Sports massage & Remedial soft tissue therapy COURSE
This massage course is a 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. It is accredited by OCN London (OFQUAL approved).
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 25A, commencing Sunday 16th February 2025.
Full details and how to book here.
WHO IS THIS MASSAGE COURSE FOR?
This massage 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 massage course course is split into 3 modules.
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 and passing the assessment on this module, you can earn while you continue to learn. You will be insurable to work as a soft tissue therapist to practice the techniques that you have covered in this module. Note that this is not equivalent to a Level 3 qualification and you will not be able to call yourself a qualified Level 3 or 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 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.
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.
MASSAGE Course Syllabus
MODULE 1
- 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
- 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
- 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 16th February – Sunday 11th May 2025
MODULE 2 – Sunday 25th May – Sunday 25th August 2025
MODULE 3 – Sunday 7th September – Sunday 14th December 2025
This is a Tuesday course, running from 10am – 5pm.
Please find exact course dates here
MODULE 1 – Tuesday 1st April – Tuesday 17th June 2025
MODULE 2 – Tuesday 1st July – Tuesday 23rd September 2025
MODULE 3 – Tuesday 7th October 2025 – Tuesday 13th January 2026
Looking to do just an individual module? For full list of upcoming start dates for Modules 1, 2 and 3, click on the appropriate Apply Now buttons below.
MASSAGE 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
-
This is the fastest and most cost efficient way to complete all 3 modules and your full Level 5 qualification
-
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)
-
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
-
Sign up to module 1 now, and complete modules 2 and 3 at a later date
-
Earn a certification in massage therapy upon completion of module 1
-
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
-
Eligible for those who have already completed module 1
-
Sign up to module 2 now, and complete module 3 at a later date
-
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
-
Eligible for those who have already completed modules 1 & 2
-
Includes final exams to complete your Level 5 qualification
-
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.
COURSE ACCREDITATION & SUPPORT
Our Level 5 qualification is supported or 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
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.
How do you help students find employment?
We support our students in a number of ways to help prepare them for life after they graduate. There are many opportunities for you to gain experience and show this in your CV and we offer many work experience opportunities and event work.
We further encourage our students to offer their services in our student clinic, this takes the fear out of meeting new clients and not knowing what to do. Plus, you will have a tutor on hand to answer any questions and help you develop your skills.
We have a very active and supportive private Facebook group that all of our current students and graduates can join. Many job opportunities are posted here as our graduates are regularly head-hunted to work in clinics and sporting teams.
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!
Are their opportunities to practice with my classmates outside of regular class hours?
We often have students arrange their own practice sessions with each other outside of their regular classroom hours. To help facilitate this, we open up The Hub on a regular basis, this needs to be arranged with the office and held on a day The Hub is available.
These extra hours can be used as part of your logbook of 100 practical hours that are required to complete, as well as a great time to share advice and practice your new hands-on skills.
