In the eighth of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by Physiotherapist Emily Sweet, who reflects on Ep.229 'Pregnacy Related Back and Pelvic pain‘ that was recorded earlier in February this year, with special guest Michelle Lyons.

Emily shares how the episode with Michelle Lyons played a hugely important part in giving her the confidence when working with pregnant women, providing valuable tips and insights on assessing & managing pregnancy related back & pelvic pain. Emily reminds us of the many common misconceptions, and how important it is to offer hope and reassurance to expectant mothers. Discover the importance of reflection, collaboration, and the role of massage therapy in supporting pregnant women. Tune in for an informative and engaging discussion that empowers both therapists and patients. Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Sports Therapy Association Podcast
• 00:02:45 - Welcoming guest Emily Sweet
• 00:08:35 - Importance of Reflection
• 00:10:24 - Insights from Episode 229
• 00:14:31 - The Impact of Pain on Pregnancy
• 00:21:33 - Addressing Red Flags
• 00:31:10 - Discussing Taboo Topics
• 00:44:33 - Understanding Constipation in Pregnancy
• 00:49:28 - Resources for Further Learning
• 00:49:53 - Upcoming Guests and Closing Remarks

The Hands On Hub & STA Conference We are thrilled to announce that Michelle Lyons will be one of the speakers at the STA South West Conference, happening 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.

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.

Useful Links

• Ep.229 'Pregnacy Related Back and Pelvic Pain‘ with special guest Michelle Lyons
• Michelle Lyons Website: Celebrate Muliebrity
• Emily Sweet on Instagram
• Isla Sell Physiotherapy Website

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast? If you would like to come on the show to chat about a past episode of the podcast, contact host Matt Phillips on social media, or email matt@thesta.co.uk. You will l need a pc or laptop (not your phone), with a quality internet connection (ethernet cable plugged directly into modem is best), and obviously webcam and mic.

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

In the seventh of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by Sports Massage Therapist Hannah Tabram, who reflects on Ep.87, 'Menopause Transition: Soft Tissue Implications’ that was recorded as Part 2 of our Women’s Health month back in February 2022, with special guest Jenny Burrell of Burrell Education.

Hannah discusses the implications of menopause on soft tissue health, highlighting the importance of recognizing perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms in clients. The episode emphasizes the significance of open communication and accurate information in empowering women experiencing menopause. Also presented is practical advice for therapists in improving subjective consultations, handling client concerns empathetically, and fostering a supportive environment to facilitate informed health decisions. The Hands On Hub & STA Conference Also mentioned in this episode is news on the STA South West Conference happening September 20th & 21st in Exmouth, in collaboration with The ST School’s Hands On Hub. Tickets are now on sale here at The ST School Website.

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.

Useful Links

• Ep.87 'Menopause Transition: Soft Tissue Implications’ with guest Jenny Burrell
• Burrell Education Website
• Hannah Tabram Website
• Hannah Tabram on Instagram
• Hannah Tabram on Facebook

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast? If you would like to come on the show to chat about a past episode of the podcast, contact host Matt Phillips on social media, or email matt@thesta.co.uk. You will l need a pc or laptop (not your phone), with a quality internet connection (ethernet cable plugged directly into modem is best), and obviously webcam and mic.

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

In the sixth of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by Physiotherapist Chareeya Kaewsawang, a.k.a. The Wee Physio, who reflects on Ep.73 'Evidence Informed Pilates’ that was recorded 19th October 2021 with special guest Raphael Bender of Breathe Education and The Pilates Elephants Podcast.

This episode explores traditional misconceptions in Pilates, especially the emphasis on pre-core activation and neutral pelvis, and delves into how modern evidence is shaping a more informed practice. Chareeya shares how these insights have impacted her work as a Pilates instructor and physiotherapist, emphasizing the importance of continually updating practices based on current research.

Perfect for Pilates instructors, physiotherapists, sports therapists, soft tissue therapists, and indeed anyone interested in integrating evidence-based practices while maintaining client satisfaction and improving outcomes. The episode also gives details on the upcoming 'Hands On Hub & STA Conference' taking place on September 20th & 21st, which promises to be a NEW type of conference that will "shape the future of healthcare education".

