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

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

In this brief episode, I reflect on the subtle but powerful role of therapist attention in client outcomes. Drawing from research in functional MRI, we explore how simply being fully present—without saying or doing anything differently—can alter a client's brain activity and support regulation, interoception, and healing. Presence is not just polite; it's a clinical tool. 📚 Reference Cerritelli, F., Chiacchiaretta, P., Gambi, F., & Ferretti, A. (2017). Effect of continuous touch on brain functional connectivity is modified by the operator’s tactile attention. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 368. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00368

In this episode of The Fascia-Informed Therapist Podcast, we explore the often-unspoken but deeply felt elements that shape our clinical decision-making: clues, intuition, experience, and science. Starting from the familiar challenge of planning care in unpredictable therapeutic environments, we unpack how competence truly develops—not just through academic knowledge, but through experience, pattern recognition, and perceptual awareness. Amy shares personal stories from her clinical practice and teaching career, including how she learned to recognize pain through subtle nonverbal signals and why minimizing sensory input can sharpen diagnostic clarity. We also examine research on clinical intuition, revealing how practitioners in various disciplines use and refine it as a legitimate part of diagnostic reasoning. From anatomy trains and myofascial assessment strategies to the neuroscience of attention and the reflective wisdom of Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, this episode encourages therapists to trust what they feel—while also validating it with science and experience. Whether you're a new practitioner building your confidence or a seasoned clinician deepening your fascia-informed approach, this conversation invites you to think critically about what really guides you in the treatment room. 📚 References Gladwell, M. (2005). Blink: The power of thinking without thinking. Little, Brown and Co. Melin-Johansson, C., Palmqvist, R., & Rönnberg, L. (2017). Clinical intuition in the nursing process and decision-making: A mixed-studies review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(23-24), 3936–3949. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13814 Van den Brink, N., Holbrechts, B., Brand, P. L. P., & van Royen, P. (2019). Role of intuitive knowledge in the diagnostic reasoning of hospital specialists: A focus group study. BMJ Open, 9, e022724. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022724 Myers, T. (2020). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists (4th ed.). Elsevier.

In this episode, we explore a common chronic pain diagnosis—Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Despite its prevalence, MPS is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, leaving clients stuck in cycles of pain and dysfunction. Join me as I share details from this 2025 article from Muscle & Nerve on MPS. I’ll also highlight why occupational therapy practitioners (and others) are uniquely positioned to treat this syndrome with manual therapy, movement, postural support, and lifestyle factors.  Steen, J. P., Jaiswal, K. S., & Kumbhare, D. (2025). Myofascial Pain Syndrome: An Update on Clinical Characteristics, Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Muscle & nerve, 71(5), 889–910. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.28377 Join our community of Fascia-Informed Therapists™! Health and Wellness Practitioners

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Cheryl Sacco—strength coach, competitive athlete, and all-around powerhouse—as she shares her honest journey from initial skepticism to fully embracing a fascia-informed approach to health and performance. Cheryl talks about what surprised her most, how fascia work has impacted her training and recovery, and why this perspective is now essential to her self-care. Whether you're a practitioner, an athlete, or someone curious about fascia’s role in the body, Cheryl’s story offers insight, empowerment, and a dose of real-world transformation. Video option: https://youtu.be/9Y7nnH4cSG4 Join our fascia-informed community! Health and Wellness Practitioners

In this episode, I chat with Jena Schroeder, MS, OTR/L, Certified FST® Practitioner, FST® instructor and founder of Stretch SpOT, to explore how fascia-focused care and Fascial Stretch Therapy® are expanding what's possible in rehabilitation and wellness. Jena shares her journey from traditional OT to integrative practice owner, and offers insights into how FST® is reshaping the way we approach mobility, pain, and performance. Whether you're an OT, wellness provider, or fascia-curious listener, this conversation will stretch your thinking in all the right ways. Learn more about Jena here: Stretch SpOT: Fascial Stretch Therapy Join our Fascia-Informed Community: Health and Wellness Practitioners

This skill of getting down and up from the floor is vital as we age. I share some interesting data, some case stories and an assessment you can try. Oh, and how fascia-informed techniques can help.  A video I made a few years ago: The Number One Movement Everyone 50+ (maybe 40s too) Should be Doing Regularly: Getting Up and Down Are you part of our fascia-informed community? Add your email: Health and Wellness Practitioners