FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Got some burning questions about any of our courses? Check our Frequently asked questions below to see if your query is answered!
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
Can I join the course if I am not a beginner or if I already have a Level 3 or 4 qualification?
Of course! Our Level 5 course is suitable for anyone who already holds a Level 3 or 4 soft tissue therapy qualification. We offer the whole package, starting with assessment skills in palpation, posture, and movement, how to treat using advanced soft tissue massage techniques, and how to implement a rehabilitation program.
Why should I get a Level 5 qualification if I already hold a Level 4?
Whilst a level 4 qualification allows therapists to manage common injuries and apply appropriate techniques, a Level 5 will provide a much more advanced understanding of sports and remedial massage techniques within clinical practice.
You will learn how to perform comprehensive assessments, develop individualised treatment plans for complex injuries, and use advanced techniques for recovery and rehabilitation. A Level 5 qualification can lead to roles in high-performance sports settings or specialised clinical environments.
Do you offer a bridging program for those who already have a Level 4 qualification?
If you already hold a Level 4 qualification in certain areas, you may be eligible to undertake our Level 5 Bridging Program, whereby you do not need to take Module 1 of our level 5 course, just Modules 2 and 3.
The Bridging program takes approximately 6 – 7 months to complete and is a good option for those with a level 4 qualification and an appropriate a level of experience.
Find out more about our Bridging program here, or please feel free to give us a call and talk to a real person about your needs:
Telephone: 020 8885 6062
Email: cassandra@nlssm.com
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.
How long is the level 5 course and how often do I come to class?
The course is part-time and the total time it takes to complete all three modules is approximately 10 – 11 months.
During your time with us, you will attend practical workshops once every two weeks, as well as undertake home study and hands-on practice in your own time (approximately 5 hours per week).
Face to face class attendance and assessments consist of 23 days (including 2 online zoom sessions) split across one day every two weeks. The reason that we host our classes once every two weeks is to ensure that we have regular contact with our students for a more supportive learning journey.
Why don’t you offer shorter, more intense courses?
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 and hands-on skills are compromised.
We take our lessons from athletes who consistently train using repetition over a longer period of time, this allows for the muscle memory 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 a single-day tuition rather than a weekend course. Our experience has shown us that students retain a greater amount of information and are less overwhelmed. A single day holds enough new learning to go away with and put into practice and there is consistent progress through regular contact.
Hands-on skills progress to a higher standard as they are not left to their own devices, have less time to develop bad habits and there is less of a chance of forgetting what new skills they have learned. This atmosphere of encouragement helps our students to keep on an even keel and remain highly motivated.
Can I do this course around a full time job?
Our Level 5 is a part-time course, and because of this most of our students have jobs and other commitments that they fit around their learning. This gives them the flexibility and security of still having an income whilst they’re training.
We also give advice on how you can transition from your current form of employment to making this your number one focus, and do the job you love!
Can I split the payment - do you offer a payment plan?
Our Level 5 course is an investment in your future. To help you fund the costs, we offer the option to split the course fees across a period of 11 months, please see the option on the diploma page.
Additionally, if you sign up several months before the course begins then you have a further option to apply for a bespoke payment plan, where the course fees are split across a greater number of months which can further reduce your monthly payments.
What happens if I miss a day on the course?
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 total 23 days and attend with an alternative diploma class date instead. More days than this will require further discussion with your course leader.
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 highly recommended. The course information and skills build from one week to another, and if it is out of sequence it could make it more difficult for you to absorb the information or have the correct hands-on skills to perform your practical work.
What are the modules and are they different levels of qualification?
The Level 5 course is split into 3 modules and all 3 need to be completed to gain the full Level 5 qualification. You can complete the course in one go (most people do) or you can opt to start with module 1 and complete modules 2 and 3 at a later date.
Please note that each module does not equate a level i.e. module 1 does not mean you have a level 3 qualification. The information throughout the course is taught at a level 5 and delivered in its fullness as to how you will use it in your clinical setting from the start.
The most economical way of doing the course is to purchase and book all three modules from the beginning, but you can book each module as and when you are ready if you prefer.
Can I do module 1 now and then work as a qualified therapist?
Upon completing and passing the assessment on module 1, you can earn while you continue to learn for the rest of the course. You will be insurable to work as a soft tissue therapist to practice the techniques that you have covered.
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 3 modules.
