The STA Clinician Podcast

Ep.276 'A New Lens: Physioethology’ with guests Matt Low and Anna Maria Mazzieri

Matt Low, Consultant Physiotherapist at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, is one of the authors (along with Roger Kerry, Fiona H. Moffatt & David A. Nicholls) of the 2025 paper 'Physioethology: A Post-Humanist Perspective On Physiotherapy'. The paper argues that modern physiotherapy, and indeed all hands‑on MSK professions, still rely too heavily on a mechanical, human‑centred view of the body. Using ideas from philosopher Gilles Deleuze and psychoanalyst Félix Guattari, the authors propose “Physioethology,” which sees bodies as dynamic, relational, and shaped by interactions with people, environments, and non‑human factors.

In this episode of the STA Clinician Podcast, Matt Low & Anna Maria Mazzieri, Director of the ST School and a PhD student at Health Sciences University, join host Matt Phillips to discuss elements of the 2025 paper, focusing on what bodies can do in context, and recognising affect, relationality and events as central to health. The discussion covers practical implications for manual therapists — from therapeutic room design and outdoor or community settings to seeing non‑human factors as part of care — and how small changes can broaden clinical impact.

Listen now (or watch the live recording on YouTube) to reflect on the philosophical assumptions behind your practice, consider simple environment‑centred adjustments you can try now, and follow the episode notes for links to the open‑access paper and related resources.

Useful Links

• Free Access: Physioethology: A Post-Humanist Perspective On Physiotherapy
• Matt Low on Linkedin
• Anna Maria Mazzieri On Linkedin
• The Centre for Pain and Active Inference (PAIn) at Health Sciences University

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.274 'Understanding Pain in 2026: Part 3 - The Gender Pain Gap' with Dr. Rachel Dewar-Haggart

"Research consistently shows that women experience more MSK pain than men, have it taken less seriously, and are more likely to receive delayed or inadequate treatment compared to men." 
In Part 3 of this month's focus 'Understanding Pain in 2026' on the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Dr.Rachel Dewar-Haggart, who discusses the '𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐩' that we see across multiple domains, including prevalence of MSK conditions, pain severity, diagnostic delays, treatment disparities, and healthcare‑provider bias.

The episode discusses biological factors like hormones, the impact of diagnostic overshadowing, racial and socioeconomic disparities, and the need for better clinician communication, continuity of care, and pelvic health support.

Practical recommendations include listening, validating patient experiences, asking about menstrual and life-course factors, promoting continuity and pelvic health services, and acknowledging when answers aren’t known while working collaboratively on management strategies.

Dr.Rachel Dewar-Haggart is a Postdoctoral Qualitative Researcher within the Medical Sociology & Health Experiences Research Group at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:04:40 - Introducing special guest Dr. Rachel Dewar-Haggett
• 00:09:08 - Understanding the Gender Pain Gap
• 00:16:31 - The Impact of Hormones on Pain
• 00:21:46 - Diagnostic Overshadowing in Women’s Health
• 00:30:09 - Unconscious Bias in Pain Perception
• 00:39:09 - The Importance of Listening
• 00:51:24 - Cultural Influences on Pain Perception
• 00:59:57 - Conclusion and Future Discussions

Useful Links

• Dr Rachel Dewar-Haggart: Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences website 
• Dr Rachel Dewar-Haggart on Linkedin
• Predicting intentions towards long-term antidepressant use in the management of people with depression in primary care: A longitudinal survey study
• See My Pain Campaign | Nurofen UK
• Henrietta Lacks - BBC Article 
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: Book on Amazon UK
• Sports Therapy Association Website

Other Episodes 

• Part 1 - Ep.272 with Dr. Bronnie Lennox Thompson and Ben Whybrow - 'An Introduction to Understanding pain in 2026'

• Part 2 - Ep.273 with special guests Prof Dave Newell and Anna Maria Mazzieri - 'Predictive Processing & Active Inference' 

• Part 4 Wed Feb 25th with special guest Dr. Rachel Zoffness, Pain scientist, International Speaker, Science Writer, with her new book “Tell Me Where It Hurts” coming out March 26th 

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.273 'Understanding Pain in 2026 - Pt2/4 - Predictive Processing & Active Inference'

In Part 2 of our focus this month on ‘Understanding Pain in 2026’, we take a look at Predictive Processing (the brain guessing what is happening and outputting pain when it predicts danger) and Active Inference (the brain acting to confirm or update these guesses, shaping how you move, feel, and interpret sensations). 

Joining host Matt Phillips of Runchatlive.com are special guests Professor Dave Newell, Head of The Centre for Pain & Active Inference Research at Health Sciences University, and Anna Maria Mazzieri, a PhD student at Health Sciences University, and Director of The ST School.  

The episode discusses how the brain builds models, predicts sensory input, and acts to minimize prediction error -  shaping movement, sensation and chronic pain. The conversation covers embodiment, precision, therapeutic alliance, and practical implications for clinicians, including sense-making, creating safe liminal spaces, graded exposure and using touch as a communication tool.

Listeners are invited & encouraged to re-listen for deeper understanding and to use the episode’s insights to rethink clinical reasoning and patient-centred approaches to pain management.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:01:38 - Meet Professor Dave Newell and Anna Maria Mazzieri
• 00:03:25 - Anna-Maria’s PhD Journey
• 00:05:22 - The Centre for Pain & Active Inference Research
• 00:06:58 - Understanding Active Inference
• 00:15:46 - The Role of Active Inference
• 00:21:35 - Clinical Applications of Active Inference
• 00:23:17 - Contextual Factors in Pain
• 00:29:46 - The Concept of Self-Evidencing
• 00:37:38 - Chronic Pain and Active Inference
• 00:38:35 - Listener Questions
• 00:42:15 - Therapeutic Alliance in Pain Management
• 00:45:50 - Co-Creation in Therapy
• 00:48:30 - The Complexity of Pain
• 00:53:42 - Conclusion and Next Steps

Special Guest Links

• Website: The Centre for Pain and Active Inference (PAIn) Research at HSU
• Professor Dave Newell on Facebook
• Website: The ST School 
• The ST School on Facebook

Further Reading

• An Embodied Predictive Processing Theory of Pain Experience
• Therapeutic Alliance as Active Inference: The Role of Therapeutic Touch and Synchrony
• MASSAG model: Towards an integrative neuroscience framework linking emotional trauma, pain, and mechanisms of force-based manipulations
• Mark Miller on Predictive Processing - Todd Hargrove on Substack

Other Episodes 

• Part 1 - Ep.272 with Dr. Bronnie Lennox Thompson and Ben Whybrow - available on the Sports Therapy Association YouTube channel and all popular podcast apps.

• Part 3 Tues Feb 17th with special guest Dr. Rachel Dewar-Haggart, Postdoctoral Qualitative Researcher within the Medical Sociology & Health Experiences Research Group at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford.

• Part 4 Wed Feb 25th with special guest Dr. Rachel Zoffness, Pain scientist, International Speaker, Science Writer, with her new book “Tell Me Where It Hurts” coming out March 26th 

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.272 'Understanding Pain in 2026 - Pt1/4' with Dr. Bronnie L. Thompson & Ben Whybrow

A new month arrives for the STA Clinician Podcast, and with it new focus topic: ‘Understanding Pain in 2026’. In this first part of four episodes, host Matt Phillips of runchatlive.com is joined by Dr. Bronnie Lennox Thompson (Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Academic Coordinator, Postgraduate Programmes in Pain & Pain Management at University of Otago, New Zealand, Mentor & Content Expert for Modern Pain Care) and Ben Whybrow (Pain Specialist Physiotherapist in the NHS, Communication Skills Facilitator for Cambridge Medical School, host of “Clinical Communication Podcast," Community Manager & Content Expert for Modern Pain Care).

With so much changing & evolving information out there regarding pain, how to explain it, when to treat it, HOW to treat it, it can often be tricky for healthcare professionals to stay up-to-date, but we must as we have an ethical, moral, and professional obligation to stay current with modern understandings of pain, in order to provide competent, compassionate, evidence‑based care.

But fear not, for that's what this month is all about. Dr. Bronnie L. Thompson & Ben Whybrow review recent shifts in pain science, discuss the limits of over-explaining neurobiology, and why context matters more than lecture-style patient education. The conversation focuses on practical approaches: ask patients their main concerns, prioritize collaborative problem-solving and graded doing over long explanations.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:04:04 - Introducing Dr. Bronnie L. Thompson & Ben Whybrow
• 00:07:12 - The Role of Communication in Pain Management
• 00:15:16 - Shifts in Pain Understanding
• 00:20:52 - The Importance of Hope
• 00:24:07 - Rethinking Pain Treatment Approaches
• 00:31:54 - The Power of Doing
• 00:35:38 - Engaging with Patients’ Concerns
• 00:42:06 - Addressing Patients’ Main Concerns
• 00:45:51 - Confidence in Moving Again
• 00:53:28 - Practical Tips for Clinicians
• 00:59:37 - Conclusion and Future Discussions

Useful links

• Dr. Bronnie L. Thompson - Blog 
• Dr. Bronnie L. Thompson on Facebook
• Dr. Bronnie L. Thompson on Instagram
• Ben Whybrow on Instagram
• Clinical Communication Podcast on Spotify 
• Modern Pain Care Website

Guests in Future Episodes 

• Part 2 - Wed Feb 11th with special guests Professor Dave Newell, Head of The Centre for Pain & Active Inference Research at Health Sciences University, and Anna Maria Mazzieri, Director of The ST School & current PhD student at Health Sciences University

• Part 3 Tues Feb 17th with special guest Dr. Rachel Dewar-Haggart, Postdoctoral Qualitative Researcher within the Medical Sociology & Health Experiences Research Group at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford.

• Part 4 Wed Feb 25th with special guest Dr. Rachel Zoffness, Pain scientist, International Speaker, Science Writer, with her new book “Tell Me Where It Hurts” coming out March 26th 

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.271 'Neurodivergence in Healthcare - Part 4 of 4: The Neurodivergent Therapist'

Welcome to the final part of our series “Neurodivergence in Healthcare” this month on 'The STA Clinician Podcast' (formerly known as The Sports Therapy Association Podcast'). In this episode entitled ‘THE NEURODIVERGENT THERAPIST’, we look at steps that neurodivergent therapists can take to help look after one's own health & energy capacity, including how to structure one's day, build in recovery time, use energy accounting, and more.

Host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Sarah Meharg (Occupational Therapist and Neurodivergent Accessibility & Inclusion Consultant at Moodlifter and Neuroflectuk) and Kassandra Clemens (Founder of Heal Your Confidence, a Level 7 Specific Learning Differences Specialist who helps in particular late-identified neurodivergent professionals).

The episode discusses structuring the working day, building in recovery, energy accounting, communication with colleagues, reasonable adjustments, and where to find peer support. Listeners will hear practical ideas, lived‑experience insights, and signposting to resources and communities for clinicians navigating neurodivergence diagnosis, self‑compassion, and workplace adjustments.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:02:41 - Introducing Sarah Meharg & Kassandra Clemens
• 00:09:14 - Sharing Personal Stories of Neurodivergence
• 00:14:11 - The Importance of Support for neurodivergent therapists
• 00:20:27 - Emphasizing Self-Compassion
• 00:27:01 - Navigating the Healthcare System
• 00:31:50 - Strategies for neurodivergent therapists to avoid burnout
• 00:33:06 - The Role of Environment
• 00:42:02 - Communicating with Colleagues
• 00:52:16 - The Carrot and Stick Approach
• 00:57:21 - Reflecting on the Journey
• 01:01:34 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Useful links

• Facebook Group: Neurodivergent MSK Clinicians
• Kassandra Clemens Website: Heal Your Confidence
•  Sarah Meharg Website: Mood Lifter
• Sarah Meharg & Rosi Sexton: Neuroflect.co.uk
• Autism Central - England's Peer Education Programme
• Thriving Autistic.org
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia & Dysgraphia Line Managers Toolkit

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.270 'Neurodivergence in Healthcare - Part 3 of 4: Barriers'

In Episode 270 of 'The STA Clinician Podcast' (formerly known as The Sports Therapy Association Podcast'), we present Part 3 of our four part series 'Neurodivergence In Healthcare', and in this episode look at BARRIERS that neurodivergent patients & clients so often find themselves up against when seeking healthcare, which typically reduce their access to effective or suitable healthcare.  

Host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests James Dewar‑Haggett (Founder of Strong Path - Neuroinclusive & Mental Health-Informed Sports Coaching) and Leslie Campbell (Massage Therapist and Tutor based in Glasgow Scotland). Together they discuss communication differences, the double‑empathy problem, sensory triggers, consent and safety, and practical clinic adaptations clinicians that can improve access and comfort.

The valuable advice shared in this episode includes sending pre‑visit photos and offering quiet options, remembering to simply ask patients and clients what they need, explaining procedures clearly, dimming lights, limiting scents and leaving buffer time between appointments.

Special guests in this episode:

• James Dewar‑Haggett - Founder of Strong Path - Neuroinclusive & Mental Health-Informed Sports Coaching - Strong Path – Fitness for everyone
• Lesley Campbell - Massage Therapist and Tutor based in Glasgow Scotland - Lesley Campbell Massage in Lennoxtown

Join us on for the live recording of Part 4, entitled 'The Neurodivergent Therapist', 8pm Tuesday January 27th,  with special guests:

• Sarah Meharg - Occupational Therapist and Neurodivergent Accessibility & Inclusion Consultant at Moodlifter and Neuroflectuk
• Kassandra Clemens - founder of Heal Your Confidence, a Level 7 Specific Learning Differences Specialist who helps in particular late-identified neurodivergent professionals.
• Benjamin Mace-Crossley - Repose Injury Rehab – 3rd year BSc Sports Rehabilitator

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.269 'Neurodivergence in Healthcare - Part 2 of 4: Hypermobility'

In Episode 269 of 'The STA Clinician Podcast' (formerly known as The Sports Therapy Association Podcast'), we present Part 2 of our four part series 'Neurodivergence In Healthcare', and in this episode look at the link between Neurodivergence and Hypermobility.

Modern studies suggests that individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD and Tourette’s have a significantly higher prevalence of joint hypermobility compared to the general population. Research by Dr. Jessica Eccles has shown that individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) have an increased risk of autism. Her studies indicate that approximately 31% of autistic individuals exhibit joint hypermobility, and about 39% of people with EDS or HSD meet diagnostic criteria for autism. Additionally, over 20% of mothers with EDS or HSD have autistic children, suggesting a possible shared genetic or biological link.

In this episode of the STA Clinician Podcast, the panel of special guests highlight and discuss the importance of recognizing the relationship between joint hypermobility, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and neurodivergence, as well as the need for healthcare clinicians to be aware of these connections. Listen for discussion on diagnostic challenges, communication, individualized treatment strategies, and practical clinic adaptations to better support neurodivergent and hypermobile patients, Learn about current research, patient experiences of invalidation, dosing exercise safely, and simple changes clinicians can make, including intake questions, environment adjustments, and referral pathways, to improve care and reduce harm.

Special guests in this episode:

• Bonnie Southgate - founder of Movement Anatomy Essentials, MSK advisor at SEDSconnective
• Jessica Janneman - Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist at Ease Therapies
• Rosi Sexton - Osteopath at Olton Health and Performance, host of the Everyday Athlete Podcast.

Useful Links

• Bonnie Southgate Website: Movement Anatomy Essentials
• Jessica Janneman Website: Ease Therapies
• Rosi Sexton Website - Olton Health & Performance
• SEDS Connective Website
• NeuroflectUK on Facebook
• Sports Therapy Association Website

Future episodes in this series: 

• Part 3: 8pm Tuesday January 20th - 'Barriers'
  - James Dewar-Haggart - Founder of Strong Path - Neuroinclusive & Mental Health-Informed Sports Coaching 
  - Lesley Campbell - Massage Therapist at Lesley Campbell Massage
  
  
• Part 4 - 8pm Tuesday January 27th - 'The Neurodivergent Therapist'
  - Sarah Meharg - Occupational Therapist and Neurodivergent Accessibility & Inclusion Consultant at Moodlifter and Neuroflectuk
  - Kassandra Clemens - founder of Heal Your Confidence, a Level 7 Specific Learning Differences Specialist who helps in particular late-identified neurodivergent professionals.
  - Benjamin Mace-Crossley - Repose Injury Rehab – 3rd year BSc Sports Rehabilitator

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.268 'Neurodivergence in Healthcare - Part 1 of 4: Communication'

Welcome to a new season of 'The STA Clinician Podcast' (formerly known as The Sports Therapy Association Podcast').

We start 2026 with a four part series focussing on 'Neurodivergence In Healthcare', with the goal of providing information to help MSK clinicians work closer & more effectively with neurodivergent patients/clients, and also to offer support for neurodivergent therapists in how to deal with the challenges that can often bring.

In the first part of this series, host Matt Phillips, creator of Runchatlive.com, is joined by a panel of special guests who together look at the vital role that communication can play when working with a neurodivergent patient/client, or interacting with a neurodivergent practitioner/colleague. The panel discuss the role of communication in shaping diagnosis and treatment, the differences in pain experience that neurodivergent patients & clients often have in comparison to neurotypical individuals, and provide practical, person-centred tips to help clinicians avoid the diagnostic overshadowing that sadly happens all too often when we do not have the knowledge, understanding or awareness of these differences.       

This episode offers real-world examples, common pitfalls (dismissal, rushed consultations) and clear strategies including asking how a condition is affecting the patient, actively listening & believing what they say, avoiding assumptions, and offering to recap key points in writing.

Special guests in this episode:

• Rosi Sexton of Olton Health and Performance – Osteopath, host of the Everyday Athlete Podcast, pioneer in women’s mixed martial arts, and the first British woman to ever compete in the UFC.
• Kassandra Clemens, founder of Heal Your Confidence, a Level 7 Specific Learning Differences Specialist who helps in particular late-identified neurodivergent professionals.
• Benjamin Mace-Crossley of Repose Injury Rehab – a 3rd year BSc Sports Rehabilitator as well as celebrated neurodiverse noise maker (check out 'We Have Ghosts' on Spotify)

Useful Links

• Rosi Sexton Website - Olton Health & Performance
• Kassandra Clemens Webiste- Heal Your Confidence
• Benjamin Mace-Crossley on Instagram - @Repose.InjuryRehab
• NeuroflectUK on Facebook
• Sports Therapy Association Website

Future episodes in this series: 

• Part 2 - 8pm Tuesday January 13th - 'Hypermobility'
  - Bonnie Southgate - founder of  movementanatomyessentials.co.uk and MSK advisor at SEDSconnective 
  - Jessica Janneman - Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist at Ease Therapies
  - Rosi Sexton - Osteopath at Olton Health and Performance, host of the Everyday Athlete Podcast, first British woman to ever compete in the UFC.
  
  
• Part 3 - 8pm Tuesday January 20th - 'Barriers'
  - James Dewar-Haggart - Founder of Strong Path - Neuroinclusive & Mental Health-Informed Sports Coaching 
  - Lesley Campbell - Massage Therapist at Lesley Campbell Massage
  
  
• Part 4 - 8pm Tuesday January 27th - The Neurodivergent Therapist
  - Sarah Meharg - Occupational Therapist and Neurodivergent Accessibility & Inclusion Consultant at Moodlifter and Neuroflectuk
  - Kassandra Clemens - founder of Heal Your Confidence, a Level 7 Specific Learning Differences Specialist who helps in particular late-identified neurodivergent professionals.
  - Benjamin Mace-Crossley - Repose Injury Rehab – 3rd year BSc Sports Rehabilitator
  
  

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.267 'Christmas 2025 Special' with the STA Team

And so we reach the final episode of 2025! The Sports Therapy Association Podcast has now been streaming LIVE every Tuesday Night at 8pm for an incredible 5 years and 7 weeks, and as the 2025 end of year festivities rapidly approach, host Matt Phillips is joined by some of the Sports Therapy Association team who together look back at the highlights of 2025, and look forward to what will, could or should be happening in 2026. 

On The Christmas Panel:

• Gary Benson - Founder of The STA
• Scott Loynes - Regional Rep Coordinator and host of the weekly STA Coffee Chats
• Gemma Puzas - Host of ‘Women In Sports Therapy’ Community & Podcast (WIST)
• Stevie Barr - STA Champion & Founder of the Scottish Therapists Facebook Group

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Sports Therapy Association Podcast
• 00:02:25 - Meet the STA Panel
• 00:11:03 - Reflecting on Therapist Wellbeing
• 00:12:37 - The Importance of Therapist Personal Welfare
• 00:15:42 - Strategies to Avoid Therapist Burnout
• 00:24:53 - Women’s Health Focus
• 00:32:11 - Conversations on Female Athletes
• 00:38:39 - Disability Awareness Month
• 00:41:19 - Looking back at the Reflections series
• 00:44:40 - Optimism for the Future of Massage
• 00:51:16 - Collaboration Among Sports Therapy Stakeholders
• 00:58:31 - January 2026 Focus on Neurodivergence

Useful Links

• Sports Therapy Association Website

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the Sports Therapy Association podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.266 'Should Sports Therapists Diagnose?' with special guest Anna Maria Mazzieri

In Ep.266 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, Matt Phillips hosts a candid discussion with Anna Maria Mazzierri, Director of The ST School,  and Gary Benson, Founder Of The STA, about whether sports therapists should diagnose. They explore the difference between vocational and university routes, the current unregulated landscape, professional membership standards, and legal and insurance implications.

Key takeaways include prioritising clinical reasoning and red-flag screening, the value of referral and communication, protecting scope of practice through strong governance and reflective CPD, and the importance of listening to and treating the whole person rather than chasing labels.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Sports Therapy Association Podcast
• 00:02:05 - Meet the Guests: Anna Maria Mazzieri and Gary Benson
• 00:05:31 - Defining Sports Therapists
• 00:07:45 - The Challenge of Title Regulation
• 00:09:33 - Professional Associations and Standards
• 00:10:31 - The Role of Professional Associations
• 00:12:12 - Education and Experience in Therapy
• 00:15:25 - Diagnosis and Its Implications
• 00:24:22 - The Power of Communication
• 00:36:58 - The Value of Therapists
• 00:41:27 - The Importance of Listening
• 00:49:10 - Red Flags in Therapy
• 00:54:12 - Conversations Over Consultations
• 00:55:39 - Insurance and Scope of Practice
• 00:59:34 - Emphasizing Patient Relationships
• 01:02:22 - Looking Ahead to Collaboration in 2026
• 01:06:00 - Thanks to Society of Sports Therapists (SST) and Sports Therapy Organisation (ST0) 

Useful Links

• The ST School Website
• Sports Therapy Association Website
  

   

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the Sports Therapy Association podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.

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.