The Fascia-Informed Therapist Podcast; Occupational Therapy, Myofascial Release, Fascial System, Posture, Movement, and More

Thermography is increasingly marketed as a painless, noninvasive way to look at what may be happening in the body, but what can it actually tell us? In this episode, I explore infrared thermography through a fascia-informed lens. Thermography is a type of imaging that maps patterns of heat on the skin’s surface. I share what sparked my curiosity, including the growing availability of thermography services in my community and conversations with people who have used it. I also discuss an article on myofascial trigger points and persistent neck and shoulder pain. Can differences in skin temperature offer clues about circulation, muscle activity, autonomic nervous system activity, or movement limitations? Could thermal imaging provide useful clinical information when structural imaging does not fully explain a person’s symptoms? We will explore what thermography measures, what current research suggests about its potential uses, and the important distinction between information that may contribute to clinical reasoning and a test that can make a diagnosis on its own.   This episode is available for CE! CLICK HERE

In this episode, I'm replaying one of the most popular topics from EP 78. Most of us can improve on our understanding of stress and how it affects the body. The article by Huston (2022) presents a compelling theory on this topic that involves the fascia. I'm not just replaying the episode. I'm also sharing a new process that I'm hoping will benefit us both! If you are listening to the podcast, you can now get CE (depending on your educational requirements for licensure).  This is a trial run. If there is interest, I'll create more CE for the past most listened to episodes and for future CE worthy episodes.  This will help me keep the podcast going. If you want to support it, you can go to Fascia-Informed CE Home and purchase the related episode CE (EP 78). Here is what the process looks like: Step 1: Listen to the podcast. Step 2: Read the article and related resources. Step 3: Reflect on how the content applies to your practice. Step 4: Take the quiz. Step 5: Provide feedback. Step 6: Download and save your certificate and CE resource document. Thank you! Amy

Each discipline operates from different rules and definitions. A system can be defined as "a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network; a complex whole". So, is fascia a system? It depends on who you ask. The Fascia Nomenclature Committee, a group of international experts from different backgrounds clearly says yes in their current definitions, but anatomist disagree. Articles that may help you think more about this after you listen in to this episode are below. FasciaInformed.com Neumann, P. E., Labib, H., Lhuaire, M., Boaz, N. T., Noel, G. P. J. C., Suárez-Quian, C., Tessema, C., Ward, P. J., Weinhaus, A. J., Anand, M. K., & Detton, A. J. (2026). Fascia, eh. What is it? What is it good for? Clinical Anatomy, 39(2), 262–272. https://doi.org/10.1002/ca.70047 Sharkey, J. (2026). Fascia is not a system: A critical appraisal of terminological drift in anatomical literature. Clinical Anatomy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/ca.70175 Sharkey, J. & Flannigan, M. (2023) Towards a Paramedical Interdisciplinary Definition of Fascia Supporting Practitioners Offering Fascia-Focused Therapies (Part 1). Int J Anat Appl Physiol. 9(1):218-222. Stecco, C., Adstrum, S., Hedley, G., Schleip, R., & Yucesoy, C. A. (2018). Update on fascial nomenclature [Letter to the editor]. Fascia Science and Clinical Applications, 22(2), 354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.12.015

This episode explores lessons from Altahif and Davis (2026), a survey of hand therapy practitioners on self-management strategies for clients with chronic hand pain. The survey examined what clients were doing on their own before evaluation, what clinicians prescribed during care, and how practitioners perceived client adherence to these strategies. Although the study does not focus on fascia or even mention it directly, there is a lot we can take from its findings. In this episode, I discuss how a fascia‑informed perspective can complement traditional hand therapy by offering additional ways to support people living with chronic pain and to improve follow‑through with home self‑treatment programs. Courses mentioned in the study may be found here: Fascia-Informed CE Home   Reference: Altahif, R., & Davis, C. (2026). Self-management in chronic hand pain: Clinician perspectives from members of the American Society of Hand Therapists. Journal of Hand Therapy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2026.05.007

In this episode I share a real‑life phone call from a very young potential client who reached out about a tongue‑tie release and frenectomy, expecting a quick surgical solution. Instead of rushing to agree or disagree, I slowed things down, asked targeted questions, and uncovered signs of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) that had never been considered in the process of her search for help. In this episode, I walk you through how I used education to shift her understanding of her symptoms, and why clarifying goals and history matters just as much as any hands‑on technique.  You’ll also hear how these kinds of conversations can build relationships with physicians and other providers—not by “selling” OT, but by helping clients land in the right place, with the right services, at the right time through the process of education. Thanks for listening! - Amy Check out our two free resources at: Fascia-Informed CE Home

In this episode of The Fascia Informed Therapist, we unpack a recent scoping review on the future of fascia research and translate its findings into practical clinical direction for occupational therapists and rehab professionals. We explore how upcoming studies are likely shifting toward fascia’s role in movement organization, chronic pain in older adults, and integrated approaches that blend manual therapy, movement‑based interventions, and neurophysiologic methods. You’ll hear what the author recommends about effect sizes and sample sizes in the simplest possible language—and, more importantly, how those choices shape the kind of evidence you’ll be seeing in the coming years. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of where fascia research is headed and how to use this emerging evidence to support fascia‑informed reasoning in everyday practice. Please share the podcast with anyone who may be interested (or you think they should be).  Get the book. Now on Amazon. And, Barnes & Noble Faculty use Cognella for access to a review copy and instructor manual.    Stay Connected Via Our Newsletter Resources: Trewartha, D., & Wheeler, A. (Eds.). (2020). Scars, adhesions and the biotensegral body: Science, assessment and treatment. Handspring Publishing. Zieliński, G. (2025). The future of fascia: A scoping review on emerging research. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(18), 8871. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26188871

In this episode I review the case of a new client who really made it hit home how we, as fascia-informed practitioners see the body differently. We engage with our clients differently and it gives them hope.  When something as simple as a knee replacement (it is really NEVER simple) causes long-term discomfort, our clients benefit from a new perspective. After countless doctors, surgeons and therapists, this client found hope.  Join the community! I have a new website and new platform. I hope you'll take a look! Newsletter Sign-Up Link

What do you do when a client comes to you following advice that doesn’t align with your approach? In this episode, we explore how to navigate those moments with professionalism and clarity. Learn how to explain your clinical reasoning, educate in a way clients can understand, and empower them to make their own informed decisions without dismissing or undermining another practitioner. Through a fascia-informed lens, we focus on communication that builds trust, supports autonomy, and transforms care. Fascia Informed Newsletter

In this episode of The Fascia-Informed Therapist Podcast, I introduce my recently published book, The Occupational Therapy Practitioner’s Guide to Fascia-Informed Practice, and read the preface to provide context for its development. The Occupational Therapy Practitioner’s Guide to Fascia-Informed Practice This episode outlines the clinical and conceptual motivations behind the text, including the need for a more integrative framework that bridges emerging fascia research with occupational therapy practice. It reflects on gaps in traditional models of care and the growing interest among practitioners in approaches that support more comprehensive assessment, clinical reasoning, and intervention planning. The book was written to offer a structured, evidence-informed perspective on fascia as a clinically relevant system, while remaining accessible and applicable to everyday practice. It is intended for occupational therapy practitioners seeking to expand their theoretical foundation and consider new dimensions of patient care. Listeners will gain insight into the purpose, scope, and intended application of the book, and may find it particularly relevant if they are interested in advancing their clinical reasoning or integrating fascia-informed concepts into their work. Join our Community: Fascia Informed Community

In this episode, I sit down with Madeline Seide, OTD, OTR/L, RYT, LSVT-BIG, to explore how trauma shows up across the clients we work with every day. We discuss what current research is revealing about trauma’s impact on the brain, why understanding trauma matters for all healthcare professionals, and how it can influence behavior and engagement in therapy. Madeline and I also share practical ways we apply trauma-informed principles in our daily practice to create safer, more effective therapeutic environments.   Join our community to stay updated on all we have to offer health and wellness providers on fascia-informed care: Fascia Informed Subscriber  

In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most foundational parts of my fascia‑informed approach: the progression of matching, pacing, and leading. Before I introduce any hands‑on work, movement exploration, or self‑treatment strategies, I focus on helping the client’s nervous system settle enough to participate. I talk about how I attune to a client’s initial tempo, tone, and level of activation, and how that simple act of matching creates the safety their fascia and nervous system need. From there, I share how I gradually shift the rhythm of the session—using posture, breath, cadence, and presence—to support regulation without forcing change. You’ll hear how I use these relational cues as the first intervention in fascia‑informed care, and why this sequence makes such a difference in interoception, tissue responsiveness, and therapeutic outcomes. If you’re looking for practical, immediately usable ways to help clients arrive more fully in their bodies, this episode will give you a clear, grounded framework you can bring straight into your next session. Join our community: Fascia Informed CE Subscriber

