The Fascia-Informed Therapist™ Podcast; Occupational Therapy, Myofascial Release, Fascial System, Posture, Movement, and More

Recent headlines have once again brought childhood sexual abuse into public view, often in ways that expose survivors while protecting systems of power. In this episode, we shift the focus away from spectacle and back to care. Using evidence from two large systematic reviews, we explore how childhood sexual abuse, often occurring alongside other adverse childhood experiences, shapes nervous system development and increases the risk of chronic pain and pain-related disability in adulthood. We discuss how long-standing threat responses can amplify pain even decades later. For fascia-informed therapists, this episode offers a clear rationale for trauma-informed evaluation, education, and referral which are grounded in science, not assumption. Pain, in this context, is not a failure of tissue, but a signal from a system that learned to survive. Join us: Fascia Informed CE Subscriber References from the podcast: Bussières, A., Hancock, M. J., Elklit, A., Ferreira, M. L., Ferreira, P. H., Stone, L. S., Wideman, T. H., Boruff, J. T., Al Zoubi, F., Chaudhry, F., Tolentino, R., & Hartvigsen, J. (2023). Adverse childhood experience is associated with an increased risk of reporting chronic pain in adulthood: a stystematic review and meta-analysis. European journal of psychotraumatology, 14(2), 2284025. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2023.2284025 Karimov-Zwienenberg, M., Symphor, W., Peraud, W., & Décamps, G. (2024). Childhood trauma, PTSD/CPTSD and chronic pain: A systematic review. PloS one, 19(8), e0309332. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309332 See the alarming extent of NIH and NSF funding cuts in 2025  

Fascia has become a popular word in health and movement spaces, but what does it actually mean? In this episode, I explore why definitions matter and why fascia is not a fixed concept. How we define fascia shapes the questions we ask in research, the way clinicians think about the body, and how we explain pain, healing, and recovery to the people we serve. I walk through the key definitions that have influenced my own thinking, starting with the traditional structural perspective found in Gray’s Anatomy, moving into the widely accepted definition from the Fascia Research Society that reframed fascia as a three-dimensional environment, and then exploring the function-focused definition proposed by John Sharkey and Mark Flannigan. The heart of the episode focuses on a 2024 update to fascial nomenclature by Bordoni and colleagues, which challenges long-held assumptions by grounding the fascial system in embryology. This work expands the fascial continuum beyond solid connective tissues, emphasizing how tissues that develop together, function together, and communicate together cannot be fully understood when separated conceptually.  https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.53995 Rather than offering a final answer, this episode highlights fascia as a living, adaptive continuum and invites a wider view based on embryology. As our science evolves, our language and perspective must evolve with it. Join the Fascia-Informed way of thinking: Fascia Informed CE Subscriber

In this episode, we explore Dr. Patricia Huston’s 2022 paper proposing a new way to understand chronic disease. Huston suggests that unhealthy lifestyle patterns don’t just strain the heart, lungs, or muscles directly. Rather, they change the behavior of interstitial cells, especially macrophages and fibroblasts. These cells orchestrate inflammation, healing, and tissue remodeling throughout the body. Using a six-level hierarchical network model, Huston shows how environmental pressures, social context, lifestyle habits, and nervous system activity converge on the interstitial microenvironment. When this system becomes overwhelmed, macrophages get stuck in a chronic inflammatory state and fibroblasts begin laying down excessive collagen, leading to fibrosis and organ dysfunction. This stalled healing process provides a unified explanation for why so many chronic diseases progress in similar ways. We discuss why this theory is groundbreaking for fascia-informed therapists and how it aligns with salutogenesis—a health-focused approach centered on restoring interstitial fluid flow, tissue mobility, movement, and self-regulation. This episode offers a science-backed lens for understanding the transformative potential of fascia-based therapy in supporting long-term health and resilience. Join our community of fascia-informed therapists: Fascia Informed CE   One option for explaining this simply to clients: Your daily habits change the environment your cells live in. The fascia is your cells' environment. And cells behave differently depending on that environment. This means lifestyle does not just affect symptoms. It affects how your cells decide whether to heal or stay inflamed.

In this episode I share a concept about new year resolutions that I address with all my clients. You must meet your body where it is at. Are you ready to jump into a new fitness program or is there are more important place to begin? Join me as a run through the foundations to healthy fascia and finding success with a new fitness goal.   I've also changed email platforms. If you haven't joined our community, now is the time! CLICK HERE

In this episode, we explore the powerful and often misunderstood connection between the mind and the body. Drawing from recent research across psychology, behavioral medicine, neuroscience, and aging studies, we break down what the science actually says about mindset and how beliefs, expectations, and interpretations of symptoms can directly influence the physical experience of health. This is not about pretending everything is fine or relying on blind positivity. Instead, we examine the measurable ways that a growth health mindset, mindfulness, and intentional positive thinking can shape pain perception, inflammation, recovery, motivation, and overall well-being. We also look at how cultural narratives, stereotypes, and clinician language can create either healing momentum or nocebo effects that worsen symptoms. You’ll hear insights on: • how expectations influence pain and cognitive performance • why a growth mindset promotes healthier behaviors and better outcomes • the role of optimism in longevity and physiological resilience • how stereotypes about aging and illness shape real biological change • the difference between meaningful positive thinking and toxic positivity Whether you are a healthcare provider, someone living with chronic symptoms, or simply curious about how mindset intersects with health, this episode offers a grounded, science-informed perspective and practical ways to support healing from the inside out. Tune in to learn how shifting the way you think about health can shift the way you experience it emotionally, behaviorally, and physiologically.   Study referenced: Parsamanesh, P., & Vysochyn, M. (2024). A Psychological Exploration of the Power of Our Mindset and Its Influence on Physiological Health. Cureus, 16(1), e52505. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.52505   Join Us for the March CE Weekend! Fascia-Informed Continuing Education - The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™

Join us for a special episode introducing “Fascia-Informed Practice: An Experiential CE Weekend for Practitioners”, happening March 28–29, 2026. This weekend-long continuing education course offers hands-on training in fascia science, therapeutic techniques, movement, breathwork, and client education all rooted in evidence-based fascia theory and a whole-person lens. Whether you’re an occupational therapist, wellness practitioner, movement specialist, or bodywork professional, this CE will deepen your understanding of fascia, equip you with safe and effective manual therapy and self-care tools, and transform how you view and treat the body. Space is limited to 14 participants so we can have a true immersive learning experience. Tune in to hear why fascia matters, what you’ll learn, and how this weekend could reshape your practice and healing philosophy. Join the newsletter for updates: Health and Wellness Practitioners

In this episode, we unpack the Interstitial Inflammatory Stasis (IIS) hypothesis introduced by Tuckey et al. (2021) in Frontiers in Pain Research. The authors propose that after injury or immune activation, inflammation can become “trapped” within the body’s microscopic fluid channels creating a self-perpetuating loop of congestion, fascial tension, and pain. You’ll learn how this model integrates existing pain theories into one fascia-based framework. We’ll also explore how these ideas align with occupational therapy practice: restoring interstitial flow through movement, breath, manual therapy, and autonomic regulation. Join the fascia-informed conversation: The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge. References Benias, P. C., Wells, R. G., Sackey-Aboagye, B., Klavan, H., Reidy, J., Buonocore, D., Miranda, M., Kornacki, S., Wayne, M., Carr-Locke, D. L., & Theise, N. D. (2018). Structure and Distribution of an Unrecognized Interstitium in Human Tissues. Scientific reports, 8(1), 4947. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23062-6 Tuckey, B., Srbely, J., Rigney, G., Vythilingam, M., & Shah, J. (2021). Impaired Lymphatic Drainage and Interstitial Inflammatory Stasis in Chronic Musculoskeletal and Idiopathic Pain Syndromes: Exploring a Novel Mechanism. Frontiers in pain research (Lausanne, Switzerland), 2, 691740. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2021.691740  

