The STA Clinician Podcast

Ep.257: 'Reflecting On The STA & Hands On Hub Conference' with Anna Maria, Gary, Andy & Matt

In this episode, we reflect on the ‘STA & Hands On Hub Conference’ that took place nearly two weeks ago on 20th & 21st September in Exmouth, in collaboration with the ST School. Host Matt Phillips is joined by Gary Benson, Founder of The Sports Therapy Association, Anna Maria Mazzieri, Director of The ST School, and Andy Hosgood, coach, mentor, and Unlocker of Human Potential.

Together, they discuss what factors are important for a successful educational conference for soft tissue therapists, in what ways the ‘STA & Hands On Hub Conference’ succeeded, and how it could potentially be improved in future events. There is also an in depth discussion on what you SHOULD be getting when you pay for CPD, and useful advice on how to plan ahead & save funds for events you do not want to miss.      

Questionnaire
What do YOU want from a CPD Conference? We need (and would truly) appreciate YOUR input, by kindly answering the questions on this questionnaire. There is also a link and QR code on the homepage of the ST School Website.

Next Podcast Episode:

• 8pm Tuesday October 7th: Ep258: 'New Perspectives On Fascia' with guests Dr Claire Boucher & Dr Kyra De Coninck

Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

Ep256: 'How To Read A Research Paper' with special guest Ben Cormack

The tagline of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, heard at the beginning of every episode, is "Putting The Evidence Back Into Soft Tissue Therapy". One way of becoming more evidence informed is to keep up with the latest research, but how easy is it to understand a research paper, to be able to judge its quality, reliability, and significance in what we practice in clinic?

In this episode, host Matt Phillips, freshly back from the recent 'Hands On Hub & STA Conference' in Exmouth, is joined by special guest Ben Cormack, founder of Cor-Kinetic, and co-founder of the Better Clinician Project. Ben explains how clinicians can approach and interpret research papers, breaking them down into study types (RCTs, observational, systematic reviews), key method checkpoints (sample size calculations, blinding, recruitment), and how to read results (p‑values, effect sizes, between‑group vs within‑group changes). It's a super valuable listen to any soft tissue therapist who finds the idea of reading a research paper slightly daunting, and also help the already confident therapist go a little deeper into potential red flags that suggest how the study could have been done better. 

The episode also gives information on Cor-Kinetic courses, including the online 'Mentorship Program' that starts on September 29th, and 'The Better Clinician Project'.  

Ben Cormack is a musculoskeletal therapist with a clinical background/qualification in sports therapy, rehabilitation & exercise,  stretching back over 20 years, with a special interest in pain and its relation to movement. His Cor-Kinetic courses have run in over 25 countries globally, working with individual health care professionals, clinics, health services & hospitals, elite sports teams & pain services/organisations. 

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:18 - Welcome to Episode 256 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast
• 00:01:28 - Reflecting on the Hands On Hub & STA Conference
• 00:02:28 - Supporting Evidence-Based Practice
• 00:03:38 - Introducing Ben Cormack
• 00:04:31 - How to approach Read a Research Paper
• 00:05:48 - Challenges of Understanding Research
• 00:09:10 - Identifying Quality Research Papers
• 00:09:54 - The Importance of Evidence in Therapy
• 00:11:21 - Diving into Research Methodology
• 00:21:37 - Understanding Research Results
• 00:44:10 - Discussing Research Limitations
• 00:53:50 - Announcing Cor-kinetic Mentorship Programs
• 00:57:50 - Closing Remarks and Future Events

Useful Links

• Cor-Kinetic Website
• Instagram: @Corkinetic
• Facebook: @Corkinetic

Next Podcast Episode:

• 8pm Tuesday September 30th: 'Reflection On The Hands On Hub & STA Conference' with Anna Maria Mazzieri, Andy Hosgood and Gary Benson.  

Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

Ep.255 'Rethinking Anatomy at the STA South West Conference' with James Earls of Born To Move

We reach the last episode before the ‘STA South West & Hands On Hub Conference’ taking place in Exmouth on September 20th and 21st, in collaboration with the ST School. Host Matt Phillips is joined by conference speaker James Earls, Writer, Lecturer & Bodyworker, and founder of Born to Move, who discusses the gains we could all make by re-addressing the way in which we traditionally view anatomy, as well as details of his presentation at the conference: "The Knee: Why Do We Have It All Back To Front?" 

If you are listening to this podcast before the weekend of September 20th , you can still get tickets and full details of all 19 speakers at https://thestschool.co.uk/hands-on-hub-sta-conference-2025/. STA members have a discount code which can be found in the latest STA Newsletter & Facebook Members page.

