I've been in the sport and fitness industry for years as well as healthcare before this. I'm a qualified fitness coach/ personal trainer which led nicely to go into sports massage.
How have you used your new qualification?
After completing my level 3 I went straight onto my level 4, which was a great way for me to cement my new knowledge. From this I applied to university to study BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, which I am nearing the end of year one. I started my own mobile clinic, High Performance Sports Therapy, 14 months ago which has been incredible. Along side this I have done my pitch-side first aider and FA training as well as kinesiology taping. I work largely with athletes from amateur to semi-professional, as well as clients with general aches and pains. I have attended sporting events such as Equinox24, and this year I am supporting at the London marathon as a student physio as well as at the running show.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The training was above and beyond my expectations in every way. The tutors are incredible and so knowledgeable and teach such a holistic approach. In my opinion other training providers don't come close to the depth of SMA training. I don't believe I would be at university now if it wasn't for the support and encouragement from my tutors.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Go for it! If you want to do well you need to get yourself out there. Get booked onto a course and get excited about it, it will change your life if you want it to. Once you are training make sure you start practicing as quickly as you can to get the hands on experience.
Prior to starting my career in sports massage, I had always worked within the Leisure industry and had been working at Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing for 12 years. During this time, I noticed how many people asked if we offer a sports massage service and saw an opportunity. During the Covid lockdown, having been furloughed for months on end and sick of home schooling, I decided to take the plunge and book onto my Level 3 Sports Massage Diploma with Sports Massage Academy.
How have you used your new qualification?
I started my training in Jan 2021, when classroom teaching was still not a thing, so did all my A&P training online! After 6 weeks, we were able to get into the classroom and hands-on and I loved it. I am definitely more a practical learner and just loved the opportunity to meet the people I'd been on zoom with for weeks and get started learning the massage techniques. I qualified in April 2021 and started my business L.A. Sports Massage Derby very soon after, renting a physio room at Nuffield Health Derby two days a week.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The SMA helped immensely with my setting up my business, I would have had no idea where to start! The course really gave fantastic help, knowledge and advice for starting a small business. I have since expanded my service, working out of PT Studio once a week too. I love the variety of working out of two premises. Now, nearly 3 years on, I have gained a CPD course in Dry Cupping and intend on completing my Level 4 Diploma at some stage! I do have another part-time job currently at Derby University but hope to one day expand enough to fulfil my dream of more massage days, complimented with teaching circuit and bootcamp classes, I will have my Fitness Level 3 qualification later this year too.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anyone considering this career would be to follow your dreams, I didn't think, as a single mum, with 3 children and two jobs I'd ever manage, but I have done it and have no regrets...it's flexible around my lifestyle and I have made so many friends through massage. Do it your way and what works for you. I didn't go down the booking systems route etc, I am old school and use a dairy and pen! It's what works for your business and your clients, no pressure to match what others are doing.
I have worked in the emergency service sector for just over 28 years and during that time I have experienced many different struggles and challenges both in my job and also outside of work. I think Covid, like for many individuals, was a really hard time, I lacked a lot of motivation for a lot of things at the beginning but by the end of Covid I'd found a new love for fitness and wellness. By the end of covid I knew that I wanted to explore the wellness industry, which is when sports massage hit my mind. I'd had a few sport massages done in the past and loved the feeling I felt after a treatment. I knew I wanted others to feel that relief that comes from massage, this feeling is what led me directly to Sports Massage Academy.
How have you used your new qualification?
Straight after qualifying in Sports Massage I purchased a couch, created my brand and finally decided on a logo that also showcased my passion "Phoenix Sports Massage". I also had the opportunity to create a relaxing sports massage room attached to my house. At the moment I am splitting my time between my part-time job and sports massage... I'm positive that sometime in the near future with the opportunities I have been given and the courses I have/am partaking in, I can do what I love full time.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
Personally at the start of my course I was quite nervous, just because I was worried that I might be the odd person out due to my age and not be able to grasp certain things as well as others. However I was so wrong, all the tutors were absolutely amazing! The courses have always been extremely informative both in theory and practical. Plus as time goes on, you really become part of a community within those cohorts and go on to support each other during our time studying and even now months later.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anyone looking to enter the industry would be JUST DO IT!!! It is one of the best decisions I've ever made. From starting low in confidence my levels have completely done a 360 and everyday after every massage I think "well done me" this is what I wanted to do and I'm doing it!
I originally worked in Retail as an area manager for 20yrs before being made redundant which was the beginning of me doing things for me instead of for companies that only see you as a number. I went and completed a childhood dream of qualifying as a showjumping coach (horses) and began coaching. However I soon became frustrated that riders would have horses massaged to maximise potential but they themselves were out of line and sore. I found myself working with them on the ground looking at where the issue was and sending them off to get massages! I was already having sports massages with Braden Guy, a fellow SMA graduate, myself and he helped me realise these riders could instead come to me being as if already partly diagnosed them untrained. So began my journey with Sports Massage Academy.
How have you used your new qualification?
As soon as I qualified I purchased a bed and began advertising as mobile and created Ashfield Sports Massage (with a little help from Braden), however I was balancing this with my other work commitments and as I got busier it was a real juggle. I then had the opportunity to join Therapy Hub as a permanent base but maintaining my own business within it and set some roots instead of mobile, this has really helped me push on and I've been able to reduce my other commitments and I'm now not far from doing this full time. Being able to be part of what Braden has set up within Therapy Hub is amazing, maintaining my own business identity whilst being part of a bigger umbrella really has its advantages.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I was very nervous about starting my training as I suffer with Fibromyalgia, which can cause brain fog, so I was concerned I wouldn't be able to remember the content needed for the exam. I spoke to Alex about my concerns and he was great, really setting me at ease and explaining it's relaxed and if needed there would be ways to support me. In the end I didn't need anything further as the content was delivered in a way which stuck and come the exam I had found my own ways to digest the content needed through the support of the whole group and prep we had all done. It helped I was in a really strong and supportive group but the content mixed with physical practice really helps you prepare and feel ready to get out there and start your business.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
GO FOR IT! If I can do it anyone can. Ask questions and think about how it all applies to a client to keep it real. And start practicing straight away on family, friends and anyone who will let you. The more you do, the more confident you get. Then you realise this is me, I'm doing it.
I've always had an interest in health & fitness, but spent most of my working life in Fashion and Finance. Working on interesting global projects with some huge businesses. After ten years I decided I needed a change, to find something more personally fulfilling, I decided to train as a Sports Massage Therapist and took the plunge into self employment and became my own boss.
How have you used your new qualification?
