Podcast

STA121: 'Pre/Post Pregnancy: Crossfit & Lifting Weights’ with guest Sonia Fierro

In Ep.121 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, our countdown to Therapy Expo 2022 November 23rd & 24th at the NEC Birmingham continues, bringing you speakers who will be presenting in the STA THEATRE across the two days.

In this episode, we are joined by Sonia Fierro, a qualified Osteopath & Sports Therapist who has worked as part of the medical team of various elite sports - from GB Fencing, to GB Diving and Swimming and was part of the CrossFit Europe/Meridian Athlete Services team. Sonia is a nationally ranked Powerlifting athlete and holds the Italian Deadlift Record for the U57 category.

Sonia, who has herself recently had a baby, will be talking about how her crossfit and lifting of weights was/has been affected & adjusted pre & post pregnancy. Sonia is a hugely popular speaker at Therapy Expo, and has two presentations on the Thursday. She will also be in the STA Theatre on the Wednesday at 9.15am joining the 'Women In Sports Therapy (WIST) round table discussion.

Topics discussed include:

5:30 Sonia's CV
9:00 Sonia's decision to share her experience on Instagram
10:47 Disclaimer - none of the content of this episode is to replace professional medical advice!
12:55 Let's start the photos - prenatal exercise at around 30 weeks
16:30 Should one start new exercise during pregnancy?
18:40 Exercise can make pregnant women FEEL better, and that doesn't just mean yoga!
24:00 Does the increase in hormone Relaxin increase risk of injury during pregnancy?
26:40 Kettle Bell Swings, Overhead Squats and more...
27:58 Post Pregnancy exercise - how accurate are the guidelines?
31:30 The principles of progression and using a personal trainer
35:00 Rollercoaster of emotions
45:30 Breastfeeding & Calorie consumption
49:00 How does one find the time to exercise post pregnancy?
57:55 Sonia at Therapy Expo 2022

Useful Links

Sonia's Website: https://recoverstronger.co/
Sonia on Instagram: @sonia.recoverstronger
Sonia's CrossFit program during pregnancy & post natal early return to activity led by @christina_prevett from @thebarbellmamas.
Sonia's Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: Jenny @fourtherapy
Therapy Expo Website
STA Website

Our sincere thanks to Sonia Fierro (& her baby daughter!) for giving up her time to be a guest on the show! Remember, Sonia will be part of the Women In Sports Therapy's 'Round Table Chat' in the STA Theatre at Therapy Expo on Wednesday 23rd October at 9.15am!

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. 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.

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STA120: 'Have Your Say' - October 2022

On the first tuesday of every month on the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we invite YOU to join us live on YouTube to 'HAVE YOUR SAY!'

> > > PLEASE NOTE: on Video, SOUND STARTS at 1:47 (apologies for the technical issue!)

Host Matt Phillips (creator of runchatlive.com) is joined by Gary Benson - Founder of The Sports Therapy Association (STA), Catherine Rimer - STA Rep for Leeds/ West Yorkshire, Becky Carroll - STA Regional Rep for South West, and Keith Burnett - STA Regional Rep for East Midlands & Neck Guru.

In this episode, as always recorded LIVE on YouTube then uploaded as a podcast, topics include:

NOTE: on Video, SOUND STARTS at 1:47 (apologies for the technical issue!)
STA Auditing - STA Dropbox Folder: CPD statements & please label your files.
Getting ready for Therapy Expo: November 23rd & 24th 2022
8:38 - James Earls & Evolution of Practice (STA Podcast Ep.119)
10.06 - Keith Burnett - Working In Elite Sport - Keith's 12 Year Journey
13:14 - Becky Carroll - Looking Back: Imposter Syndrome
15:07 - Gary Benson - Looking Back: Progressing from Manual Therapy to Movement
19:10 - Catherine Rimer - Looking Back: Changes in Narrative. Lessons from AnnaMaria Mazzieri & Paul Coker (STA Podcast Ep.118)
22:50 - Keith Burnett - Cervical Movement & Iron Maiden
26:00 - Keith Burnett - Beating snobbery in the World of Academia (STA Podcast Ep15)
34:20 - Keith Burnett - Treatment & Management of Neck Injury
36:50 - Dr Gary Mendoza (STA Podcast Ep.117): Make sure you see his presentation in the STA Theatre at Therapy Expo 2022!
40:10 - Becky Carroll's recommendations for Therapy Expo: Dr Jenny Burrell 10am in the STA Theatre on Wednesday Nov 24th and the 'Women In Sports Therapy Podcast (WIST)' round table chat at 9am on Wednesday Nov 24th.
46:50 - Reminder of the Speaker Program in the STA Theatre at this year's Therapy Expo.

Useful Links

Our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for the live recording, and of course everyone who leaves ratings & reviews for the podcast. STA members - be sure to use the STA discount when purchasing Therapy Expo tickets. If you are unsure of what the code is, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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. 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.

STA119: 'Understanding The Human Foot' with special guest James Earls

In Ep.119 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, our countdown to Therapy Expo 2022 November 23rd & 24th at the NEC Birmingham continues, bringing you speakers who will be presenting in the STA THEATRE across the two days.

In this episode, we are joined by James Earls, a hugely popular writer, lecturer and bodyworker specialising in Myofascial Release and Structural Integration. He is the author of internationally acclaimed books including 'Understanding the Human Foot', 'Born To Walk' and 'Fascial Release for Structural Balance'.

