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

EP 59 What Really Guides Us? Clues, Intuition, Experience, or Science

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.

EP58 A 2025 Article on Myofascial Pain Syndrome and the OT Fascia-Informed Perspective

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
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EP 57 From Skeptic to Advocate: Cheryl’s Fascia-Informed Client Journey

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
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EP 56 A Chat with Jena Schroeder, MS, OTR/L, Certified FST® Practitioner and Owner of Stretch SpOT

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
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EP 55 If you work with clients 40+, please listen! A skill we all need.

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
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Ep54 Hamstring SOS: A Fascia-Informed Rescue Mission

In this episode I share about a client who sent and SOS text after a hamstring pull and probable tear. Her physician said to rest and ice. I share everything I suggested. I hope some listeners may gather some insights from my experience. 
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The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

EP53 What is Fascia Stretch Therapy®? Ian Ray, owner of a practice in Baltimore, MD explains!

There are many ways to reach into the body. Fascia Stretch Therapy® has been around for several decades. Although Ian just recently became certified in this modality and started his business, he's passionate about getting the word out about fascia and Fascia Stretch Therapy®! Join us as I learn more about it!
Learn more about Ian and his practice: Stretch2Go: Greater Baltimore's Premier Stretch Therapist
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The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.
This episode is available as a video at https://youtu.be/p35vivQ9kns.

EP52 We are in the age of Spatial Medicine! What you need to know.

In this episode I reflect on a busy month and part of the great session we had at the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association Conference yesterday (March 22nd, 2025). I shared the concept of Spatial Medicine and an article by Thomas Myers. This is an important concept that made me think a lot about how we got to where we are today regarding lack of movement. I hope you'll listen and think about your own life and practice. 
Thank you! - Amy
Book referenced in the episode. Your Turn: How to Be an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims (associate link)
Be sure to get on our community list to get updates. We have a big upcoming fall event! The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

Ep 51 Thoughts on the Intersection of Fascia and Chiropractic Care

I have many clients who also use chiropractic care as part of their self-care activities. You may as well. In this episode I share how I explain the intersection of chiropractic care and fascia-informed techniques. You may also want to talk to local chiropractic providers about what you do and how it can support the work they do with their clients. They can be a great referral source. Knowing the science behind what you do and being able to explain it clearly is the key!
Health Professionals | Mayer Fascia Wellness Courses
 
The Fascia-Informed Therapist ™ - Grounded in science. Practicing on the cutting edge.

EP50 An Innovative Collaboration to Support Emotional Healing Via the Fascia with Integrative Psychotherapist Lisa Basile MA LMHP

It's our 50th episode! Regardless of your area of practice, you encounter people with stress and/or past trauma. This episode is for everyone.
Join us as we discuss the collaborative myofascial self-treatment workshop we created and have been teaching for the past four years together. Releasing Stuck Emotions helps open and balance the fascial tension so our feelings can be felt more accurately via the interoceptive process. 
Lisa will join me for future episodes to have a deeper discussion on the intersection of fascia and mental health. Stay tuned!
Learn more about Lisa: Home | Lisa M. Basile MA LLC | Counseling Services | Emotional Wellness | Mind Body Spirit | Integrative
Check out the workshop: https://mayerwellness.offeringtree.com/offerings/myofascial-self-treatment-releasing-stuck-emotions
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