James also discusses in this episode details of the 'Anatomy al Aperitivo' that he is giving on the Friday before the conference (September 19th) - an exclusive, intimate look at the wonders of the foot, along with a glass of wine and delicious bites at local Exmouth Deli: The Italian Store. Only 20 tickets are available, and you must already be going to the conference. Book at https://thestschool.co.uk/events/anatomy-al-aperitivo/  

Also mentioned in the episode are details of the workshop that host Matt Phillips is giving at the conference:

• “Mindful Strides: Communication Skills When Working With Runners”
• 10.30am Sunday 21st in the Main Theatre.  

Useful Links

• Born To Move Website
• STA & Hands On Hub Conference: Details & Tickets

Next Podcast Episode:

• 8pm Tuesday September 23rd: 'How To Read & Understand Research Papers' with special guest Ben Cormack 

Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

Ep.254 'Evidence Informed Practice In Massage Therapy' with Anna Maria Mazzieri of The ST School

We continue our countdown to the STA South West Conference happening in Exmouth this September 20th and 21st, in collaboration with the ST School and Hands ON Hub. Host Matt Phillips is joined by Director of The ST School Anna Maria Mazzieri, who discusses what evidence-informed practice means in Massage Therapy.  

The episode explores topics including how trauma and chronic pain interact, the somatic effects of touch, and practical, evidence‑based approaches to working with scars. Anna Maria talk about the online CPD Webinar offered by The ST School: "Evidence Based Practice in Massage Therapy: What Social Media Doesn’t Tell You!" (see link in notes), including some of the surprises & benefits that attendees typically experience. Also discussed is the value of reflective CPD, and how therapists can better communicate, debate and apply research in clinic and online forums.

Anna Maria Mazzieri is giving the following presentations at the conference in September: 

• Sat Sep 20th 3.10pm Main Theatre: "When Pain Echoes Trauma & When Massage Echoes Embodiment"
• Sun Sep 21st 9.00am Breakout Room: "Massage & Manual Therapy for Scars"

Full details & conference tickets are available at https://thestschool.co.uk/hands-on-hub-sta-conference-2025/. STA members have a discount code which can be found in the latest STA Newsletter & Facebook Members page.

Useful Links

• CPD Webinar "Evidence Based Practice in Massage Therapy"
• Website: The ST School
• Conference Details & Tickets

Next Podcast Episode:

• Tuesday September 16th 8pm: James Earls, Writer, Lecturer & Bodyworker, and founder of Born to Move.

Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

Ep.253 'Countdown To STA South West Conference' with speakers Dr Claire Minshull & Serena Simmons

In Ep.253, we continue our countdown to the STA South West Conference that is happening in Exmouth this September 20th and 21st, in collaboration with the ST School and Hands ON Hub. Host Matt Phillips is joined by conference speakers Dr Claire Minshull, Rehab & Conditioning Specialist & Founder of Get Back To Sport, and Serena Simmons, Chartered Psychologist & Founder of The Psychology School.

Together they discuss the importance & value of clinicians combining exercise, education and psychological skills in practice, with strategies to improve patient adherence and practical takeaways from real case studies. For details on Serena Simmons ‘Behaviour Change Psychology for Therapists’ course and Dr Claire Minshull's 'Strength & Conditioning for Therapists' course, see website links below. 

At the conference, Dr Claire Minshull will be presenting on Saturday Sep 20th 10.30am in The Main Theatre: "Strength & Conditioning For Preserving Joint Health". Serena Simmons at 12.15pm: "Beyond the Treatment Couch: The Hidden Power of Words, Belief, and Behaviour". Then, at 1.40pm, Claire and Serena will be joining each other in the Breakout Room to deliver "Why Rehab Needs A Joint Approach".

Full details & conference tickets are available at Hands On Hub & STA Conference 2025 - The ST School. STA members have a discount code which can be found in the latest STA Newsletter & Facebook Members page.

Useful Links

• Get Back Top Sport Website
• Instagram: @GetBackToSport
• The Psychology School Website
• Instagram: @ThePsychologySchool.co

Next Podcast Episodes:

• Tuesday September 9th 8pm: Anna Maria Mazzieri, Soft Tissue Therapist & Director of The ST School.
• Tuesday September 16th 8pm: James Earls, Writer, Lecturer & Bodyworker, and founder of Born to Move.

Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

Ep.252 'Countdown To STA South West Conference with speakers Michelle Lyons & Siobhan O'Donovan'

In Ep.252, we start our countdown to the STA South West Conference that is happening in Exmouth this September 20th and 21st, in collaboration with the ST School and Hands ON Hub. It’s going to be an amazing weekend of presentations, workshops and networking, so over the next 4 weeks we have invited some of the speakers to be guests on this podcast, to introduce themselves to you and discuss what they will be delivering at the conference.

We start in this episode with Michelle Lyons, Women's Health Physiotherapist & Founder of Celebrate Muliebrity, and & Siobhan O’Donovan, aka the Booby Physio & founder of PostureFitting. Together they discuss practical strategies for clinicians working with female athletes, including the menstrual cycle as a powerful diagnostic tool, the importance of correctly fitted sports bras, pelvic health considerations, and keeping girls and women active across the lifespan. Check out this episode for evidence-informed guidance, expect practical tips and ways clinicians can better support female clients.

Up & Coming Podcast Episodes:

• Wednesday September 3rd 8pm
  Dr Claire Minshull, Rehab & Conditioning Specialist & Founder of Get Back To Sport, and Serena Simmons, Chartered Psychologist & Founder of The Psychology School. 
• Tuesday September 9th 8pm
  Anna Maria Mazzieri, Soft Tissue Therapist & Director of The ST School.
• Tuesday September 16th 8pm
  James Earls, , Writer, Lecturer & Bodyworker, and founder of Born to Move.

Full details & conference tickets are available at Hands On Hub & STA Conference 2025 - The ST School. There’s a Summer Discount available until the end of August AND a further discount code for STA members, which can be found in the STA Newsletter & Facebook Members page.

Useful Links

• PostureFitting Website
• Gals Against Gravity Workshop
• PostureFitting on Facebook
• Siobhan O'Donovan on LinkedIn
• Celebrate Muliebrity Website and Podcast 
• Michelle Lyons on Facebook
• Michelle Lyons On Instagram

Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

Ep.251 'Social Media: Do Soft Tissue Therapists Really Need It?' - Reflection with Megan Jackson

In Ep.251 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, Megan Jackson, founder of Bodies By Merj, reflects on Ep.224 “Social Media: Do Soft Tissue Therapists Really Need It?” that was recorded back in January this year with guests Katie Bell and Daniel Lawrence.

Megan shares her personal journey into massage, and discusses how her marketing on Instagram in particular provides around 80% of her clients. Megan gives tips on how to create quality content, generate leads and also most importantly how to prevent burnout in the process. The episode also examines why touch and context matter so much in massage therapy, and how modern research is now slowly providing a framework & mechanism for the benefits that massage can bring.   

Useful Links

• Ep224 ‘Social Media: Do Soft Tissue Therapists Really Need It?’ with Katie Bell & Daniel Lawrence
• Megan Jackson Website: Bodies By Merj
• Megan Jackson Instagram: merjmassagestudio
• STA South West Conference Details & Tickets 

Countdown to the ‘STA South West Conference’
As of next week, we will be starting a countdown to the STA South West Conference that is happening in Exmouth this September 20th and 21st, in collaboration with the ST School and Hands ON Hub. It’s going to be an amazing weekend of presentations, workshops and networking, with speakers including Michelle Lyons, Dr Claire Minshull, Serena Simmons, James Earls, Siobhan O Donnell, Andy Hosgood, and many more. 

Join us for a month of video podcast episodes with some of the conference speakers:

• Tuesday August 26th 8pm - Michelle Lyons and Siobhan O Donovan.
• Wednesday September 3rd 8pm - Dr Claire Minshull and Serena Simmons.
• Tuesday September 9th 8pm - Anna Maria Mazzieri
• Tuesday September 16th 8pm - James Earls. 

Full details & conference tickets are available at thestschool.co.uk, There’s a Summer Discount available until the end of August AND a further discount code for STA members, which can be found in the STA Newsletter & Facebook Members page.

Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

Ep.250 'STA Catch Up' with guest Gary Benson, Founder of the STA

Welcome to Episode 250 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast. In this special STA catch-up episode, host Matt Phillips is joined by STA founder Gary Benson to discuss the latest developments in the soft tissue therapy industry. This episode offers invaluable insights for both STA members and all soft tissue therapists seeking guidance and support.

The conversation delves into the importance of creating a supportive environment for therapists, highlighting the STA's efforts in providing resources such as weekly podcasts, coffee evening chats, and accountability sessions. Gary Benson shares his experiences and the association's initiatives in fostering collaboration within the industry, addressing the challenges related to outdated training narratives, and the complexities surrounding industry regulation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the soft tissue therapy field looking to understand the current landscape, the ongoing efforts towards industry improvement, and the opportunities for professional growth and support through the STA.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:17 - Welcome to The Sports Therapy Association Podcast
• 00:04:56 - Reflections on Facebook Groups
• 00:08:01 - The Role of Professional Associations
• 00:10:40 - Industry Challenges and Support
• 00:12:39 - Evolving Consultation Practices
• 00:29:12 - Membership Insights and Support
• 00:31:13 - Upcoming STA Conference: September 20th & 21st
• 00:34:46 - Insurance and Scope of Practice
• 00:39:56 - Barriers to Professional Title Protection
• 00:58:16 - Regulation of Training Providers
• 01:02:54 - Closing Thoughts and Next Episode

Interested in Joining The STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get you 3 months extra if you join for a single year. In other words, for just £75, this code will get you 15 months instead of 12.  Only valid for NEW members, and if you are Level 3 (and qualified after 2014) please make sure you opt for ‘associate member’ when you join up. 

Ep.249 'Facebook Groups For Massage Therapists: Helpful or Hateful?' - Part 2 Panel Debate

Welcome to Episode 249 of the Sports Therapy Association podcast. In Part 1 of “Facebook Groups For Massage Therapists: Helpful or Hateful?” (Ep.247), host Matt Phillips was joined by a panel of therapists who gave us honest & frank examples of how when seeking help in a Facebook Support Group for Therapists, they were met with harsh & aggressive replies from more experienced therapists, to the extent that they felt the need to post anonymously, in fear of a cascade of judgement & harm to their business.

In this episode, Part 2, Matt invites a panel of experienced therapists to 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 misinformation that ultimately is doing harm to not just our industry but also the clients & patients paying for our services.

Listen now to this compelling discussion on the prevalent challenges within massage therapy and soft tissue therapy communities, particularly the misconceptions surrounding evidence-based practices. The panel explores the tensions caused by misinformation and propose solutions for creating more supportive and informed social media groups. Discover strategies to foster empathy, maintain professionalism, and promote continuous learning among therapists, for a healthier and more unified industry. Stay informed and inspired by listening to the full debate on how we can collectively move towards a more understanding & supportive community 

Panel In This Episode

Cecily Hislop
• Sports Massage Therapist at southphoenixmassagetherapy
• Facebook: southphoenixmassagetherapy

Hannah Tabram
• Sports Massage Therapist
• Website: https://hannahtabram.co.uk/ 
• Facebook: HannahTabramSMT
• Instagram: @ hannahtabramsportsmassage 

Stevie Barr
• Owner of Fit Thru Life 
• Website: http://fit-thru-life.co.uk/
• Brand Ambassador at Intelligent Cycling
• Joint Creator of Scottish Therapists Group  
• Instagram: @fit_thru_life

Gary Benson
• Founder of the STA
• Facebook: @STAGary 

A heartfelt thank you to the panels of both Part 1 and Part 2 of this series. We sincerely hope these two episodes generate interest & reflection. If you have any feedback, please feel free to share in the YouTube comments section, or email matt@thesta.co.uk. 

Interested in Joining The STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get you 3 months extra if you join for a single year. In other words, for just £75, this code will get you 15 months instead of 12.  Only valid for NEW members, and if you are Level 3 (and qualified after 2014) please make sure you opt for ‘associate member’ when you join up. 

Ep.248 - Gait Analysis For Runners: A Modern Approach - Reflection with guest Sophie Gover

In Ep.248 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we explore the intriguing world of Gait Analysis and its application in sports therapy. Host Matt Phillips is joined by Sophie Gover, founder of 'The Run Doctor UK', who delves into her inspiring journey from Sports Massage Therapy to evidence informed Gait Analysis.

Sophie reflects on how Ep.146 of the podcast “Gait Analysis For Runners: A Modern Approach”, recorded back in April 2023, affected her business set up, marketing and goal setting.  

Listen as Sophie & Matt discuss the balance between biomechanics and holistic approaches, offering insights into overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and integrating new methodologies.

This episode also revisits past lessons from gait analysis experts, offering a fresh perspective on personal and professional growth in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or new to the industry, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration.

Useful Links

• Ep.146 “Gait Analysis For Runners: A Modern Approach”
• Sophie Gover Website: The Run Doctor UK
• Sophie Gover on Instagram: @therundoctoruk
• CPD Course: 'Gait Analysis For Runners: A Modern Approach' 

The Hands On Hub & STA Conference
Join us at the STA South West Conference, taking place on September 20th & 21st in Exmouth, in collaboration with The ST School’s Hands On Hub. Tickets are now on sale at The ST School Website. There’s a Summer Discount Ticket AND a further discount code for STA members, which can be found in the STA Newsletter & Facebook Members page.  

Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.