Advertise on podcast: The STA Clinician Podcast

In Part 3 of our focus this month 'Common Frustrations For MSK Clinicians', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Ben Cormack of Cor-Kinetic, and Adam Meakins 'The Sports Physio'. Ben & Adam are founders of 'The Better Clinician Project (BCP)', an online continuing professional development (CPD) and education platform for healthcare and rehabilitation professionals, providing accessible and evidence‑based education for clinicians. With a focus on critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and practical decision‑making, the course reveals to Ben & Adam many of the common frustrations felt by MSK clinicians, and in this episode they talking about four of top frustrations and how practitioners can overcome them: How to find trustworthy information How to tolerate diagnostic uncertainty Balancing clinical freedom with workplace or financial constraints Dealing with other clinicians erroneous narratives 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒅𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆. Also discussed is this episode is the much anticipated return of Adam & Ben to Therapy Show this year (formerly known as Therapy Expo), November 25th & 26th at the NEC Birmingham. The Better Clinician Project are having a stand this year where attendees can meet and chat with Ben & Adam, and Ben will be speaking on Day 2 (Thursday 26th Nov) in Theatre A, 11:45am to 12:15pm: “Exercise for Back Pain: It might not work the way you think!” Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:03:14 - Welcome Ben Cormack & Adam Meakins 00:06:01 - Understanding the Better Clinician Project 00:15:17 - Common Frustrations in Clinical Practice 00:28:11 - Navigating Uncertainty in Diagnosis 00:37:59 - Practicing Autonomy in Treatment 00:42:59 - Dealing with Erroneous Narratives 00:52:23 - Upcoming Events and Projects Useful Links Better Clinician Project Website - betterclinicianproject.com Ben Cormack Website: Cor-kinetic.co.uk Adam Meakins Website: Adammeakins.com 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.

In Part 2 of our focus this month 'Common Frustrations For MSK Clinicians', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Carla Bickerstaffe, Sports Therapist & part of the Invictus Games Medical Team, and Emily Gilbert, a Chronic Pain Specialist and owner of Framework Sports Massage. Carla and Emily talk discuss their frustration with the term “soft skills”, and explain why soft skills such as communication, difficult conversations, documentation and supervision do matter as much as hands-on techniques. They also talk about their annoyance of what seems like an ever-increasing number of very short online qualifications that allow individuals to then adopt the title of Sports Therapist, and the risks posed by these courses within isolated practice. The episode highlights practical solutions: better patient-led training, collaboration and supervision, joining reputable professional associations, and adopting evidence-informed approaches to working with pain and complex cases. Useful Links Carla Bickerstaffe On Instagram: @sportstherapybycarla Emily Gilbert Website: Frameworksportsmassage Emily Gilbert On Instagram: @frameworksportsmassage   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.

This month on the STA Clinician Podcast, our focus is 'Common Frustrations For MSK Clinicians'. In Part 1, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Imi Testa, owner of Back On Track Soft Tissue Therapy, and Jo Turner, founder of Mehab.co.uk. Imi and Jo discuss the all too often polarised debate over 'good posture', and the misconception that maintenance massage is merely a luxury. The conversation covers safe peer spaces, coaching and clinician self‑care, the limits of purely biomechanical thinking, and the value of collaboration and awareness in practice. Imi talks about the exciting new course she has created with fellow therapist Joanne Crawley, created for people in midlife and beyond that incorporates exercise for strength, balance and mobility. Jo Turner mentions her highly respected 'Coaching Unpeeled' course, delivered online with Joanne Elphinstone of JEMS Movement, designed to help MSK clinicians partner more effectively with patients, reduce sense of pressure and enable patients to participate in their treatment with greater engagement and motivation. Part one of the series—practical, honest, and reflective. Useful Links Back On Track Soft Tissue Therapy Website Imi Testa & Joanne Crawley New Course Details Mehab.co.uk Website Coaching Unpeeled April Course 2026  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.

