In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren sit down with Eric Stephenson to discuss what motivated him to develop and teach pain-free deep-tissue techniques, common mistakes practitioners make when doing deep-tissue work, how practitioners can work better while seated, and ways you can work thumb-free.

Eric is a 20-year massage veteran and Chief Wellness Officer for Elements Massage, a 250-unit franchise system headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Eric is also Co-Founder of imassage, Inc. in Delray Beach, Florida, an education and consulting company dedicated to extending the careers of massage therapists and spa practitioners through customized continuing education focusing on preventing injury and workers’ compensation claims.

Eric creates continuing education specializing in teaching deep-tissue massage that doesn't harm the therapist or the client. All his workshops focus on saving your hands with his “No Thumbs!” approach & core body mechanics that help prolong your career.

In 2014, he joined the board of directors of the International Spa Association (ISPA) in Lexington, Kentucky. His experience as an entrepreneur, consultant, and speaker in the wellness industry have taken him around the world.

For more information about Eric and the good work he’s doing, visit imassageinc.com.

Sponsors: 

Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com 

Universal Companies: https://www.universalcompanies.com/

Handspring Publishing: https://www.handspringpublishing.com/

Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.    

Website: anatomytrains.com    

Email: info@anatomytrains.com          

Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA  

Universal Companies has everything the spa professional needs for success, including massage tables and accessories, linens, tools, pain relief products like arnica, and a range of lotions, oils, and gels. The products we offer help the independent practitioner save on their everyday expenses, as well as provide the convenience of shopping across broad categories.

Recognized as the “Favorite Distributor” in the American Spa Professional’s Choice Awards for the past 17 years, we see this as a continuous challenge to provide the best products that pros trust the most.

Beyond our extensive selection of spa products, equipment, and tools, we have an education and marketing site for our customers to develop their skills and promote their business. The UCo Learning Network offers CEU courses, marketing kits, and business tools.

Universal Companies website https://www.universalcompanies.com/

Universal Companies on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/universalcompaniesinc

Universal Companies on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/universalcos/

Universal Companies on Twitter https://twitter.com/Universalcos

Universal Companies on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/universalcos/_shop/

Universal Companies on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-companies/mycompany/

About Handspring Publishing

Handspring Publishing specializes in professional-level books for massage therapists, osteopaths, yoga and Pilates teachers, physiotherapists, and other professionals who use touch or movement to help patients achieve wellness. Handspring Publishing’s books are written and produced to serve the professional and educational needs of health and medical professionals, musculoskeletal therapists, and movement teachers.

Its list includes bestsellers like Fascia: What It Is and Why It Matters, Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy: Third Edition, Hydrotherapy for Bodyworkers, Second Edition, Fascial Stretch Therapy, and the recently published Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care, Zero Balancing: Conscious Touch and Transformation and Thai Massage Dissected. Handspring’s books combine attractive and accessible presentations with an evidence-based approach to writing, including referencing the latest research findings.

Authors are drawn from the ranks of highly respected teachers and experts in their area of specialization including Natasha De Grunwald, Bill Harvey, Chris Frederick, Ann Frederick, David Lesondak, Til Luchau, Graham Scarr, Robert Schleip, Gayle MacDonald, and Carolyn Tague among others. ABMP members save 20% off regular list prices. Visit handspringpublishing.com and use discount code abmp20 to order. Shipping is free to all addresses in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Website: https://www.handspringpublishing.com/

Email: info@handspringpublishing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handspringpublishing/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HandspringLtd

Facebook: handspringpublishing

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD4TybAPVTbCL_xvCrwNOQ

Ep 194 – Pain Free? Thumb Free? Yes, Please! with Eric Stephenson

The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession