Archive for the ‘Courses’ Category

Want a job with City Sports Massage? Looking for a training course? We need therapists!

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Would you like to train with an internationally-renowned sports massage company?

City Sports Massage regularly attract referrals from across the globe – North and South America, all across Europe, even China recently! We are well known because we’re friendly, approachable, and have a very high standard of work.

CSM run a Graduate Training Scheme for appropriately qualified freelance sports massage therapists. If you’ve done a sports massage course, but feel like you need help in developing your confidence and building a practice, we might be just the right people to speak to.

Our training includes a full program of intensive workshops, training sessions developed individually around specific needs, and close mentoring and support. Teaching ratios are often three teachers to one student, and never less than one teacher to two students! After an initial series of workshops, those undertaking our training program are considered fully-fledged members of our team, and are promoted through our marketing channels and large, ever-growing database of clients. As graduate trainees thus begin working and earning as CSM Therapists, they receive continuous feedback via our extensive support network, which greatly assists in the fast-track learning process.

Entry is limited to a very small number of applicants per year. Applicants are expected to continue working freelance for us post-completion of all training.

If you are interested in working in a supportive atmosphere, and being part of the best, most widely known sports massage team in London, please read more here to find out how to apply.

Please note that you must be a graduate of a sports massage course in order to train on our Graduate Training Scheme.

Latest News & Free Sports Massage in London!

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

Becky’s back on Sundays!

Everyone’s favourite Sunday specialist Becky Clarke is back at the Healthy Living Centre after being on maternity leave.

Becky’s thinking about taking on Saturdays too – so please feel free to encourage her ;-) She will be replacing Juan Carlos, who has moved to a quieter life in Nottingham with his Family. JC’s wife, Jackie, has been helping us out with admin this year and we’ll miss them both and wish them the best!

Our talented cover therapist, Biliana, is working Saturdays at HLC at the moment to help take care of your muscles whilst we continue to recruit and train new therapists. You’ll find out in the last section below how you can benefit from this process!

A New Clinic at London Bridge!

There is soon to be a third City Sports Massage location, within a few minutes walk of London Bridge. That’s right folks, *south* of the river. We feel very brave!

It’s close to the wonderful Borough Market and is ideally located for the entire Southern network of tubes and trains.

We’ll have some enthusiastic new therapists there to meet you and we’re just waiting for the owners to finish fitting the new therapy rooms – and they reckon mid October. Which, in ‘builder-speak’ could mean quite literally *anything*, but we’re remaining optimistic!

Continuing Professional Development!

I’ve been doing lots of anatomy dissection days this year, and recently did a whole six day course exploring the inner space of the human body. The course was run by Gil Hedley PhD, who normally teaches across the USA and is a very respected, forward-thinking academic. He first taught at a UK Medical School last year and this was only the second time the course has run in the UK . There’s only around 1500 people in the entire world who have ever had the chance to explore in this way.

It was an absolute privilege and an immensely enriching and powerful experience. It was very different to the anatomy books, and has massively deepened my understanding of the human form. I’m looking forward to passing this information on to our therapists and clients. I have come back with a series of DVDs which City Sports Massage will be watching as a team and discussing – and we aim to use this information to help you in your needs.

Free Massages via Facebook!

We are recruiting and training new therapists at the moment so we need our regular clients to give us feedback on how they’re doing – that means you could get yourself lined up for an afternoon of FREE MASSAGES. We are also running in-house workshops, so we need YOUR BODY to demonstrate and practice our popular techniques. There’s only one place you’ll find out about this – our Facebook fan page. It only takes Facebook users one click to join and it’s totally free.

It’s also the place where you’ll be kept up to date with the latest *relevant* news and other offers – so please don’t miss out!

That’s all for now, but you’ll be hearing from us soon – as we have lots more in the pipeline!

Best Wishes

Jon and the City Sports Massage Team.

6 day Human Dissection Course in London August 2009

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

We are now arranging bookings for a 6 DAY HUMAN DISSECTION August 17th-22nd in London. This is led by Gil Hedley and is a transformative, exploratory course that will demonstrate the connectivity of the human body in an enjoyable, down to earth way. Course is £1275 and is open to professionals working in health-related industries only.

Most anatomical studies on cadavers are concerned with ‘regional anatomy’. Such studies will examine the functions of the body without necessarily taking into account the ‘wider picture’ – and in particular the fundamental importance of ‘fascia’.

