Q Is there a prerequisite for the diplomas?
A Yes. You need to have the following:
a diploma or qualifictaion in anatomy and physiology (such as ITEC, MTI, VTCT or equivalent)
your basic massage diploma or qualification (ITEC, MTI, VTCT or equivalent)
OR
you already have a sports massage qualification - perhaps first time round you didn't learn some of the skills outlines on our syllabus?
If you don't have the prerequisites get in touch and we'll tell you how to go about getting what you need.
Q Who are the diplomas for?
A Our Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma is for any one wishing to study sports injuries & massage and our Advanced & Deep Tissue Massage Diploma is for those who would like to gain the advanced, soft tissue techniques without the sports element.
Q Do I need to know my muscles really well before starting the diploma?
A At this level you will expect to your to know your muscle origins, insertions and actions. The better you know your muscles, the better you'll do as anatomy is key to effective treatment. If you think you are a bit rusty on your basic anatomy then you could always look at doing our Mad About Muscles workshop prior to your chosen 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 revise their anatomy. 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 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 sports people. 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.
Q I want to work with athletes. Is this the sports injuries & massage diploma a good course to do?
A This is a great course but does not focused specifically on working with 'athletes'. An 'athlete' is someone who earns 50% or more of their income from professional sport. Whilst a sports massage therapist would work with this group of sports people this is usually the domain of the physios. Perhaps it’s best to distinguish working with very sporty people and professional athletes. If you specifically want to work with this client group be in touch.
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 one! We can also advise you on many fun and effective ways to learn once you are enrolled. Most classes are limited to 12 people so there will be plenty of opportunity for one-to-one learning. If the number is higher, there will always be a second tutor.
Q How long are the diplomas?
A Our Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma in Turkey is taught intensively over the two weeks, and in London 15 days taken in three five-day blocks taught over three months. Then, having taken either course, you have 2/3 months to consolidate your knowledge prior to your exams in Decemeber and then up to a further 6 months to complete your case studies and project. Your diploma is awarded only when you have passed your exam and handed in your case studies and project. Our Advanced & Deep Tissue Massage Diploma is 8-days running consecutively over two weeks with your exam one month later.
Q Do I have to do any homework?
A Yes. Homework is a mandatory aspects of both courses. It is there for you to learn aspects of the syllabus not covered in class. Some groups even
opt for more homework!
Q Once enrolled on a diploma, is there any work I need to do prior to the start of the course?
A Yes. There is pre-course homework which will need to be done before the course commencemnt date. It focuses on anatomy as well as terminology which you must be familiar with on the course.
Q How much time will I need to spend on this course outside of class hours?
A The APNT Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma syllabus stipluates that 120 hours of homestudy must be completed - this includes written homework and your post exam case studies and project. Our Advanced & Deep Tissue Massage Diploma stipulates 16 hours. As you know, you get what you focus on: the more time you spend practising 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 Your course manual, which we provide, is your core learning material. However, for your anatomy we do recommend you buy The Trail Guide To The Body, by Andrew Biel. It's the best anatomy book out there on the market and certainly gives you a feel for the anatomy you'll need to know for the courses.
Q Do I need a special massage couch to do this course?
A No. A regular couch is fine, but we reccomend one that is adjustable in height and costs around the £100 mark. You will learn to treat clients on hydrolic plinths, seated, 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 We ask that you bring your own towel or a sheet for draping and a couch cover but we provide everything else. However, if you’d prefer to use any other medium for massaging, ie., balms, creams or wax then by all means you can bring your own providing they do not contain aromatherapy oils.
Q. Is there a lot of theory I need to learn?
A The course is 80-90% practical in nature, with most theory lessons integrated into practice so you will be on your feet an actively involved for most of the course! However the pre and post-course homework will reinforce all the practical elements you'll learn as well as introduce you to the pathologies.
Q. What if I can't keep up?
A You'll be surprised at what you can learn but if you do have concerns during the course, then talk to us. 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 For the Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma you need to massage 6 people a minimum of three times each, to be submitted within 6 months of the exam date. 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. There are no case studies to be completed for the Advanced & Deep Tissue Massage Diploma
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 90% 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. 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 for the Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma, you will take part in a Sports Massage Clinic during which you will treat people unknown to you under the supervision of the tutor.
Q What's all this about a project on the Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma?
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 will dicuss and give you guidelines about the project and case studies during your course. We will also be able to show you previously-submitted projects.
Q Is the course examined?
A Yes, both the Sports Injuries & Massage Diploma and Advanced & Deep Tissue Massage Diploma are externally examined. 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. Once qualified you will be a Sports Massage Practitioner, and one of the best in the UK.
Q What do I wear in class?
A Anything that is comfortable. There is no uniform. For your actual practical examination we recommend that you dress as a professional sports massage practitioner/advanced practitioner, but of course each of you has your own individual style. For most of the course we ask that you wear running shorts, not cycling shorts as it makes assessment and work on the lower limb very easy.
Q Will I cover strapping and taping?
A Yes, you will be taught basic strapping and taping for sports injuries on the 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 practising mock theory examination papers and be tested thoughroughly on your practical skills so you are VERY well prepared when it comes to your actual exams!
Q I have some other things happening in my life whilst I'm on the course, will that be ok?
A Both courses are intensive requiring study at a high level, we strongly recommend that you focus on the course once registered.
Q What time are the lessons?
A Classes start on time at 9.30am and finishes at 5pm. There are two tea breaks and a lunch break. We are flexible with these times in Turkey as we try to give you 1.5 - 2hour lunch breaks which means a slighty later finish, but you'll always be in time for that well-earned sun-downer!
Q Will I learn deep tissue techniques?
A Yes, lots, and on both diplomas. Amoungst others 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. Have a look at the syllabus for details for either the Sports Injuries & Massage or Advanced & Deep Tissue diploma.
Q May I speak to a student who has already done the course?
A Absolutely. Contact us and we'll put you in touch. You can also come along and be a body on the exam day for the current group! Just ask for details.
Q Why should I train with you and not another school?
A It’s entirely up to you who you choose to train with. The APNT are recognised by the GCMT (General Council for Massage Therapy)
who are the governing body for sports massage. So all we add is 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), author of
in 2011 
is renowned for her teaching, enthusiasm and dynamism, Jane’s track record in the complementary fields spans over 15 years working both as a practitioner/instructor and as course director of her own company and other successful London massage schools.
Her credentials are excellent, having originally trained as a fitness instructor (YMCA), Jane holds a Masters degree in Health and Exercise behaviour as well as a number of massage and business related qualifications. Jane has worked in both in the NHS, in private clinics and in the corporate sector.
She is currently a member of the following associations: The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP), The Institute for Anatomical Sciences (IAS), Embody (formerly The Int. Guild of Professional Practitioners, IGPP), Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Massage and Soft Tissue Therapies (CPMaSTT) and the Association of Physical Natural Therapists (APNT)
Over the past 15 years, Jane has also written numerous reference books including ‘Natural Healing’ and ‘101 Things to Do With Your Amazing Body’. She regularly writes for a number of massage trade magazines and websites and is an examiner and Sports Massage consultant for the APNT.
Zoë, BCMA, APNT sports massage practioner, has been in private practice overseas for more than 4 years. She set-up her first practice in Ghana, West Africa then Casablanca, Morocco and now she's in South West France. As well as currently co-directing The London Massage Company with Jane she too writes for massage trade magazines and websites.
Before embarking on her career as a massage therapist she was in Sales, Marketing and PR for 15 years, but is happy with the direction her life has taken.