Useful Links

• Ep.73 'Evidence Informed Pilates’ with special guest Raphael Bender
• Chareeya Kaewsawang on Instagram @WeePhysio
• Website: NKPhysio.co.uk

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast? If you would like to come on the show to chat about a past episode of the podcast, contact host Matt Phillips on social media, or email matt@thesta.co.uk. You will l need a pc or laptop (not your phone), with a quality internet connection (ethernet cable plugged directly into modem is best), and obviously webcam and mic.

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

In the fifth of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined Massage & Movement Therapists Stevie Barr of Fit Thru Life and Tristen Attenborough of Move Massage Pro, who together reflect on Ep.74 of The Sports Therapy Association Podcast “Massage 2021 – The Year of Change?”, which was recorded back in October 2021 with special guests Anna Maria Mazzieri and Matt Scarbrook of The Massage Collective.

Together, Tristan, Stevie and Matt reflect on, three years after the original epioode was aired, question such as:

• Has the delivery of sports massage improved in the last few years?
• Are practitioners now more evidence informed?
• Are patient outcomes better as a result?

The conversation that pursues delves deep into exploration of the challenges posed by misinformation in our industry, and the opportunities for professional development. A fascinating listen for soft tissue therapists both experienced and new to the indusry.

Useful Links

• Ep.74 'Massage 2021 - Year of Change?' with special guests The Massage Collective
• Tristen Attenborough Website
• Stevie Barr Website
• Scottish Therapists Facebook Group

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast? If you would like to come on the show to chat about a past episode of the podcast, contact host Matt Phillips on social media, or email matt@thesta.co.uk. You will l need a pc or laptop (not your phone), with a quality internet connection (ethernet cable plugged directly into modem is best), and obviously webcam and mic.

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

In the fourth of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by Daniel Williams, Movement Therapist & DNM/MI educator, who reflects on Ep.64 'Motivational Interviewing For Client Communication’, recorded back in August 2021 with guest Dr Gary Mendoza. When Dr Gary Mendoza retired from delivering his Motivational Interviewing (MI) & Behaviour Change CPD course in 2022, Daniel Williams had already been working with Dr Mendoza to prepare for taking over delivery of the course, which included studying with the original co-founder of Motivational Interviewing, Dr Stephen Rollnick. Now in 2025, Daniel Williams delivers the Motivational Interviewing & Behaviour Change course alongside his other passion - 'Dermoneuromodulation' (DNM) - a structured, interactive approach to manual therapy developed by Diane Jacobs, that considers the nervous system of the patient from skin cell to sense of self.

In this podcast episode, Daniel discusses the nuances of MI, including its role in guiding rather than fixing clients, and how it fosters authentic and empathetic engagements. Daniel elaborates on the shift from the "Righting Reflex" to a more collaborative approach, offering practical tips for therapists to improve their interaction skills during therapy sessions.

This episode is ideal for therapists seeking to refine their communication techniques, emphasizing listening, understandinging client motivations, and the profound effect these skills have on therapy outcomes.

Useful Links

• Ep.64 'Motivational Interviewing For Client Communication’ with guest Dr Gary Mendoza
• Daniel Williams Website: https://www.themvmnttherapist.co.uk/
• Daniel Williams On Instagram: @daniel.williams.mvmnt

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast? If you would like to come on the show to chat about a past episode of the podcast, contact host Matt Phillips on social media, or email matt@thesta.co.uk. You will l need a pc or laptop (not your phone), with a quality internet connection (ethernet cable plugged directly into modem is best), and obviously webcam and mic.

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

In the third of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by Sarah Jones & Sal Martin of The ST School and Hands On Hub, who reflect on Ep.214 ‘What Values Make A Professional Therapist?' recorded back in September 2024 with guest Martin Christensen. Martin Christensen, a Norwegian physiotherapist best known for his podcast "Friday Physio Confessions", focuses on the human aspect of healthcare. He emphasizes the importance of building a genuine relationship between patients & healthcare providers, acknowledging that mistakes are a natural part of the human experience. In Ep.214 of the Sports Therapy Association podcast, recorded in September 2024, Martin spoke about the need for open communication, how a strong, authentic rapport can significantly enhance patient care and outcomes. He believes that this rapport can often be hindered by constraints created by the notion of 'being professional', an abstract set of values & principles that take the 'human' out of healthcare. Sarah and Sal reflect on Martin's past episode, exploring themes of professionalism, authenticity, and communication in the context of soft tissue therapy. Together they delve into the complexities of maintaining a therapeutic alliance while reflecting on client interactions, what it means to be professional, and adapting to individual client needs. Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome To the Sports Therapy Association Podcast
• 00:03:07 - Meet the Guests: Sarah Jones and Sal Martin
• 00:06:49 - Reflecting on Professional Values
• 00:10:27 - Navigating Imposter Syndrome
• 00:18:51 - The Role of Dress in Professionalism
• 00:22:32 - Language and Therapeutic Alliance
• 00:27:43 - Humor in Therapy: An Unprofessional Story
• 00:38:47 - Advice for New Therapists

