Sports massage & Remedial soft tissue therapy COURSE
Level 5 Professional Qualification in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy
Our massage course is designed for anyone with a serious interest in pursuing corrective soft tissue therapy as a career.
NLSSM will take you from start to finish across 3 modules without having to undertake multiple massage courses at various levels or having to complete a complex anatomy and physiology module.
This course is suitable for both massage beginners and those with previous qualifications, although no prior Level 3 or 4 training is necessary.
Our Level 5 is a bespoke course that fulfils all the learning outcomes based on your future employers requirements. We offer the whole package, starting with assessment skills in palpation, posture and movement, how to treat using advanced soft tissue massage techniques & how to implement a rehabilitation program and more.
Can’t complete the entire course at once? Our Level 5 is split into 3 modules that you can either choose to complete in one consecutive course, or you can take one module at a time with breaks in-between. Find out more about this below!
NEXT COURSE: Diploma 23D, commencing Sunday 29th October 2023.
Full details and how to book here.
WHO IS THIS MASSAGE COURSE FOR?
This course is for anyone!
Whether you have a Level 3 or 4 qualification and are looking to advance your skills, or even if you are a complete beginner in massage, this course is for you! Below are just a few reasons why…
- Wishing to change careers with a genuine interest in soft tissue remedial massage
- You have completed the Massage Introduction course or has an equivalent qualification
- Already hold a Level 3 or 4 qualification and is looking to advance your massage and soft tissue rehabilitative skills
- Find yourself interested in "fixing" people using manual soft tissue skills
- Strive to be the best in sports massage and remedial soft tissue therapy
- Desire to offer the whole massage package from assessment, delivery and rehabilitation
Have a question?
Check out our
FAQ'sPrerequisites: You are a qualified Level 3 practitioner or have completed the Massage Introduction course. This course is aimed at beginners or anyone who is looking to refresh or develop their skills. You must be over the age of 18.
Massage Introduction Course
If you do not have any massage background you will need to do the Massage Introduction course for beginners, or an equivalent course. If you have a qualification already please check with our office as to whether it is suitable and will meet your needs.
Anatomy and Physiology
We understand that all our students are coming from a wide range of backgrounds and will have various levels of understanding. Prior learning in anatomy and physiology is a requirement, with this in mind, here at NLSSM, we have considered the best and most supportive options for our students. We offer opportunities that will enable students to either be exempt from having to complete the coursework and/or offer opportunities to support your learning needs that will meet the requirements. More info here.
To help our students further, we also offer an online course in A&P, specifically designed for those embarking in a career as a top level therapist. Click below for more info.
For further information please contact us if you want to have a chat or arrange to come in and see us!
Discrimination Policy
At NLSSM we have a no discrimination policy and students with disabilities are welcome to apply.
Why train with us?
Find out more about The NLSSM Difference
This course is split into 3 modules, of which you must complete all 3 to gain the full Level 5 qualification. However, you can opt to start with module 1 and complete modules 2 and 3 at a later date if your time or financial constraints do not allow you to complete the course in one go.
Upon completion of Module 1, you are insurable to work as a soft tissue therapist and will be a certified massage therapist if you pass the module 1 assessments. However, you will not be able to call yourself a qualified Level 5 Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapist until you complete all modules.
The course is part time and all three modules take approximately 10 – 11 months to complete in total. During your time with us, you will attend bi-weekly classes, undertake home study and hands-on practice. There is a mixture of in-class and online learning.
Class attendance and assessments consist of 23 days (21 class days and 2 days of own pace learning), split across one day every two weeks. The reason that we host your class once every two weeks is to ensure that we have regular contact with our students, which we find enables the learning journey to be more supportive.
MODULE BREAKDOWNS
Course attendance and delivery is broken down into the following 3 modules. A great mixture of delivery styles to keep your journey with us interactive and hopefully making it a bit easier to fit into your current existing schedule!
Module 1 includes:
- 5 face-to face workshops focusing on practical skills covering a large variety of hands on skills. Techniques include: effleurage, petrissage, rocking, shaking, vibration, traction, deep tissue massage, friction, introduction to connective tissue manipulation and myofascial release.
- 1 day live online lecture – how to perform an appropriate, legal and accurate case history, considering both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
- 1 practical assessment day
This module takes approximately 3 months to complete.
Module 2 includes:
- 6 face-to face workshops – practical skills and techniques include: Muscle Energy Techniques (PIR & RI), Transverse Soft Tissue Release as well as the classical form, introduction to Neuromuscular technique, Trigger Point Therapy, Strain Counter Strain, Positional Release
- 2 days online live and recorded lectures – NMT prep work, Fascia and Biotensegrity ( new concept that considers bodies behaviour holistically), a live online class with Susan Findlay covering Business skills and how to set up your clinic and attract clients.
- 1 practical assessment day
This module takes approximately 3-4 months to complete.
Module 3 includes:
- 5 face-to face workshops – practical assessment and rehabilitation skills include: postural assessment that cover both stand up and on the couch evaluation skills, biomechanics vs biotensegrity movement, re-education methods, soft tissue rehabilitation, advanced pathology presentations, relevant case studies, putting it all together.
- 1/2 day online live lecture with Steve Hunter, university exercise physiologist, exploring the latest research. Bonus videos also included.
- Final Written Exam
- Final Practical Exam
This module takes approximately 4 months to complete.
You can find out which days are in-class and which days are online in the Dates & Location section below, by clicking on the individual course calendars.
Most of our students are able to continue their work and other commitments around the course due to it being part-time!
During the course – what you can expect
Over the course of the 3 modules you will need to complete 100 logbook hours of practical massage experience. This can be on friends and family as well as members of the general public. There is the potential to earn right away after you pass module one.
We understand that finding your potential future clients can be overwhelming hence, we offer a variety of work opportunities, event and clinical work experiences to help support your learning, we also have a private forum wherein you can find graduates who will be practice bodies for you. Find out more here.
You have a total of 3 written coursework assignments to complete throughout the course in your own time at home, as well as 3 end of module practical assessments.
As part of the supportive system on offer to NLSSM students, there are monthly ‘Student Office Hours’ hosted via zoom, where you can discuss and trouble shoot your assignment paper questions with an NLSSM tutor. Helping to take the fear out of coursework!
We understand that students have varying ways of learning and absorbing information, with this in mind our tutors skillfully deliver the course information using a variety of teaching methods to make the class both interesting and enjoyable. Your tutors will also take the time in class to discuss your assignment papers and help solve any questions or queries you might have.
We supply a ‘schedule of work’ that accompanies every class day. This document informs you ahead of time which assignment question(s) will be covered in your class material.
There is a final written exam completed in the comfort of your home, live via zoom.
Bringing it all together is your final and comprehensive case study, this will demonstrates your assessment, planning and rehabilitation hands on skills, this is the hallmark of NLSSM’s reputation, it rests on our graduated students who demonstrate a high level of understanding and application.
Course Syllabus
MODULE 1
This module is the perfect beginning…
- Musculoskletal System
- Cardiovascular System
- Reproductive System
- Central Nervous System
- Lymphatic System
- Skin
- Urinary System
- Respiratory System
- Digestive System
- Endocrine System
- Skeletal System Joints/Muscles
- Functional Anatomy
- Range of Motion Testing
- Biomechanics vs Biotensegrity
- Pain Neurophysiology
- Exercise & Physiology
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Neurological Examination
- Effleurage
- Tapotement
- Compression
- Petrissage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Traction
- Rocking & Shaking
- Vibration
- Pre & Post Event
- Inter & Intra Event
- Friction
- Connective Tissue Manipulation
- Myofascial Release Introduction
- Contraindications
- Benefits
- Ethics & Professionalism
- Role of the Practitioner
- Safety
- Onward Referral
- Environment
MODULE 2
in this module you will….
