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What if the biggest gains in manual therapy come from changing how we dose touch, not how hard we press? That question sits at the heart of this conversation with educator and former elite high jumper Jenny Mapes, who brings a coach’s eye to sports massage and recovery. We dig into her Quadrant of Intentional Treatment—a simple, visual framework that maps care across superficial to deep and global to specific—so you can choose inputs the nervous system is ready to accept and turn short sessions into lasting change.

Together we unpack why “deep” is about more than force; it’s also about time, attention, and sensory load. Jenny explains how superficial, global inputs can downshift tone and open access, and when to pivot toward specific work without tipping a client into threat. We explore keeping clients clothed and moving on the table, coupling touch with motion, and using tools like cups and tape to amplify proprioception rather than overwhelm it. You’ll hear practical examples—from cautious anterior neck work to rib-cage breath lifts with gliding cups—that show intention beats any tool.

We also talk shop on confidence with athletes, why weekend warriors deserve the same game-day respect as pros, and how to build a network across PTs, ATs, acupuncturists, and osteos without getting stuck in turf wars. The throughline is clear: outcomes improve when touch is information, movement is integrated, and clients feel safe enough to adapt in real time. If you’re ready to move beyond scripts and treat the nervous system first, this one will sharpen your eyes and your hands.

Subscribe for more sensory-forward conversations, share this with a colleague who loves blending movement and manual therapy, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—what quadrant will you start in next session?

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Pain shouldn’t feel like guesswork. We sat down with therapist, educator, and former pro athlete Julie Pitois to pull back the curtain on a smarter, more human way to solve stubborn pain. Julie co-created the Anatomy Assassin approach, a true‑crime style framework where the “victim” is the loud symptom and the “criminals” are the hidden contributors—movement habits, stress loads, nerve sensitivity, and underperforming tissues—that quietly drive the case. That simple metaphor helps clients drop fear and lean into the process without jargon.

We talk about why time and curiosity matter more than any single technique. Short, protocol-driven care often misses the person in front of us; longer intakes, plain-language education, and frequent assess–treat–reassess loops turn sessions into a feedback-rich lab. Julie walks through practical tools: testing in and out of weight bearing, pairing manual inputs with immediate movement, and using clear metaphors—like nerves as subway lines—to explain entrapment, sensitivity, and why symptoms shift. The goal is not to “fix” someone, but to partner with them so they regain confidence to move while exercise builds lasting capacity.

You’ll hear how a blended model outperforms silos: early phases may lean on local tissue care, while long-standing pain requires more attention to the nervous system and life context. We cover the pitfalls of no-pain-no-gain thinking, how to avoid chasing symptoms, and how multidisciplinary teams work without hierarchy. If you’re a clinician, coach, or an everyday mover, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap: ask better questions, use targeted tests, explain what’s happening in simple terms, and let results guide the next step. Subscribe, share with a colleague who cares about critical thinking, and leave a review to tell us which metaphor clicked for you most.

For more information you can check out: https://www.anatomyassassinbooks.com

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What if relief starts with being seen, not being pressed? Our conversation with author and massage therapist Rachel Richards follows a surprising path—from the isolating rules of an eating disorder and the highs of stage life to a quiet, practical discovery: slow, kind touch can change how pain feels, and a camera can carry that care to people who may never set foot in a clinic. Rachel shares how a tiny, two‑minute breathing-and-touch video went viral, why self‑massage gives agency to those who feel safest at home, and how community comments can be as therapeutic as any technique.

We dig into the science without losing the human thread. You’ll hear how C‑tactile fibers respond to gentle, unhurried contact; why therapeutic alliance consistently predicts outcomes; and how reframing rest as an active practice builds resilience against burnout. We also talk about trust—how it’s earned in the first moments with light, predictable touch and clear consent—and about customization, shaping care to the person’s goals rather than the diagnosis.

Across it all runs a simple idea: connection reduces threat. Whether it’s holding a hand, tracing a fingertip to anchor breath, or reading “me too” from someone halfway around the world, social safety turns the nervous system down and opens the door to change. Rachel’s YouTube work shows what access can look like: free, practical tools; a friendly face; and an invitation to participate in your own relief.

If you’re a clinician, you’ll leave with fresh ways to center empathy and build simple take‑home practices. If you’re a listener in pain, you’ll find techniques you can try today—and a reminder that you’re not alone. If this conversation helps, share it with someone who needs a gentler approach, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a review to help others find us.

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