Like most other Therapists, I work alone. Initially I started on a part time basis treating clients from a room in my house, but as my business grew I branched out to have my own clinic, Intuition Sports Massage, based in Solihull near Birmingham. I graduated in March 2020, a few weeks later the Covid Pandemic arrived, so I had a long gap at the start of my career. It's been a hard journey, but now, two years later, it's a great success and been so rewarding. I have a great client base, from all walks of life and backgrounds. I've continued with my professional development and now further qualified to provide dry cupping, IASTM, Lymphatic Drainage and full body waxing.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I completed my initial training with Luke in Birmingham, and really enjoyed the process, although it was hard to give up my weekends, it was so worth it in the end. Since graduating I've attended the Sports Massage Academy conference twice, and really enjoyed learning more and networking with fellow therapists from all over the country. It can sometimes be a bit daunting operating alone and being solely responsible for my business so it's great to connect with people in the same situation, bounce ideas off them, discuss issues and work out potential solutions together.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My biggest tip would simply be to say take the risk! It may be difficult, but eventually it will pay off, and I now find my work so rewarding. I'm so proud of what I've built, and the feedback I receive. The number of returning clients I have speaks for itself. Also be sure to learn how to really communicate with your clients, don't be afraid to ask them questions and offer suggestions. Always make sure to continue growing your knowledge, there's so much to learn about the human body and the industry. Learning about your local area and building relationships will also help no end.
Before sports therapy I had many different jobs in different area from furniture manufacturing to car sales, nothing felt right for me. I was heavily into sports such as football and MMA.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating I've used the skills acquired to partner it with my personal training and develop the service I provide to my clientele. My business is currently excelling focusing on athletes' recovery programming.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I would highly recommend Sports Massage Academy to anyone who wants to get into the industry or develop their existing knowledge. Due to the high-quality courses provided and supports systems in place this is one of the best companies to be a part of.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip to enter the industry is while in training don't be afraid to ask questions as it's the best time to make mistakes. Get all the necessary information on the industry in your area. Read up on the anatomy of biomechanics of the body to widen your knowledge.
Prior to becoming a Sports Massage Therapist, I worked in office based environments for most of my late teens and early twenties. I took time away whilst having my two children and during this period I fell in love with running, I couldn't see myself returning to an office again and wanted a job i truly loved whilst being flexible with having a young family.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since completing my qualification I have been working as a Sports Massage Therapist with Nottingham Physio based at Roko Gym in Nottingham. They are a truly unique multidisciplinary team who offer a diverse range of services from Physiotherapy, Sport Rehabilitation, Running and Cycling Clinics, Shockwave Therapy, Sports Massage and more. A real one stop shop of expertise. I'm delighted to be part of such talented team, it's a hugely positive environment and I feel real pleasure going to work, constantly learning new things, meeting brilliant people and having pride in what I do. I'm keen to complete my level 4 soon and level 5 in the near future to develop my career further.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I loved my course, the people I met were just incredible, we still have a WhatsApp group now which is lovely. My tutor was Luke Ursell, His knowledge is extensive to say the least and I enjoyed his laid back but confident approach to teaching, he was very reassuring when I needed it too. I also greatly appreciate the ongoing support from the Sports Massage Academy, I was lucky enough to attend the Equinox24 event and I will also be attending Giants Live - Britains Strongest Woman which is just unbelievable. The opportunities, support and team spirit is unmatched, a real sense that everyone wants you to achieve and you are part of something.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
If you're thinking about it, then you're probably meant for it. Do it. Be prepared to put the work in, not just during your course itself, keep reading, keep learning, get inspired by people, but most importantly believe in yourself. It's a wonderfully rewarding industry to get into and the people you meet along the way are inspiring from all walks of life. It's the best thing I've done for myself and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it.
From the age of 4 I was training in Karate, as I got older the level of my Karate improved and I was lucky enough to travel extensively, competing globally. This combined with working in the leisure industry, teaching swimming and working in gyms opened my eyes to the benefits of sports massage and how it benefited in recovery and decreasing injuries.
How have you used your new qualification?
I started with the Sports Massage Academy in 2019 completing my Level 3. Since then I have completed both my Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications together with Dry Needling, Kinesiology Taping and IASTM. Since graduating in 2019, I have been able to go self-employed, and have recently been able to achieve my ultimate goal of opening up my own rehabilitation gym to provide my clients with a rounded recovery process from injury to strength and conditioning training. Now I have the fun challenge of rebranding my expanded business.
What did you think of the Level 5 course you attended?
The SMA is well run with a knowledgeable team who gel well and keep the courses interesting and motivational. The aftercare for graduates is second to none and they are always at the end of the phone/email when I need support with more challenging injuries/conditions that I had not come across before.
More about Level 5 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip would be to ask as many questions as you can and don't be afraid to put your hand up. Everyone on the course is in the same boat as you.
I had a pretty successful career as a swimmer where I was fortunate enough to travel the world and represent my country. I then studied and gained a FdSc in Strength & Conditioning.
Since then I have worked as a swimming teacher and attempted being a car salesman, never being satisfied with the profession. Unfortunately I had to overcome a couple of injuries and it made me realise what other people's pain and suffering might be like.
I was treated by somebody who studied with the SMA and I knew instantly that was my path.
How have you used your new qualification?
I completed my Level 3, dry cupping & IASTM courses and started offering a few free treatments, set up business pages, social media and attended the Equinox and conference events.
I gained some clients and looked for some steady income. I was tagged in a post on the alumni page which led me straight into some work with a fellow graduate at his clinic for 2 days a week.
My level 4 course was completed only a few months after my level 3 as I knew this would put me a step above a lot of therapists in my area.
My client base has grown in just 10 months and I now work from a couple of offices alongside mobile appointments. I'm very grateful to be helping people from all kinds of backgrounds overcome their issues as well as top class athletes achieve their goals.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
Every course, event and conference I've attended has been amazing. I've met some great people and it seems everybody in the industry is there to help.
I'm actually glad I have the chance to express how awesome I think Louise Greenwood has been as my tutor for most of my courses, she is the best tutor you could ask for.
More about Level 4 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Having the right course and tutor makes the difference between treating somebody's pain or masking it.
Be passionate. Understand the science and go the extra mile for people.
I'm actually a Finance Contractor, literally the complete opposite to any sports related background. However I've always been active, mainly boxing and gym as well as a secretary for local Nottingham Sunday football teams. So decided to take the jump and do the course and push my boundaries in a completely different environment.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating in August 2021 I still work full time as a Finance Contractor and do SMT on the side through my business Bodied Sports Massage Therapy. I do this from home in Nottingham and also have a room in Belvoir Aesthetics when I have any clients wanting treatment in Leicester. That's the great thing about SMT, it's flexible and can work around your schedule if you do have other commitments. I've also had the opportunity to do some of the strong men events which was an amazing experience. Many of my regular clients are active in combat sports or football as well as active gym goers. It's helped in building my confidence to engage and build a rapport outside of a finance environment as well as helping my clients through my treatments and providing a safe environment for general conversation. SMT isn't just to help the physical aspects but also mentally; sometimes people just need some time for themselves and talking to an impartial individual helps lighten the load of the day to day stresses of life.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
Louise did my initial course and was great, she's also been a great support contact for any questions I've had since graduating. I've also done some CPD courses through the Sports Massage Academy for dry/fire cupping and IASTM, again great tutors and also offering on going support. The courses/training and event work are a great opportunity to network and meet new people and I'm lucky to now call many of them friends.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Just go for it, there so much support in the SMT community. My top tip would be to build a good network of other SMTs so you can learn and exchange techniques and tips, because you'll always be learning new things.
