In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Whitney Lowe explores the powerful concept of descending modulation. Whitney breaks down the science behind this neurological process and how it applies directly to massage, manual therapy, and bodywork. Can therapeutic touch, trust, and context turn down the pain dial and support long-term healing? Tune in to find out.

Resources:

The Role of Descending Modulation in Manual Therapy and Its Analgesic Implications: A Narrative Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26788367/

The mechanisms of manual therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1356689X08001598?via%3Dihub

Descending Modulation: Why Massage Therapy Can Alleviate Pain
https://massagefitnessmag.com/massage/descending-modulation-why-massage-therapy-alleviates-pain/#google_vignette

Recovery Strategies by Greg Lehman
https://www.greglehman.ca/recovery-strategies-pain-guidebook

Host:

Whitney Lowe is a known authority in the field of massage therapy, with a 36-year career marked by clinical work, research, publications, and teaching in advanced massage principles. He specializes in treating pain and injuries using massage and is one of the pioneers of the orthopedic massage approach. Lowe's Orthopedic Massage Program stands out in its engaging and accessible design and comprehensive curriculum. Students, whether learning online or in-person, praise Lowe for his approachable style and personalized training.

Sponsors:

Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com 

American Massage Conference: www.massagetherapymedia/conferences

Earthlite: www.earthlite.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 

American Massage Conference

Get ready to immerse yourself in the excitement as the American Massage Conference (AMC) arrives to Disney Springs near Orlando, Florida (May 16^th-18^th, 2025)! With a legacy of 17 successful years in Ontario, Canada, this premier event, proudly hosted by ONE Concept Conferences and expertly produced by Massage Therapy Media (MTM), boasts a lineup of presenters from across the nation and around the globe.

The American Massage Conference began in Atlanta in 2011 and has been hosted through the years in San Diego, Chicago, and Virginia Beach.

The conference provides educational opportunities with engaging one-, two-, three- and four-hour class formats, networking opportunities, masterminds, MTM Talks, demonstrations, and an extensive exhibitor tradeshow.  

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience filled with education, networking, and the celebration of massage therapy excellence! ABMP members receive a special discount to attend this in-person conference—log in to your ABMP account to access the discount code and register today.

Website: https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/conferences

Earthlite

Unlock an exclusive 20 percent discount on all Earthlite products, from portable tables and chairs to professional sheets and oils. Visit earthlite.com, create an account, and enter your ABMP member ID during registration. Plus, enjoy free ground shipping on orders over $75 and a flat rate of $395 for stationary or electric lift tables. (Prices subject to change at any time.) Significant savings on everything you need to enhance your practice. We are proud to assist you as the “World’s No. 1 Brand in Massage!”

Sign-up page:

https://www.earthlite.com/customer/account/login/referer/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWFydGhsaXRlLmNvbS8~/

Ep 503 – Descending Modulation with Whitney Lowe

The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession