The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy | March 7, 2024

This week on The Rub...

Embarking on a journey to expand the boundaries of massage therapy through interdisciplinary collaboration, our latest podcast episode with Corey Rivera offers an insightful look at the potential that lies in conference participation. The episode dives deep into the Shiley conference in palliative care. This exploration into the conference experience promises to equip massage therapists with strategies to step out of their comfort zones and make impactful connections across various fields of healthcare.

Throughout the episode, Corey highlights the three crucial steps to successful conference participation: knowing why you're attending, understanding how to interact, and overestimating the recovery time needed post-conference. Corey shares anecdotes from their experiences, discussing common fears and misconceptions about research papers and exhibitor tables. Corey's take on these events is clear – conferences are a goldmine for growth and collaboration, and stepping beyond familiar territory can lead to valuable allies in expanding the scope and impact of massage therapy.

The episode doesn't just talk about why you should attend conferences; it provides a masterclass on how to do so effectively. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals that align with the conference's purpose -- be it for education, promotion, or networking. Corey discusses the value of researching the conference, including its speakers and session topics, to understand the event's goals. From selecting the right types of sessions to maximizing networking opportunities, the episode covers a range of strategies to help listeners make the most of their conference experiences.

Recovery post-conference is a topic that resonates with many professionals. Corey advises scheduling extra client appointments before leaving and ensuring there's time to decompress upon returning. They also touch on the importance of following up with new contacts, suggesting pre-written emails scheduled for a later date. These practical tips ensure that listeners can maintain the momentum gained from their conference experiences without burning out.

The call to action at the episode's conclusion urges listeners to advocate for continued education credits for attending non-massage focused conferences. By sharing their experiences with certification boards, massage therapists can help widen the scope of professional development opportunities in the field. Corey's passion for sharing the value of massage therapy with a broader audience is evident throughout the episode, as they encourage listeners to seize the day and embrace new opportunities.

In summary, this episode of The Rub not only sheds light on the untapped potential of interdisciplinary collaboration for massage therapists but also provides a comprehensive guide to navigating and benefiting from conferences. As healthcare continues to evolve, massage therapists are encouraged to step out of their silos and contribute to the broader healthcare conversation, proving that massage therapy has much to offer in the healthcare.

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