My background is in Personal Training, also an amateur body builder - Previously to this a veterinary nurse of 23.5 years. Lockdown & Covid made me switch. I had covid and long covid, which exacerbated my allergy to cats to the point of not being able to be in the same room as them, So decided to pursue my passion in fitness. During my time personal training I found myself paying more attention to people's posture and ailments, which led me to follow the Sports Massage route. I still Personal Train now for small groups in the same location as my clinic.
How have you used your new qualification?
After qualifying as a sports massage therapist I set up Fine-Line Sports Massage, starting off mobile and soon finding that having a room and base was going to be much better for me and I made a home in Legacy Fitness in Loughborough. Business is going well, I have massaged clients from all sports and backgrounds and i'm loving running my own business.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
Sports Massage Academy provided excellent support and the training was amazing. Louise was may tutor, her knowledge was phenomenal. The course was informative with plenty of hands on workshops too.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anyone wanting to become a therapist is to go for it, it's been the best thing I've ever done. Being able to positively affect people's lives is the best feeling in the world.
From a young age sport was an integral part of my life, I loved developing my skills & ability, always wanting to be the best I could. I carried this through into my education, graduating from university with a degree in sport science & coaching way back in 2003! I actually ended up in sales and recruitment for 7 years, but continued in competitive sport outside of work. In 2010 I had reached my threshold for the corporate office world & decided I wanted a career in the sports & exercise industry where my passion remained, the 1st step being to attain my Level 3 diploma in personal training.
At the time I decided to commit to study with The Sports Massage Academy, I was working as a gym manager & with private clients for PT & Multisport coaching having completed my post grad in Strength & Conditioning & my British Triathlon L2 coaching certificate. As an active athlete myself & coach to others I was acutely aware of the associated soft tissue stresses & occurrence of muscle damage & resulting injury. I wanted to further develop my understanding of how to prevent & manage this within my business rather than having to outsource it.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating with The SMA back in 2017 I initially integrated the massage service into my part-time schedule alongside my PT & coaching business, Body Performance Method, whilst still employed as a gym manager. It took me a further year before I decided to go all in & leave employment to become a full-time business owner. Since then, we have grown to have 3 locations & a team of 4 therapists. Having always been involved in sport myself our practices tend to attract active individuals, often managing sports related injury, rehabilitation & maintenance. Taking the course with SMA helped to shape & develop my business, adding value to the clients I work with & the wider sports community whom we serve.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The training & support from SMA during the learning process & through the continued contact from the alumni programme was, & continues to be 1st class. The support & information provided through the pandemic was outstanding, from interpreting ever changing government guidelines, enabling us to get back to work after being force to close during the first lock down, to the regular advice & documentation adapting to the new working practices. I have also attended free webinars on business development & social media training.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anyone entering the industry would be to invest in a website & spend time differentiating yourself from your local competition, try to find a niche that interests you & develop your skills to become a specialist in this area. Also you will save yourself a huge amount of time and effort by having an automated booking system.
After University I qualified as a personal trainer in 2012 and spent a few years in the fitness industry delivery PT and Fitness classes. As a PT I was able to recognise areas of weakness, tightness and imbalances in my clients and although I could fix some issues for them from a training point of view I couldn't offer them anything more. That's when I decided to qualify as a sports massage therapist to expand my business and knowledge. In May 2017 I qualified at Level 3 and Lincoln Sports Massage was born. After a few successful years I decided to take the plunge and study at Level 4 to enhance my skills. A friend recommended Sports Massage Academy to me and I passed their Level 4 in December last year. I was comfortable at Level 3 and could have easily stayed in my comfort zone but since doing the level 4 course I'm so glad that I made the decision to invest in myself and level up.
How have you used your new qualification?
I have been busy implementing the new skills and knowledge I have learnt since completing level 4 in clinic. Level 4 gives you more skills and confidence to test for and treat a wider variety of injuries, as well as the ability to piece the puzzle together and start finding the cause rather than just treating the symptoms. This year I have also completed the cupping course with SMA as another 'tool in my toolbox' and this has been a hit with a few regulars! Next stop is going to be spinal mobilisation and manipulation.
I also attended both days of the yearly conference last year, which was fantastic. I learnt so much over the weekend attending the workshops and seminars, and found it such a motivational boost being surrounded by so many likeminded people. I will definitely attend again this year!
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
Sports Massage Academy were fantastic from the word go and I'm so glad that I chose them to study with. The course material is comprehensive and set out to make it manageable to understand and learn. All of the tutors I have come across are an absolute credit to the SMA and are all so knowledgeable, patient and genuine. I had Neil for my level 4 course and I couldn't have asked for a better tutor. He was so supportive throughout the whole course and this still continues afterwards. You aren't forgotten about as soon as you have finished the courses with SMA, which sets them apart from other training providers. The Facebook group and monthly email newsletters really make you feel part of a community and the Alumni programme has some fantastic opportunities and discounts as well as seminars/webinars.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Go for it! Get as much practice in as you can in the early stages and continue to learn and do lots of CPD after you have qualified to build your skills and confidence. If you want a rewarding career and have a genuine interest in helping improve people's well being then sports massage will be perfect for you!
My background originally stemmed from powerlifting at the age of 17 which then progressed into bodybuilding after an incident with my L4 disc. This resulted in me in changing the way I train and the way I look at biomechanics in bodybuilding in general - I needed to figure out a better approach to train without over fatiguing the muscle and sports massage and recovery was a huge factor. I am very analytical from my previous accountancy career and always striving to wanting to be more efficient - after realising the importance of rehab/sports massages and understanding my own body better, I wanted to start helping other people and then began looking into sports massage courses.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating I have joined Braden Guy, another SMA graduate, at the Therapy Hub and I was asked to be part of the team. The real learning experience has been from simply working on more people and understanding that everyone that comes through the door is completely different. Being able to quickly adapt, ask the right questions and learn each persons background to help analyse the situation and being able to offer help. I have since had the opportunity to attend Giants live twice working on professional Strongmen which has been eye opening and amazing! I never would have imagined loving my job so much and helping each individual leave the clinic feeling relieved and having a sense of understanding with whatever issues/concerns they had coming into the clinic.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I had Louise Greenwood as my sports massage tutor and absolutely loved her, the knowledge was endless and always helped me understand certain subjects better. At the start of my course I was very apprehensive and struggled with understanding anything with zero confidence, but she helped me regain that throughout the course and that has now helped me progress and take on clients which was something that I was scared to do.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Make a start. There is never a 'right time' to start, you are always learning and will never stop, so give yourself some confidence and if it is something you have always wanted to try then give it a go. It's always better to try than to never try at all.
