Q Is there a prerequisite for the course?

A Yes. You need to have a qualification or certificate in massage and anatomy and physiology. If you aren’t familiar with basic massage or you’re A & P then get in touch with us and we can put you in touch with some great professionals who can get you up to speed prior to the course.

Q Who are the course for?

A If you’re a therapist who is already trained in basic massage or sports massage, or if you’re currently practising or training as a physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor or personal trainer, we're here to help you upgrade and refresh your skills.

Q Do I need to know my muscles really well before starting the Sports/Advanced massage diploma?

A The better you know your muscles, the better you'll do. If you think you are a bit rusty then you could always look at doing our Mad About Muscles or Getting Started workshops prior to the Diploma.

Q What if my muscle knowledge is a bit rusty?

A We have a workshop just for you! Its called Mad About Muscles and is designed specifically for people wanting to study at a more advanced level. You could take this workshop prior to starting the Diploma.

Q Do I need to be involved in or interested in sports to take the Intensive Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma?

A Not at all. Just as Doctors, Physios and Dentists, the course content is relevant to everyone on the course even if your intension is not to treat 'sports injuries or people. But just think, anyone can sprain an ankle or strain a calf muscle. Many of our clients suffer from low back pain or round shoulders, for example. Whilst some aspects of the course focus on treating people who are physically very active, the diploma covers advanced assessment and treatment techniques for a whole range of conditions that affect us all. You do not need to be active yourself to be good at this

Q I want to work with athletes. Is this a good course to do?

A This is a great course but does not focus specifically on working with athletes. We can recommend other courses that may be more appropriate to you
if you specifically want to work with this client group. Please call Jane for a chat.

Q I haven't studied for some time, will I be able to keep up with everyone else in the class?

A All our lessons utilise "accelerated learning" methods so you'll find yourself more than able to cope from day 1! We can also advise you on many fun and effective ways to learn once you are enrolled. Our class size is limited to 12 so there will be plenty of opportunity for one-to-one learning. We will also send you learning tips to utilise before and during the course.

Q How long is the course?

A The course is 16 days in total, but taught intensively for 10 days in Turkey or 15 in the UK. For the days in the classroom you will cover all the practical elements of the syllabus including your ‘clinic day’, mock practical examination as well as discussing case studies and projects which need to be handed in within 6 months of the course finishing. There will be days covered by supported home study, some of which will need to done before you begin the course and the rest by set dates during the course.

Q Do I have to do any homework?

A Yes. There is mandatory homework for all aspects of the course. Students constantly say how useful they have found doing the homework and most groups
opt for more homework! We will prepare and mark as much homework as you like!

Q Once enrolled on the Diploma, is there any work I need to do prior to the start of the course?

A Yes. There are days which will need to be done by you as supported home study, some of which will need to done before you begin the course. We will let you know in a advance the work needs to be done.

Q How much time will I need to spend on this course outside of class hours?

A As you know, you get what you focus on: the more time you spend practicing the practical aspects of the course and doing theoretical homework, the better your skills, the quicker you will learn and the faster you will consolidate your knowledge. Also, because this is a great course you will be excited to put into practice everything you are learning....so it won't seem like there is a lot of extra work at all!

Q. Are there any books I need to buy for the course?

A No, the course textbook and all course materials are provided. Turn up with a pen, paper and a smile and you'll be fine!

Q Do I need a special massage couch to do this course?

A No. A regular couch is fine. You will learn to treat clients on a regular couch, on the floor and seated, in prone, supine and side-lying so that you can modify your techniques to suit your client and their environment.

Q Do I need to bring anything with me like a couch, couch covers, couch roll or oil?

A No, everything is provided on site. You will need to buy your own oil, cream or balm for use at home when practicing massage skills.

Q. Is there a lot of theory I need to learn?

A The course is 80-90% practical in nature, with all theory lessons integrated into practice. You will be on your feet an actively involved for most of the course!

Q. What if I can't keep up?

A You'll be surprised at what you can learn but of you do have concerns during the course, then talk to us. We take each case on an individual basis but many of our workshops mirror aspects of the Intensive Diploma so there is often an opportunity for you to revise material we have covered in class. And we're nice people and 100% student focused, so we’ll be there to support you and make sure you’re ready for your exams.

Q Do I need to do any case studies for this course?

A Yes. You need to massage 6 people a minimum of three times each, to be submitted within 6 months of the course finishing. We recommend however, that you immerse yourself in the learning process and massage as many clients as possible. You can find full details on case studies in the APNT syllabus and we will discuss these thoroughly with you during the course.

Q Do my case studies need to have injuries?

A You are not expected to treat acute injuries. However, you are required to "stretch" yourself more than in your initial massage course and should
therefore be treating clients who have one of the conditions on the syllabus. There are a great many conditions on the syllabus, covering all areas of the body.

Q. Do I need to find my own case studies?

A Whilst it is your responsibility to find case studies we can always help out. We'll also give you advice on how to find suitable case studies.

Q What if I miss a day of the course?

A 100% attendance is required for successful completion of the course. Catch up sessions can be arranged but these are expensive and not as effective as being with your colleagues in class. Sometimes it is possible for you to join an existing class, or to take the lessons you are going to miss later on, with the next course. We strongly recommend that you plan to attend all days of the course

Q. Do I get to massage people with injuries?

A Whilst you are not required to treat acute injuries you will take part in a Sports Massage Clinic during which you will treat two people unknown to you under the supervision of the tutor.

Q What's all this about a project?

A The APNT Examining Board feel it is important for you to do a project as part of this course. We agree. You have 6 months from the date of your exams to submit your project. We have lots of previously-submitted projects we can show you.And the APNT Syllabus has very good 'Project Guidelines'.

Q Is the course examined?

A Yes, it is externally examined by the APNT. You sit a theory paper of 2.5 hours and a practical examination that is carried out on a one-to-one basis with an examiner. The practical examination lasts up to 45 minutes. You also sit a Mock Theory Examination and a Mock Practical Examination so you are VERY well prepared when it comes to your actual exams!

Q What do I wear in class?

A Anything that is comfortable. There is no uniform. For your Clinic Day, your Mock Practical Examination and your actual practical examination we recommend that you dress as a professional sports massage practitioner. For most of the course we recommend you bring running shorts, not cycling shorts.

Q Will I cover strapping and taping?

A Yes, you will be taught basic strapping and taping if you are on the Intensive Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma. All materials provided.

Q What if I'm not ready for the exams at the end of the course?

A You will be ready! Towards the end of your course you will enjoy sitting a Mock Theory Examination and a Mock Practical Examination so you are VERY well prepared when it comes to your actual exams! You will also have taken part in a Sports Massage Clinic where you massage two people unknown to you who have come for treatment.

Q I have some other things happening in my life whilst I'm on the course, will that be ok?

A This is an intensive course requiring study at a high level. We strongly recommend that you focus on the course once registered.

Q What time are the lessons?

A Class starts at 9.30am and finishes at 5pm. There are two tea breaks and a 45 min-1 hour lunch break.

Q Will I learn deep tissue techniques?

A Yes, lots. You will learn stripping of muscles, frictioning and how to use elbows, forearms and fists, all of which you will be competent in by the end of the course.

Q May I speak to a student who has already done the course?

A Absolutely. Contact us and we'll put you in touch.

Q Why should I train with you and not another school?

A It’s entirely up to you who you choose to train with. We’d just like to let you know that our courses are delivered to the highest standards. We take our and your profession seriously and pledge to invest 100% in everyone who trains with us. We want you to be out-standing in your field. Our courses are honest, enjoyable, informative and inspirational, and will exceed your expectations – as well as offering exceptional value for money.

Q Who are The London Massage Company and what are your credentials?

A Jane, Chartered Physiotherapist, MCSP, MSc, BSc, BA (Hons) has been a practicing Physiotherapist and sports and remedial massage therapist for over 15 years. Along side this she achieved her MSc in Health and Exercise at the same time as qualifying as a Fitness Instructor. Seven years ago she went on to gain her Teacher Training qualification and since then has been imparting her insatiable knowledge to knowledge-thirsty students. She has written all her own course and workshop manuals for the Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma, various advanced massage technique workshops and Anatomy and Physiology. As well as all of the above she’s a Mum and now co-director of her own company. She continues to teach courses and workshops for other schools.

Zoë, BCMA, Qualified sports massage therapist has been in private practice overseas for more than 4 years. She set-up her first practice in Ghana, West Africa and now she's in search of new clients in Casablanca, Morocco. As well as currently co-directing her company with Jane she's on the fast track to speak French so that she can communicate with her new clients! Before embarking on her career as a massage therapist she was in Sales, Marketing and PR for 15 years, but is certainly happier now doing what she's passionate about. Watch this space for Massage Morocco!