Sports massage & Remedial soft tissue therapy COURSE
BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma 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 without having to do multiple massage courses at various levels or having done an anatomy and physiology module, this is a bespoke course that fulfils all the learning outcomes that are based on your future employers requirements, no prior Level 3 or 4 training necessary, (but will stand you in good sted). This course is for both those with previous qualifications as well as complete massage beginners!
Our course offers the whole package, starting with assessment skills in palpation, posture and movement, including how to treat using advanced soft tissue massage techniques & how to implement a rehabilitation program. Be the ‘go to person’, the massage soft tissue specialist that can offer more.
NEXT COURSE: Diploma 23A, commencing Saturday 18th February 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!
- Anyone wishing to change careers with a genuine interest in soft tissue remedial massage
- Anyone who has completed the Massage Introduction course or has an equivalent qualification
- Anyone who already has a Level 3 or 4 qualification and is looking to advance their massage soft tissue rehabilitative skills
- Anyone who is interested in "fixing" people using manual soft tissue skills
- Anyone who strives to be the best in sports massage and remedial soft tissue therapy
- Anyone who wants 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, aimed at beginners. This course is for those aged 18+ years.
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
Prior learning in anatomy and physiology is a BTEC requirement. We understand that all our students are coming from a wide range of backgrounds and will have various levels of understanding. NLSSM has considered the options and now offers opportunities that will enable students to either be exempt from having to complete the coursework and/or offers opportunities to support your learning needs. More info here.
For further information please contact us if you want to have a chat or arrange to come in and see us.
Why train with us?
Find out more about The NLSSM Difference
It takes approximately 10-11 months to complete the course, during which time you will attend bi-weekly classes and undertake significant home study and hands-on practice. There is a mixture of in-class and online learning.
You will attend class (some are online) for 23 days, split across one day every two weeks. The course is broken down into the following:
- 19 face-to-face practical workshops in The Annexe
- 2 full days of online live lectures via Zoom
- 2 half days of online live lectures via Zoom online
- 2 bonus lectures that can be done independently
- Daily course quizzes and reviews
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.
This is a part-time course, and most of our students are able to continue their work and other commitments around the course.
During the course
Throughout the course, you will need to complete 100 logbook hours of practical massage experience. This can be on friends and family at the start, and members of the general public once you pass your first general assessment. We also offer many choices of work or clinical experience to help support your learning. Find out more here.
You will have 3 written coursework assignments to complete throughout the course at home, as well as 3 in-class practical assessments.
A final written and practical exam, including a final comprehensive case study are to be completed at the end of the course.
Our Level 5 Diploma 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
- Access to our teaching space for additional practice sessions
- A supportive tutor mentoring system
- Student Office Hours - monthly online tutorial
- A high ratio of teacher to student instruction
- BTEC Registration
- Final exam fees
- Free membership to Exercise Lab rehabilitation site
- 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 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, so you can gain experience of treating clients in as close to a real clinical setting as possible.
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 at all times and 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 Diploma 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. 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).
Course Syllabus
- 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 & Vibration
- Petrissage
- Pre & Post Event
- Inter & Intra Event
- Soft Tissue Release – Active Passive, Resisted & Transverse
- Muscle Energy Technqiue – Reciprocal Inhibition & Post Isometric Relaxation
- Friction / Deep tissue techniques
- Neuromuscular Techniques
- Triggers points
- Positional Release
- Myofascial Release Introduction
- Rehabilitation processes
- Introduction to pathology subjects, for example, Parkinson’s, Diabetes, Arthritis, Frozen Shoulder etc.
- Stretching and corrective exercises
- Injury scenarios
- Prevention Soft Tissue Therapy
- Re-education methods
- Homecare
- Remedial Massage
- 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
- Business Development
- Legalities
- Sports Psychology
- Ethics & Professionalism
- Communication
- Role of Practitioner
- Safety
- Onward Referral
- Environment
Want to know more about our diploma 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 completeing their level 5 diploma with us.
DATES & LOCATION
Our Professional Level 5 Diploma in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy takes place at The Annexe, in North London.
Conveniently located just a few minutes walk from Seven Sisters London Underground station and Overground, and just ten minutes walk from the National Rail. 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 Saturday course, running from 10am – 5pm. Please find exact course dates here
This is a Tuesday course, running from 10am – 5pm. Please find exact course dates here
This is a Sunday course, running from 10am – 5pm. Please find exact course dates here
This is a Tuesday course, running from 10am – 5pm. Please find exact course dates here
This is a Sunday course, running from 10am – 5pm. Please find exact course dates here
COURSE FEES
The full cost of this BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy is £2875 + VAT £575 = £3450.
You will be required to pay a deposit of £500 (non-refundable) when you submit your application. You have the following options of how to pay the remainder of your course fees after you apply. Details of how to pay using either of these 3 options will be in the welcome letter of the course, which you will have access to after you apply.
Payment Options
- Payment in full via bank transfer
You can choose to pay your course fees in full, after you submit your application and pay the deposit. This must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the course start date.
- Payment in full via credit card
You can choose to pay the remainder of your course fees in full with your credit card. This must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the course start date. Please note: there is an admin fee of £50 for this option.
- Payment via standing order
We offer a monthly payment scheme where the course costs (minus the deposit) are split over 11 months via a standing order. Your repayments begin on the 28th day of the month that your diploma course commences. You can also make a larger initial deposit payment to reduce the monthly amounts. You will need to advise us of this after you submit your application, and send evidence that this standing order has been set up. Please note: there is an admin fee of £100 for this option.
Please see our full Terms and Conditions here.
Availability & registration
All courses in will be taking place at:
The Annexe, NLSSM, The Old Fire Station, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham, London, N15 4RX.
To enroll on a course, please click the button below:
FAQ's
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.
This Professional Level 5 Diploma is accredited by BTEC/Edexcel.
Both are awarding bodies, and aspire to ensure the massage course you are enrolling onto meets their educational standards. We chose BTEC because it has a good reputation in ensuring a high standard of education as well as we could customize the massage course to meet the demands of the jobs that employers are looking for. We also have greater freedom in how we deliver our sports and remedial massage course, increasing your ability to develop the massage skills that are top in the manual therapy profession.
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.
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.
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:
COVID 19
We have carried out a full risk assessment to ensure that the highest standards of safety are in place for everyone coming in to the school, the decisions were based on the location, the layout and how we could modify the interior set up so that it meets the new health and safety requirements.