TherapyFit Group are a husband-and-wife team and before starting our business in May 2017 we both spent a combined 3 decades in corporate management within healthcare and customer service sectors. When it came to considering working for ourselves, we were fortunate that we had the same values, vision, and a plan of how we wanted to achieve that. The fitness and therapy side of things was the perfect option as we both had suffered with health issues and injuries.
How have you used your new qualification?
TherapyFit initially started out as a personal training provider working out of a gym chain in Birmingham city centre. Then in 2019 we added sports massage therapy to our list of services. When Covid hit and gyms closed we concentrated fully on the sports massage therapy side of things. Although the lockdown period was tough, we took it as an opportunity to carry out some further education and develop our skills. This is when Farah graduated as a sports massage therapist. We now have 2 clinics based out of the Jewellery Business Centre in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Bal runs the general clinic (TherapyFit Treatments), and Farah runs the female only clinic (TherapyFit Body Clinic). We are now trained to level 4 sports massage therapy and have several different treatment modalities under our belts. We have also signed up for further training with the Sports Massage Academy and looking to complete level 5 training later this year.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
Our whole experience with Sports Massage Academy has been excellent! We can not fault them & would highly recommend them - great course material, knowledgable tutors, great customer service & business support whenever we need it. They aren't just a training provider but a great team of mentors.
From first signing up with them to gain our Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy qualification & attending their annual conference & CPD workshops, we have now signed up for more courses to continue building on our skills - that's how highly we rate them.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Our top 10 tips for anyone starting to consider a career in the industry are:
It's never too late to change career
Don't over emphasise on initial training cost as cheapest is not always best option
Have a business plan
Have a contingency budget just in case its required
Know your client base and geographical area you are working within
Consider are you going to be mobile, home-based, or rent a unit
Get your pricing structure right at the start and know what you wish to earn
Set time aside for your own health and well being (don't burn your self out)
As I have a degree in Foreign Business Languages I worked in the linguistic field for a few years before deciding to follow my passion in sports and wellbeing. I've been a sporty person since I was a child and went through lots of injuries and a surgical operation at the knee, which forced me to change the way I worked out, but also increased my interest in musculoskeletal injuries.
To change my career I enrolled in university to achieve another degree in BSc in Exercise and Sports Science Then I achieved the Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training and started working as Physiotherapy Assistant at QMC hospital in Nottingham. Here, my interest in musculoskeletal injuries increased even more and I decided that a Sports Massage diploma could give me more knowledge and skills to help people feel better
How have you used your new qualification?
I'm a Sport Therapist. Currently I help people recovering from injury, dealing with chronic conditions and keeping fit to live a healthy life. I do so by creating exercise plans and providing manual therapy sessions tailored on the client's needs.
After achieving the Level 3 Sport Massage diploma, I started working with a wellbeing clinic in West Bridgford to gain experience. At that time I could only do this job on Saturday morning as I was still working full-time at the hospital during the day and part-time as Personal Trainer in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Things were going well so, at the end of 2019, I left my full time job and decided to go fully self-employed and start a collaboration with a Physiotherapy Clinic in West Bridgford. In the meantime I completed the BSc in Exercise and Sport Science and joined the Level 4 course to gain more knowledge about massage as complementary therapy for injury and chronic conditions management. This course gave me new skills and knowledge and reinforced my willingness to study injury management even further, so I enrolled in university again and achieved an MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Medicine. The knowledge gained from the Level 4 course helped me to deal with some of the master's modules and to be a successful Sport Therapist in sport events such as BUCS for the University of Nottingham, Commonwealth Games qualifiers for the England Table Tennis Team and the European Touch Rugby Championship for the Singapore National Team.
Currently I work in two different venues in Nottingham: Roko Health Club with the Nottingham Physio Team in West Bridgford and Sage Therapy Centre in Western Boulevard.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
Sports Massage Academy was absolutely amazing: the tutors really know what they are teaching and learning from their experience is priceless. They didn't only give me knowledge and help me learn new skills, they have always been present and still are. They support me every time I need it and have always been very friendly. They made me feel part of something big.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
It's a wonderful job and the courses are just the beginning of a long journey. If you decide to start this career, be aware that you'll have to study continuously to keep up with scientific research. It's not just about knowing the massage techniques. It's about knowing why, when and how to apply these techniques to achieve the best results with your client.
I was an Executive Assistant in the NHS and have worked in a number of administration roles in the NHS over 18 years. I love this line of work but I have a long standing passion for sport and exercise and since a young age have been involved in competitive swimming and later in life going into Triathlon and Aquathlon representing the GB age group team at World and European Championships. Having some further involvement in the sport/fitness industry has always been a dream but the timing was never right for me to pursue further. Having trained and competed for years I have had my fair share of niggles and injuries and seen physios and massage therapists along the way. I was always asking them loads of questions why they are doing what they are, how does that help etc as I was just fascinated and wanted to learn more about anatomy. I did a level 2 fitness qualification to help develop my understand of how to develop my own training programme correctly but I still wanted to learn more and help others but in the form of massage therapy so finally in signed up to Sports Massage Academy for my Level 3 diploma. I have gone on to also complete my Level 4 again with SMA.
How have you used your new qualification?
I continued to work in my job in NHS and opened my business ReBalance Sports Massage in Sheffield working evenings and weekends to start with. I have a dedicated clinic space set up at home but also offer mobile visits as well. I have been able to build up a regular and varied client basis which continues to grow and have been able to drop to part time in NHS allowing me more time to work on Sports Massage. I have undertaken a number of CPD courses to further develop my skills and knowledge in Soft tissue release, Dry cupping, Deep tissue Facial massage and Wrist and Hand Massage. I have also volunteered at events which I really enjoy.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy were supportive from the very beginning when I initially contacted them about the possibility of doing a course, right through and continue to support me with the Alumni programme after I qualified. I have found this continued support invaluable. I have done both the Level 3 and 4 Sports Massage courses along with a number of CPD courses and 3 half day masterclasses at the annual conference and all the tutors I have met along the way have been knowledgeable, friendly, patient and supportive. I found the content and materials provided for the courses very good. I was daunted at first on receiving my Learner Achievement Portfolio as there was a lot of information in there but this is worked through in sections over the duration of the course and if there was anything I was uncertain of I was able to email my tutor between classes for additional support. I have also found the volunteer work experience opportunities available to the alumni through Sports massage academy really helpful and this has allowed me to volunteer at large events such as Equinox24 (24 hour running race) providing massage to the participants which I wouldn't ordinarily be able to do on such a scale. It also gave me an opportunity to work as part of a larger team of Therapists made up from other graduates of the academy as well as some of the Tutors.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
If you have been thinking about taking the leap go for it! Make sure you have the time to put in the work/study required but it will be worth it. It is a very interesting and rewarding job that doesn't really feel like a job to me because I love it.
