Editorial: We Made Our Table, Now We Have to Lie On It

The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Prepare to navigate the intricacies of massage therapy education with Cal Cates and myself, Corey Rivera, in a conversation that's vital for the future of massage schools. We're treading into the uncharted territory of curriculum overhauls, necessitated by the Gainful Employment Act's momentum. July 2024 inches closer, and with it, the deadline for schools to meet the stringent 100% rule looms large. We'll be examining what these transformations mean for federal funding, the ongoing discourse around a standardized 625-hour training program, and the prospect of a two-tier licensure system that could redefine our profession.
The financial landscape for massage therapists can be as complex as the human body itself. We peel back the layers of IRS reporting, income misconceptions, and the stark realities of cash-based earnings in our field. Our candid discussion illuminates the struggles with underreported income and deciphers the myths that often cloud the true earning potential within our industry. We're not just talking about the dollars and cents; we're scrutinizing the impact of federal legislation on educational paths and how it shapes the aspirations and career sustainability for those who enter this trade with passion and purpose.
But passion alone doesn't pay the bills. The nobility of any profession is not measured by financial struggle, and we're dissecting the politics that shape our regulatory landscape. We're also addressing the burnout that threatens our ranks, pondering whether it's the physical toll or the relentless financial hustle that wears us down. And we're not stopping there. Our conversation extends an invitation to join us in reimagining healthcare through Healwell's mission and to lend your voice to this critical dialogue. Your insights are the heartbeat of our community, so tune in, engage, and be a part of the change we're striving to make.
Note: at about 15 minutes, Corey says "$40 an hour" when she really meant "40 hours a week

Healwell Homecoming; Sept 20-21
In true Healwell fashion, we’re inviting you to join us as we redefine the status quo, lead with kindness, and have fun doing it. Come as you are and come ready to collaborate, celebrate, and learn! Connect or reconnect with people you’ve met over the years through Healwell!

Come for the classes and stay for the party!

Support the show

Healwell Homecoming is September 20-21st in Arlington, VA. Come for the classes and stay for the party!
Let us know what you think!
Send us an email: [e-mail]
Check out our interview-style podcast: Interdisciplinary

You can support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!
Other ways join in:

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring The Rub!
Healwell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org