- Soft Tissue Release – Active Passive, Resisted & Transverse
- Muscle Energy Technique – Reciprocal Inhibition & Post Isometric Relaxation
- Advanced deep tissue techniques
- Neuromuscular Techniques
- Triggers Points
- Positional Release
- Strain & Counter Strain
- Range of Motion
- Business Mastery with Susan Findlay, she will discuss a practical and proven method on how to develop your client list
- Legalities
- Fascia and Biotensegrity – a new and dynamic approach to our understanding of the body and how it works
MODULE 3
The final module! here you will learn…
- Rehabilitation processes
- Pathology understanding conditions such as Parkinson’s, Diabetes, Arthritis, Frozen Shoulder
- Clinical and case studies
- Stretching and corrective exercises
- Injury scenarios
- Prevention Soft Tissue Therapy
- Re-education methods
- Homecare
- Remedial Massage Techniques
- History taking & notation
- Static & movement based assessment
- Contraindications
- Palpation skills
- Pain assessment skills
- Assessment of Acute, Sub Acute & Chronic
- Muscle ROM testing
- Biomechanics vs biotensegrity
- Neurological testing
- Exercise physiology research with Steve Hunter
DATES & LOCATION
Our Professional Level 5 qualification in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy takes place at The Hub, in North London.
Conveniently located just a few minutes walk from Tottenham Hale Rail & Underground and Bus Station. Please find full location details here.
Upcoming Course Dates
We have the following details available for enrolment (click each course for more info):
This is a Sunday course, running from 10am – 5pm. Please find exact course dates here
MODULE 1 – Sunday 29th October 2023 – Sunday 21st January 2024
MODULE 2 – Sunday 18th February 2024 – Sunday 5th May 2024
MODULE 3 – Sunday 2nd June 2024 – Sunday 25th August 2024
This is a Tuesday course, running from 10am – 5pm. Please find exact course dates here
MODULE 1 – Tuesday 13th February 2024 – Tuesday 7th May 2024
MODULE 2 – Tuesday 21st May – Tuesday 3rd September 2024
MODULE 3 – Tuesday 17th September 2024 – Tuesday 21st January 2025
COURSE FEES & HOW TO APPLY
The full cost of this Level 5 Qualification in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy is £2875 + VAT £575 = £3450 (if all modules bought at once).
You can choose to purchase the course in one go, or purchase each module individually. See below for details.
To secure your booking on the desired course or module, a deposit of £500 (non-refundable) is required when you submit your application. We have a few options available on how you can pay the remainder of the course fees. Details of how to pay using either of these options will be in the welcome letter of the course, which you will have access to after you apply.
Please see our full Terms and Conditions here.
OPTION 1 - COMPLETE IN ONE GO - BEST VALUE!
FULL LEVEL 5 QUALIFICATION
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This is the fastest and most cost efficient way to complete all 3 modules and your full Level 5 qualification
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After paying the £500 deposit when you sign up below, you can choose to the remainder of your course fees in Full via Bank transfer or credit card (£50 cc fee applies)
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Or split the remainder of your course fees across a standing order of 11 months or more. Details below.
You can choose to pay your course fees in full via bank transfer or credit card, after you submit your application and pay the deposit. This must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the course start date. Please note: there is an admin fee of £50 to pay via credit card.
- Option 1: Standard monthly payment amount
After you have submitted your application and paid the £500 deposit, you can split the remaining course fees across an 11 month standing order with repayments beginning on the 28th day of the month that your diploma course commences. (11 monthly repayments of £277.27 totalling £3050. This includes the admin fee of £100. Total course fees overall £3,550.00 Inc VAT). - Option 2: Lower monthly repayment amount
You can begin paying your standing order amount as soon as you sign up for the course and have paid the non-refundable deposit of £500.For example, if you sign up for the course 6 months before the start date and opt to begin your standing order right away this would mean your monthly repayments are £179.41 (17 monthly repayments totalling £3050. This includes the admin fee of £100. Total course fees overall £3,550.00 Inc VAT).
For both standing order options, you can choose to make a larger initial deposit payment to reduce the monthly amounts. You will need to advise us of this after you submit your application via email that you would like to do. We will also require evidence that the standing order has been set up. .
OPTION 2 - COMPLETE MODULES ONE AT A TIME
MODULE 1
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Sign up to module 1 now, and complete modules 2 and 3 at a later date
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Earn a certification in massage therapy upon completion of module 1
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After paying the £500 deposit when you sign up below, you can choose to the remainder of your course fees in full, or split the costs across a 3 month standing order. Full details below.
MODULE 2
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Eligible for those who have already completed module 1
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Sign up to module 2 now, and complete module 3 at a later date
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After paying the £500 deposit when you sign up below, you can choose to the remainder of your course fees in full, or split the costs across a 3 month standing order. Full details below.
MODULE 3
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Eligible for those who have already completed modules 1 & 2
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Includes final exams to complete your Level 5 qualification
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After paying the £500 deposit when you sign up below, you can choose to the remainder of your course fees in full, or split the costs across a 3 month standing order. Full details below.
Please note: do not sign up to modules 2 or 3 if you have not completed the module prior.
You can choose to pay your course fees in full via bank transfer or credit card, after you submit your application and pay the £500 deposit. This must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the course start date. Please note: there is an admin fee of £50 to pay via credit card.
After you have paid the £500 deposit with your application for your chosen module, you can split the remaining course fees across a 3 month standing order. Your repayments begin on the 28th day of the month that your module commences. There is a £100 admin fee for this option, included in your repayment amounts.
You can advise us that wish to pay via standing order after you have submitted your application and paid your £500 deposit. We require evidence that the standing order has been set up.
MODULE 1
- 3 monthly repayments of £320, totalling £960. This includes VAT and the standing order admin fee of £100.
MODULE 2
- 3 monthly repayments of £350, totalling £1050. This includes VAT and the standing order admin fee of £100.
MODULE 3
- 3 monthly repayments of £330, totalling £990. This includes VAT and the standing order admin fee of £100.
Our Level 5 qualification is supported and accredited by the following associations:
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS MASSAGE COURSE?
- Online tuition and course lectures
- Comprehensive lecture notes
- Detailed 'schedule of work'
- Online review quizzes for all class days
- Online - extra bonus videos reviewing practical work
- Access to schools' textbook library
- Free access to our teaching space for additional practice sessions
- A supportive tutor mentoring system
- A high ratio of teacher to student instruction
- Final exam fees
- Private NLSSM Facebook group with job listings and support (ongoing after graduation)
- Student massage clinic (optional)
- Work placements, in elite sport, health clinics, office environments (optional)
- Event opportunities such as the London Marathon
- Student Office Hours - monthly online tutorials
STUDENT MASSAGE CLINIC
During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in our student massage clinic. This is a regular clinic arranged by us, this is an opportunity for you to gain clinical experience in a real life clinical setting.
With the added benefit that all sessions count towards the 100 logbook hours that are required to complete the course. There is a qualified massage therapist on site to help support you at all times. Plus you can add this opportunity to your CV! Visit our Student Clinic page to find out more.
WORK PLACEMENTS
We also offer regular work experience opportunities for our Level 5 students. Throughout the course, various types of placements are available to apply to, such as working with sports teams, professional dance groups and events like the London Marathon.
At NLSSM, we recognise the importance of helping to prepare you for life after graduation, and these types of placements offer an invaluable opportunity in giving you real-life hands-on experience of working in manual therapy. These are perfect opportunities to build up your CV! This is not a requirement of the course, but we encourage and support all of our students to apply.
Check out some of our recent feedback from our students about their placements
STUDENT DISCOUNTS
NLSSM students have access to the following discounts (click each for more info).
Suppliers of sports injury, sports massage, first aid for sport, foam roller rehabilitation products to therapists, sports teams, patients, and the public. 10% off for NLSSM students. Find out more about Physique here.
Songbird massage waxes and balms combine a unique blend of beeswax (or beeswax free for our vegan wax alternatives) and 100% natural ingredients. NLSSM students get 25% off. Find out more about Songbird here.
Massage Warehouse is the UK’s largest supplier of therapy equipment for Professional Therapists and our extensive ranges will suit every budget. 10% off for NLSSM students.
React First runs a lively program of public first aid courses in Central London and in-house first aid training across London and the South East. 10% discount for NLSSM students
Naqi Massage Lotion is our main supplier at NLSSM. This is available at a discount for students via Physique.
TOTUM, previously known as NUS extra, is the #1 student discount card, brings you over 200 UK student discounts.
KenHub is an online anatomy learning tool that includes detailed drawings, videos and more. 10% discount for NLSSM students
Handspring Publishing specialises in books that focuses on bodywork and movement. NLSSM students will receive a 15% discount on purchases
MEMBERSHIPS
NLSSM graduates are able to become members of the following associations (click each for more info).
Want to know more about our Level 5 course?
Check out a day in the life at NLSSM, and hear from the students and teachers themselves!
WHERE CAN THIS QUALIFICATION TAKE YOU?
When you are qualified at the highest level, your options are unlimited!
We have graduates that have gone on to be successful in a number of different careers. Some examples include the following, please note, this is not an exhaustive list!
- Join an established healthcare clinic
- Start your own independent clinic
- Work in professional sport, with teams and clubs at the highest level
- Complement your existing qualifications (such as osteopathy, physiology etc)
- Add to your current occupation in the health and wellness industry
- Expand upon your qualification and go on to specialise in oncology massage
- Become a specialist in other areas, such as shoulder, lower back pain or pregnancy massage
Where are our graduates now?
Find out more about what professions are graduates have gone onto after completing their level 5 qualification with us.
FAQ's
Yes! You can choose to split the course fees over an 11 month standing order. The payments start on the same month in which your course commences.
Additionally, you can pay your course fees in full via bank transfer or credit card.
Find out more about your different payment options here.
No! This course takes you from start to finish, no prior learning necessary! Find out more in our blog.
At NLSSM we are passionate about helping our students to be their very best.
Time and again, research has shown that people remember things best when they learn by doing. Not just once or twice, but repeatedly and regularly. Intensive courses, by their nature, do not create the best environment for learning. They may seem convenient but that convenience comes at a high price – your standard of education.
We take our lessons from athletes who consistently train using repetition over a longer period of time, this allows for the muscles to adapt in the same way that our practical massage skills need to develop. To run a marathon requires more than 3 weeks training to be top in the field.
We also choose to offer single days rather than 2 day weekend courses to our students. Our experience has shown us that students are able to retain a greater amount of information as well as it better develops their hands on skills through regular contact. This atmosphere of encouragement helps our students to keep on an even keel and remain highly motivated.
BTEC Level 5 is a professional massage qualification, so it’s only fitting that we teach them professionally, and that’s why we will never offer our soft tissue massage courses as an intensive option.
The NLSSM massage course is the best foundation you can get, it will open up many different opportunities in manual therapy. Our graduates have chosen a variety of directions, demonstrating you are not limited.
Please refer to our Graduates Stories page, wherein you can see there is a wide range of job descriptions from working in elite sport, being part of a clinical health care team, to establishing their own massage clinic.
We have developed a set of robust procedures to minimise the risk of COVID-19. Please find out more in our policy here.
At NLSSM, we are happy to support our students with any specific learning requirements they may have, where possible. If you have any concerns then please give us a call on 0208 885 6062 to discuss your needs.
We understand that this is a year long commitment, and there may be a course date that you cannot make due to an emergency or pre-planned event. This is why we allow you to swap up to two days of the course and attend with an alternative diploma date instead.
Whilst we make this allowance, it is not something we encourage, as completing your course dates in the correct order and with your own class is recommended.
We use a number of different massage creams, lotions, oils and waxes, including the following:
