STA295: 'The New Generation Massage Therapist' with special guest Jamie Johnston

In Ep.295 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Jamie Johnston, a massage therapist, firefighter and educator from British Columbia, Canada. Jamie is best known as founder of the Massage Therapist Development Centre (MTDC) and host of 'The New Generation Massage Therapist' podcast. Jamie discusses the evolving role of massage therapists — shifting from passive tissue work to evidence-informed biopsychosocial care. He talks about pain science, the therapeutic power of movement, consent and communication, and why mental health must be part of clinical practice. He shares practical approaches for opening conversations, spotting mental-health concerns, preventing suicide, and building clinician resilience, plus resources and training for therapists seeking to expand their skills. Practical takeaways: check CPD course accreditation, consider your career goals and context, and consult professional bodies to make an informed choice about the route that best fits your aims. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:02:45 - Massage Therapy Scope in Canada 00:07:36 - Rethinking 'Muscle Release' Language 00:11:20 - Why Informed Consent Requires Better Communication 00:18:09 - Patient Language vs Clinician language  00:21:29 - The New Generation Massage Therapist Podcast: Why The Name? 00:24:51 - Why Mental Health Matters for the Modern Clinician 00:33:39 - Practical Language Shifts 00:39:53 - Boundaries in Mental Health Talks with Patients  00:45:15 - Mental Health Courses with Jamie Johnston Useful Links Jamie Johnston Website: TheMTDC.com Massage Therapist Development Centre on Facebook  Jamie Johnston on Instagram The New Generation Massage Therapist on Apple Podcasts Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.