Recent headlines have once again brought childhood sexual abuse into public view, often in ways that expose survivors while protecting systems of power. In this episode, we shift the focus away from spectacle and back to care. Using evidence from two large systematic reviews, we explore how childhood sexual abuse, often occurring alongside other adverse childhood experiences, shapes nervous system development and increases the risk of chronic pain and pain-related disability in adulthood. We discuss how long-standing threat responses can amplify pain even decades later. For fascia-informed therapists, this episode offers a clear rationale for trauma-informed evaluation, education, and referral which are grounded in science, not assumption. Pain, in this context, is not a failure of tissue, but a signal from a system that learned to survive. Join us: Fascia Informed CE Subscriber References from the podcast: Bussières, A., Hancock, M. J., Elklit, A., Ferreira, M. L., Ferreira, P. H., Stone, L. S., Wideman, T. H., Boruff, J. T., Al Zoubi, F., Chaudhry, F., Tolentino, R., & Hartvigsen, J. (2023). Adverse childhood experience is associated with an increased risk of reporting chronic pain in adulthood: a stystematic review and meta-analysis. European journal of psychotraumatology, 14(2), 2284025. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2023.2284025 Karimov-Zwienenberg, M., Symphor, W., Peraud, W., & Décamps, G. (2024). Childhood trauma, PTSD/CPTSD and chronic pain: A systematic review. PloS one, 19(8), e0309332. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309332 See the alarming extent of NIH and NSF funding cuts in 2025  

Fascia has become a popular word in health and movement spaces, but what does it actually mean? In this episode, I explore why definitions matter and why fascia is not a fixed concept. How we define fascia shapes the questions we ask in research, the way clinicians think about the body, and how we explain pain, healing, and recovery to the people we serve. I walk through the key definitions that have influenced my own thinking, starting with the traditional structural perspective found in Gray’s Anatomy, moving into the widely accepted definition from the Fascia Research Society that reframed fascia as a three-dimensional environment, and then exploring the function-focused definition proposed by John Sharkey and Mark Flannigan. The heart of the episode focuses on a 2024 update to fascial nomenclature by Bordoni and colleagues, which challenges long-held assumptions by grounding the fascial system in embryology. This work expands the fascial continuum beyond solid connective tissues, emphasizing how tissues that develop together, function together, and communicate together cannot be fully understood when separated conceptually.  https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.53995 Rather than offering a final answer, this episode highlights fascia as a living, adaptive continuum and invites a wider view based on embryology. As our science evolves, our language and perspective must evolve with it. Join the Fascia-Informed way of thinking: Fascia Informed CE Subscriber

You can get CE for this episode! More here: Podcast CE In this episode, we explore Dr. Patricia Huston’s 2022 paper proposing a new way to understand chronic disease. Huston suggests that unhealthy lifestyle patterns don’t just strain the heart, lungs, or muscles directly. Rather, they change the behavior of interstitial cells, especially macrophages and fibroblasts. These cells orchestrate inflammation, healing, and tissue remodeling throughout the body. Using a six-level hierarchical network model, Huston shows how environmental pressures, social context, lifestyle habits, and nervous system activity converge on the interstitial microenvironment. When this system becomes overwhelmed, macrophages get stuck in a chronic inflammatory state and fibroblasts begin laying down excessive collagen, leading to fibrosis and organ dysfunction. This stalled healing process provides a unified explanation for why so many chronic diseases progress in similar ways. We discuss why this theory is groundbreaking for fascia-informed therapists and how it aligns with salutogenesis—a health-focused approach centered on restoring interstitial fluid flow, tissue mobility, movement, and self-regulation. This episode offers a science-backed lens for understanding the transformative potential of fascia-based therapy in supporting long-term health and resilience. Join our community of fascia-informed therapists: Fascia Informed CE   One option for explaining this simply to clients: Your daily habits change the environment your cells live in. The fascia is your cells' environment. And cells behave differently depending on that environment. This means lifestyle does not just affect symptoms. It affects how your cells decide whether to heal or stay inflamed.