If you would like to apply for entry on this course please email jonATcitysportsmassage.com with the subject line ‘CITY SPORTS MASSAGE – AUG 2009 DISSECTION’

In Gil’s own words;

“I have been creating these workshops since 1994, and they have been intensely appreciated and memorable experiences for all involved. My approach is to work with group participants as whole persons coming to a deeper awareness of themselves and the wonder that is the human body through their encounter with each other and the donor’s gift. The workshop is also fun! These workshops are excellent opportunities for anyone who has studied anatomy in their professional training, and who uses that knowledge in a hands-on practice, to deepen anatomical knowledge, palpation skills, and love of life.

The workshops meet from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. Expect the first hour of each day to be committed to group discussion and reflection. Under the instructor’s guidance, participant teams of 8 per cadaver accomplish specific dissection goals each day, layer by layer, to reveal the whole form. I prefer to work with 7 or 8 participants at a table whenever possible, as my particular goals and dissection methods are best facilitated and accomplished with this many hands at work on each team. We are studying integral anatomy, as opposed to regional anatomy, and participants will appreciate the difference. Top of page

These workshops are fun but also intensive undertakings on many levels, requiring personal maturity, professional decorum, good health and physical stamina: consent of instructor is required. For UK listings CV’s are required as well. The workshops are designed for professionals who have completed their training and engaged in the practice of their trade. A ready working knowledge of the language of anatomy and the map of the human body is the foundation upon which this course is built. Together, we will explore the territory. Persons with disabilities may inquire as to how their study can best be facilitated.”

In the words of those who have completed this workshop;

“Gil was tremendous. I can’t even think of anything he (personally) could have done to better the class. His intellect, wisdom, spiritual sense, discipline, sense of humor and skills were more than I expected.” G.L., Muscular Therapist/Spinning Instructor,Gloucester, MA Top of page

“You allow us to use our creativity while learning facts. It’s probably the most balanced style of learning I’ve ever experienced. I would love to come back next year, after I dive into my book list (which has now tripled). This class has given me the courage to pursue an M.S. in Midwifery.” J.F., LMT, NJ

“I feel as if this workshop was truly life changing. Close friends have even said I look different. Besides being much more confident about anatomy, I am more confident in my work. And then there’s the spiritual side of it all. I approach each body I work on with much more wonder and awe, love and respect. Add on top of that a new self love and respect. I love my amazing body in a way I haven’t since I was a child, before I started comparing it to society’s idea of ideal. That has been a wonderful gift. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime, oh, and my x-ray eyes! I am definitely promoting you in my area and hope you return to Chicago. Again thank you so much.” C.W., Massage Therapist, Springfield, IL Top of page

“Profoundly altered my understanding of fascial planes, visceral structures, and spinal structures.” Raymond Bishop Ph.D., Rolfer, Woodstock, GA

“This experience was far different than the 1st, just as I’m sure the next will be from this. I feel so blessed by receiving that post card two years ago.” K.M., LMT, CO

I really appreciated Gil’s sense of humor and humbleness. I felt as it we were all on this Great Exploration together, instead of having designated “teachers” who supposedly have all the answers.” C.M.T., USA Top of page

“I’m much more aware of needing to look for viscera where they are and not where they are supposed to be–I can visualize much better what I am working on.” James Schwartz, Rolfer/ Visceral Manipulator, Novato, CA

“He encourages dissection as an art form. While encouraging each of us to communicate our states of mind, he was free about sharing the depths of his own experience. Because of Gil’s way of presentation, I was able to let down my guard and be open to how I work inside myself. With every layer I excised, I also self dissected. The cadavers were not impassive pieces of data, awaiting entry into my information system–they made me into their own image, and vice versa. I saw them inside myself. I now carry their images inside me now, in the most intimate profound ways imaginable for me and for the others who shared their stories.” D.P.-K., LMT, WA

“Thank you again for the most profound and incredible experience of my life-really! “Coming back” and integrating it all has been interesting and challenging to say the least. I believe what was most impactful to me was to “see” each “body’s” “signature” even in its death state. Whew! I really felt like I was at a smorgasboard wanting to try everything in sight that was offered. I look forward to the next class when I can spend more time and give myself more permission to stay longer in certain areas.” T.M., Healer, CA

“Thank you so very much for another incredible opportunity to explore myself deeper (and to release some more layers). I am still very much in the process of the class and I’m still enjoying it.” N.K., Licensed Massage Therapist, NYC, NY

“I love your brilliant exuberance Gil–and your open minded creative approach provided the most exciting way to study anatomy for me. Thank you!” J.B., Muscular Therapist, Bearsville, NY

What’s the best sports massage course in the UK?

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

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 in London

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

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