, your guide through the intricate landscapes of human touch. We're not only unmasking the differences between a casual massage and professional massage therapy, but also diving into why individuals across the spectrum seek out these services—ranging from celebrations on a cruise to seeking solace amid personal trauma. This episode promises to stretch your understanding of...
Feb 14, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Send us a text Prepare to navigate the intricacies of massage therapy education with Cal Cates and myself, Corey Rivera, in a conversation that's vital for the future of massage schools. We're treading into the uncharted territory of curriculum overhauls, necessitated by the Gainful Employment Act's momentum. July 2024 inches closer, and with it, the deadline for schools to meet the stringent 100% rule looms large. We'll be examining what these transformations mean for federal funding, the ongoi...
Jan 31, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Send us a text Discover the shift about to hit massage schools nationwide as we unpack the consequences of the new federal gainful employment rule with Lance Hostetter, Director of Government Relations for ABMP. In July 2024, a federal program to protect students from predatory education practices could have major consequences for massage therapy schools. We explore the fine line between consumer safety and the integrity of massage therapy education. The conversation takes a turn as we probe int...
Jan 17, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Send us a text To hear the full version of each interview, check out our Patreon! Witness the dawn of a healthcare revolution with Healwell, where the nurturing power of touch meets the rigor of palliative care. Join the Healwell team of Cal Cates, Kerry Jordan, Laura Bryant-Earner, Rebecca Sturgeon, and Corey Rivera as we reveal the heartfelt aspirations and bold missions driving our nonprofit organization. Together, we dissect the formidable task of integrating palliative massage therapy into ...
Jan 03, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Send us a text Hospitals are bustling, often chaotic places, where the focus is primarily on healing rather than comfort. But within this challenging environment, a unique breed of healthcare providers is emerging, offering a different kind of solace - massage therapists. In this episode, we will take you on a journey to explore the lives of massage therapists who work in hospitals. These dedicated individuals bring relief and comfort to patients during their most vulnerable moments. They offer ...
Oct 31, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 2
