THE NORTH LONDON SCHOOL OF SPORTS MASSAGE AND REMEDIAL SOFT TISSUE THERAPY
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Graduate with the highest qualification in sports massage and remedial soft tissue therapy in one single sports massage course.
You will be able to assess, treat and manage soft tissue injuries and work with common pathologies. Graduate with a highly respected Level 5 Professional Qualification in Sports Massage & Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy.
WHY CHOOSE US
Graduate at the
highest level
Become a top level therapist with a Level 5 Qualification in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy
No prior training necessary for our Level 5 sports massage course
We will take you from start to finish, this is what NLSSM does best. You do not need a previous qualification in Level 3 or 4 to study with us at the highest level and become top in your field.
The Highest Standard
Qualifying at level 5 allows you to work in private practice or within the highest level of sport. Some of our graduates are now working with premier sports teams or have started their own independent clinics.
Professional therapist
This qualification will give you the skills needed to practice as a professional therapist, with the ability to design and implement appropriate soft tissue treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Supportive Learning in all of our sports massage courses
We support our students throughout their journey to become successful in a job they love. Including student clinics, regular online mentoring and assigned tutors.
Join an organisation
Graduates can become members of The Sports Massage Association (SMA), Register of Remedial Masseurs and Manipulative Therapists (LCSP) and the Complimentary Health Professionals (CHP)
HISTORY OF NLSSM
In 2004, the North London School of Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy (NLSSM) opened its doors to its first group of students undertaking our first ever sports massage course. Although there were a number of established schools at the time, there was a gap within the market to provide a massage course that could fulfil the more demanding requirements of the employer.
Massage is no longer considered just part of a luxurious pamper day in a relaxing environment because now it can play a significant role within a medical and rehabilitative setting.
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!
LEVEL 5 SPORTS MASSAGE COURSE
THE NLSSM DIFFERENCE
QUALITY
Ours is a responsive system of teaching, meaning that each sports massage class is taught according to its needs
We also use accelerated learning methods, allowing us to teach difficult subjects in a way that is interactive and effective, maximising the development of practical massage skills and academic understanding.
Most of our tutors are also full-time soft tissue and sports massage therapists, trained in a variety of complementary qualifications, so students benefit from their huge knowledge base and are learning from people who are working as soft tissue therapists every day in the real world.
A high teacher to student ratio, ensuring each student receives quality attention during training
We see a direct link between a massage therapist’s skills and the amount of quality attention they’re given in training. That’s why, in practical sessions, we have a ratio of 1 teacher for every 3-4 students. In addition, our teachers are known for their generosity, putting in unpaid hours where needed to support and mentor individuals.
All of us here get great satisfaction from developing our massage students to their full potential, even if that means the odd late night. It’s all down to being professional and fun, but we believe that if we go the extra mile, so too will you.
A pass rate of 98% and discounted additional tuition should it be required
98% is an impressive statistic and it’s only fair to point out that some students pass on their second attempt. The intensity of this qualification is not to be underestimated, but we offer discounts on any additional tuition that might be needed and offer an incredible level of personal support to make sure that those people who want to succeed, will do so.
And the benefits don’t end when you graduate, check out what support and opportunities we offer both during and after you qualify as a soft tissue massage therapist.
support
NLSSM offers on-going support in a number of ways, including:
- Monthly newsletters keeping you up-to-date on massage events, opportunities both at NLSSM and beyond.
- Resources include free online tuition, videos, Massage Mondays & course materials
- A comprehensive work schedule that makes your study life focused and easier
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Student office hours, zoom sessions that focus on coursework
- Online after class quizzes that highlight the essential learning of each day
- Job opportunities including elite sports teams and health clinic advertised in our private Facebook Group
- Event and work placements to gain relevant experience and add to your CV
Access to an extensive library of books and DVDs
- Essential for learning at your own pace, checking things on the fly and, of course, revising for exams – we keep the library stocked with all the essentials and even some hard-to-find reference tools.