Useful Links

• Ep.214 ‘What Values Make A Professional Therapist?' with Martin Christensen
• Friday Physio Confessions Podcast Website
• Martin Christensen on Twitter (X): @Martin_Nekkolai
• Sarah Jones website: affinitybodyworks.co.uk
• Sal Martin website: massagemotion.co.uk

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast? If you would like to come on the show to chat about a past episode of the podcast, contact host Matt Phillips on social media, or email matt@thesta.co.uk. You will l need a pc or laptop (not your phone), with a quality internet connection (ethernet cable plugged directly into modem is best), and obviously webcam and mic.

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

In the second of our 'Reflection Series', host Matt Phillips is joined by Sports Therapist Shannon Byrne of Rebound Injury Clinic in Dublin, who reflects on Ep.60 ‘Working With West End Pro Dancers’, recorded 21st July 2021 with guest Liz Bayley. Shannon reveals how following a car crash that forced her to reconsider her own personal future in dance, listening to Ep.60 with Liz Bayley gave inspiration to Shannon to focus on making herself the 'go-to-therapist for dancers', allowing her to use her own experience of pain & frustration to help other dancers avoid the same mistakes she had made. Now with a successful clinic in Dublin, Sharon shares her insights on injury prevention, strength conditioning for dancers, and the importance of understanding the dancer's mindset. Whether you're a therapist or simply interested in the world of sports therapy, this reflective episode offers valuable lessons on professional development and the power of looking back to move forward.

Useful Links

• Rebound Injury Clinic Website
• Rebound Injury Clinic on Instagram: @reboundinjuryclinic
• Rebound Injury Clinic on Facebook
• Liz Bayley Website

Other Episodes Of The STA Podcast With Liz Bayley

• Ep33 ' Virtual Consultation for Dancers'
• Ep.60 'Working with West End Pro Dancers'
• Ep.81 ‘Fascia Focus: Open Group Discussion‘
• Ep.122: ’The Dancer’s Foot’

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast? If you would like to come on the show to chat about a past episode of the podcast, contact host Matt Phillips on social media, or email matt@thesta.co.uk. You will l need a pc or laptop (not your phone), with a quality internet connection (ethernet cable plugged directly into modem is best), and obviously webcam and mic.

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk

Now we have 234 episodes of hugely valuable weekly topics & discussions on the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we have decided to start a series of shorter REFLECTION episodes, in which host Matt Phillips invites YOU the soft tissue therapist to pick one past episode of the podcast that has particularly affected your daily practice, and come on the show and chat about it. In this episode, Matt is joined by Nicki Mansfield of MMM Therapy, who takes us back to 21/2/2023 to reflect on Ep.137 'Healthcare For People With Learning Disabilities' with guest Alistair Beverley, The Learning Disability Physio. Nicky explains why this episode had a profound impact on her approach to therapy, discussing the concept of "diagnostic overshadowing," the importance of addressing biases in healthcare, and the need for continuous education and openness in practice.

Useful Links

• Alistair Beverley Webpage
• Twitter: @theLDphysio
• Instagram: @_theLDphysio_
• Facebook: @TheLDphysio
• TikTok: @_theldphysio_
• Nicki Mansfield on Instagram: @softtissuenicki
• Nicki Mansfield on Facebook: Mansfield Massage and Movement

Would YOU like to be a 'Reflection' guest on the podcast? If you would like to come on the show to chat about a past episode of the podcast, contact host Matt Phillips on social media, or email matt@thesta.co.uk. You will l need a pc or laptop (not your phone), with a quality internet connection (ethernet cable plugged directly into modem is best), and obviously webcam and mic.

Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk