I’ve been asked many times over the last few years ‘what’s the best sports massage course in the UK?’. Well, of all the courses I’ve ever taken part in, I can say for certain that the BTEC diploma run by Susan Findlay at The North London School of Sports Massage is the best I’ve ever done. Not just because of the thoroughness of the teaching, the friendliness and passionate professionalism of the staff, but also, crucially, because of the after-care.

Finishing a BTEC diploma in Sports Massage means you’re at the beginning of your career, and there’s still plenty more to learn. Inquisitive and progressive therapists who are determined to do their best will want to ask questions of those who have more experience in massage. And that’s where The NLSSM come in. As your careers develop you’ll find yourself wanting to refer back, to ‘check-in’. The NLSSM provide that service free of charge as part of their commitment to maintaining high standards of sports massage in the UK.

As well as the NLSSM there are other courses that run the BTEC in Sports and Remedial Massage to the same high standards. You can find details of all approved schools on the website of the Sports Massage Association.

I recently posted recruitment ads for massage therapists stating that ‘ITEC qualifications will NOT be considered, sorry’.

Why, you may ask? Enrol on the BTEC Diploma and you’ll find out for yourself!

ANATOMY STUDIES ON CADAVERS
at a South West London Teaching Hospital

These afternoons are organised for students and practitioners working within the health field. You will have an opportunity to look at specimens, view bones and muscles, their origins and insertions, nerve and blood supplies and other anatomical features. You can even have a feel (gloves provided)! These courses are particularly useful for anyone embarking on an anatomy course, or for existing therapists who want to update their knowledge of anatomy.

New Dates

Wednesday 20th May (1-4pm) Postural support muscles
Looking at the internal and external abdominal muscles, back extensors, the diaphragm, pelvic floor, psoas major and minor, iliacus and quadratus lumborum.

Wednesday 3rd June:-
Morning session (10am – 1pm) The Spine
The muscles and vertebrae of the spine, SI joint, root nerves and understanding the origin of many common pain.
Afternoon session (2pm – 5pm) The Pelvis
The ilium, ischium, ischial tuberosity and pubis, looking at the movement between the sacrum and coccyx and connections to the lower limbs; the differences between the male and female pelvis and the pelvic floor . The attachments of the pelvic floor to the coccyx and the connecting relationship with the abdomen and lower back.

Monday 29th June 10am – 5pm – Dissection Day
Understanding the layers of the connective tissues. Using scalpels and tweezers, we will drop down through the layers and examine the tissues that surround the muscle, guide the skeletal system and define the shape and use of the body. A truly life changing experience which will enable you to experience body work in a different way. This day is in the process of being arranged but costs may be higher than the usual courses and there will be a larger maximum number attending* to keep the cost as low as possible.

Tuesday 30th June:-
Morning session (10am – 1pm) The neck and Shoulder and common injuries thereof. What is the Rotator cuff, how do these tears affect mobility and the relationship between shoulder, neck and TMJ?
Afternoon session (2pm – 5pm) The thigh, leg, knee and ankle and common injuries. Stability throughout the leg and the role of the ITB in these injuries.
Both sessions will start with basic anatomy followed by a question and answer session on injuries. The aim of this day is to understand how pathology relates to anatomy, helping therapists understand what has gone wrong and why their therapies work.

* Numbers for people attending each session have been reduced to twelve, although it will no longer be possible to run any days that are less well attended.

If there is any other body part you would like to cover, please let me know and I will see whether I can arrange it. Similarly, if Wednesdays are difficult for you I could try and arrange for an afternoon on another day.

Multiple Discounts

1 x session £90
2 x sessions £160
3 x sessions £225
4 x sessions £280

Where morning and afternoon sessions are mentioned, these count as two separate sessions.

All dates are confirmed once six people have booked. These courses are open to health professionals only and you will be required beforehand to provide me with details of your qualifications and professional affiliations so that your bona fide interest in anatomy can be verified and the legal position of the hospital protected.

New Venue from September 2008

The anatomy of cadaver days have been moved to a new venue. It is close to Central London and easily accessible by tube and buses. As usual I cannot give you the venue until you have booked as this potentially causes problems with the Human Tissue Authority.

A Certificate of Attendance will be issued on the day and will count towards CPD points (one day for Bowen practitioners, half a day for Pilates teachers). These afternoons are also recognised for CPD points by SkillsActive (4 points).

To confirm your place on any of these courses, please send a cheque made payable to Mandy Hermitage at 4 Crewkerne Court, Bolingbroke Walk, London SW11 3NF giving contact numbers including mobile number, qualifications and address. Your cheque will not be cashed until the date is confirmed with sufficient numbers. There is a £50 cancellation fee, although if you cancel within a week of the event you will not be given a refund.

If you want further information you can e-mail me on AmandyhATaol.com or you can phone me on my mobile which is 07702 174468 or landline on 020 7924 5527. Please quote City Sports Massage.

I would be grateful if you could let me know asap if you are interested in attending.

Best wishes,

Mandy Hermitage
www.Amandahermitage.com