Ever wondered if everything you've heard about scar tissue and massage therapy is consistent with the evidence? Prepare to have your beliefs challenged as we're joined by Susan Shipton RMT from Toronto, Ontario. In this episode we discuss the myths and realities of scar tissue management in massage therapy, particularly following surgery. We've all heard the tales of aggressive massage techniques "breaking down" scar tissue, but Susan and I, draw from some current research and our shared experiences to illuminate the path that blends scientific inquiry with the tender compassion necessary in o ..read more

In this episode I have a great conversation with Ashley Brzezicki, an RMT and death doula, whose personal narrative and cultural insights bridge the gap between massage therapy and end-of-life care. Exploring this tender intersection, we shine a light on the human touch in healthcare—a touch that offers solace to those grappling with terminal illnesses and envelops their loved ones in the warm embrace of empathy and understanding.  Ashley's tapestry of narratives threads through our conversation, from confronting the cultural discomfort around death to the art of finding meaning amidst l ..read more

In my conversation with Pam Fitch, a respected RMT and author,  we explore the past and future of massage therapy to reveal its ethical and communicative core.  Pam and I explore the delicate balance between physical relief and psychological comfort, and the potential held within our profession. We all carry our life stories, and it's through understanding this narrative that wellness begins. Pam and I share personal anecdotes that underscore the significance of recognizing each client's unique touch history. From the intricacies of informed consent to common presentations like neck ..read more

As we say goodbye to a year of growth and welcome the promise of innovation, I, Eric Purvis, take a moment to extend a heartfelt thanks for the journey we've shared. It's been a whirlwind since the podcast's inception, and your support has catapulted us across 15 countries with a burgeoning community of listeners. This special New Year episode is a toast to you, as we reflect on the strides we've made and the ground we're set to break. Your voices are the backbone of this platform, so consider this your invitation to shape our future episodes with your insights and curiosity. This episode isn ..read more

In this episode we navigate the challenges and joys of working in an unregulated province with experienced massage therapists, Michelle Smith and Monty Churchman. From the ins and outs of insurance battles to the complexities of labor mobility, Michelle and Monty shed light on the lesser-known aspects of this profession and how it's shaped by the absence of regulation. They candidly share their personal experiences, including Monty's disappointment over the Olympics hurdle, adding a personal touch to the broader issues at play. We explore the role of massage therapy associations, as we journe ..read more

The status quo in the world of musculoskeletal healthcare needs to change. Bridging the gap between outdated norms, current practice standards and evidence-based care is what Marcus Blumensaat is working hard to do. In this episode we welcome Marcus, a registered massage therapist and continuing education provider, who shares his journey as a clinician, family man and a CE instructor. Also, Marcus shares his peculiar interest in watches! Venturing beyond the traditional scope, we shed light on the overlooked significance of exercise and movement prescription and question the overemphasis on p ..read more

This is another episode on the new RMT experience with a deeper dive into healthcare entrepreneurship. I have a really interesting and enlightening chat with Carlos Grouchy, a Registered Massage Therapist who's working hard to make change in the wellness industry. Carlos has a unique, fun and evidence-based approach to massage therapy and wellness and he isn't afraid to question the status quo. In our discussion, we address some of the unhelpful topics in the massage therapy field, as well as the challenges Carlos faced when thinking about opening his own clinic. Carlos shares his journey, hi ..read more

Welcome Christian Lacsamana to Purves Versus and to the profession of massage therapy. Christian is a new RMT in Vancouver, BC. He was previously a kinesiologist who decided he wanted to pursue a career in massage therapy so he could offer additional benefits to his clients rather than just exercise and movement. Our conversation focuses on his experiences in school and what his first year of practice has been like. Christian shares what he enjoyed and what he felt could be improved upon in the curriculum and he tells us about the future endeavours he wants to pursue as an RMT. We discuss the ..read more

This is the second episode in my series on new RMTs. Today we have Courtney, who is an RMT in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We had a great conversation about the need to adapt RMT entry to practice curriculum to make it consistent with current evidence and how the industry and more importantly the public would benefit from a shift in thinking from fixing people to providing more meaningful support and management.  At the time of this recording she was just finishing her studies in RMT school. Courtney started to develop a sense of skepticism during her entry to practice education so she started t ..read more

This is the first of my series on new RMTs. This episode features Tempo Sabatier. They are a new RMT in Vancouver, BC who practices at https://papercranemassagetherapy.com/.  We have a really engaging discussion on their expectations prior to entering massage therapy school and how this differed from the reality of their experience. Tempo shares their thoughts on what would have made the education better; adding more time for critical thinking, philosophy and ethics. We also have an important discussion on the importance of learning about social determinants of health, trauma informed ca ..read more