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 Handsprin