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:

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

Interested in joining the STA?

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

Countdown to the ‘STA South West Conference’

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

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?

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.

Interested in Joining The STA?

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

Hannah Tabram

Stevie Barr

Gary Benson

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 [email protected]. 

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

The Hands On Hub & STA Conference

Interested in joining the STA?

Have you ever felt the need to post anonymously in a Facebook Group, in fear of judgement & retribution from more experienced therapists trying to promote evidence informed practice within the massage industry? Is this confrontation causing therapists to doubt themselves & leave the industry, or should we learn to be more resilient and see comments from other therapists as a way to develop our own practice & become better clinicians?

The conversation unfolds around two contrasting realities: the positive exchange of ideas and the harmful criticisms often met in these forums. The panelists bravely share stories of feeling belittled or unsupported, yet they also hint at the potential for these platforms to foster meaningful connections when managed with empathy and respect.

As the episode progresses, listeners are prompted to reflect on their own communication practices in digital spaces, encouraging a shift towards a more supportive and understanding online community. Join us for an insightful discussion that sheds light on the real challenges faced by massage therapists in the digital age.

Part 2 - Coming Soon!

Panel In This Episode

A huge thank you to all members of the panel. We sincerely hope this episode generates interest & reflection. If you have any feedback, please feel free to share in the YouTube comments section, or email [email protected]. 

In the twelfth of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by Cecily Hislop of South Phoenix Massage Therapy, who reflects on Ep118 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast ‘Massage & Manual Therapy: A Modern View', that was recorded back in 2022 with Paul Coker & Anna Maria Mazzieri

Cecily discusses the challenges we have of re-shaping the clinical massage industry, breaking down traditional misconceptions and introducing new techniques to improve patient care. From understanding the significance of interpersonal communication to recognizing the enduring impact of touch, this episode promises valuable insights for therapists striving to enhance their practice.

Listen now to reflect, adapt, and evolve as Matt and Cecily dissect crucial themes for holistic therapy, with advice on how to support your clients effectively. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or just starting out, there's something enlightening in this episode for everyone.

Useful Links

The Hands On Hub & STA Conference

Questions?

In the eleventh of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by Nichola Smith of Chamomilehealthholistic.uk, reflects on Ep210 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast “Musculoskeletal Health at Menopause”, that was recorded August 27th 2024 with special guest Michelle Lyons.

Nichola discusses the impact menopause & perimenopause can have on musculoskeletal health, and the power of strength training as a transformative tool for women. Listen to discover practical strategies for navigating menopause, including the importance of holistic approaches such as dietary adjustments, sleep hygiene, and magnesium supplements, along with exploring the psychosocial aspects affecting women's health. Nichola shares her own experiences and invaluable resources to support women in conquering menopause-related challenges and embracing a healthier lifestyle.

This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for women seeking to empower themselves during menopause and for therapists aiming to provide compassionate, informed guidance for their clients navigating this crucial life stage. Don't miss the practical advice and empowering discourse aimed at enriching the lives of women in their perimenopausal and menopausal journeys.

Useful Links

The Hands On Hub & STA Conference

Questions?

In the tenth of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by Sports Therapist Rebecca Stone of glos-sportstherapy.co.uk, who reflects on Ep.2 'Imposter Syndrome’, recorded June 2nd 2020 with special guest Jack Chew of the Physio Matters Team.

Imposter Syndrome, the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills, is something that many soft tissue therapists suffer one time or another, exacerbated by self-comparison to allied health professionals like Physiotherapists, Osteopaths or Chiropractors.

Useful Links

The Hands On Hub & STA Conference

This will be a brand new style of CPD Conference, designed to kickstart the future of Healthcare Education. There’s a full day of presentations, workshops and practical sessions on the Saturday, a social buffet on the Saturday night, then a half day on Sunday including opportunities to reflect in groups on what you have learnt, plan together how the content will actually you’re your practice evolve. 

There’s an Early Bird ticket til the end of June AND a discount code for STA members which can be found on the STA Members page. 

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast?

Questions?

In the ninth of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by clinical massage therapist Jessica Janneman of Ease Therapies, who reflects on Ep.222 'A Therapist’s Guide To Hypermobility ‘ that was recorded in December 2024 last year with special guest Bonnie Southgate.

Jessica shares her personal journey and that of her daughter, with hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). She discusses the challenges it has brought, and how her own experience has informed her clinical massage practice. The episode emphasizes the lack of information out there regarding heritable connective tissue disorders, and the continued misdiagnosis that, in the case of Jessica, caused fourty years to pass before she it was finally recognised.  Jessica explains the crucial role of massage therapists in understanding and supporting clients with connective tissue disorders, and their potential to truly empower and transform lives.

Useful Links

The Hands On Hub & STA Conference

This will be a brand new style of CPD Conference, designed to kickstart the future of Healthcare Education. There’s a full day of presentations, workshops and practical sessions on the Saturday, a social buffet on the Saturday night, then a half day on Sunday including opportunities to reflect in groups on what you have learnt, plan together how the content will actually you’re your practice evolve. 

There’s an Early Bird ticket til the end of June AND a discount code for STA members which can be found on the STA Members page. 

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast?

Questions?