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Can the flexibility of a new professional development model for massage therapists change the status quo? Discover how British Columbia’s innovative approach is setting the stage for a shift in how therapists across Canada approach continuing education. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of this flexible professional development model, weighing the benefits of personalized learning against the risks of diminished oversight. Hear firsthand about our experiences and the fervent support we’ve encountered, as well as the critical role that evidence-based practices must play in shaping the future of massage therapy education.

This episode takes us to the American Massage Therapy Association's annual conference in Tampa, Florida, where we shared insights on managing fibromyalgia. This international perspective highlights the gaps and opportunities in Canadian massage therapy professional associations. We reflect on the current climate for Registered Massage Therapists, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and a shift away from outdated traditions to evidence-backed knowledge.

Our conversation culminates in a call to action for therapists to challenge the status quo and embrace a more inclusive approach to learning. By focusing on the integration of manual skills within an evidence-based framework, we champion the need to reduce pseudoscience and foster critical thinking throughout the profession. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of how massage therapists can redefine their practice to truly benefit their clients, keeping pace with the latest scientific standards and innovations in the field.

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Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

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There are many common misunderstandings about evidence based practice (EBP). It is not all about the reserach evidence, although that is a critical component.

Join us for a critical conversation with Nadine Hawyrluk, where we clear up the common misunderstandings surrounding evidence-based practice and the new standards set by the CMTBC. We dissect the requirements for maintaining an evidence-based approach, from staying up-to-date with the latest research to ensuring learning activities are taught by knowledgeable instructors. This is your chance to refine your learning plans and improve your practice to meet these standards, ensuring your patients receive the best possible care.

In this episode, Nadine and I address the nuanced challenges and contradictions that arise in evidence-based practices, focusing on differentiating current trends and techniques from those that simply rehash anatomical knowledge. We delve into the ethical implications of providing accurate information to patients, highlighting the responsibility of healthcare professionals to avoid perpetuating unverified treatment narratives. This conversation is essential for any RMT committed to ethical and informed practice.

Curious about the claims surrounding prenatal care techniques like Spinning Babies? We scrutinize the evidence supporting such bold claims and discuss whether these practices fall within the scope of massage therapy. Moving toward the broader picture, we emphasize critical thinking in research evaluation, using polyvagal theory as a case study to demonstrate practical techniques for challenging preconceptions. Tune in to discover valuable resources for evidence-based practice and research evaluation, and arm yourself with the tools to scrutinize educational courses and their claims effectively. This episode is a must-listen for every RMT dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based care.

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

IG: @eric_purves_rmt

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericpurves2502

Would you like to make a donation to help support the costs of running my podcast?
You can buy me a coffee by clicking here

Send us a text

Can massage therapists truly prescribe and monitor therapeutic exercise programs effectively? Join us in a conversation with Michelle Smith from Saskatoon, making her third appearance on the podcast, as we tackle this provocative question head-on. Michelle, whose expertise spans kinesiology and exercise physiology, shares her critical insights into the current state of training for massage therapists, particularly when dealing with clients with co-occurring medical conditions. Together, we uncover potential gaps in knowledge and the practical challenges therapists face when integrating therapeutic exercise into their treatment plans.

Our discussion takes a dive into the psychological aspects of exercise, debunking common myths about stretching and its supposed benefits for pain management and athletic performance. We highlight the necessity of customizing exercise recommendations to fit individual preferences and mental readiness. By understanding each client's unique background, lifestyle, and mental health status, therapists can foster more effective and personalized therapeutic interventions. Michelle emphasizes the importance of encouraging positive behavioral changes through tailored exercise plans, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.

We also examine the broader implications for the massage therapy profession, discussing the role of therapeutic exercise within RMT scope of practice. Our conversation underscores the need for clearer guidelines and potential curriculum reforms to better equip therapists. Michelle and I stress the significance of continuous learning, critical thinking, and seeking credible sources to challenge outdated practices and advance the field. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of massage therapy and the integration of holistic, evidence-based approaches to client care.

Support the show

Head on over to my website. This includes my blog and a list of all my upcoming courses, webinars, blogs and self-directed learning opportunities.

www.ericpurves.com

My online self-directed courses can be found here:

https://ericpurves.thinkific.com/collections

Please connect with me on social media

FB: @ericpurvesrmt

IG: @eric_purves_rmt

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericpurves2502

Would you like to make a donation to help support the costs of running my podcast?
You can buy me a coffee by clicking here