Fascinating Fascia: Kate Oland Galligan Unravels the Ties That Bind | TAPP 152

Episode 152 centers on a lively conversation between Kevin and Dr. Kate Oland Galligan as they trace her path from a curious undergrad to a passionate fascia educator and clinician. The duo challenges old perceptions of fascia, recounting stories from early lab experiences where fascia was simply “ripped out,” and contrasting them with new insights on its dynamic, interconnected nature. They reveal how subtle fascial restrictions can cause significant clinical symptoms—linking pelvic imbalances to jaw pain—and explore the emerging field of mind-body connections in fascial therapy.

0:00:00 | Introduction

0:00:55 | Introducing Kate Introducing Fascia

0:17:06 | Fascia Mini Lesson *

0:20:00 | Rip That Fascia Out!

0:37:14 | Get Ready for Annual Debriefing

0:39:00 | The Hip Bone is Connected to the Jaw Bone

1:03:08 | We’re on Substack! *

1:06:13 | Mind-Body Connections

1:21:45 | Staying Connected

* Breaks

---

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-152.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-152.html/#badge

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Please rate & review this podcast so that others can decide whether to give it a try: RateThisPodcast.com/theAPprofessor

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Substack, Tumblr, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the once-or-twice-weekly TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

---

Understanding fascia requires abandoning the traditional anatomical view of separate structures and embracing a model of interconnected, living tissues. (Jean-Claude Guimberteau)

 

Introducing Kate Introducing Fascia

16 minutes

In this segment, Kevin reconnects with Dr. Kate Oland Galligan, a former student who has since become a passionate fascia educator and clinician. They reminisce about their time studying physiology together, sharing a nostalgic moment about the infamous Krebs cycle. Kate shares her professional journey from graduate school to clinical practice, detailing how she discovered her deep interest in fascia. As she explains, her dual role as both an instructor and practitioner has given her unique insights into why fascia deserves more attention in undergraduate education. Their conversation sets the foundation for an in-depth exploration of fascia’s overlooked importance in both teaching and clinical applications.

 

Fascia Mini Lesson

3 minutes

In this short break, Kevin introduces lionden.com, a website he created to offer students supplemental resources for learning A&P. He highlights the value of his “mini lessons,” which provide quick, digestible overviews of complex topics like fascia. These digital outlines help students reinforce their understanding beyond textbooks, offering interactive elements and structured learning aids. He encourages listeners to explore the site for additional learning tools, emphasizing the importance of creative, digital-friendly resources in modern anatomy and physiology education.

 

Rip That Fascia Out!

17 minutes

This segment takes a deep dive into how fascia has traditionally been misunderstood, especially in dissection labs where it was often “ripped out” to expose muscles, minimizing its true significance. Kate recalls her early anatomy lab experiences and how her perspective on fascia evolved once she began working in clinical practice. They discuss groundbreaking research showing how living fascia is dynamic and responsive, unlike the dehydrated tissue seen in cadavers. The conversation delves into the clinical impact of fascial restrictions, revealing how small, seemingly minor adhesions can generate significant pressure and pain throughout the body. These insights challenge the old paradigm that fascia is merely a passive, structural tissue.

 

Get Ready for Annual Debriefing

3.5 minutes

In this "brain break," Kevin teases the upcoming annual debriefing episode, a tradition where he reflects on past predictions about A&P teaching and makes new ones for the coming year. He invites listeners to contribute their own thoughts, concerns, and expectations for the future of anatomy and physiology education. This segment reinforces the podcast’s interactive and community-driven nature, encouraging engagement and discussion among educators.

 

The Hip Bone is Connected to the Jaw Bone

12 minutes

During  this segment, Kevin and Kate explore the surprising connections within the fascial system, such as how pelvic imbalances can influence jaw function and why scar tissue in one area can affect movement and pain in another. Kate explains her approach to treating fascial restrictions, emphasizing the importance of sustained holds, sometimes lasting several minutes, to allow the tissue to release and rehydrate. Their discussion highlights how posture, embryological development, and past injuries all interact through fascia, reinforcing the idea that the body is not a collection of separate parts but rather an interconnected whole.

We're on Substack!

3 minutes

During this break, Kevin shares exciting news about his weekly science and teaching updates now being available on Substack. He explains how this platform blends newsletters with social media-style engagement, allowing educators to stay informed about the latest A&P breakthroughs and pedagogical trends. He encourages listeners to explore Substack as a way to connect with a broader community of professionals who are passionate about anatomy and physiology education.

 

Mind-Body Connections

15.5 minutes

This segment shifts the discussion toward the emotional aspects of fascial therapy. Kate delves into the idea that past trauma—both physical and emotional—can become “stored” in the fascia, sometimes manifesting as pain or tension. She shares experiences from her clinical practice where patients have had unexpected emotional responses during treatment, suggesting a deeper link between fascia and the nervous system. Kevin and Kate discuss ongoing research into tissue memory, acknowledging that while much remains to be studied, the connections between fascia, emotional well-being, and physiological function are becoming increasingly evident. This conversation bridges science and clinical practice, opening the door for more integrative approaches to healing.

Note: Kate's new search engine to find healing where you are right now—Thrive Anywhere—will be available in June 2025. Stay tuned to The A&P Professor for more news on this.

 

Links

★ Books:

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (Bessel van der Kolk) geni.us/FvQBXS

🏅 Claim your credential for reading this book. AandP.info/zoh

Architecture of Human Living Fascia: The Extracellular Matrix and Cells Revealed Through Endoscopy (Jean-Claude Guimberteau, Colin Armstrong) geni.us/oj0v2

Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System (Carla Stecco) geni.us/iPkbA

Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists and Movement Professionals (Thomas Myers) geni.us/42JLTw

Anatomy & Physiology (textbook by Kevin Patton, Frank Bell, Terry Thompson, Peggie Williamson; includes online article Whole Body Muscle Mechanics that relates to the fascial system) geni.us/hcRF

★ Myofascial Release (John Barnes website) myofascialrelease.com

★ Strolling Under the Skin (YouTube video) youtu.be/eW0lvOVKDxE?si=7_GYm5TG-sonoujz

★ The Strength for Tension and Bursting of Human Fasciae (scientific summary of tension in fascia) AandP.info/t1g

★ Fascia Documentary: The network of the body without beginning or end (YouTube video) youtu.be/3uK92zS8qq8?si=5B3V21KWXHfrMHxp

★ Bone Tissue is an Integral Part of the Fascial System (journal article about whether organs can be part of the fascial system) AandP.info/55098e

★ Clinical Anatomy: Volume 32, Issue 7. Special Issue on Fascia. AandP.info/1t7

★ The body electric: soft tissue makes electricity under stress (article in Nature) AandP.info/c0416a

★ Response to Mechanical Properties and Physiological Challenges of Fascia: Diagnosis and Rehabilitative Therapeutic Intervention for Myofascial System Disorders (article in Bioengineering) AandP.info/e0f65e

★ Brain Breaks are Essential for Learning AandP.info/ksx

★ Related episodes & resources

Fascial System Mini Lesson (Kevin's sketchy overview outline for students)  lionden.com/fascial-system.htm

Chaos Mini Lesson (explains how concepts of chaos, including fractal geometry, applies to the human body) lionden.com/chaos.htm

The Fractal Body Mini Lesson (introduces the concept of fractal-like anatomy in the body) lionden.com/fractal_body.htm

Pulse of Progress: Looking Back, Moving Forward | TAPP 147

Is Anatomy Finished? | A Review of New Discoveries | TAPP 105

Ten Things We Forget to Tell Students About Cells | A Forest in My Office | TAPP 126

Test Debriefing Boosts Student Learning | Episode 11

 

People

Production: Aileen Park (announcer),  Andrés Rodriguez (theme composer,  recording artist),  Karen Turner (Executive Editor), Kevin Patton (writer, editor, producer, host).

Not People

Robotic (AI) audio leveling/processing by Auphonic.com, initial draft transcript by Rev.com, and the content, spelling, grammar, style, etc., of these episode notes are assisted by various bots, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and QuillBot.

