Ep.247 “Facebook Groups For Massage Therapists: Helpful or Hateful?” - Part 1 Panel Debate

Have you ever felt the need to post anonymously in a Facebook Group, in fear of judgement & retribution from more experienced therapists trying to promote evidence informed practice within the massage industry? Is this confrontation causing therapists to doubt themselves & leave the industry, or should we learn to be more resilient and see comments from other therapists as a way to develop our own practice & become better clinicians? In this 13th episode of our ‘REFLECTION’ series, we bring you Part 1 of a 2 part panel debate on “Facebook Groups For Massage Therapists: Helpful or Hateful?” – an important topic that has been causing much discussion as of late, with many less experienced therapists in Facebook Groups feeling the need to post anonymously, in fear of a cascade of judgement & retribution from more experienced therapists trying to promote evidence informed practice within the massage & manual therapy industry. In Part 1, we hear from a panel of therapists who feel that the judgement & criticism seen in some Facebook Groups is sometimes not constructive, and can in fact do harm to less experienced practitioners in our industry.

The conversation unfolds around two contrasting realities: the positive exchange of ideas and the harmful criticisms often met in these forums. The panelists bravely share stories of feeling belittled or unsupported, yet they also hint at the potential for these platforms to foster meaningful connections when managed with empathy and respect.

As the episode progresses, listeners are prompted to reflect on their own communication practices in digital spaces, encouraging a shift towards a more supportive and understanding online community. Join us for an insightful discussion that sheds light on the real challenges faced by massage therapists in the digital age.

Part 2 - Coming Soon! In Part 2, recording & release date to be confirmed soon, we will be hearing from a panel of therapists who will present the case that there is a real need for a clean up in our industry, and though it may ruffle some feathers, Facebook Groups can be a breeding ground of misinfomation that ultimately is doing harm to not just our industry but also the cients & patients paying for our services. * Apologies for the occasional sound distortion in this recording. We are working to rectify this. 

Panel In This Episode • Emma Bee Sports Rehabilitation Clinician Facebook: Bee Strong Injury & Rehabilitation Clinic Instagram: @beestrong_clinic • Michelle Hazell Sports Massage Therapist Instagram: @happy_minds_massage_therapy • Fiona Wright Sports Massage Therapist Facebook: Fit & Well Massage Therapy  Instagram: @fiwright78  • Danielle Peters Owner at Body Health Gatwick Head Sports Therapist at Burgess Hill Town F.C.

A huge thank you to all members of the panel. We sincerely hope this episode generates interest & reflection. If you have any feedback, please feel free to share in the YouTube comments section, or email [e-mail].  Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast? If you would like to come on the show to chat about a past episode of the podcast, contact host Matt Phillips on social media, or email [e-mail]. You will l need a pc or laptop (not your phone), with a quality internet connection (ethernet cable plugged directly into modem is best) and obviously webcam and mic.