If you’ve ever had a loved one in the hospital, you know the range of emotions that comes with it including fear, frustration, hope, and gratitude, often all at once. In this episode, I share my personal experience navigating my father’s recent hospitalization for an acute illness (on top of a long-term disability) and what it has reminded me about the human side of healthcare. When we take the time to truly see and understand our patients including their history, their challenges, their stories, we can provide care that is not just skillful, but compassionate. This episode is both a reflection and a reminder of why understanding and empathy must remain at the heart of our fascia-informed practice. Join the conversation: The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this episode, we explore compartment syndrome (CS), a condition where pressure builds within the body’s muscular compartments, restricting blood flow, causing pain and threatening tissue health. You’ll learn the difference between acute and chronic (exertional) forms, how fascia’s properties play a role in pressure dynamics, and what recent research says about both surgical and conservative management. We'll also discuss the role habits may play in the development and management of CS as I share experiences with my own clients.  Whether you work in orthopedics, rehabilitation, or wellness, this episode highlights the types of CS and how understanding fascia can help you better educate your client and perhaps even your referral sources. Join our community of fascia-informed practitioners: Health and Wellness Practitioners Email List Resources Mentioned: Cleveland Clinic. Compartment Syndrome Overview. StatPearls. Exertional Compartment Syndrome – NCBI Bookshelf. Elsenosy, A. M., Elnewishy, A., Hassan, E., & Delewar, R. A. (2024). Outcomes of Fasciotomy Versus Conservative Management for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus, 16(12), e75803. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.75803 Altan, L. (2023). Postoperative Rehabilitation of Compartment Syndrome Following Fasciotomy. Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 69(2), 133–139. https://doi.org/10.5606/tftrd.2023.13041 Schleip, R., & Wilke, J. (2023). Fascia in Sport and Movement. Handspring Publishing.

In this short episode, I’m sharing a quick but important update about how the U.S. government shutdown is affecting websites like PubMed, and what that means for those of us who rely on up-to-date health information to serve our clients. If you use free online resources to guide your work in health or wellness, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how defunding impacts practitioners like us—and what we can do to stay informed and keep moving forward. Stay up to date and join the community: The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable relationship between sound baths and the fascial system. Learn how sound doesn’t just soothe your mind—it actually moves through your fascia, stimulating deep healing at the cellular level. I share about my experience at Sound Bath Workshop I recently took for my RYT, why I chose to attend, as well as what the most recent research says about sound baths (citations below). At the end I share with you the meditation I created and presented during the workshop. Of course, it focused on fascia and my reflections on how I see all this information intersecting with fascia. Join the conversation and sign up for our newsletter: Health and Wellness Practitioners   References: Goldsby, T. L., et al. (2017). Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(3), 401–406. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216668109 Stanhope, J., & Weinstein, P. (2020). The human health effects of singing bowls: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 51, 102412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102412 Seetharaman, R., Avhad, S., & Rane, J. (2024). Exploring the healing power of singing bowls. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 20(1), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2023.07.007 Cai, Y., et al. (2025). Therapeutic effects of singing bowls: A systematic review. Integrative Medicine Research, 14(2), 101144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2025.101144 Hasani, Z., Mohammadi, S., & Karimi, H. (2025). Effect of Singing Bowl Sound on Anxiety and Physiological Variables of Patients Awaiting Angiography. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, 40(2), 305–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2024.04.012

Listen in as a critical thinker shares her key takeaways from the Fascia Congress. Madeline Seide OTD, OTR/L, RYT, LSVT-BIG shares insights from several of the keynote speakers from the importance of the lumbosacral fascia to how we stretch to prepare our bodies for functional activity and sports. We also discuss the contradictory nature of the word stiff and the Dunning-Kruger effect.  Make sure you join our community at The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this episode, I sit down with Kaitlyn Rambo, OTD, OTR/L, PAMS, LSVT-BIG to explore her top takeaways from the recent Fascia Research Conference. With a unique lens as a practicing OT, Kaitlyn shares the most impactful insights, emerging research, and clinical applications that caught her attention. We discuss what this evolving science means for occupational therapists and other health professionals working with the body in dynamic and therapeutic ways. If you couldn’t attend the conference—or just want a grounded, practical recap—you won’t want to miss this conversation. Join our community and get a link to the book mentioned at FasciaInformed.com.

Season 2 kicks off with a personal reflection on my own journey through burnout and recovery. In this episode, I share lessons learned, strategies I tried, and how therapists can rediscover energy and purpose in their work.   Join the fascia-informed conversations here: The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this short episode, I’m letting you know that I’ll be pressing pause on new episodes until September. Why? Because something meaningful is calling: the final chapters of the book I’ve been pouring myself into. I also share a brief reflection on Die with Zero, a book that challenges us to consider what it really means to live without regrets. This break isn’t about stepping back—it’s about leaning into purpose, presence, and creation. See you in September, refreshed and ready. Put September 7th in your calendar for the next episode and be sure to get on the newsletter list. The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

In this episode I take a break from the science and share what we're working on for September 2025.  Be sure to get on our email list so you can get registered! The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

What if just 4 minutes a day of movement—no gym, no equipment—could lower your risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, or any cause? In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking 2022 study on Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA) and break down why these short, everyday bursts of effort are not just life-saving, but fascia-supporting. You’ll learn how stair climbing, fast walking, and carrying groceries can function like micro-doses of medicine, especially for people who don’t (or can’t) exercise formally. Plus, we connect the dots between intensity, tissue health, and the fascia-informed approach—so you can help clients (and yourself) rethink what it means to move for wellness. Join The Fascia-Informed Therapist™ Community here Health and Wellness Practitioners Stamatakis, E., Ahmadi, M. N., Gill, J. M. R., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Gibala, M. J., Doherty, A., & Hamer, M. (2022). Association of wearable device-measured vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity with mortality. Nature Medicine, 28(12), 2521–2529. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02100-x

In this episode, I dive into the world of wearable posture devices and how they can support alignment, ease, and body awareness within a fascia-informed practice. Drawing on current research and my own clinical experiences, I explore how wearables can complement hands-on therapy, movement retraining, and client education. You’ll hear what the evidence says about spinal posture, muscle activity, and perceived pain—and how to decide when (and if) to recommend these tools to your clients. Whether you’re new to wearables or already experimenting with them, this episode offers a grounded, fascia-aware look at their role in clinical care. The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.   Kuo, Y. L., Huang, K. Y., Kao, C. Y., & Tsai, Y. J. (2021). Sitting Posture during Prolonged Computer Typing with and without a Wearable Biofeedback Sensor. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(10), 5430. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105430

Menopause is more than hot flashes — it’s a full-body transformation that can deeply affect how women move, feel, and function. In this episode, we explore how hormonal shifts, especially the decline of estrogen, impacts fascia — the body’s connective tissue network. Learn how changes in collagen production contribute to stiffness, chronic pain, and mobility issues, and why fascia is emerging as a key player in understanding musculoskeletal symptoms in midlife and beyond. We’ll also highlight the unique role occupational therapy practitioners can play in assessing fascial health and supporting women through menopause with movement, education, and fascia-informed strategies. Whether you're an OTP or someone navigating this stage of life, this episode offers science, support, and insight into the menopausal body from the inside out. Join our community! The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge. https://fasciainformed.com/

In this inspiring episode, we celebrate Dr. Madeline Seide’s recent graduation with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Maddie shares insights from her capstone experience at Mayer Fascia Wellness, including what she learned while working in a fascia-informed clinical setting and how it shaped her vision for the future of her OT practice. Whether you're a student exploring your path or a seasoned therapist curious about fascia, this episode offers an honest and motivating look at how new professionals can bring curiosity, compassion, and evidence-informed innovation into practice be becoming fascia-informed. Maddie’s story will leave you feeling encouraged and excited for what’s possible in our profession. 🎧 Listen in—and consider what becoming fascia-informed could mean for your future as an OT. This episode is available as a video episode on YouTube: The Fascia-Informed Therapist™ - YouTube Join our community of fascia-informed practitioners: Health and Wellness Practitioners Check out our courses! Health Professionals | Mayer Fascia Wellness