In this episode I share a concept about new year resolutions that I address with all my clients. You must meet your body where it is at. Are you ready to jump into a new fitness program or is there are more important place to begin? Join me as a run through the foundations to healthy fascia and finding success with a new fitness goal.   I've also changed email platforms. If you haven't joined our community, now is the time! CLICK HERE

In this episode, we explore the powerful and often misunderstood connection between the mind and the body. Drawing from recent research across psychology, behavioral medicine, neuroscience, and aging studies, we break down what the science actually says about mindset and how beliefs, expectations, and interpretations of symptoms can directly influence the physical experience of health. This is not about pretending everything is fine or relying on blind positivity. Instead, we examine the measurable ways that a growth health mindset, mindfulness, and intentional positive thinking can shape pain perception, inflammation, recovery, motivation, and overall well-being. We also look at how cultural narratives, stereotypes, and clinician language can create either healing momentum or nocebo effects that worsen symptoms. You’ll hear insights on: • how expectations influence pain and cognitive performance • why a growth mindset promotes healthier behaviors and better outcomes • the role of optimism in longevity and physiological resilience • how stereotypes about aging and illness shape real biological change • the difference between meaningful positive thinking and toxic positivity Whether you are a healthcare provider, someone living with chronic symptoms, or simply curious about how mindset intersects with health, this episode offers a grounded, science-informed perspective and practical ways to support healing from the inside out. Tune in to learn how shifting the way you think about health can shift the way you experience it emotionally, behaviorally, and physiologically.   Study referenced: Parsamanesh, P., & Vysochyn, M. (2024). A Psychological Exploration of the Power of Our Mindset and Its Influence on Physiological Health. Cureus, 16(1), e52505. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.52505   Join Us for the March CE Weekend! Fascia-Informed Continuing Education - The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™

Join us for a special episode introducing “Fascia-Informed Practice: An Experiential CE Weekend for Practitioners”, happening March 28–29, 2026. This weekend-long continuing education course offers hands-on training in fascia science, therapeutic techniques, movement, breathwork, and client education all rooted in evidence-based fascia theory and a whole-person lens. Whether you’re an occupational therapist, wellness practitioner, movement specialist, or bodywork professional, this CE will deepen your understanding of fascia, equip you with safe and effective manual therapy and self-care tools, and transform how you view and treat the body. Space is limited to 14 participants so we can have a true immersive learning experience. Tune in to hear why fascia matters, what you’ll learn, and how this weekend could reshape your practice and healing philosophy. Join the newsletter for updates: Health and Wellness Practitioners

In this episode, we unpack the Interstitial Inflammatory Stasis (IIS) hypothesis introduced by Tuckey et al. (2021) in Frontiers in Pain Research. The authors propose that after injury or immune activation, inflammation can become “trapped” within the body’s microscopic fluid channels creating a self-perpetuating loop of congestion, fascial tension, and pain. You’ll learn how this model integrates existing pain theories into one fascia-based framework. We’ll also explore how these ideas align with occupational therapy practice: restoring interstitial flow through movement, breath, manual therapy, and autonomic regulation. Join the fascia-informed conversation: The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge. References Benias, P. C., Wells, R. G., Sackey-Aboagye, B., Klavan, H., Reidy, J., Buonocore, D., Miranda, M., Kornacki, S., Wayne, M., Carr-Locke, D. L., & Theise, N. D. (2018). Structure and Distribution of an Unrecognized Interstitium in Human Tissues. Scientific reports, 8(1), 4947. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23062-6 Tuckey, B., Srbely, J., Rigney, G., Vythilingam, M., & Shah, J. (2021). Impaired Lymphatic Drainage and Interstitial Inflammatory Stasis in Chronic Musculoskeletal and Idiopathic Pain Syndromes: Exploring a Novel Mechanism. Frontiers in pain research (Lausanne, Switzerland), 2, 691740. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2021.691740  

