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

This episode explores lessons from Altahif and Davis (2026), a survey of hand therapy practitioners on self-management strategies for clients with chronic hand pain. The survey examined what clients were doing on their own before evaluation, what clinicians prescribed during care, and how practitioners perceived client adherence to these strategies. Although the study does not focus on fascia or even mention it directly, there is a lot we can take from its findings. In this episode, I discuss how a fascia‑informed perspective can complement traditional hand therapy by offering additional ways to support people living with chronic pain and to improve follow‑through with home self‑treatment programs. Courses mentioned in the study may be found here: Fascia-Informed CE Home Reference: Altahif, R., & Davis, C. (2026). Self-management in chronic hand pain: Clinician perspectives from members of the American Society of Hand Therapists. Journal of Hand Therapy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2026.05.007

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

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 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

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.

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.

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