 

---

 

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-152.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-152.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

★ theAPprofessor.org/refer

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

Follow The A&P Professor on  Twitter, Facebook, Mastodon, Reddit, TikTok,LinkedIn, Blogger, Substack, Tumblr, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

App Privacy Policy - The A&P Professor

 

This Privacy Policy applies to all information collected during the use of this smart phone application (app) on iOS as well as apps available on other platforms. This app was built for podcasts on the Liberated Syndication (libsyn) service and information collected or stored through the app or third-party partners as detailed below.

Information Collected In the App
This app does not collect or store any personal data. “Personal data” refers to information that, either directly or indirectly, may identify you as a unique individual. Examples of personal data include your name, phone number, email, postal address, and possibly information relating to certain support or customer service issues. However, your email address may be used if you initiate a troubleshooting report or opt-in to send crash reports for support purposes. This email address is not stored on the app and is never used for marketing or communication outside of the resolution of the problem you report.

No email address is required to access the app. Credentials that you previously used to subscribe to protected content via the MyLibsyn service (including username and encrypted password) will strictly be used to generate an authentication token. Credential information is not stored within the app.

The app may automatically collect and use certain non-personal Data. that does not directly or indirectly identify you. The types of Non-Personal Data that may be collected and used include, but are not limited to: (i) device software platform and firmware; (ii) playback or episode download status and favorite lists (iii) mobile phone carrier; and other Non-Personal Data to help us troubleshoot or enhance our services or provide aggregated reporting.

App Ads
This app does not serve ads from any third party service or collect personal data with the intent to deliver pop-up or banner ads.

Third Party Partners
The app has integration with certain third-party service providers to provide support in administrating the app. Such service providers include, without limitation, those who assist in providing information technology services, back office support, and other similar services. These entities may be located inside or outside the European Economic Area. We take steps to require that such service providers protect all data collected by or conveyed to them in a manner that is consistent with this Privacy Policy. The information shared with each is limited only to that information required for that entity to fulfill its role in assisting us with the performance of the actions described above. Where we have knowledge that a service provider processes any data in a manner contrary to this Privacy Policy, we will take reasonable steps to prevent or stop such processing. Where applicable law requires us to obtain your consent to use such third party service providers, you acknowledge that refusal to provide your consent, or withdrawal of your consent, may affect or prevent our ability to provide services, and that our engagement may need to be terminated for lack of such consent.

KSCrash, a crash and error reporting program, may be used to report crash date and failures to the support team. A crash report includes only non-personal data that cannot directly or indirectly identify you as a unique individual. If a crash failure should occur within the app, you will be prompted with the option to opt out of sharing such crash information with the support team.

This app uses Amazon Web Services to register and provide opt-in notifications to users. Amazon Web Services does not collect or store any personal data in providing such services. Notifications will only be enabled if you opt in to receive them. You may also disable notifications at any time via the app’s settings. 

Accessing, changing, or deleting your information
This app is provided to podcasts hosted on the Libsyn platform and you may contact support@libsynsupport.com for questions regarding the use of any services mentioned above and removal of data. They may require proof of your identity before they provide you with the requested information. They allow you to challenge the data that is held about you and, where appropriate, you may have the data erased, rectified, amended, or completed. Approved requests will be processed within ten (10) days of the date on which we receive the request.

Data Security
The Personal Information you provide and Libsyn collects is stored within databases that they control directly or through service providers. As they deem appropriate, they use security measures consistent with industry standards, such as firewalls, to protect your Personal Information. However, since no security system is impenetrable, we cannot guarantee the security of our databases, nor can we guarantee that information you supply will not be intercepted while being transmitted to us over the Internet.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Compliance
We never collect or maintain information in this app from those we actually know are under 13 years of age.

Information for European Union Customers
By using this app, you authorize us to collect, use, and store your information outside of the European Union.

Your Consent
By using our site or apps, you consent to our privacy policy.

Contacting Us
If you have questions regarding this privacy policy, you may email support@libsynsupport.com

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.