If you’ve ever had a loved one in the hospital, you know the range of emotions that comes with it including fear, frustration, hope, and gratitude, often all at once. In this episode, I share my personal experience navigating my father’s recent hospitalization for an acute illness (on top of a long-term disability) and what it has reminded me about the human side of healthcare. When we take the time to truly see and understand our patients including their history, their challenges, their stories, we can provide care that is not just skillful, but compassionate. This episode is both a reflection and a reminder of why understanding and empathy must remain at the heart of our fascia-informed practice. Join the conversation: The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this episode, we explore compartment syndrome (CS), a condition where pressure builds within the body’s muscular compartments, restricting blood flow, causing pain and threatening tissue health. You’ll learn the difference between acute and chronic (exertional) forms, how fascia’s properties play a role in pressure dynamics, and what recent research says about both surgical and conservative management. We'll also discuss the role habits may play in the development and management of CS as I share experiences with my own clients.  Whether you work in orthopedics, rehabilitation, or wellness, this episode highlights the types of CS and how understanding fascia can help you better educate your client and perhaps even your referral sources. Join our community of fascia-informed practitioners: Health and Wellness Practitioners Email List Resources Mentioned: Cleveland Clinic. Compartment Syndrome Overview. StatPearls. Exertional Compartment Syndrome – NCBI Bookshelf. Elsenosy, A. M., Elnewishy, A., Hassan, E., & Delewar, R. A. (2024). Outcomes of Fasciotomy Versus Conservative Management for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus, 16(12), e75803. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.75803 Altan, L. (2023). Postoperative Rehabilitation of Compartment Syndrome Following Fasciotomy. Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 69(2), 133–139. https://doi.org/10.5606/tftrd.2023.13041 Schleip, R., & Wilke, J. (2023). Fascia in Sport and Movement. Handspring Publishing.

In this short episode, I’m sharing a quick but important update about how the U.S. government shutdown is affecting websites like PubMed, and what that means for those of us who rely on up-to-date health information to serve our clients. If you use free online resources to guide your work in health or wellness, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how defunding impacts practitioners like us—and what we can do to stay informed and keep moving forward. Stay up to date and join the community: The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable relationship between sound baths and the fascial system. Learn how sound doesn’t just soothe your mind—it actually moves through your fascia, stimulating deep healing at the cellular level. I share about my experience at Sound Bath Workshop I recently took for my RYT, why I chose to attend, as well as what the most recent research says about sound baths (citations below). At the end I share with you the meditation I created and presented during the workshop. Of course, it focused on fascia and my reflections on how I see all this information intersecting with fascia. Join the conversation and sign up for our newsletter: Health and Wellness Practitioners   References: Goldsby, T. L., et al. (2017). Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(3), 401–406. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216668109 Stanhope, J., & Weinstein, P. (2020). The human health effects of singing bowls: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 51, 102412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102412 Seetharaman, R., Avhad, S., & Rane, J. (2024). Exploring the healing power of singing bowls. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 20(1), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2023.07.007 Cai, Y., et al. (2025). Therapeutic effects of singing bowls: A systematic review. Integrative Medicine Research, 14(2), 101144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2025.101144 Hasani, Z., Mohammadi, S., & Karimi, H. (2025). Effect of Singing Bowl Sound on Anxiety and Physiological Variables of Patients Awaiting Angiography. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, 40(2), 305–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2024.04.012

Listen in as a critical thinker shares her key takeaways from the Fascia Congress. Madeline Seide OTD, OTR/L, RYT, LSVT-BIG shares insights from several of the keynote speakers from the importance of the lumbosacral fascia to how we stretch to prepare our bodies for functional activity and sports. We also discuss the contradictory nature of the word stiff and the Dunning-Kruger effect.  Make sure you join our community at The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this episode, I sit down with Kaitlyn Rambo, OTD, OTR/L, PAMS, LSVT-BIG to explore her top takeaways from the recent Fascia Research Conference. With a unique lens as a practicing OT, Kaitlyn shares the most impactful insights, emerging research, and clinical applications that caught her attention. We discuss what this evolving science means for occupational therapists and other health professionals working with the body in dynamic and therapeutic ways. If you couldn’t attend the conference—or just want a grounded, practical recap—you won’t want to miss this conversation. Join our community and get a link to the book mentioned at FasciaInformed.com.