The Sports Therapy Association (STA), The Society of Sports Therapists (SST) and the Sports Therapy Organisation (STO) are widely recognised as the three main professional membership bodies specifically representing Sports Therapists in the UK. In Ep.279 of the STA Clinician Podcast 'Collaboration: Therapy Show 2026 & Beyond', host Matt Phillips is joined by representatives from each of these professional membership bodies, who discuss how by working together in collaboration the Sports Therapy Industry can move forwards & upwards. They also reflect on what’s in store at this year’s Therapy Show, formerly known as Therapy Expo, which is taking place at the NEC Birmingham this November, on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th.   Representatives from the three professional bodies:  • Kate Williams, Head of Education at The SST (Society of Sports Therapists) • Sarah Catlow, Chair of the STO (Sports Therapy Organisation) • And Gary Benson, founder of the STA (Sports Therapy Association) The panel discusses conference goals, public education, professional membership, education standards, and the language around diagnosis and clinical decision-making. The episode highlights opportunities for unified messaging, better accreditation and training, and the power of multidisciplinary events to raise standards, protect patients, and support practitioners across the sector. Chapter Markers 00:00:15 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:02:32 - Introducing guests Kate Williams, Sarah Catlow and Gary Benson 00:04:42 - Reflections on Therapy Expo 2025 00:07:20 - Collaboration: The Society of Sports Therapists (SST), The Sports Therapy Organisation (STO) and the Sports Therapy Association (STA) 00:10:33 - Clinical Decision Making 00:12:27 - The Diagnosis Debate 00:17:30 - Addressing Public Awareness 00:20:27 - The Value of Professional Membership 00:22:53 - Supporting New Graduates 00:24:49 - The Importance of Standards 00:31:44 - Concerns About Therapy Show 2026 00:35:29 - Pricing and Accessibility 00:38:07 - Future Collaborations 00:43:22 - Ensuring Quality Education 00:50:44 - Conclusion and Future Events Useful Links The Society of Sports Therapists Website The Sports Therapy Organisation Website  The Sports Therapy Association Website Therapy Show Website STA South Conference 2026 - Saturday May 9th STA Midlands Conference 2026 - Saturday June 20th Neurodivergent MSK Clinicians Facebook Group  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.

In Ep.278 of the STA Clinician Podcast, entitled 'Why is Therapy Expo now Therapy Show?’ host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Liam Richardson, Content Director of Therapy Show. Liam explains why Therapy Expo, thirteen years after it first started, has now been rebranded as Therapy Show, including a focus on better content and attendee experience, new practical and business-focused sessions, speaker line-up highlights, and ticketing details for the 25–26 November event at the NEC Birmingham (England). Liam explains the reasons behind the new advisory and education committees, improvements to theatre sizes and interactive spaces, networking plans, and how organizers are working to make the show more inclusive and engaging for first-time visitors and neurodivergent clinicians. If you are a neurodivergent clinician, whether it be through formal diagnosis or not, you are welcome to join the Neurodivergent MSK Clinicians Facebook Group. Host Matt Phillips, creator of the group, will be consulting & updating members on developments for a more inclusive space at Therapy Show this year, including the planned 45-minute panel debate that Matt will be hosting.         Chapter Markers 00:00:15 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:02:12 - Introducing Content Manager Liam Richardson 00:04:15 - The Evolution of Therapy Expo 00:06:34 - What Caused the Rebrand? 00:08:47 - Enhancing Attendee Experience 00:14:56 - Speaker Lineup Highlights 00:17:14 - Addressing Advisory Board Concerns 00:18:57 - Ticket Pricing Strategy 00:31:03 - Networking Opportunities at the Show 00:34:02 - Making the Show Neurodivergent Friendly 00:37:06 - Communication is Key 00:45:19 - Collaboration and Future Discussions Useful Links Therapy Show Website Therapy Show on Instagram Therapy Show on Facebook Neurodivergent MSK Clinicians Facebook Group   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.

In Ep.277 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Tim Allardyce, founder of Rehab My Patient, who talks about how integration of AI into MSK rehab is revolutionising MSK Rehabilitation. The discussion looks at how Artificial Intelligence can support time-saving prescription, age & context-appropriate plans, data privacy & safety, and real clinic use-cases (note-taking, complaints, contracts). Tim explains how AI should support - not replace - clinicians, how it really doesn't need to be that expensive in 2026, using real examples from the exciting AI developments in ‘Rehab My Patient’ exercise prescription software. Tim also talks about his trip starting April 10th to summit Island Peak (6,189m), Mount Everest (8,848m) and  Lhotse (8,851m), to raise money for The Osteopathic Foundation, St. Dunstan's Education Group, The Sherpas, and Guy's & St. Thomas' Charity. We wish Tim the upmost of luck. Just Giving page is in the links.  Useful Links Rehab My Patent AI Video  Rehab My Patient Website Rehab My Patient on Instagram Tim Allardyce Summit Everest Just Giving Page  Tim Allardyce Summit Everest YouTube Channel 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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.