The STA Clinician Podcast

STA75 ‘Safety In Practice: Female Massage Therapist Episode‘

Despite it being 2021, we sadly STILL live in an age where Sports & Massage Therapists do not always feel safe during / after work. From inappropriate banter, comments & requests to stalking, attack & abuse, therapists within our industry are subjected to what many of us do not realise is shockingly common abuse, highlighting a total lack of understanding of what Sports & Remedial Massage is all about. 

In Ep.75 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we focus on safety at work for Female Massage Therapists, though the subject of safety of work is obviously one that can affect all therapists regardless of gender.  

We are joined live by nine female massage therapists, each of whom was kind enough to share personal details of their experiences and join each other in thought & discussion. The extent of this issue rapidly becomes apparent, causing us to seriously ask ourselves why this topic is so often ignored or swept under the carpet.

Warning: The subject matter in this episode may cause distress, so please check who is around you when you are listening.

If you are affected by the content of this episode and would like support or simply a chat, please email: events@thesta.co.uk

Topics discussed include:

• Why do we need this episode? - with Catherine Rimer, Becky Carol, Heather Venables

• My experience: Heather Venables

• The importance of trusting your instincts & believing in yourself (shout out to Sue Richards, former Prison Officer & PE Instructor in female & male jails).

• Why do many of us choose to 'laugh off' these stories, make them comical?

• What processes can be put into place to help minimise risk? - with Dr Fiona Higgs, Verity King, Danielle Chandler

• Advice on what to do if a situation arises - with Emma Wardle, Anne Cochrane, Sharon Hedley

• Working in a clinic environment vs. working from home vs. mobile therapy

• You are not alone; the importance of communication.

• Though the topic needs talking about & safety procedures put in place, don't let this episode put you off a fantastically rewarding career in Sports and Massage Therapy.

• What to do if you need support or simply a chat: email events@thesta.co.uk

Websites/Social Media

• Sports Therapy Association Open Group (Facebook)
• Sports Therapy Association (website) 
• Affected by this episode? Want to chat? Support is here. 

Please Support Our Podcast!

If you appreciate what we do, please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

Ep74 ‘Massage 2021 - Year of Change?‘ with special guests The Massage Collective

In Ep.74 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we welcome back to the show The Massage Collective - Anna Maria Mazzieri, Becky DeMott Horton & Matt Scarsbrook.

Though it's not quite Christmas yet, with Therapy Expo 2021 just around the corner it gives us an opportune moment to look back at 2021 at consider changes we have seen in the Sports Massage Industry over the year.

Anna Maria, Becky and Matt started the 'Massage Collective' back in October 2020 and from the outset proved to be key players in the promotion & facilitation of a shift in how massage therapy is presented within healthcare provision.

In this episode, Anna Maria and Matt (Becky could sadly not join us in the live studio) take a look at how far our Industry has come in a year, and what 2022 potentially holds in terms of goals, challenges and continued evolution.

Topics discussed include:

• Massage: 'It's All About The Nerves' 
• Elevator Pitch: What's changed in our understanding of massage?
• Working with Jack Chew and Physio Matters
• Limitations of randomised control trial study design
• Sources for Massage Therapists wanting to become more evidence based
• Communication & education amongst fellow therapists
• Therapy Expo 2021 at NEC Birmingham - November 25th and 26th 

Websites/Social Media

• Massage Collective on Facebook 
• Twitter: @am_mazzieri @beckydemott @TherapyEvolved

Enjoyed the episode?

Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

STA73 ‘Evidence Informed Pilates‘ with special guest Raphael Bender

In Ep.73 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we bring you an hour with special guest Raphael Bender, CEO of Breathe Education, a hugely popular Pilates training programme based in Australia, Melbourne.

With a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology, a Bachelor degree in Exercise and Sports Science, a Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy and full Stott Pilates instructor trainer certification, Raphael is host of the Pilates Elephants podcast, along with co-host Cloe Bunter.

In this episode, Raphael talks to us about the phases of focus change that Pilates has gone through since its inventor Joseph Hubertus Pilates first developed what he called "Contrology" in the early 20th century:

• 1960's - Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara operate their studio on Eighth Avenue in New York
• 1970's - the era of Romana Kryzanowska (one of Joseph's students)
• 1980's - Frank Philip Friedman and Gail Eisen (two of Romana's students) publish the first modern book on Pilates: The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning
• 1990's -  A study by Profesor Paul Hodges of Queensland University Australia on deep abdominal muscle the transversus abdominis (TrA) coins use of the term 'core stability' and the idea that the “drawing in” of this muscle during exercise could provide protection against back pain. Using this information, Contemporary Pilates is born.   

Raphael talks us through the misconceptions that emerged with the era of 'Contemporary Pilates', and explains how pre-1990s Pilates had no mention of 'core stability' or focus on individual muscles. In showing the evolution of Pilates, he draws many parallels to the evolution of soft tissue and manual therapy. Many of the concepts introduced in the late 1990's regarding posture, alignment and their proposed connection with pain have since proved to be less valuable than once considered, if not plain wrong. Does it mean we have to throw everything we have ever learnt away? Of course not, we just need to refocus slightly and continue the great work we can do.  