Season 2 kicks off with a personal reflection on my own journey through burnout and recovery. In this episode, I share lessons learned, strategies I tried, and how therapists can rediscover energy and purpose in their work.   Join the fascia-informed conversations here: The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this short episode, I’m letting you know that I’ll be pressing pause on new episodes until September. Why? Because something meaningful is calling: the final chapters of the book I’ve been pouring myself into. I also share a brief reflection on Die with Zero, a book that challenges us to consider what it really means to live without regrets. This break isn’t about stepping back—it’s about leaning into purpose, presence, and creation. See you in September, refreshed and ready. Put September 7th in your calendar for the next episode and be sure to get on the newsletter list. The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this episode I take a break from the science and share what we're working on for September 2025.  Be sure to get on our email list so you can get registered! The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

What if just 4 minutes a day of movement—no gym, no equipment—could lower your risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, or any cause? In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking 2022 study on Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA) and break down why these short, everyday bursts of effort are not just life-saving, but fascia-supporting. You’ll learn how stair climbing, fast walking, and carrying groceries can function like micro-doses of medicine, especially for people who don’t (or can’t) exercise formally. Plus, we connect the dots between intensity, tissue health, and the fascia-informed approach—so you can help clients (and yourself) rethink what it means to move for wellness. Join The Fascia-Informed Therapist™ Community here Health and Wellness Practitioners Stamatakis, E., Ahmadi, M. N., Gill, J. M. R., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Gibala, M. J., Doherty, A., & Hamer, M. (2022). Association of wearable device-measured vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity with mortality. Nature Medicine, 28(12), 2521–2529. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02100-x

In this episode, I dive into the world of wearable posture devices and how they can support alignment, ease, and body awareness within a fascia-informed practice. Drawing on current research and my own clinical experiences, I explore how wearables can complement hands-on therapy, movement retraining, and client education. You’ll hear what the evidence says about spinal posture, muscle activity, and perceived pain—and how to decide when (and if) to recommend these tools to your clients. Whether you’re new to wearables or already experimenting with them, this episode offers a grounded, fascia-aware look at their role in clinical care. The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.   Kuo, Y. L., Huang, K. Y., Kao, C. Y., & Tsai, Y. J. (2021). Sitting Posture during Prolonged Computer Typing with and without a Wearable Biofeedback Sensor. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(10), 5430. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105430

Menopause is more than hot flashes — it’s a full-body transformation that can deeply affect how women move, feel, and function. In this episode, we explore how hormonal shifts, especially the decline of estrogen, impacts fascia — the body’s connective tissue network. Learn how changes in collagen production contribute to stiffness, chronic pain, and mobility issues, and why fascia is emerging as a key player in understanding musculoskeletal symptoms in midlife and beyond. We’ll also highlight the unique role occupational therapy practitioners can play in assessing fascial health and supporting women through menopause with movement, education, and fascia-informed strategies. Whether you're an OTP or someone navigating this stage of life, this episode offers science, support, and insight into the menopausal body from the inside out. Join our community! The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge. https://fasciainformed.com/

In this inspiring episode, we celebrate Dr. Madeline Seide’s recent graduation with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Maddie shares insights from her capstone experience at Mayer Fascia Wellness, including what she learned while working in a fascia-informed clinical setting and how it shaped her vision for the future of her OT practice. Whether you're a student exploring your path or a seasoned therapist curious about fascia, this episode offers an honest and motivating look at how new professionals can bring curiosity, compassion, and evidence-informed innovation into practice be becoming fascia-informed. Maddie’s story will leave you feeling encouraged and excited for what’s possible in our profession. 🎧 Listen in—and consider what becoming fascia-informed could mean for your future as an OT. This episode is available as a video episode on YouTube: The Fascia-Informed Therapist™ - YouTube Join our community of fascia-informed practitioners: Health and Wellness Practitioners Check out our courses! Health Professionals | Mayer Fascia Wellness

In this brief episode, I reflect on the subtle but powerful role of therapist attention in client outcomes. Drawing from research in functional MRI, we explore how simply being fully present—without saying or doing anything differently—can alter a client's brain activity and support regulation, interoception, and healing. Presence is not just polite; it's a clinical tool. 📚 Reference Cerritelli, F., Chiacchiaretta, P., Gambi, F., & Ferretti, A. (2017). Effect of continuous touch on brain functional connectivity is modified by the operator’s tactile attention. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 368. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00368

