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

Cells are constantly receiving information not only through chemical messengers such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors, but also through their physical environment. In this episode, we explore integrins: specialized cell-surface receptors that help link the extracellular matrix to the cell’s internal scaffolding. I discuss how integrins participate in adhesion, movement, cellular organization, and mechanosensing and why a cell’s local environment, including matrix composition, structure, stiffness, and loading, can influence its behavior. All this gives us one more reason to keep fascia healthy! Join the community: Email Sign-Up References mentioned: Anderson, L. R., Owens, T. W., & Naylor, M. J. (2014). Structural and mechanical functions of integrins. Biophysical reviews, 6(2), 203–213. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12551-013-0124-0 Fagerholm S. C. (2022). Integrins in Health and Disease. The New England journal of medicine, 387(16), 1519–1521. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcibr2209679

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.