The Thinking Practitioner

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 Trains (5:00 - 11:40) 
  Insights from James Waslaski, international lecturer and author (11:40 - 15:00)
• Memories shared by Diane Matkowski, the "Massage Mentor" (15:00 - 19:30)
• Perspective from Eric Brown, consultant for Dalton's business (19:30 - 24:00)
• Stories and tributes from Jim Asher, Dalton's Rolfing teacher (24:00 - 29:00)
• Personal accounts from Tammy McCue, senior educator for Dalton's work (29:00 - 34:00)
• Reflections from Art Riggs, bodyworker and teacher (34:00 - 40:00)
• Insights from Paul Kelly, longtime collaborator with Dalton (40:00 - 50:00)
• Closing thoughts and information about the podcast's sponsors (50:00 - 57:00)

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

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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 with Gil Hedley, and Til's profound personal and professional journey through grief. With a mix of deep dives into manual therapy techniques and candid personal stories, this episode celebrates the depth and breadth of the profession and the podcast’s community.

Key Topics and Time Codes:

•[00:01:00] Introduction and celebrating five seasons of The Thinking Practitioner.

•[00:04:00] Reflections on how bodywork has personally transformed Whitney and Til over the years (Episode 134).

•[00:06:00] Gil Hedley’s overview of cranial nerves, and his groundbreaking Nerve Tour (Episode 110).

•[00:10:35] Highlights from the conversation with Lorimer Moseley on explaining pain (Episode 111).

•[00:15:20] Insights into proprioception and fascia from Rochelle Clausen and Nicole Trombley (Episode 119).

•[00:17:00] "Movement optimism" with Greg Lehman and rethinking rehabilitation (Episode 114).

•[00:20:20] Rolfer Sharon Wheeler discusses the legacy of her ScarWork and Bone Work (Episode 133).

•[00:25:00] Low back pain updates: A practical discussion on treatment and understanding (Episode 127).

•[00:30:00] Reflections on grief and its profound impact on personal and professional life (Episodes 125, 130, and 132).

•[00:33:00] Jill Cook’s insights into tendon pain and the evolving understanding of tendinopathy (Episode 128).

•[00:36:30] Celebrating the diversity of guests, their contributions to the field.

•[00:38:00] Looking forward to Season 6 and inviting listener input for future episodes.

Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring look back at the evolution of The Thinking Practitioner and a preview of what’s to come in Season 6.

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

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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 views around posture, nociception, and the impact of environment and interpersonal dynamics on client care. This episode will leave you inspired to deepen your practice and reconsider how you approach pain and trauma in the treatment room.

 

Key Topics:

•[00:03:18] Introduction to Dr. Mark Olson and his background in neuroscience and massage.

•[00:06:24] Overview of nerve processing: sensory input, motor output, and top-down vs. bottom-up influences.

•[00:12:00] Ascending vs. descending modulation: What they mean and how they affect pain perception.

•[00:20:30] Understanding pain as a perception of danger rather than tissue injury.

•[00:33:35] Defining trauma-informed care and its importance for manual therapists.

•[00:36:45] Recognizing developmental and shock trauma in practice.

•[00:45:43] Exploring myths around posture and its relationship to pain.

•[00:54:26] Practical advice for integrating neuroscience into manual therapy practice.

Tune in to gain practical tools for fostering safety, understanding pain, and transforming your approach to bodywork.

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

 

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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 deeper connections formed through touch. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a celebration of the unique power of this work.

 

🌟 Highlights:

•Podcast Anniversary and Reflection (00:56): Celebrating milestones and revisiting the podcast’s journey.

•Whitney and Til’s Journeys into Bodywork (02:51, 06:49): Their unique paths into the field and what inspired them to stay.

•The Transformative Power of Massage Therapy (09:58): Exploring how massage changes lives—both clients’ and practitioners’.

•Lessons Learned from Clients (16:25): Profound insights gained from working closely with clients.

•Receiving Bodywork: Personal Transformations (21:47): Whitney and Til recount their most impactful bodywork experiences.

•From Practitioner to Teacher (25:54): Transitioning into teaching and sharing the work with others.

•Balancing Work and Wellbeing (33:15): How to navigate the emotional and physical demands of the profession.

 

💡 Listeners: Share your story! How has massage or manual therapy changed your life? Send a message or voice recording to us at info@thethinkingpractitioner.com — we’d love to hear from you and maybe even feature your story in a future episode.

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

 

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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 experiences with Dr. Rolf, and how her innovative techniques emerged from an intuitive understanding of the body.

 

Learn about the power of light touch in addressing scars and bones, hear about Sharon’s global teaching journey, and learn how her methods are creating lasting change for practitioners and clients alike. Joined by guest Wojtek Cackowski, the conversation dives into the mystery and magic of manual therapy, offering fresh insights for anyone interested in the art and science of healing.

🌟 Highlights:

•Sharon’s Fascinating Path to Structural Integration and Beyond (02:02): Stories of Esalen Institute, dancing in San Francisco, and meeting Dr. Ida Rolf.

•How ScarWork Was Originated (20:05): Sharon’s journey of discovery while treating scars and the incredible results achieved with light touch.

•The Principles of BoneWork (49:25): Addressing bone structure and mobility with innovative, gentle techniques.

•Lessons from Esalen and Dr. Rolf (12:15): Early influences and Sharon’s unexpected acceptance into Rolf’s training program.

•The Global Impact of Sharon’s Work (57:24): Teaching ScarWork and BoneWork worldwide, including in Ukraine.

 

📌 Sponsored by: ABMP and Books of Discovery

 

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