MASSAGE VOLUNTEERS

During our Level 5 Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy Course there are times when our students require “bodies” to work on, such as for their final exams. This is where our volunteers get the opportunity to receive sports massage for free!

Please read through our Expectations and Guidelines section below for further information about what the volunteer sessions will involve.

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to be added to our volunteer list then please complete the form by clicking the link below. You will be notified when any opportunities to volunteer should arise. If the tie/date is suitable for you then you will need to respond to our email swiftly stating that you can attend.

Usually, we need volunteers to have a soft tissue condition that requires treatment in order to be eligible to be a massage body.

If you confirm a volunteer session with us it is extremely important that you check the date and time carefully on the email to ensure that you can attend.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Once your booking has been confirmed and you find that you can no longer attend, you must notify the office at least 4 working days prior to the event so that we can find a replacement.

In the case of volunteers attending examinations, last minute cancellations may force a student to be unable to take their final exams, it is vital that you understand the importance of your role and if you need to cancel please do so in plenty of time.

We look for reliable candidates and if there is a habit of cancellations made less than 4 days prior to their finals we will remove your name from the volunteers list.

NLSSM also operates a zero tolerance policy to any rude behaviour towards our staff and students. You will be removed from our records immediately and never invited back.

Please remember your role is very important and your commitment to a confirmed booking is imperative.

COST & LOCATION

There is no cost involved – the volunteer sessions are FREE of charge.

All volunteer sessions take place at The Hub, our North London location at the following address:

The Hub
Unit 3i & 3J
25 Ashley Road
London
N17 9LJ

Full details are available here.

EXPECTATION AND GUIDELINES

FINAL EXAM VOLUNTEERS: WHAT TO EXPECT

You will be greeted by one of the teaching staff and shown where you can wait, if there are coffee and tea facilities they will be offered to you. At the start of the session as a group the process will be explained, and you will be assigned to a student. If you have any concerns please speak with the staff member.

Duration: Each sport and remedial massage session will last 60 to 90 minutes. Please note that this does not mean you will be massaged for the full duration of time.
Medical History: Students will start off by taking a thorough case history, if there is anything that is of concern, or you are under any medical supervision, have had any surgery within the past 3 months, or are being treated for a recent injury, please inform the lead instructor on the day. Certain conditions are contraindicated and should you have such a condition you will be asked not to participate in the session. You may check with the office to determine if you are suitable to volunteer prior to registering.
What to wear: Students will also perform a postural assessment so please wear appropriate clothing as there will not necessarily be total privacy during this process. It is important that the instructor observes what the student does in order to ensure accurate information is taken.
Privacy / Modesty : Our exams and clinic days are conducted in an open plan environment. While great measures are taken to preserve client modesty you will be in a room with other people. If you would prefer a private session we suggest booking into the student clinic run during the week and is £30 per hour.
Assessment & Testing : Further testing could include range of motion, biomechanical and or gait analysis.
Massage Treatment: - During the actual sport and remedial massage session the student will apply a variety of soft tissue techniques appropriate to what he/she has found
Homecare: After the student has completed the treatment he/she will offer relevant homecare advice
Evaluation: At the end of the session you will be asked to fill in an evaluation form that is to be handed back to the tutor. We hope your session is beneficial and your evaluation reflects this but it is imperative that honest feedback is given, this will help our students to improve and become successful practitioners.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU LEAVE

Water: Please drink more water than normal, keeping well hydrated.
Exercise: Avoid any strenuous exercise and allow your body to adjust to the changes that the treatment might have made. It is not advisable to go and play any sport, go for a run or attend the gym after your session.
Treatment Reaction: If you have not had any massage prior to this or it has been a long time between sessions your reaction to the treatment might be more pronounced. You also might have an emotional reaction to the treatment, please do not be alarmed as this is not an unusual experience. Other reactions could include feeling very tired, cold and shaky. It is also normal to feel some achy or bruise like sensations the next day but should not go beyond this and should not be felt unless you move the particular muscles in question. There should not be any visible bruises and any soreness should be resolved within 24 hours. If you have any concerns please feel free to call the office a speak to a senior therapist.