Dan ‘WheelsDan’ Metcalfe was in 2014 left paralysed from the waist down after a motorcycle accident. Four years later, his dreams of Paralympic hand-cycling were ended when he was hit by a car during a 600mile charity bike ride, with only 14 miles to complete. So what did he do? Achieve three scuba diving world records...

In this episode of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, Part 3 our series on 'Working With Athletes With Disabilities', Dan ‘WheelsDan’ Metcalfe shares with us honest & open details about his journey, and gives us an insight into the physical & psychological support he received along the way. With Dan are two specialists who have worked with him: Nicola Hunt, Neurological & Vestibular Physiotherapist, and Dr Katherine Dawson, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist. Together, they explore the importance of understanding identities, navigating PTSD, and the role of therapeutic alliance in recovery. 

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The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans, with adaptive sports to promote recovery, rehabilitation, and respect for those who serve. In this episode of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, Part 2 our series on 'Working With Athletes With Disabilities', we are joined by two of this year's Team UK competitors, Sam May & Gemma Barnes who, together with Sports therapist Carla Bickerstaffe & Massage Therapist Jenny Lane, give us a hugely valuable insight into being part of the Invictus Games, from the perspective of a competitor and as a member of the therapy support team.  

This episode emphasizes the therapeutic power of sport in recovery and the vital role of therapists in supporting athletes' physical and emotional journeys. Join us as we uncover the stories of resilience, camaraderie, and triumph over adversity, and learn how these games are not just about winning medals but also about healing and personal growth. Tune in to gain insights into working with athletes with disabilities and explore how the support of attentive therapists like Carla and Jenny can spark remarkable transformations.

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In Ep.231 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast we start a four episode special on 'Working With Athletes With Disabilities.' Part 1 introduces you to all of our guests over the next four weeks:

The episode, as always recorded live on YouTube and Facebook, emphasizes the power of achievement, overcoming obstacles, and redefining what's possible. Tune in for insights into the next three episodes, as well as personal stories and lively discussions on creating a more inclusive and understanding world for athletes with disabilities.

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And so we arrive at the final part of this month’s Focus on Women’s Health - Ep.230 ‘Developing Female Athletes: Women Are Not Small Men’ with special guest Dr Gemma Parry, Performance Specialist and Research Associate at the University of Bath.

Sharing her unique journey from dance to sports therapy and highlighting her rich experience across Olympic, Paralympic, and various sporting disciplines, Dr Parry explains critical areas like the adolescent growth spurt, physical literacy, and the multiple dimensions of youth athlete development, providing rich insights into the nuances of coaching and therapy for adolescent female athletes.

Dr Parry also introduces listeners to the Physical Literacy Toolkit, a valuable resource for therapists and educators focused on addressing the broader spectrum of children's development - biologically, psychologically, and socially. Tune in to understand how shifting paradigms can enhance the health and performance outcomes of female athletes in sports therapy.

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In Episode 229 of the Sports Therapy Association podcast, host Matt Phillips of runchatlive is joined by special guest Michelle Lyons, renowned women's health physiotherapist and creator of Celebrate Muliebrity. Michelle dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of pregnancy-related back and pelvic girdle pain. This episode is part three of this month's  focus on women's health, offering listeners vital insights and practical advice.

Discover the real causes of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, debunking the common myths surrounding the condition. Michelle emphasizes that the pain is not due to instability caused by the hormone relaxin, but rather by other factors that can be managed effectively. Through a combination of calming techniques, strength training, and empowering education, pregnant women can overcome the debilitating effects of pelvic pain.

This episode is packed with invaluable tips for therapists and pregnant women, aiming to provide hope and a clear path to relief. Join the conversation and gain access to strategies that prioritize not only the physical but also the emotional well-being of expectant mothers.

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Welcome to Ep.228 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast. In this episode, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Christien Bird and Joe McEwan, co-founders of Menopause Movement. They dive into Part 2 of our 'Focus On Women's Health' series, addressing the menopause, and in particular the associated changes in bone health and muscle mass that any healthcare professional with female clients or patients needs to be aware of. 

The discussion sheds light on the often misunderstood impact of menopause on women's physical and psychological well-being. Christine and Joe share their expertise on how oestrogen levels affect muscle and bone health and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercises such as strength training to combat the effects of aging.

Also covered are the broader social implications, including the challenges faced by women in their relationships and workplaces, and the role of healthcare professionals in providing supportive care. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding menopause, aiming to dispel myths and encourage informed decisions about health during this crucial phase of life.

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This month on the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, the focus is on ‘Women’s Health’, bringing you an amazing four part series of Women’s Health focussed episodes, with special guests including Christine Bird & Jo McEwan of Menopause Movement, Dr Gemma Parry from the English Institute of Sports, and Michelle Lyons of Celebrate Muliebrity.

In this Part 1 of the four episodes, entitled 'Avoiding the Booby Traps of Breast Weight Management', our special guest is Siobhan O'Donovan, aka ‘The Booby Physio’, who caused a storm of interest at last year’s Therapy Expo with her presentation about the impact that breast weight management can have on the physical, psychological and social health of women and girls. 

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In Ep.226 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, special guest Ben Holeyman, Senior Product Specialist for Jane App, delves into the world of Client Relationship Management (CRM), exploring how CRM tools can transform the way soft tissue therapists manage their businesses, enhance client relationships, and streamline operations.

Discover insights into digitalizing client records, automating appointment scheduling, utilizing advanced note-taking methods, and integrating with other essential tools. Learn about the impact of efficient onboarding and offboarding experiences on maintaining strong client relations and boosting referrals.

This episode also addresses common barriers like the transition from paper to digital systems, data safety considerations, and the cost-benefit analysis of employing robust CRM solutions. Whether you work solo or within a team, this discussion provides valuable strategies to upgrade your practice and improve your work-life balance.

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In Ep.225 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, host Matt Phillips welcomes guest experts Andy Thomas, Director of Physiquipe, and business consultant Andy Hosgood of andyhosgood.co.uk, for an enlightening discussion on the power of strategic collaboration in the healthcare business.

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Welcome to the Sports Therapy Association podcast, where we delve into insights that bridge the gap between evidence and practice in soft tissue therapy.

The episode shines a spotlight on the balance between leveraging digital platforms and maintaining tangible community connections. While Daniel champions YouTube as a viable business entity that aids in professional development and offers passive income, Katie emphasizes the lasting impact of offline strategies in building a resilient clinic within its community.

Listeners are invited to learn from Katie's approach to offline marketing, as detailed in her recently published book "Thriving: Health Professionals: The Simple and Honest Guide to Growing Your Clinic", and to Daniel’s expertise in making YouTube work for healthcare professionals, part of his up & coming course: "Creating YouTube Channels & Videos".

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