🎙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 practice. They explore what we can clearly influence through bodywork, what’s misunderstood, and how to work with and think about this vital nerve in...
Jul 09, 2025•54 min•Ep. 148
🎙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 radiation-induced fibrosis, the use of palpation as a formal outcome, and the challenges of correlating what we feel with what science can measure. ...
Jun 25, 2025•59 min•Ep. 149
🎙In this special mini-episode, Til Luchau previews his upcoming Leg, Knee & Foot Masterclass (August 17–19, 2025 in Walpole, Maine) while catching up with his longtime friend and colleague Thomas Myers, founder of Anatomy Trains and host of the Anatomy Trains Summer Program. Together, they reflect on: How their teaching—and their excitement for it—has evolved Why the leg, knee, and foot deserve more focused attention The meaning of mastery after decades in the field The value of propriocept...
Jun 18, 2025•16 min
🎙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 behavior and mood, and how the body experiences grief via physical sensations. They also discuss the role of touch, bodywork, and therapeutic presen...
Jun 11, 2025•56 min•Ep. 147
🎙 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. McGill offers both cutting-edge science and practical insights for helping clients—and ourselves—move with more strength, resilience, and less pain. �...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 146
🎙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 a dynamic neuro-immune interface. Robert shares his updates on fascinating insights into attention, depression, touch, circadian rhythms, and how fas...
May 14, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 145
🎙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 massage therapists and bodyworkers can better support patients, caregivers, and care teams—not by fixing, but by listening, noticing, and showing up with ...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 144
🎙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 arts. Fabiana is also the President of the Fascia Research Society, and shares highlights from the upcoming 2025 Fascia Research Congress in New Orl...
Apr 16, 2025•45 min•Ep. 143
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 practitioners can become more effective advocates for whole-person care. Key Topics: 0:07:00 Defining Integrative Healthcare 0:22:30 The Role of Massage i...
Apr 02, 2025•48 min•Ep. 142
🎙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, why attention transforms both bodywork and movement, and how embracing uncertainty can expand our understanding of presence and connection. Their conv...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 141
🎙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 support mobility and comfort. Drawing from their decades of experience, Whitney and Til discuss the differences between adolescent idiopathic scolio...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 140
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 discuss the importance of nerve mobility, client education, and activity modifications to relieve symptoms and improve function. Whether you’re a han...
Feb 19, 2025•45 min•Ep. 138
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 profession. Key Topics: Introduction and overview of Dalton's background and influence (0:00 - 5:00) Reflections from Tom Myers, author of Anatomy Tra...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 139
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, Jill Cook, Antonio Stecco, Greg Lehman and more, they explore highlights such as pain science with Lorimer Moseley, innovative anatomical approaches wit...
Jan 22, 2025•41 min•Ep. 136
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 therapy can create lasting impacts beyond any tissue effects. The trio dives deep into practical applications for massage therapists, addressing divergent ...
Jan 08, 2025•59 min•Ep. 137
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 profoundly shapes lives. The conversation touches on balancing professional demands with personal growth, the joys and challenges of teaching, and the deep...
Dec 26, 2024•47 min•Ep. 134
💥Just a few openings left! Thailand Retreat, Feb 22-Mar 5 Advanced Myofascial Techniques, ScarWork, Zoga Movement, and Contact Improvisation https://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 developed the popular methodologies of ScarWork and BoneWork. Sharon shares captivating stories from her time at the iconic Esalen Institute, her unique...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 133
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 experience, specializes in oncology and palliative care, and is pursuing a doctorate in public health focusing on the role of massage therapy in pallia...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 132
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 physical benefits and its comforting, human connection. The conversation highlights mindfulness as a tool for managing chronic pain, extending beyond medit...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 131
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" rather than "letting go," and the significance of rituals and community in processing loss. The conversation also touches on the idea of the "intima...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 130
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 Message (00:00 - 01:30) •Discussion of Tactile Sensitivity Study (01:30 - 03:30) •Decline in tactile sensitivity, especially in fingers with age •Importanc...
Oct 16, 2024•46 min•Ep. 129
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 highlights the risks of certain drugs on tendon health. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Cook provides evidence-based insights for all manual therapis...
Oct 02, 2024•45 min•Ep. 128
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 both the structural and non-mechanical origins of LBP. Listeners will also learn about therapeutic approaches, the significance of practitioner confid...
Sep 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 127
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 fascia research The role of the Stecco family in advancing fascia research Differences between superficial fascia and deep fascia The concept of fascia...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 126
🎙️ 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 in grief: what helps, what’s important to know, and how to move with grief, as we feel what needs to be felt, and do the things that need to be done...
Aug 21, 2024•45 min•Ep. 124
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, and the importance of load management, and much more. Check it out now! Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Wh...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 125
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 function Are we over over-pronation yet? Plantar fasciitis/fasciosis, bunions, hammertoes, and other things you wouldn’t have thought of as ankle iss...
Jul 24, 2024•55 min•Ep. 123
🎙️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 video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites: Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com Whitney Lowe’s Academy of...
Jul 10, 2024•43 min•Ep. 122
🎙️ 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 manual therapy practice and education. Lowe encourages listeners to read the paper and reflect on how these concepts align with or differ from their curre...
Jun 26, 2024•40 min•Ep. 121
🎙️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 full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites: Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage ...
Jun 12, 2024•47 min•Ep. 120
