As therapists, some of you will be aware of the controversy that surrounds the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, particularly if taken prior or during endurance events such as triathlon, marathons & ultras. The organizers of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) World Series recently announced that they will be banning the use of painkillers within 24 hours and during all races. In Ep.71 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, we welcome back special guest Dr Fiona Higgs of move-well.co.uk, a Sport & Exercise Scientist, Educator, Sports Massage & Exercise Therapist and published scientific author. During an online discussion about the UTMB announcement, Fiona raised the point that for some athletes, NSAIDs play a vital part in allowing participation, eg. those with physical disability and also athletes suffering from pain related to their menstrual cycle. This developed rapidly into a discussion about how this decision by the UTMB happened without female members of the organisation not speaking up. Were there women involved in this management decision? Did they speak up? Were the many many female endurance runners who participate in these races asked for their input? Did they speak up? We also discussed reports that when women are invited to speak on for example public podcasts or forums, the take up is often disappointingly low, including a surprising number of no replies to invitations. Is that women are too busy? Lack confidence? Have less desire to argue points in public? Or are we in danger of generalising and adding to gender stereotypes? We are keen to hear from anyone stimulated by this episode to add share experience and add comment, either anonymously or in person. Please feel free to email: [email protected] [email protected] Websites/Social Media move-well.co.uk Twitter: @fiona_higgs1 Enjoyed the episode? Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes. All episodes are streamed live to our YouTube channel and remember all soft tissue therapists (non members included) are welcome to join us for the LIVE recording on Tuesdays at 8pm (UK time) on the Sports Therapy Association Facebook Page Questions? Email: [email protected]

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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