We continue our countdown to the STA South West Conference happening in Exmouth this September 20th and 21st, in collaboration with the ST School and Hands ON Hub. Host Matt Phillips is joined by Director of The ST School Anna Maria Mazzieri, who discusses what evidence-informed practice means in Massage Therapy.  

The episode explores topics including how trauma and chronic pain interact, the somatic effects of touch, and practical, evidence‑based approaches to working with scars. Anna Maria talk about the online CPD Webinar offered by The ST School: "Evidence Based Practice in Massage Therapy: What Social Media Doesn’t Tell You!" (see link in notes), including some of the surprises & benefits that attendees typically experience. Also discussed is the value of reflective CPD, and how therapists can better communicate, debate and apply research in clinic and online forums.

Anna Maria Mazzieri is giving the following presentations at the conference in September: 

• Sat Sep 20th 3.10pm Main Theatre: "When Pain Echoes Trauma & When Massage Echoes Embodiment"


• Sun Sep 21st 9.00am Breakout Room: "Massage & Manual Therapy for Scars"

Full details & conference tickets are available at https://thestschool.co.uk/hands-on-hub-sta-conference-2025/. STA members have a discount code which can be found in the latest STA Newsletter & Facebook Members page.

Useful Links

• CPD Webinar "Evidence Based Practice in Massage Therapy"


• Website: The ST School


• Conference Details & Tickets

Next Podcast Episode:

• Tuesday September 16th 8pm: James Earls, Writer, Lecturer & Bodyworker, and founder of Born to Move.

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.