- Having access to such a well-stocked library also means that students aren’t obliged to spend large sums of money on books all at once.
- The library is also available to graduates of NLSSM
work experience
Student Massage Clinic
This is a great opportunity for students to take what they have learned in class and apply it in a real-life clinical situation. The clinic is also there to help students work towards fulfilling their clinical sports massage logbook hours. It’s an invaluable asset and really does produce a much better soft tissue therapist, providing mini tutorials in which students can seek advice from the senior tutor on hand, giving them more focused individual attention.
Work Experience & Event Opportunities
There’s nothing like the buzz of working at a sporting event. We are regularly approached to provide student volunteers, whether it’s for a one-off event or a longer working arrangement. We have opportunities available with both premiership football and rugby clubs and placements in successful multidisciplinary clinics. These opportunities are not only great for gaining experience and building confidence, they’re also brilliant networking opportunities and a chance to see what the demands of the job really are.
COURSE ACCREDITATION AND SUPPORT
Our Level 5 qualification is supported or accredited by the following associations:
WHERE CAN A LEVEL 5 SPORTS MASSAGE QUALIFICATION LEAD?
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 our graduates have gone onto after completing their level 5 qualification with us.
READ OUR SPORTS MASSAGE BLOGS
We post regular blogs on various topics, ranging from how to begin your career as a sports massage therapist, what type of sports massage course to choose, and information about different pathologies and techniques. Take a look at our latest ones below.
What is Sports Massage?
What is Sports Massage really? What’s in a name? To be fair I am not sure anyone in the UK
Plantar Fasciitis: Pathology Presentation and Treatment Tips
Presentation of Plantar Fasciitis Known as an overuse condition which results in the inflammation of .. you guessed it, plantar
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
In short, Piriformis Syndrome itself is characterised by a combination of symptoms including pain in the lateral hip/buttock region (1).
Active Resisted STR for Glutes
Active resisted soft tissue release (ARSTR) can be a very useful technique in a Soft Tissue Therapists tool kit. Keep
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Want to discuss any of our courses with us?
Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I start a career in soft tissue therapy as a beginner?
Our Level 5 course is designed to take you from start to finish; no prior qualifications are necessary. Our only requirement is that you undertake a one-day Massage Introduction Workshop if you have no prior experience and are a massage beginner. This will save you time and money as we will be able to prepare you to hit the road running on the full Level 5 sports massage diploma.
Do I need to have a Level 3 or 4 qualification before joining the course?
No, you can join this course as a complete beginner, you do not need a Level 3 or 4 qualification in soft tissue therapy (or anything else) to join this Level 5 course.
We do not believe it is beneficial for the profession to tease out skills and assign them to different levels, hence, the delivery of our course takes you from the beginning to the end in one single Level 5 course, saving you both time and money!
Find out more in our blog: What is the shortest route to becoming a Level 5 Therapist?
What are the differences between Levels, 3, 4, and 5?
In the UK, sports massage qualifications are typically categorised by levels indicating different depths of knowledge and skill.
- Level 3 Qualification: Introductory; basic techniques.
This is an introduction to underpinning massage techniques and basic anatomy, including understanding the role of massage in sports, and principles of injury management. Students learn how to provide general massage to clients, focusing on relaxation and noncomplex muscle recovery. This does not give you a qualification in Sports Massage.
- Level 4 Qualification: Intermediate; focuses on injury management.
This level generally includes more advanced techniques and covers specific injuries, rehabilitation techniques, and the physiological effects of sports massage. Students learn to assess clients and apply appropriate massage techniques for specific injuries or conditions.
- Level 5 Qualification: Advanced; in-depth assessment and treatment
This is the Level of our Diploma course! NLSSM’s qualification is titled Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy, for a good reason, iIt covers the most advanced sports massage techniques and extensive clinical practice and includes detailed anatomy, advanced assessment skills, and treatment planning for complex injuries.
As you will hear from many in the profession, Sports Massage is not just for the athlete but anyone who has a soft tissue condition that needs attention.
Students on our Level 5 course will learn to perform comprehensive assessments, develop individualised treatment plans, and use advanced recovery and rehabilitation techniques
Who accredits your course?
Our course is accredited by OCN London and is OFQUAL approved. OCN is awarding body that has been established for over 50 years and is commonly used in adult education, providing pathways for students to gain skills and qualifications.
We have chosen to be accredited by OCN as it has allowed us to create a flexible course that is adaptable to the specific needs of our students and the requirements of current employers. As we’ll as OCN, we are also approved by the following organisations:
- The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) – they are an independent UK regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners.
- The Complementary Health Professionals (The CHP) – they are one of the UK’s leading Professional Associations, serving members since 1994. They offer members a host of specialised services, including access to quality insurance, free entry to their annual conference plus much, much more!
We are also recognized by many other associations such as LCSP and The SMA.
What is the difference between BTEC, ITEC and OCN?
BTEC, ITEC, and OCN are all organisations that accredit qualifications in various fields, including sports massage and related disciplines.
BTEC usually offer Vocational qualifications, ITEC tends to specialise in therapies, and OCN focuses on vocational, flexible qualifications for adult education. Each organisations has its own strengths, but they all provide a qualification in the relevant field.
What professional associations can I join?
With an NLSSM Level 5 qualification, you are eligible to join the following organisations:
- The Sports Massage Association (The SMA) is a professional organisation launched in 2002 in order to establish and maintain minimum standards for soft tissue therapy training
- The London & Counties Society of Physiologists (The LCSP) were founded in 1919 and they’re the oldest-established and largest organisation of private practitioners of remedial massage and manipulative therapy in the U.K!
- The Complementary Health Professionals (CHP), set up in 1994 actively work with their peers within the profession to support the interests of their members. They are a holistic organization that welcomes a wide range of qualifications such as Reflexology, Aromatherapy, and Reiki.
All organisations that we work with sit on the General Council for Massage Therapies (GCMT) representing massage/soft tissue therapies and setting industry standards.
What are my different career options with a Level 5 qualification?
The beauty of this work is you can make it your own. You will make yourself unique by following your vision of where you want to go and how you want to use the training. We will help you to develop your unique style and vision of where you want this to lead you.
In the beginning you might not know which direction to go in once you graduate. We will help you with this! Susan will cover this in your Business Mastery class and offer suggestions about what your offer might look like.
We have graduates in several different careers, such as:
- Joining an established clinic or starting their own
- Working in professional sport with elite athletes, clubs, and teams
- Specialising in certain areas such as oncology massage
- Enhancing their current occupation in the health & wellness industry, such as yoga & pilates instructors who are looking to add a soft tissue therapy component
- Complementing existing qualifications such as osteopathy or physiotherapy.
This is not an exhaustive list! We would suggest you go to our Graduate Stories page, this will help you to see the scope of practice that is available to you.
Do you offer work experience placements?
Gaining real-life experience is an essential way to be prepared for life post-graduation. We offer a variety of regular work experience placements and opportunities within our Level 5 Diploma and we encourage our students to apply, this will greatly enhance your CV and develop your confidence and is a great networking opportunity.
We pride ourselves on having a variety of work placements available, such as with top-level sports clubs, dance schools, clinics, events, and more! You can an example of current work placements we have available for our students on our page.
Do you run a student massage clinic?
We run a regular student massage clinic arranged by us, as a way for Level 5 students to gain clinical experience.
You will be able to treat members of the public in a real life clinical setting, giving you vital preparation for what it will be like to work in a clinical setting post graduation.
There is a qualified massage therapist on-site to help support you at all times to give you guidance and advice. Plus you can add this opportunity to your CV!