In this episode, James talks about how the information & education he provides, as well as his own practice, have evolved over the last ten years, and discusses his up & coming presentiion at Therapy Expo - 'Understanding the Human Foot ' - taking place 11.30am on Wednesday 23rd November in the STA Theatre.

Topics discussed include:

5:16 A chat with James about his long, long, long, career.
7:45 How conventions like Therapy Expo have now become more about education rather than just selling of products.
13:40 A look at the Born To Move website and courses offered https://www.borntomove.com/
16:50 Why James moved away from Anatomy Trains
21:00 How the teaching of anatomy needs to change
41:00 Assessing patients - limitations of ststic testing
48:30 Understanding how the mody interacts through gait analysis
52:50 James Earls: New book coming!
56:40 James Earls at Therapy Expo this year, Wed 23rd Oct at 11.30am in the STA Theatre

Useful Links

Website: Born To Move
Twitter: @_borntomove
Instagram: @_borntomove
Therapy Expo Website

Our sincere thanks to James Earls for giving up his time to be a guest on the show! Remember, James will be presenting in the STA Theatre at Therapy Expo on Wednesday 23rd October at 11.30am!

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. 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.

STA118: 'Massage & Manual Therapy: A Modern View' with guests Anna Maria Mazzieri & Paul Coker

In Ep.118 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we continue our countdown to Therapy Expo 2022 November 23rd & 24th at the NEC Birmingham, bringing you speakers who will be presenting in the STA THEATRE across the two days.

In this episode, we are joined by two fantastic educators from our industry: Anna Maria Mazzieri - Director of The School & one third of the Massage Collective; and Paul Coker - Owner of Move Physiotherapy & former Medical Director for Rocktape UK.

Anna Maria and Paul talk about their up & coming presentation at Therapy Expo 'Massage & Manual Therapy: A Modern View', taking place at 9am on Thursday 24th November in the STA Theatre. With the huge amount of experience these two excellent practicioners have, this is definitely an episode to watch/listen to!

Topics discussed include:

Therapy Expo - the early days in Manchester
This year's 'Hands on Hub' area at Therapy Expo
How times have changed - no longer being defined by your job title
An end to the 'hands on vs. hands off' debate
Evidence Informed vs Evidence Based
What is Soft Tissue Therapy?
Physiotherapy: different career path to Sports Therapy
54:10 A look at the STA Theatre programme
Paul and Anna Maria's key messages for soft tissue therapists.

Useful Links

Our sincere thanks to Anna Maria Mazzieri & Paul Coker for giving up their time to be guests on the show! Remember, they will be presenting in the STA Theatre at Therapy Expo at 9.15am on Thursday 24th November!

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. 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.

STA117: 'Understanding Your Client's Behaviour Change Journey' with special guest Dr Gary Mendoza

In Ep.117 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we start the countdown to Therapy Expo 2022 November 23rd & 24th at the NEC Birmingham, bringing you speakers who will be presenting in the STA THEATRE across the two days.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Gary Mendoza, founder & director of ‘Stages of Change’, who will be presenting in the STA Theatre at 11.30am on Thursday 24th November: 'Understanding Your Client's Behaviour Change Journey.'

With a PhD in Nutrition and particular interest in the psychology of change, Dr Mendoza trained under the founders of Motivational Interviewing (MI) Professors Stephen Rollnick & William Miller, and has since completed advanced MI training, introduction to counselling and a level 5 diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Whether your client is rehabbing an injury or looking for performance gains, communication skills & an understanding of the foundational processes behind behavioural change play a vital role in helping them make the lifestyle changes they require.

Topics discussed include:

How the website stagesofchange.co.uk can offer soft tissue therapists
What is Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how can it help soft tissue therapists?
The Stages of Change Model, developed by Prochaska in the 1970’s.
The foundational processes behind Behavioural Change
Tips on how to improve communication within the subjective consultation
The foundational processes behind Behavioural Change

Useful Links

Our sincere thanks to Dr Gary Mendoza for giving up his time to be a guest on the show! Remember, he will be presenting in the STA Theatre at Therapy Expo at 11.30am on Thursday 24th November!

STA116: 'Have Your Say' - September 2022 - Therapy Expo Special

On the first tuesday of every month on the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we invite YOU to join us live on YouTube to 'HAVE YOUR SAY!'

Host Matt Phillips, creator of runchatlive.com, is joined by Gary Benson, Founder of The Sports Therapy Association (STA), Dr Fiona Higgs, host of the Women in Sports Therapy Podcast (WIST), and Liam Richardson (Content Manager for Therapy Expo). In this episode, as always recorded LIVE on YouTube then uploaded as a podcast, topics include:

This year's Therapy Expo on November 23rd & 24th at the Birmingham NEC (with guest Liam Richardson - Content Manager for Therapy Expo), including details of all speakers in the STA Theatre.
Acupuncture & Dry Needling: Risk vs Reward (discussing the recent Ellen White announcement)
Other STA news & events of interest to Sports Therapists & Sports Massage Therapists.

Useful Links

Our sincere thanks to Liam Richardson of Therapy Expo for giving up his time to be a guest on the show. STA members - be sure to use the STA discount when purchasing Therapy Expo tickets. If you are unsure of what the code is, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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. 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.