In this episode of The Fascia-Informed Therapist Podcast, we explore the often-unspoken but deeply felt elements that shape our clinical decision-making: clues, intuition, experience, and science. Starting from the familiar challenge of planning care in unpredictable therapeutic environments, we unpack how competence truly develops—not just through academic knowledge, but through experience, pattern recognition, and perceptual awareness. Amy shares personal stories from her clinical practice and teaching career, including how she learned to recognize pain through subtle nonverbal signals and why minimizing sensory input can sharpen diagnostic clarity. We also examine research on clinical intuition, revealing how practitioners in various disciplines use and refine it as a legitimate part of diagnostic reasoning. From anatomy trains and myofascial assessment strategies to the neuroscience of attention and the reflective wisdom of Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, this episode encourages therapists to trust what they feel—while also validating it with science and experience. Whether you're a new practitioner building your confidence or a seasoned clinician deepening your fascia-informed approach, this conversation invites you to think critically about what really guides you in the treatment room. 📚 References Gladwell, M. (2005). Blink: The power of thinking without thinking. Little, Brown and Co. Melin-Johansson, C., Palmqvist, R., & Rönnberg, L. (2017). Clinical intuition in the nursing process and decision-making: A mixed-studies review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(23-24), 3936–3949. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13814 Van den Brink, N., Holbrechts, B., Brand, P. L. P., & van Royen, P. (2019). Role of intuitive knowledge in the diagnostic reasoning of hospital specialists: A focus group study. BMJ Open, 9, e022724. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022724 Myers, T. (2020). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists (4th ed.). Elsevier.

In this episode, we explore a common chronic pain diagnosis—Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Despite its prevalence, MPS is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, leaving clients stuck in cycles of pain and dysfunction. Join me as I share details from this 2025 article from Muscle & Nerve on MPS. I’ll also highlight why occupational therapy practitioners (and others) are uniquely positioned to treat this syndrome with manual therapy, movement, postural support, and lifestyle factors.  Steen, J. P., Jaiswal, K. S., & Kumbhare, D. (2025). Myofascial Pain Syndrome: An Update on Clinical Characteristics, Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Muscle & nerve, 71(5), 889–910. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.28377 Join our community of Fascia-Informed Therapists™! Health and Wellness Practitioners

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Cheryl Sacco—strength coach, competitive athlete, and all-around powerhouse—as she shares her honest journey from initial skepticism to fully embracing a fascia-informed approach to health and performance. Cheryl talks about what surprised her most, how fascia work has impacted her training and recovery, and why this perspective is now essential to her self-care. Whether you're a practitioner, an athlete, or someone curious about fascia’s role in the body, Cheryl’s story offers insight, empowerment, and a dose of real-world transformation. Video option: https://youtu.be/9Y7nnH4cSG4 Join our fascia-informed community! Health and Wellness Practitioners

In this episode, I chat with Jena Schroeder, MS, OTR/L, Certified FST® Practitioner, FST® instructor and founder of Stretch SpOT, to explore how fascia-focused care and Fascial Stretch Therapy® are expanding what's possible in rehabilitation and wellness. Jena shares her journey from traditional OT to integrative practice owner, and offers insights into how FST® is reshaping the way we approach mobility, pain, and performance. Whether you're an OT, wellness provider, or fascia-curious listener, this conversation will stretch your thinking in all the right ways. Learn more about Jena here: Stretch SpOT: Fascial Stretch Therapy Join our Fascia-Informed Community: Health and Wellness Practitioners

This skill of getting down and up from the floor is vital as we age. I share some interesting data, some case stories and an assessment you can try. Oh, and how fascia-informed techniques can help.  A video I made a few years ago: The Number One Movement Everyone 50+ (maybe 40s too) Should be Doing Regularly: Getting Up and Down Are you part of our fascia-informed community? Add your email: Health and Wellness Practitioners

In this episode I share about a client who sent and SOS text after a hamstring pull and probable tear. Her physician said to rest and ice. I share everything I suggested. I hope some listeners may gather some insights from my experience.  Be sure to get on our fascia-informed community email list! The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

There are many ways to reach into the body. Fascia Stretch Therapy® has been around for several decades. Although Ian just recently became certified in this modality and started his business, he's passionate about getting the word out about fascia and Fascia Stretch Therapy®! Join us as I learn more about it! Learn more about Ian and his practice: Stretch2Go: Greater Baltimore's Premier Stretch Therapist Join our community of fascia-informed therapists! The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge. This episode is available as a video at https://youtu.be/p35vivQ9kns.

