Hi, can anyone shed some light on all the course options out there?
I'd like to learn more advanced massage techniques, more indepth a&p, postural analysis and generally have more knowledge of, and be able to deal with injuries and chronic conditions. I was thinking about a sports massage course - I don't want to focus on working with athletes per se, although I do have an interest in yoga and dance so would perhaps like to work with these groups of clients but I'm thinking more of just being able to offer more tailored remedial massages. I haven't practiced professionally for a good few years so I thought taking a proper structured course (rather than a few "advanced massage" workshops) would be a good way to get my professional "chops" back.
I've looked at ITEC, APNT and SMA courses but I'm confused! Is there any point in doing the ITEC sports massage course? I've heard good and bad reports. Does it depend on the college? How about the APNT courses? Is the APNT a level 4 course by the way or level 3 like ITEC? The SMA courses seem the most comprehensive but it seems like they're really aimed at people who want to do full on sports massage therapy (ie strapping and taping and working to maximise athletic performance etc). Thats not really why I want to do the course. I don't want to go in over my head but obviously I want good quality training thats going to give me the knowledge I need.
Any tips negotiating the maze of courses greatly received. Thank you!
Hi there,
I would highly recommend the ISRM BTEC, just google Institute of Sport & Remedial Massage.
IMO it's the best syllabus available.
I would also recommend ISRM (having originally trained on a poor ITEC course, I subsequently trained with LSSM who are one of the ISRM schools, and was very impressed with the quality of tuition). It seems that 'panda' is really interested in 'remedial massage' rather than 'sports massage': the ISRM teach valuable techniques such as STR and MET which aren't on the SMA core curriculum.
Alan
I would also recommend ISRM (having originally trained on a poor ITEC course, I subsequently trained with LSSM who are one of the ISRM schools, and was very impressed with the quality of tuition). It seems that 'panda' is really interested in 'remedial massage' rather than 'sports massage': the ISRM teach valuable techniques such as STR and MET which aren't on the SMA core curriculum.
Alan
Hello Alan and Smallpanda. Most SMA accredited schools do offer these additional techniques as I think Smallpanda has already picked up on. The SMA core curriculum sets a standard--accredited schools are of course at liberty to go above and beyond our core standards. Whether you go to an SMA or ISRM accredited course, there will be a 'sports' element. Having said that-it is your choice who you treat once you have qualified, the skills acquired have application beyond sports people and would certainly apply to the groups you have identified.
Thank you for all the suggestions. I notice that there are level 4 and level 5 BTEC courses on the ISRM website. Does anyone know what the material differences are between the two levels in terms of what one learns and what/how one can practice? Also can anyone say anything about the APNT courses? Thank you. 😉