Raphael is an awesome educator and we offer our sincerest thanks to him for being our guest in this episode. If you are a soft tissue therapist (or indeed a Pilates instructor) looking to keep up with the times, make sure you follow him, Breathe Education & the excellent Pilates Elephant Podcast, for which links are below.    

Websites/Social Media

• Website: Breathe Education 
• Website: Pilates Elephant Podcast
• Instagram: @the_raphaelbender
• Facebook: @BreatheEducation

Enjoyed the episode?
Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

STA72 ‘Tokyo: Working With Elite Athletes‘ with special guest Poora Singh

In Ep.72 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we have the great pleasure of chatting with special guest Poora Singh, Clinic Director & Osteopath at the Edgbaston Performance Clinic.

His experience of working with elite athletes includes:

• Senior Osteopath for British Athletics Team GB at the recent Tokyo Olympic Games.
• Part of the Medical Team for Team GB at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
• Lead Therapist for the PGA European Challenge Tour, working on the Race to Dubai Physio Unit with the World's Elite Golfers travelling worldwide to Golf events.
• Consultant Osteopath to Birmingham City Football Club for the last 11 years and for Aston Villa Football Club for 4 years, and others.

In this episode, Poora shares some of his great experience of working with elite athletes, including discussion on:

• the differences & similarities of working with elites vs recreational athletes
• the take homes from working with elites that can be put into practice in everyday clinic.
• the importance of multidisciplinary care, for both the patient and the therapist
• the role of confidence & an ego-free-approach in achieving your career goals
• the balance between evidence informed practice, patient expectation and what you see working in clinic.

This was a fantastic hour and we sincerely thank Poora Singh for his time. A truly inspirational clinician, educator and mentor - well worth following & reaching out to for advice. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the "Trackside/Pitchside Therapy for Elite Athletes" workshop run with Mike Grice at Birmingham Movement Therapy

Websites/Social Media

• The Edgbaston Performance Clinic
• Twitter: @PooraSingh
• Instagram: @PooraSingh

Enjoyed the episode?
Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

Ep.71 ‘NSAIDs - Uses & Abuses‘ with special guest Dr Fiona Higgs

As therapists, some of you will be aware of the controversy that surrounds the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, particularly if taken prior or during endurance events such as triathlon, marathons & ultras. The organizers of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) World Series recently announced that they will be banning the use of painkillers within 24 hours and during all races.

In Ep.71 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we welcome back special guest Dr Fiona Higgs of move-well.co.uk, a Sport & Exercise Scientist, Educator, Sports Massage & Exercise Therapist and published scientific author.

During an online discussion about the UTMB announcement, Fiona raised the point that for some athletes, NSAIDs play a vital part in allowing participation, eg. those with physical disability and also athletes suffering from pain related to their menstrual cycle.

This developed rapidly into a discussion about how this decision by the UTMB happened without female members of the organisation not speaking up.

• Were there women involved in this management decision?
• Did they speak up?
• Were the many many female endurance runners who participate in these races asked for their input?
• Did they speak up?

We also discussed reports that when women are invited to speak on for example public podcasts or forums, the take up is often disappointingly low, including a surprising number of no replies to invitations.

• Is that women are too busy?
• Lack confidence?
• Have less desire to argue points in public?
• Or are we in danger of generalising and adding to gender stereotypes? 

We are keen to hear from anyone stimulated by this episode to add share experience and add comment, either anonymously or in person. Please feel free to email:
matt@thesta.co.uk
fiona@move-well.co.uk

Websites/Social Media

• move-well.co.uk
• Twitter: @fiona_higgs1

Enjoyed the episode?
Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

STA70 ‘Back Pain: Cast Study Special‘ with guests Rob Beaven and Dave Elliott

In Ep.70 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we welcome special guests Rob Beaven & Dave Elliott - hosts of The Back Pain Podcast, who share with us three of their own case histories involving clients with back pain, selected due to the fact that they each played a big part in their personal learning experience. Together, these case histories provide fantastic real life examples of how we can learn from the oversights & mistakes we as therapists typically make in the early days of our career, and how important self reflection is in helping us evolve and get better at what we do.

Rob was a guest back in Ep56 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast in June, in which he discussed common myths relating to lower back pain, and it was a pleasure to have him back with fellow host of The Back pain Podcast Dave Elliott. Be sure to check out all episodes of their excellent podcast, available on all popular players and on their website.

Case Studies discussed focus on:

• Cauda Equina: the importance of screening 
• Safety-netting: advising a patient that their condition could worsen
• Trusting your judgement: not automatically giving the patient what they want  

Websites/Social Media

• The Back Pain Podcast Website 
• Twitter: @thebackpainpod
• Facebook: @thebackpainpodcast 
• Instagram: @thebackpainpodcast 

Enjoyed the episode?
Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

STA69 ‘STA Catch Up‘ with Gary Benson, Ryan Smith and Becky Carrol.

