This 90-minute webinar introduces massage therapists to the emerging science connecting visceral dysfunction to pain generation and persistence. Drawing on published, evidence-informed research, this presentation explores the role of internal organs, adhesions, inflammation, and nerve sensitivity in chronic and acute pain syndromes.

Presented by Susan Chapelle, RMT, eMBA, an internationally recognized researcher and educator, the session emphasizes how Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) can use pain science and clinical reasoning to better assess and treat complex presentations. Participants will explore foundational principles of visceral pain, its neuroanatomical underpinnings, and practical implications for practice—while working within the RMT scope of practice.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to

• Define and distinguish between nociceptive, neuropathic, and visceral pain 
presentations.
• Describe how inflammation, fibrosis, and visceral adhesions can generate 
referred pain patterns.
• Understand the neuroanatomical pathways connecting the viscera to the 
connective tissue system.
• Apply clinical reasoning to identify when visceral contributions may be relevant in 
complex pain presentations

About the Presenter

Susan Chapelle, RMT, eMBA

Susan Chapelle is a Registered Massage Therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience specializing in the treatment of chronic pain, post surgical recovery, and the neurophysiology of manual therapy. Her expertise bridges clinical practice with academic research, combining 
hands-on therapy with a deep understanding of pain science, fascia, and peripheral nerve mechanisms.

Susan has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles examining how manual therapy can modulate inflammation, nerve sensitization, and visceral dysfunction. She is particularly recognized for her work in NIH-funded animal models demonstrating how massage therapy can reduce post-surgical adhesions and influence pain pathways.

Beyond her clinical and research contributions, Susan holds an Executive MBA focused on healthcare innovation and leadership. She has presented internationally on the integration of mechanistic research into manual therapy practice, advancing the profession’s understanding of evidence informed care.Susan’s work emphasizes the connection between emerging pain science and practical clinical applications for manual therapists. She is a strong advocate for scope-appropriate, research supported interventions that improve patient outcomes while elevating professional standards.

 

Notes:

-Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 15 by 9:00am.

-All webinar registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity on total registrations per webinar.

-Webinar will be recorded. All registered participants will receive a link to the webinar recording. Access to the recording will be available for up to 3 months from the webinar date.

 

Recording Consent Disclaimer for RMTAO Webinars:

This webinar will be recorded. By registering for the event, you are providing your consent to being recorded and the use of your image and voice by the RMTAO in replaying the webinar in the future.