What practical assessments and written assessments are there in the course?
You have a total of 3 written coursework assignments to complete for each module in your own time at home. At the end of each module there is a practical assessment.
You will be required to record 100 log book practice hours, this can be accomplished in a number of ways that your tutor will explain to you. Your final piece of work is a case study that demonstrates what you have learned throughout the course.
Why do I have to complete a case study?
The case study is a way of bringing all your learning together. This is where you will be able to demonstrate your assessment, planning, and reasoning of your rehabilitation hands-on skills and reflect on the progress. This also develops your confidence and demonstrates how far you have come.
Do you have any online materials and revision tools?
We have a vast amount of online resources to help you throughout your course. This includes a schedule of work for each day of the course, accompanying online videos to use as revision tools, articles, handouts, and special events.
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.
Do you offer any additional support for learning disabilities?
At NLSSM we have a no discrimination policy and students with disabilities are welcome to apply. We do our best to accommodate our students different learning needs and requirements – please do get in touch with us directly if you have any specific needs you would like to discuss.
Can I do the course if I have dyslexia?
Our teaching methods are diverse to accommodate all our students’ learning needs.
We have a vast amount of experience working with learning challenges and have found inventive and successful ways of achieving a positive outcome.
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, enjoyable, and achievable.
We offer a great amount of support both during and away from the classroom, in the form of student office hours, a student clinic, and work experience, our goal is to ensure you have a successful career and with this in mind, we will do all we can to support your goals.
Can I do the course if English is not my first language?
If English is not your first language, don’t worry, we accommodate this in the form of giving extra allowances for completing your written coursework, and we do not penalise students on their spelling, grammar, or punctuation. We do ask from the start that you let us know in your application form so that the team is aware of your needs.
Even if English is your first language we will still work with anyone who has a spelling phobia!
GENERAL Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is sports massage?
A brief description of sports massage is that it is a form of remedial soft tissue therapy, used to treat soft tissue conditions and injuries. However, within the profession, it is not as simple as that, Susan Findlay, our director writes a blog about this very question, it is worth reading, you can find it on our blogs page.
What is the difference between Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy?
If you are confused about the difference between sports massage and remedial soft tissue therapy, you are not alone!
The term ‘Sports Massage’ traditionally has brutal connotations, with many believing it to be a painful form of massage, reserved only for elite athletes. Whilst we know this is not true, and sports massage is for everyone, the term ‘Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy’ has grown to be a more universal and palatable term for the treatment of soft tissue conditions.
At the right level of qualification, both terms have similar aims: they are a form of remedial soft tissue therapy used to treat soft tissue conditions caused by injury, use, disuse, overuse, and more. I will, however, leave you with the question, is not sports massage simply massage applied to athletes?
Find out more in our blog, What is Sports Massage?
Is soft tissue therapy the right career for me?
The truth is, you don’t know until you try it! But if you are interested in fixing people, giving them an opportunity to live pain-free, and move more comfortably then this is the career for you.
That’s why we offer a one-day Massage Introduction Course. It’s a great way for you to test the waters and find out what a career in massage therapy actually involves, without committing to our year-long Level 5 Diploma course. In this practical workshop, you will:
- Learn the foundational hands-on skills of massage, including deeper techniques
- Establish practical skills that will enable you to have a long and successful career, you will be able to work deeply and sensitively with ease and your clients will love it!
- Discover what your route into this profession might look like with our Level 5 Diploma course
- You will have access to online videos and resources that will both prepare you for the course as well as review what you have learned with us
At the very least you will leave being able to give a top-to-toe massage that friends and family will enjoy!
Find out more about our one-day Massage Introduction Workshop.
Is soft tissue therapy for everyone?
Yes! Everyone can benefit from Remedial Soft Tissue massage, it is not just for athletes – it’s suitable for everyone. We all experience strains and injuries just by going through our daily lives – you don’t have to be an Olympic weightlifter to get a muscle strain or a tear! For example, someone who works in an office may be at risk of postural issues, disc problems, and shoulder pain.
Those who do any sort of manual work also face muscle and tissue injury due to repetitive strain. Bear in mind, I’m not just talking about people on a building site! Parenting, housework, DIY or simply doing a bit of gardening can be enough to cause an injury.
Even inadequate sleep can lead to pain, strain, and injury, all of which we can help improve with a sports massage. From suits to swimming costumes to sweatpants, sports massage can help everyone who needs it!