In Ep.69 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, host Matt Phillips of Runchatlive is joined by STA founder Gary Benson for a Sports Therapy Association Monthly Catch Up, along with Ryan Smith, STA regional rep East Midlands and Becky Carol STA regional rep for South West of England.

Together they take a look at recent developments & changes within the Sports Therapy & Sports Massage Therapy Industries and ways in which the STA has/could help therapists to meet modern demands.

Topics discussed include:

• Shadowing
• Current recommended protocols for Covid19
• Therapy Expo 2021 (November 24th & 25th)  

Websites/Social Media

• STA website
• STA on Twitter @UK_STA
• STA on Facebook
• STA on Instagram @UK_STA
• Therapy Expo 2021 

Enjoyed the episode?
Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

STA68 ‘Therapists As Patients: What Can We Learn?‘ with special guest Dr Claire Minshull

In Ep.68 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we we welcome the return of Dr Claire Minshull, a hugely respected Rehabilitation specialist with over 20+ years experience working in sports medicine and health as a Senior Lecturer, Researcher, Consultant and Practitioner.

Back in July, Claire was knocked off her bike by a car, sustaining injury that included a dislocated sternoclavicular joint & concussion. Following surgery, we are pleased to say Claire is happily on the mend and in this episode will be sharing details of her personal rehabilitation, including what as therapists we can learn when the tables are turned and we become the patient.

Topics discussed include:

• Understanding the psychological trauma of someone involved in a serious collision injury. 
• Claire's personal experience of concussion.
• Concussion Going into and coming out of Surgery - factors to consider.
• How much does knowledge & experience help a therapist when they find themselves as the patient? 
• Post surgery rehab protocol - is it for everyone?     
• Claire's application of her own strength & conditioning principles to her personal rehabilitation.
• Has personal injury caused any modifications to Claire's very popular 'Strength & Conditioning for Therapists' course?  

Websites/Social Media

• Claire's website: getbacktosport.com
• 'Strength & Conditioning for Therapists' course - SIGN UP NOW!
• Twitter: @Claire_Minshull
• Instagram: @getbacktosport 

Enjoyed the episode?
Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

STA67 ‘Sports Therapists: Stop Pretending To be Physios!‘ with special guest Dr David Rhodes

"I am bemused by the Sports Therapy profession... Where have the rehab specialists gone, the sports science knowledge, the S&C competency? Stop pretending to be physios."

In Ep.67 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we are honoured to be joined by Dr David Rhodes, Course Lead in DProf in Elite Performance at the University of Central Lancashire. 

Qualifying as a Sports Scientist in 2003 and a Sports Therapy MSc in 2008, Dr Rhodes completed his PhD in 2017 in the temporal pattern of recovery in eccentric hamstring strength and dynamic stability in footballers, and in 2021 secured a consultancy role at Motherwell Football Club as Head of Medicine and Performance.

With 28 peer reviewed publications and currently working with the Premier League on research projects, Dr Rhodes will in this episode be discussing roles for Sports Therapists within performance departments, and why so many ST's are trying to be Physios! 

Topics discussed include:

• Why is Sports Therapy in danger of becoming extinct? 
• Why is Physiotherapy so often regarded as 'superior' to other degrees?
• Who's to blame? Employers, employees or both?    
• What are some important differences between Physiotherapy & Sports Therapy?
• What can Sports Therapists do to help improve the reputation of Sports Therapy?

Websites/Social Media

• DProf in Elite Performance at the University of Central Lancashire
• Dr David Rhodes on Twitter: @DrDavid_Rhodes 

Enjoyed the episode?
Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

STA66 ‘Understanding The Fear Avoidance Model‘ with special guest Jamie Johnston

Fear can help individuals in pain protect themselves from further harm as it prompts defensive behaviour. However, continued fear can lead to the avoidance of activities that people associate with their pain, often leading to distress, disability, absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs down the line. This is referred to as the Fear Avoidance Model.  

In Ep.66 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we we welcome back special guest Jamie Johnston, Registered Massage Therapist in Canada and creator of 'The Massage Therapist Development Centre' (www.themtdc.com).

Together with his partner in crime Eric Purves, Jamie is also the creator an host of podcast The Massage Therapist Development Initiative, a highly recommended source of free CPD with some awesome guests (especially the 'all things running' guy in Episode 6)!

In this episode of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, Jamie discusses and answers questions on how an understanding of the Fear Avoidance Model can equip soft tissue therapists with the skills to help clients & patients recover from injury & pain and return to their desired activities without falling prey to persistent fear.

Topics discussed include:

• History & definition of the 'Fear Avoidance Model'
• Dangers of persistent fear & avoidance of movement
• Link between the Fear Avoidance Model and the Biopsychosocial Model 
• Effect of therapist's belief system on patient  
• How therapists can instil confidence rather than fear 
• Jamie's Online Courses: Pain Management Using Therapeutic Movement
• Coming Soon: The MTDC Community Membership

Websites/Social Media

• Website: https://themtdc.com/
• Facebook: Massage Therapist Development Centre
• Twitter: @Jamie_MTDC  
• Podcast: The Massage Therapist Development Initiative

Enjoyed the episode?
Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes.

All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk