Written by Cassandra Gramozi, L5 SRMT
Choosing a sports massage course is a big decision and as we’ve said before, not all training is created equal.
Before you enrol, it’s worth asking the right questions about depth of learning, practical experience, qualification outcomes, career pathways, and ongoing support.
We’ve put together 7 key questions to help you make a more informed choice.
1. Is this course genuinely comprehensive, or just a basic introduction?
Our Level 5 at NLSSM provides a strong clinical foundation with extensive hands-on training, while others may only cover basic content. Even “Level 5” courses can vary massively in terms of depth of content and also delivery i.e. completed over 4-5 days vs ours at 22 days.
A key thing to ask is: do you just learn techniques, or do you actually understand what you’re doing and why?
2. How much hands-on practical training is included?
Confidence comes from doing! On our course you start learning practical techniques from day 1, and throughout your year training with us you’ll have several opportunities to gain real, hands on experience with members of the public.
3. What qualification will I actually leave with and what does it allow me to do?
Not all qualifications are equal, even if they appear similar on paper!
Our Level 5 is a Bespoke Qualification that has been accredited by OCN London against established quality benchmarks. OCN London is a national awarding organisation, recognised by the qualifications regulator for England (Ofqual).
4. What career paths does this qualification realistically lead to?
Working in clinics, supporting athletes, entering rehab-focused environments, or progressing into further study, are all options when you graduate with a Level 5 qualification from us. If a provider can’t clearly outline what graduates typically go on to do, that’s something worth paying attention to.
Find out more on our Graduate Stories page.
5. What support is available during and after training?
What happens when the course ends? At NLSSM, we encourage our graduates to stay connected long after qualification. From our graduate discussion Facebook group, Alumni Nights, to our public Therapist Directory that helps showcase our graduates, we aim to create an ongoing community of support, learning, and connection.
Whether it’s guidance, clinical discussion, opportunities, or simply a chat, we’re always at the end of the phone or email.
6. How will I be assessed?
Assessment is an important part of understanding the standard of any course. Ask whether you will be assessed practically as well as theoretically, and whether you will need to demonstrate your clinical reasoning rather than simply reproduce techniques.
At NLSSM, assessment takes place throughout the course and includes practical assessments, written assignments, logged clinical experience, a case study and a final integrated practical assessment and viva. The aim is to make sure you can not only perform techniques, but also assess, reason and make appropriate treatment decisions.
7. Do I need a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification before starting Level 5?
Don’t assume every Level 5 course has the same entry requirements. Some Level 5 courses are designed as progression courses and require you to already hold a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification.
NLSSM’s full Level 5 course is different. It has been designed as a complete training pathway, building from the foundations of massage through to advanced assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and clinical reasoning. For those without previous massage training, completion of our one-day Massage Introduction workshop is required before starting the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a comprehensive sports massage course take?
The length of sports massage courses can vary considerably. At NLSSM, our Level 5 course is delivered over 22 days throughout the year, allowing students to develop their knowledge and practical skills progressively rather than completing the training in just a few days.
How much practical experience do you get on a sports massage course?
At NLSSM, students begin learning practical techniques from day one. Throughout the year, there are several opportunities to gain hands-on experience with members of the public, helping students develop their practical skills and confidence.
What qualification do you get from a Level 5 sports massage course?
At NLSSM, students complete a bespoke Level 5 qualification that has been accredited by OCN London against established quality benchmarks. OCN London is a national awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator for England.
Can I study a Level 5 sports massage course without a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification?
At NLSSM, our Level 5 sports massage course covers assessment and palpation, functional anatomy, range of movement testing, biomechanics, pain neurophysiology and massage techniques. Students also learn advanced soft tissue therapy techniques, rehabilitation concepts, treatment planning, contraindications, professional practice and onward referral.
About the Author
Cassandra Gramozi | L5 SRMT
Joining in 2004, Cassandra saw first-hand the positive effects of sports massage and decided to take the course herself, graduating in 2008.
Since qualifying with NLSSM, Cassandra has worked with people from all walks of life including the Saracens RFC, England U21s Mens team, private clinics, and participants in several London Marathons and the London 2012 Olympics.
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After three seasons with the London Wasps RFC as their Senior Soft Tissue Therapist, she moved into the world of Olympic Sports and spent the next 4 years working in the English Institute of Sport and the Intensive Rehabilitation Unit dedicated to BOA funded athletes.
She currently works for the Football Association as a consultant Soft Tissue Therapist to the U21’s Mens England Football team.
Cassandra is also a fully qualified Polestar Pilates Reformer instructor and when she is not in the pilates studio you can find her at NLSSM helping run the business on a day to day basis.