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The Rub: a Healwell podcast about massage therapy

Join Healwell in examining and bringing context to the world of massage therapy beyond the table. We have ideas. We have opinions. We want change, and that will only come with an understanding of who and what massage therapy truly is.

A variety of topics are up for grabs: history, philosophy, development, and all the other shiny things that fascinate us.

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In-Person vs. Online: The Future of Massage Education

April 17, 20243 min read

This week on The Rub...

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The realm of massage therapy education stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. In a recent podcast episode, host Corey Rivera, along with industry luminaries Ruth Werner and Whitney Lowe, dissect the complex layers of transitioning from hands-on to digital learning environments. As the world reels back from the impact of the pandemic and inches towards in-person learning in 2024, this episode couldn't be more timely.

Ruth Werner, known for her esteemed publication 'A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology,' brings forth her wealth of knowledge spanning nearly four decades. She candidly shares her transition to online teaching, a pivot that, despite initial reluctance, unveiled a plethora of advantages, including the democratization of access to education and the capacity for efficient content dissemination. Werner's adaptability to the digital medium is both inspiring and a beacon for others in the field who may still harbor reservations.

Whitney Lowe, who operates the Academy of Clinical Massage, echoes this sentiment, reflecting on the seismic shift in attitudes towards web-based education catalyzed by COVID-19. What once was a niche and skeptically viewed mode of learning has now become an indispensable component of the education system. Yet, Lowe doesn't shy away from emphasizing the enduring value of live, in-person classes, particularly when it comes to teaching psychomotor skills – a cornerstone of massage therapy.

The podcast further delves into the heartening experiences at Healwell's live clinic sessions, as recounted by Rebecca Sturgeon. She speaks with an infectious passion about the transformative power of hands-on practice, especially in the specialized field of oncology massage. Therapists transitioning from trepidation to mastery embody the very essence of growth, both personal and professional.

As the conversation meanders through the intricate interplay of the tactile and the digital, it becomes evident that while online platforms offer convenience and breadth, the depth and nuance of live interaction remain unparalleled. The narrative is interspersed with testimonials from therapists who have undergone a metamorphosis, as they engage with clients through a newly acquired lens shaped by the biopsychosocial model of care.

The episode doesn't just stop at the surface of teaching techniques; it digs deeper, urging the massage therapy community to consider the broader scope of continuing education. It advocates for an education that is holistic, one that equips therapists with an understanding that transcends mere physical touch and hones into the psychological and social elements of healing.

Through transcript samples and candid conversations, the podcast paints a vivid picture of the current state of massage therapy education. The juxtaposition of traditional learning against the backdrop of technological advancements prompts listeners to ponder the future of the field. It's a call to action for educators, students, and professionals to embrace change, to find the balance that doesn't compromise the integrity of the human connection inherent to massage therapy.

The podcast episode stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the massage therapy education sector. It serves as a guiding light for those navigating the new horizons of therapeutic learning, ensuring that despite the digital tide, the core of massage therapy – the healing touch – remains undisturbed and potent.

In summary, this thought-provoking episode invites us to consider how we can bridge the digital divide while maintaining the essence of massage therapy education. It's an exploration of change, challenge, and ultimately, growth – in knowledge, in method, and in heart.

You can support The Rub and get early access to episodes, stickers, and more at patreon.com/TheRubPodcast.

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Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary is a podcast about people who take care of people and all of the places and perspectives that lift us up. We love science, we love meaningful dissent, and we love to support our fellow human beings in creating a world that is just, equitable and loving beyond our own imagining.

We will be joined by compassionate, self-aware humans who are actively participating or are interested in participating in interdisciplinary care to have honest, uncomfortable conversations about topics like access, racism, death, ageism, ableism, and equity that address the intersection of being a human being and providing quality care, so that we can expand our impact, confidently navigate new challenges, and together create lasting, sustainable changes in healthcare.

You’ll always learn something. You’ll always laugh and you’ll come away better informed and with real things you can do in your own community and practice to create a more compassionate and collaborative system of care for all humans.

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