How long has NLSSM been running?
NLSSM was created all the way back in 2004! With over 20 years of experience, we are proud to be one of the leading schools for sports massage and remedial soft tissue therapy in the UK!
From a small office set up in NLSSM’s Director Susan Findlay’s front room, to The Hub where we are now, you can now delve deeper into our history and discover exactly why, how, and when NLSSM was born on our History of NLSSM page.
Why should I choose NLSSM?
Deciding on a career change to become a massage therapist can be daunting for many reasons, a primary concern when starting this journey is where should you study?
When considering a vocation capable of transforming the lives of others, and yourself as a therapist, it is vital that you receive the training that suits your needs.
If you’re considering choosing NLSSM to guide you on this new journey, we’d like to break down 6 ways in which our Level 5 qualification could be the right choice for you:
1. Graduate at the Highest Level – You’ll become a top-level therapist with our Level 5 qualification!
2. No Prior Training Necessary – 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!
3. The Highest Standard – Qualifying at level 5 allows you to work in private practice or within the highest level of sport.
4. Become a Professional Therapist – This qualification will give you the skills to design and implement appropriate soft tissue treatment and rehabilitation plans.
5. Supportive Learning – We support our students throughout their course by offering student clinics, regular office hours, assigned tutors, and more, the support does not stop when you graduate but continues throughout your career.
6. Join an Organisation – Graduates can become members of organisations such as The SMA, The LCSP Register of Remedial Masseurs & Manipulative Therapists and Complementary Health Professionals (CHP).
Find out more about our Level 5 course in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy.
Will the introduction workshop give me a qualification?
Our one-day Massage Introduction Workshop is a great way to see if remedial massage is a suitable career for you! Whilst it will not give you a qualification, after completion of the workshop you will have:
- A certificate of attendance
- Learned the basic principles of massage, including a variety of introductory techniques and tips
- Established your skills whilst focusing on working safely and meeting the needs of your client
- Discovered how to use your body effectively to have a long-lasting career
- Learned how to work smartly, effectively, deeply, and sensitively with ease!
Plus! For one year you will have continued access to our online course with supporting resources to revisit what you have learned, such as videos, articles, and handouts!
Is there any regulation in the soft tissue therapy/sports massage industry?
The soft tissue therapy industry in the UK, like sports massage, is not regulated by a single governing body. However, several professional associations set standards and offer accreditation for practitioners, including:
- The Sports Massage Association (The SMA)
- The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
- The Council for Soft Tissue Therapies (The GCMT)
- LCSP The London & Counties Society of Physiologists
- CHP The Complementary and Health Professionals
And more!
These organisations provide guidelines for training, practice, and ethics, helping ensure that practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge. While registration with these bodies is voluntary, many practitioners choose to join to enhance their credibility and demonstrate professionalism to clients.
As with any therapy, it’s important for clients to verify the qualifications and memberships of therapists to ensure they’re receiving safe and effective treatment.
What are your Covid19 protocols?
We have developed a set of robust procedures to minimise the risk of COVID-19. Please find out more about this in our policy here.
What massage mediums do you use?
We use a number of different massage creams, lotions, oils and waxes, including the following:
…and more!
Is The Hub an accessible location?
The Hub is conveniently situation a few minutes walk from Tottenham Hale Station in North London. It is on the second floor, with elevator access.
Can I rent The Hub?
Our spacious massage clinic room, The Hub, is available for rent! Key features include:
- Ample Space: Can comfortably accommodate up to 12 massage beds and 24 people, ideal for group sessions, and workshops.
- Massage Beds & Training Materials: Massage beds are provided as well as pillows and bolsters. Other training materials include whiteboard, markers, an electronic projector, and a full-body skeleton (plus bits and pieces of body parts). Please request if you have any further requirements.
- Breakout Area: Relax on a comfortable couch and enjoy a selection of books in our library.
- Kitchen Facilities: Small kitchen equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities as well as a fridge and microwave.
- Convenient Location: Just a few minutes walk from Tottenham Hale Station with underground trains, rail links, buses, and a cycle path.
- Accessible: Situated on the second floor with an elevator for easy access.
- Parking: One free parking space is available for the tutor/main booker (date/time dependent).
Whether you’re looking to run your practice or host workshops, our room offers the flexibility and comfort you need. Find out more on our booking page.