In this episode I reflect on a busy month and part of the great session we had at the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association Conference yesterday (March 22nd, 2025). I shared the concept of Spatial Medicine and an article by Thomas Myers. This is an important concept that made me think a lot about how we got to where we are today regarding lack of movement. I hope you'll listen and think about your own life and practice.  Thank you! - Amy Book referenced in the episode. Your Turn: How to Be an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims (associate link) Be sure to get on our community list to get updates. We have a big upcoming fall event! The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

I have many clients who also use chiropractic care as part of their self-care activities. You may as well. In this episode I share how I explain the intersection of chiropractic care and fascia-informed techniques. You may also want to talk to local chiropractic providers about what you do and how it can support the work they do with their clients. They can be a great referral source. Knowing the science behind what you do and being able to explain it clearly is the key! Health Professionals | Mayer Fascia Wellness Courses   The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

It's our 50th episode! Regardless of your area of practice, you encounter people with stress and/or past trauma. This episode is for everyone. Join us as we discuss the collaborative myofascial self-treatment workshop we created and have been teaching for the past four years together. Releasing Stuck Emotions helps open and balance the fascial tension so our feelings can be felt more accurately via the interoceptive process.  Lisa will join me for future episodes to have a deeper discussion on the intersection of fascia and mental health. Stay tuned! Learn more about Lisa: Home | Lisa M. Basile MA LLC | Counseling Services | Emotional Wellness | Mind Body Spirit | Integrative Check out the workshop: https://mayerwellness.offeringtree.com/offerings/myofascial-self-treatment-releasing-stuck-emotions Join the community of fascia-informed practitioners: Health and Wellness Practitioners 

I was quite surprised to learn that OTPs are not the leaders here. In fact, PTs and physicians are, at least according to the survey referenced here. Things are about to change with ACOTE's new standards including integrative health in the interventions and procedures section! The new standards go into effect July of this year! Wen, P.-S., Vora, A., Mortera, M., Sasson, N., Reed, W. R., Ehsanian, R., Galantino, M. L., Erb, M., Hu, X., & Kim, S. (2022). Perceptions and use of complementary and integrative health practices among rehabilitation professionals: A survey. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 55, 102173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2022.102173

In the last episode I reviewed a more general article on the effects of myofascial release on several different diagnoses. In this episode I review the articles I gathered from the more general article as well as a few more.  The bottom line: taking fascia into consideration and using treatments that target fascia such as myofascial release, self-treatment and posture is a worthy pursuit in this population. Get signed up for the newsletter. I'll send out the references in a future edition.  The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge. 

I found this article while searching for literature on cancer and fascia and thought it was a must share, especially for practitioners in traditional settings. These researchers gathered literature (97 studies) from all over the world and published their findings in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. They specifically looked at the effects of myofascial release on low back pain, cancer, sport injuries, fibromyalgia, headache and stroke. I hope more practitioners in traditional settings will learn about fascia and fascia-targeting techniques. This episode is available as a video podcast on our YouTube channel. The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

Today was such a great day that I had to share a little bit about it with you all. From a new client's excitement to learn about fascia to client's sharing their stories with our new student it all made me burst with gratitude. I am so humbled to be part of people's lives and their journey to wellness.  I'm hoping this episode will encourage you to keep learning the science and take students so you can teach them too.  The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

Join me as I cover some interesting information about the how connected the fascia is with the diaphragm and how we can influence better heart function via the fascia. Join us via the newsletter for other updates! The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this episode I discuss the outcome of our latest Fascia-Informed Therapist Meetings and Mentorship Group. We discussed a wide variety of topics relevant to so many practice settings. I believe when you're learning to apply new concepts, having other practitioners where you can bounce ideas off of and learn from is invaluable! I want to offer this opportunity to every practitioner interested in applying the science of fascia to their practice.  Learn more about this group here: Fascia-Informed Community Meetings and CE | Mayer Fascia Wellness

In this episode I discuss how becoming fascia-informed adds an entirely new layer to our critical thinking process when it comes to helping clients with balance issues. I will also share some research that looks at fascia and balance in both kids and adults, and how I weave in fascia science to my assessment process. If you work with clients who have balance issues of any age, this episode is for you! Get fascia informed! Join the newsletter:  https://fasciainformed.com/ Check out our courses: https://mayer-fascia-wellness.teachable.com/p/professionals This episode is available as a video episode at https://youtu.be/MmTAKKXrwS0   

Join me as I discuss a question that has come up from practitioners in traditional settings. Their client is having acute pain or recently had a surgery. Can they use myofascial release techniques? I say yes but there are few things to consider. Safety is ALWAYS first. As always, thank you for listening! Join our newsletter too! Podcast - The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™