A huge thank you to the Exmouth Journal for publishing a piece on our involvement at this year’s Therapy Expo, the largest national multidisciplinary MSK conference in Europe, that took place at the Birmingham NEC in November.
What The Exmouth Journal Had To Say…
Therapists from The Clinic and associated ST School took centre stage at the Therapy Expo National multidisciplinary MSK conference in Birmingham. The team, led by Anna Maria Mazzieri, Rebecca Warburton, and Siobhan Mallett, advocated for changes in the massage and manual therapy field. They hosted a theatre dedicated to evidence-based practice in massage, manual, and movement therapy. The team highlighted the lack of evidence-informed practice in the field, where outdated myths and disproven theories often form the basis for clinical reasoning.
A standout presentation was delivered by Rebecca Warburton and Anna Maria Mazzieri on “Matrescence“—the transformative journey into motherhood. The well-attended talk emphasised the importance of celebrating the physiological changes of pregnancy and dispelling unhelpful myths that prevent pregnant women from having a healthy pregnancy.
Rebecca, the clinic’s specialist in pregnancy and postpartum massage and movement approaches, and a mother of two and a half (currently pregnant with her third child), passionately led the discussion. Reflecting on the experience, Rebecca said:
“It was great to see such a range of roles from professionals across the country engaging in the topic of matrescence, positively showing their support to change the fragility narrative surrounding massage and exercise in pregnancy. As a community, we can work together to support mother (and baby) in a positive, safe, and evidence-informed way, ensuring their health and wellbeing is a top priority. Massage and exercise can be hugely beneficial in achieving this.”
Anna Maria supported the talk by presenting the audience with the most up-to-date research on the topic to show the divide between what is practised and what science tells us is effective. Anna Maria said:
“In healthcare, private or public, we must be informed by evidence from good quality research, not only to ensure safety but to ensure the client is provided with the best approach for their needs. Our clients deserve that, and pregnancy shouldn’t be any different. Actions and misinformed advice that therapists can give pregnant mums can have an impact on how they think. We can empower them or disempower them. I know which one my clients would want and benefit from.”
Recognised by her peers as an expert in the field, Anna Maria’s other contributions over the two days were two keynote presentations on shoulder pain and fibromyalgia, both of which were oversubscribed. This demonstrates the wider impact she and her school team’s work has within the field, a result of 20 years of consistent commitment to good care and collaboration with other professionals.
If the topic of Matrescence is of interest to you, be sure to take a look at our course ‘Massage in Pregnancy for the Modern Therapist‘, and other webinars & courses here.
