STA86 ’Women’s Health - Part 1’ with special guests Dr Fiona Higgs PhD and Deborah Thurlow-Rowley

A new month means a new Focus Topic here on the Sports Therapy Association Videocast & Podcast, and the topic for February is... WOMEN'S HEALTH.

To start off our month, we welcome back to the podcast special guests Dr Fiona Higgs and Debs Thurlow-Rowley, who are together about to launch their own project & podcast: 'Women in Sports Therapy' (WIST).

Fiona & Debs discuss their new project how a combination of their own personal experience and that of patients they see in clinic highlights a continued need for an increase in communication when it comes to Women's Health. They explain how each new monthly episode will cover an issue that might affect anyone who possesses a female reproductive system. From ovulatory cycles to opening hours - the aim of the game will be to discuss and offer helpful insights and practical information relating to clients and practitioners alike.

Fiona & Debs stress that you don't have to identify as a woman to enjoy this podcast. With themes spanning from health to business acumen to planning for work-life balance and everything in between - the WIST podcast will be for anyone working within the field of Sports Therapy who would like to learn more about the issues that affect this demographic.

Episodes will be released on the last Monday of every month, starting February 28th. If you have any suggestions or questions for the show, email: wist@thesta.co.uk

• Episode 1: Periods: Excessive blood loss, deficiencies and anaemia
• Episode 2: Women's Pelvic Health: Endometriosis
• Episode 3: Menopause: Menopause vs Perimenopause
• Episode 4: Work-life Balance: Managing life around hormones
• Episode 5: Role Models, with special guest Dr Claire Minshull!

NOTE: Due to technical issues, Debs Thurlow-Rowley was not able to join us until later in the show. The original live recording has been edited slightly.    

About the Guests

Dr Fiona Higgs
Is an educator, researcher and Sports Massage and Exercise Therapy practitioner, delivering in-person and virtual clinic services through her clinic 'Move Well', as well as a range of online workshops and short courses through the educational branch of the clinic 'Move Well Learning'. With over a decade of experience working in Higher Education in research, teaching and student support Fiona has made it her mission to bring to life the drier scientific subjects taught in traditional degree programmes through her scenario-based teaching methods. Alongside her ambitions to improve scientific literacy and confidence in the Sports Therapy community, Fiona is also committed to reducing barriers to education and learning for those who find themselves unable to access opportunities due to financial cost, limited prior learning, and health and care responsibilities. Her ever popular 'pay what you can' workshop pricing structure and 'Move Well Learning Grant' scheme are practical examples of Fiona's belief that education should be accessible to all.

Debs Thurlow Rowley
Is a Soft Tissue Massage practitioner that conducts prescriptive Foot Mapping (using reflexes in the feet) and a ‘whole health’ approach from her clinic 'Serenity Massage Therapy' based in Bedfordshire. With over 16 years of experience working in massage and a personal health journey to address her own experience of Endometriosis, she has made a name for herself in the Sports Therapy community as a specialist practitioner in issues relating to Women's Health, particularly pelvic health. It is her mission as a co-leader volunteer for Endometriosis UK (Bedfordshire) to signpost others who are also living with this condition to the best pain management and support services available. 

Useful Links:

• Fiona's Website: move-well.co.uk
• Fiona on Facebook: @themovewellclinic
• Debs on Facebook: @SerenityMassageTherapyDebs
• Debs on Instagram:serenitymassagetherapy1
• Endometriosis UK: Bedfordshire Support Group

A huge thanks to Dr Fiona Higgs & Deborah Thurlow-Rowley for giving up her time to join us!

NEXT WEEK!
February on the Sports Therapy Association Videocast & Podcast continues with special guest Jenny Burrell of Burrell Education talking about the Menopausal Transition and it’s effect on Soft Tissue. If you can join us live, see you Tuesday 8pm (UK)! 

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Questions? Email: matt@thesta.co.uk