I started my business The Studio in September 2021 for female focused 1-2-1 personal training sessions. A complete career change from previously working in hospitality. Soon after opening I enrolled on the level 3 sports massage with Sports Massage Academy, continuing to follow my passion for both training and the recovery.
I've had numerous small injuries over the years from playing sport. I generally wouldn't rehab correctly and it would turn from one problem to another.
After a tough knee injury playing netball in 2019, torn ACL and ruptured meniscus, I was out of sport completely, unable to exercise the way I was used to and needed surgery. I took the post surgery rehab extremely seriously and developed a huge love and appreciation for resistance training and recovery, sports massage being a major part of my rehab journey.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating in December 2021 I have completed cupping & IASTM courses through SMA and had the opportunity to work with some real big boys at Worlds Strongest Man competition!
I recently booked on and I'm looking forward to starting the level 4 Sports Massage course in January 2023, with the view to continue on to completing the Dry Needling Course.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I loved the course! The support from Sports Massage Academy is second to none with their alumni, CPD courses, yearly conference and all the incredible sporting events you can attend.
The seminars/webinars are extremely helpful and cover a huge range of topics needed to run a successful business and keep you inspired; this alone sets the Academy apart from the other providers but they also offer the support and ongoing education needed to thrive within the industry.
I've also made some amazing friends through the courses and events and look forward to networking further in the coming years.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Get stuck in! Friends and family are more than happy for you to practise on them! A great way to build confidence when you're starting out. Good Luck, best Job in the World!
I have been a Design Technology & Art and Design secondary school teacher for 18 years specialising in textiles and surface pattern design. So I have had a complete career change. Literally woke up one day and decided I want a new challenge and I want to go to work feeling happy. Fuelled by my obsession for playing netball, a love / hate relationship with running and the need to lift weights I decided it was time to incorporate the things I really enjoy into my new career. Having picked up a few small injuries along the way I have always found sports massage to be the best therapy to get me back at what I enjoy doing! I wanted to help others, so that's how I started!
How have you used your new qualification?
I have set up my own clinic Synergy Sports Massage Therapy in Glossop, and have steadily built up my client base. Since qualifying I have completed my dry cupping course and kinesiology taping course with Sports Massage Academy and have been lucky enough to be given the opportunity to support at Giants Live in Cardiff, Castle Rock 10K and Equinox 24. Which have all given me valuable experience! I am the Tameside Vikings Basketball team massage therapist, and soon to be court side first aider.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I loved the course and that's how I knew I had made the right decision! The folder we received with all the units made the material accessible. The tutor knowledge and support was second to none and the other therapists made each weekend enjoyable and rewarding. I definitely made some great friends! I'm also really excited for the SMA conference and to undertake my level 4 early next year.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
I previously worked as a field service engineer for Costa. I had a nasty football injury which stopped me playing, leading to depression due to losing the social aspect of playing and seeing your mates.
I was looking for options on how to get back into football, this is where sport massage came up. After completing the course I have been able to get back into football on the support side of the game as a therapist, starting off at my local Saturday team then moving to various football teams
How have you used your new qualification?
I have opened up my own clinic, Hawk Wellbeing & Sports Therapy in Newark-upon-Trent, and I am getting a good client base. I am also 1st team sports therapist for Grantham Town FC which is a very good standard of football
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
Sports Massage Academy is amazing! the support and training given is second to none. I have really come to appreciate this after doing a course with a different company and realised how much time and effort and knowledge I was given through SMA
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Be confident and believe in yourself, enjoy every moment of it
After qualifying as a Herbalist and Naturopath 20 years ago I then worked in private clinic environments as well as the health food industry coming across many people who had imbalances in their musculoskeletal systems
I always knew the incredible benefits that manual therapy has on the body from clients I had referred to a chiropractor or a massage therapist. That's when I decided to train as a sports massage therapist. After completing my level 3 diploma
my interest in sports massage grew and I decided to take the level 4 & Kinesiology Taping courses with the Sports Massage Academy
How have you used your new qualification?
Since qualifying I started working for East Dorset Dockers Rugby Club as a pitch side first aider and massage therapist, it's amazing and inspiring to see the effects massage is having on the players & their performance. I have also set up my own business, Niramaya in Bournemouth, where I combine my Herbal and massage knowledge taking a Naturopathic approach to sports massage, including making my own herbal infused sports mediums and massage balms
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy course was very detailed and informative. The tutors were always for any extra support or help at all times. After completing the level 4 I went straight on to the Kinesiology Taping course. The support & knowledge that is provided through the Alumni Group on completion of the course is second to none
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Follow your dream and just do it, the reward for helping others is well worth the study and the more you learn the more you will want to know, who knows what wonderful place that will take you to helping others
I have worked with horses for nearly 10 years. I spent some time in show jumping as a traveling groom, in Horse racing as a rider, and in eventing as a groom. I now work for an equine welfare charity and in the equine industry. I have met many riders and grooms who neglect their own bodies and accept those aches and pains. After suffering a complex open fracture to my leg I started my own rehab and without the help of an Osteopath, I truly believe I wouldn't have recovered as well as I did. Inspired by her knowledge I wanted to be able to make an impact on other people's well-being, so I signed up to do my level 3 & 4 sports massage qualifications with Sports Massage Academy.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating from I have sent up my own business, Rebalance Therapy, where I have started to build up a solid client base of people wanting to gain more movement or reduce day-to-day pain. I also work one day a week at Performance Gym and Fitness in Lincoln. It's such a privilege to be able to make a difference whether it's my client's training in the gym or in their day-to-day life. In the meantime I have kept studying with the Sports Massage Academy, attending their IASTM, cupping, and Kinesiology taping courses allowing me to offer more options to my clients. I have also attended many events with the academy such as Equinox24, Arnold Sports Festival, and other Strongman events.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I believe the fact I have completed the majority of Sports massage academy courses shows how valuable they are. The tutors are second to none and go above and beyond my expectations for every course. They create a safe learning environment where you can ask anything at all and they will support you past completion of the course. My main concern after completing the course was being on my own with a pass certificate and setting up my own business not knowing where to start. However, their graduate support network have you covered from practical skills to business webinars to insurance advice.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Book it now!! If you have a passion for sports massage or helping people better their bodies, you will find no better academy to train with. The tutors have years of experience to help you along the way, and with this course, you will learn all the necessary skills to set up as a Sports Massage Therapist.
I've been in the fire service for over 20 years. I had a heavy focus on weight training for the first 12 years of my career but in 2014 made the move to endurance sports and Ironman before moving to ultramarathons in 2020. Through my sports I have met a lot of athletes that don't look after their bodies, and expect them to still perform at a high level. In 2021 I made the decision to help my friends, family and fellow athletes by undertaking the level 3 diploma. Since then my passion for sports massage has led me to complete the level 4, and I've recently been successful in securing an internship with the Academy.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since qualifying I have been keeping my skill level up by treating friends and family. I get a great satisfaction from seeing someone walk(limp) into my room and by the end, they are moving better and in less discomfort. They also leave with some extra education about self care and injury prevention or rehab exercises.
I have been on the Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation CPD and already booked on the taping course with an eye on cupping and dry needling, as well as looking forward to the level 5.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
Sports Massage Academy have one of the most comprehensive support networks I've come across and I've not heard of any better. The knowledge of the alumni group is an amazing support resource as well as the other tools and webinars that are available. I have been lucky enough to continue my education with Dani as my mentor.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip would be find your passion and follow it. Mine is helping people in the their sports pursuits and goals and I have plans to study sports nutrition and coaching. Also for those entering into this industry as a full time career, use the service, support and discounts on offer from the Academy. This will help you with everything you need to build a successful business and enjoy your new career.
I have always been drawn to rehabilitative therapy and improving people's lives through movement and educating them to be able to make the choices to better their health.
Following on from my degree in Sports & Exercise Nutrition I turned to exercise instruction, starting with gym indoor cycle, etc and then going into Pilates & Yoga. Seeing people with ailments coming along to my classes spurred me on to better equip myself to be able to help them improve. I went onto Level 3 Exercise on Referral then Level 4 Cardiac Rehabilitation and subsequently went on to run those schemes at the leisure centre I worked at. My clients also required hands on treatment so this brought me to enrolling onto the Level 3 Sports massage with Sports Massage Academy and this changed my career.
How have you used your new qualification?
I now use my qualifications daily running my own business, Slogan Fitness, predominantly focusing on rehabilitative therapy since completing Level 4 and now just finishing Level 5 through the Academy. I have a wide variety of clients with varying conditions and referrals from other remedial therapists and local trainers. I work out of my own home clinic and have plans in place to have my own purpose built studio clinic in my garden to work out of.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The training and support received throughout all of my training with Sports Massage Academy has been outstanding. Level 3, 4 & 5, cupping and dry needling have all been expertly delivered and thorough. All tutors I have had the privilege to have been taught by have been attentive and ensured we have understood the content. The support throughout lockdown and returning to work coming out of them has been amazing and certainly helped during those times.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anyone contemplating this? Take the leap. You'll thank yourself for getting out there. I now fully work for myself around my family and have a much better life balance. The business is out there, apply yourself and put yourself out there.
My background has predominantly been equestrian based, anything from grooms work, riding and teaching. I have always had a second job along side my equestrian work to fund my horses as equestrian work never really pays well, mainly office jobs such estate agency work or solicitors in conveyancing. I qualified as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist in 2018 and this led me to The Sports Massage Academy so I could support the rider as well as the horse. I was made redundant in September 2020 so decided to take the leap and build my sports massage business, I haven't looked back since.
How have you used your new qualification?
After qualifying as a Level 3 therapist in August 2020 I set up my business Lyn Armitage Sports Massage. I started out renting a room in my local gym which was great, but as soon as I gained my Level 4 in 2021 I decided to go alone and open up my own studio. I see around 8 to 10 clients a week and steadily growing. I treat a lot of equestrians, runners, MMA fighters and gym goers but since opening my own clinic in a local village I have had a lot of the general public through the door with niggles and sore muscles usually due to working from home for so long. Recently in February I completed the Dry Cupping course with the Academy which I really enjoyed. I'm hoping the cupping will go down a storm with my current clients and also bring in some new faces.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I did a lot of research into course providers before deciding to go with the Sports Massage Academy, my main reasons for my decision was the clarity in their course info, it told you everything you needed to know, I found some places hid certain bits of information. I also spoke with a friend in Lincolnshire who had done their Level 3 with the Academy and planned to do their Level 4.
I really liked that the training was set out into weekend blocks, this gave me ample time in-between to digest the content and practice what I had learnt and any homework as well as run my business and see my family.
Neil, my level 3 tutor, quickly picked up my lack of self confidence in a new setting, he helped me massively with any queries I had. He was very positive in any feedback he gave me which gave me confidence to keep working hard. I then did my Level 4 with Louise, I had a phone conversation with Louise the day before the course started and again on the 1st day of the course as she knew I was worried, she was amazing, straight to the point and knew when to tell me to "get a grip"!.
Both courses were run really well, for me I like the amount of theory and practical training, I learn better watching rather than reading and talking so the course suited me well with its hands on approach.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Listen, learn and ask questions - the industry is not easy but it is so rewarding, you will never know everything and something new and interesting will always pop up.
I'm a full-time Design Engineer in the oil & gas industry and have been building my sports massage client base around this. Some might think this is a strange transition, but I have always had a fascination with how things work and creating solutions to overcome problems. This switch has simply combined two passions I have nurtured separately for a longtime. From a young age I have participated in various sports and followed this interest doing Biology & PE at A-level. At the age of 14 I took a more serious approach to a sport that has been a big part of my family history; waterskiing and wakeboarding. I have had the privilege of representing my country on several occasions and visiting amazing locations all over the world. I have also sustained many injuries along the way and wish I knew then what I know now, or at least had a sports therapist to keep me on the right path.
How have you used your new qualification?
After graduating I started working with Braden Guy Sports Massage. I met Braden, another graduate of the academy, as one of his clients. He showed me a path to recovery for my shoulder injury where many others had failed. I immediately became interested in the process of sports massage therapy and have been working with Braden ever since. We have covered the Giants Live Europe's Strongest Man in Leeds 2021 for the Sports Massage Academy, where I got to support and meet athletes I have looked up to for years.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
From my own research the Sports Massage Academy stood out from all its competitors and continues to deliver in graduate development. All the tutors are incredibly supportive, but my Level 3 tutor Louise Greenwood continues to help and point me in the right direction despite how busy she is. She adapts to the individual, one of the many reasons she is such a good therapist and teacher. I should also mention Neil Hawksworth as he's "kind of a big deal".
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anyone interested in a career in sports massage would be to not get overwhelmed with different tools and CPD courses. You may feel like someone is better than you because they have more skills. The truth is the more experience you have directly with clients, honing your core skills alongside doing your own research, the better equipped you will be to put your CPD into practice. Just because a client has the same pathology as another doesn't mean they require the same treatment.
My background has been in education for the last 11 years, starting as a teaching assistant and moving onto cover supervisor which I now do part time (slowly moving towards full time at my sports massage studio)
How have you used your new qualification?
I used my qualification immediately after graduating and started doing mobile appointments for people (mainly that I already knew). I started with a Facebook page, Instagram page and asked people to spread the word. Usually doing only 1 or 2 sessions a week-practicing my trade. The feedback I was receiving was great and word of mouth turned those 1/2 a week into 4/5, then 6/7 and with hard work and persistence, I now see anywhere between 10-20 clients a week.
4 years on, I've added cupping and spinal manipulation to the service I offer. I've treated over 500 different clients, dropped to 3 days a week at the school I work, and spend the rest of my time working from my studio in Leicester. Surviving COVID 19 lockdowns was a huge challenge which is ongoing of course, but I am in a good place now where I hope to leave my teaching role completely at the end of this academic year.
From the studio, to the website and booking system, Instagram, Facebook, business cards, loyalty cards, leaflets, logo and website design; I feel immensely proud now of what I have built over the last few years and am excited for the future.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The training I received from Sports Massage Academy was first class. An efficient course, allowing me to get my teeth stuck into the practical and theory practice of sports massage. I really annoyed the process and learnt a lot from Luke the tutor. I would certainly recommend their courses.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My advise to anyone new to the industry would be to be persistent, learn and listen to as much as you can from good sources. Make mistakes, ask for feedback, what fees foreign when you first start becomes second nature eventually. Don't be afraid to charge a good amount for your sessions, if you're good at what you do then you are worth your weight in gold!! My biggest piece of advise is to listen to your client and do your best to treat their individual needs.
My background is basically horses and teaching! For 20 years I was a Course Manager running FE College Courses for 16-19 year olds in Level 2 and Level 3 Horse Care. As my career progressed, the amount of hands-on time with the horses diminished. I'm a hands-on person and I missed that work. I knew that I had to make some changes. So in 2018 I became qualified in Equine Sports Massage followed by Level 3 with Sports Massage Academy in Dec 2020 and November this year I completed my Level 4.
How have you used your new qualification?
I had always had a keen interest in biomechanics of horse and rider and I wanted to used my qualifications to offer a bespoke service to horse riders, buying a vehicle that is affectionately known as the 'Mobile Therapy Unit', I visit yards to provide Sports Massages on site. Using my knowledge and experience of coaching riders, I am able to assess both horse and rider; identifying links between the two, then work progressively to improve the suppleness and functionality of the partnership. To provide objective data I use a saddle cloth that measures the distribution of the riders weight on the horses back and also sensors placed on the horses boots (worn on their legs) that measures symmetry in stride. This data allows me to evaluate the effectiveness of my treatment plan and also to share information with other professionals involved with the horse and rider e.g Vets, Farriers, Saddle Fitters Osteopaths etc.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
It's been over 20 years since I studied for my degree and with a busy home life and existing client base to look after, it was challenging at times. However the knowledge and skills that I have developed are already helping me to help my clients. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekends in Sheffield, with Tutor Louise and the great cohort that we had. The theory is covered over the weekend with plenty of time to practise the new techniques. Assessments are planned in advance and time given to prepare, so although still feeling slightly nervous, you feel confident to demonstrate the skills being assessed.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
From an educational background, I did my homework before signing up. I compared the different providers and I chose the provider that I believed was offering quality training provision - Sports Massage Academy. The support before, during and after the courses has been amazing and the Alumni Group offers fantastic opportunities for Graduates. My life has changed so much in the last 3 years, I wish I had believed in myself and taken the steps to change a lot sooner.
I have a joint honors degree in Marine Biology and Zoology, and I spent a few years living and working abroad in New Zealand, Dubai and Australia, putting my degree to use. When I returned to the UK I worked in environmental monitoring for 5 years before going to work in Pharma, and more recently for the NHS.
I have always wanted my own business, and I have personally felt the benefit of sports massage as for many years I was involved in martial arts, mountain bike racing and I was a frequent gym-goer. I wasn't sure how to go about training in Sports Massage, but my good friend Braden Guy, of BG Sports Massage, was there to help me get going and recommended Sports Massage Academy.
How have you used your new qualification?
Immediately after graduating with my level 3 diploma, I set up LJ Sports Massage, and I offer a mobile service around Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, and the surrounding areas. I also got straight back in the classroom and did my Level 4 diploma a few months after my level 3, and I also did my CPD training in Dry Cupping, Dry Needling and Medical Acupuncture. The recent conference was also a great opportunity to do loads of CPD, and that is where I did IASTM, hand & wrist, and METs.
I have been lucky enough to be chosen to assist with events at both the Equinox24 and the Arnold Games, and I'll definitely be putting my name down to get more opportunities like that in the future.
Also I am learning British Sign Language at night school, so I am going to hopefully utilise that more in the future as I had my first deaf client soon after passing my level 3, and that was amazing to utilise 2 new skills at once.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The training was spot on. The classes were relaxed, and the way they were broken down into sections made it really easy to keep up with classroom work and home study, as I was working full time alongside my level 3.
My tutors, Louise Greenwood, Neil Hawksworth and Alex Hall were great throughout all my training, and are still there when I need to ask questions.
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Honestly, jump in and do it. Sports Massage Academy gives you their support 100%, and continue to do so after you have graduated, and let's be honest, you only regret the things you don't do!
I have worked in the waste industry for the past 16 years most recently supporting local authorities to improve their waste collection services in order to meet national recycling targets, however I can be found most weekends on the hockey pitch, on a long run or walking the dog on Darwen moors. Being a keen sports person and having experienced the benefits a good sports massage can have on performance I opted to study for my Level 3 in Sports Massage Therapy so that I can help people to experience those same benefits but also to enable me to develop a career that offers me more flexibility and is more rewarding.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating I have set up my business Debbie Frances Sports Massage. I have a therapy room at my home in Darwen, Lancashire and in less than 6 months I have built a nice base of regular clients which has enabled me to go part time in my current role. I have completed CPD courses with the Sports Massage Academy in dry cupping and IASTM meaning I am able to offer clients a range of modalities depending on their issues. I have also had the opportunity with the academy to work at Giants Live and Wales' Strongest Man events which were great experiences and a great opportunity to meet other graduates.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The support and tutoring from all the team throughout my Level 3 and CPD courses has been invaluable and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend studying with the Academy. In addition to the core learning there is a wealth of support on setting up and marketing your own business which was priceless for someone like me taking a complete change of direction career wise, and the support doesn't stop when you graduate thanks to the strong community of Alumni that the academy has built.
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
For anyone looking to enter the industry I would say - just do it! Be prepared for a lot of work but know that everyone wants you to succeed and knowing that you have helped someone to improve their performance or just to move more easily or is priceless.
I come from an Equestrian background and completed my first degree in Equine Sports Science. I have always had a passion for therapy and originally had the desire to work as an Equine Physio. My first job role was a Physiotherapy Assistant where I had the opportunity to go on to complete my second degree in Physiotherapy. Currently I work as a Band 5 Physio within a community therapy team, supporting housebound patients to remain safe at home by preserving their independence, strength and mobility.
After a horse riding accident several years ago I have suffered with chronic pain. This has aided my ability to relate and empathise with clients. I understand how pain affects daily function and mental wellbeing. Having attended many therapy appointments myself I came to appreciate the benefits of Sports Massage which gave me the drive to train in it myself.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since qualifying in May 2021 I have been developing my own business - JA Sports Massage. This is mainly based at home but I also offer a mobile service. Shortly after qualifying I completed a CDP course in Myofascial decompression cupping. I have the drive to keep learning and I have future plans to complete the Kinesiology Taping course and have just started the level 4 certificate in sports massage therapy with the Academy in Sheffield.
The course has provided me with the skills to treat my family and friends as well as fellow horse riders at my yard. I have gone on to build my client base which continues to grow through word of mouth. I am very excited to say I have used my qualification to volunteer massaging runners at the London Marathon in October 2021, which will be an amazing experience. I can also proudly say I have recently been taken on as Bakewell Rugby Club's physio/massage therapist, treating players on training nights and match days.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I am extremely glad I made the decision to complete my training with the Sports Massage Academy. They really stood out when I was looking into choosing a course. I previously found my physio degree extremely challenging and struggled with confidence. However, during the Sports Massage course I never once felt stressed or anxious and can truly say I enjoyed the training I received. Every session was thoroughly informative. I still cannot believe how much I learnt in such a small space of time and how much my confidence has grown because of this course.
My tutor Neil made everything seem so much less daunting and he was always available if I needed any advice. The support and resources available even after finishing the course are second to none.
For instance the free business webinars have been valuable and made it so easy to set up my business, which I never even dreamt I could do.
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
GO FOR IT!! - If you have a passion for sports/therapy/massage and find it rewarding to help people, do not hesitate to get started. You won't regret it. There are so many exciting opportunities waiting for you!
I spent 22 years working as a Senior Client Manager for a Fine Art and Antique shipping Company based in London. I qualified as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor back in 2007, however just for personal interest and have always been intrigued by Sports Massage, again from my own personal experiences. In 2020, my career in Fine Art and Antiques ended due to Coronavirus, however, always looking towards the positives, my family and I decided the time was right to move to Lincoln, and for me personally to follow my passion and embark on a career as a Sports Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer.
How have you used your new qualification?
After successfully completing my Level 3 and Level 4 Sports Massage qualification, I opened Brad Green Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy, based from my clinic in North Hykeham, Lincoln. I have also completed my qualification in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) and Dry Cupping (Myofascial Decompression) and have a further CPD course booked this year in Kinesiology Taping. I am keen to learn as much as possible so I can offer my clients the very best service and will continue learning, as I do every day being a Sports Massage Therapist. I am also working as a Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor and the appointed Strength and Conditioning Coach of Ruston Sports Women's Football team, therefore this adds a further strength to my business and service to my clients as I am able to offer my knowledge in terms of strengthening, stretching and rehabilitation.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
All of the Sports Massage related courses I have completed or have booked are with the Sports Massage Academy. The level of teaching is to an exceptional standard and the support before, during and after is invaluable. Even more so, during a difficult time for everyone with Coronavirus, the support from my Level 3 and 4 tutors Louise Greenwood and Neil Hawksworth along with Alex Hall, Daniella Short and all other graduates past and present has been so important and this does not stop once the course is completed. Once you are part of the Sports Massage Academy, you really are a part of a major support network of colleagues and friends.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Whilst I always wanted to follow a career path in Sports Massage and Personal Training, I was caught up in the "rat race" and unable to follow my passion. However, now the opportunity has presented itself, I have grasped it with both hands and I am very happy with my career choice. I absolutely love learning every single day, meeting new people and helping my clients with their functional fitness and understanding a little more about themselves. It is so true that when you have a passion for something you do, it doesn't feel like work. I would say to anyone wanting to follow their passion is the old cliché of "just go for it" however even more so now as this past year has shown that life is for living, so do what makes you happy and enjoy it.
My career so far has been mainly office based roles from accounts to sales marketing, so to take the plunge into a total new industry was nerve wrecking! I have always been a sporty person with an interest in martial arts, running and swimming. Due to many different injuries I discovered the benefits of sports massage, after that I had a keen interest to learn more.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating it has been a rocky start with Covid, thankfully I have successfully started my business, Rosemoor Sports Massage, in Hucknall, Nottingham. I have now had my garage converted into my treatment clinic and serve a wide range of clients from professional athletes to midwifes, office workers and even beauticians. They have all given fabulous testimonials and from this I have gained more referrals. I absolutely love my job!
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The course was tough but so rewarding, and I felt fully supported every step of the way. It's not just the tutors (which are fantastic) but the community they've built around the company. The graduate support is priceless, especially how to start your business from the ground up, and they offer ongoing training courses/conferences/webinars to build on your knowledge. Any questions or worries you may have, you can always get hold of someone for support and i feel that's so important.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Expect to do a lot of hard work and revision to gain your qualification. Ensure you train with a company like the Sports Massage Academy that can offer on going support, not just in training but also how to successfully start up your own business.
As a qualified Accountant I spent most of my free time fulfilling the need for adventure taking part in events such as triathlon, running, kayaking, obstacle course racing, SUP boarding, bootcamps and climbing mountains such as Snowdon and Pen Y Fan. A few major injuries stopped me from doing the activities I loved for a few years, and resulted in chronic pain. This motivated me to look at the course to help myself, my children, and others, particularly those who were suffering chronic pain or reduced flexibility and mobility.
How have you used your new qualification?
Whilst studying, I looked to gain experience alongside the classroom practical sessions and started to work with Chesterfield FC Women 1st and Development teams. This turned into a permanent fixture, and I am now their Sports Massage Therapist, massaging at training and matches.
After qualifying in September 2020, I opened my business Rebalance Sports Massage, based on the perimeter of the beautiful grounds of Shipley Park in Derbyshire. It was a success and even though I had to close a couple of times due to the lockdown restrictions, the business has soon taken off again.
Over the past few weeks, I have been working with Kyle Hughes (Tribal Kyle) middleweight professional boxer as one of his sponsors providing essential sports massage and range of movement testing/stretches to complement intensive fight camp training leading up to his next fight in July.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I was so pleased that I took the plunge and decided to do the course with Sports Massage Academy. The support and advice from my tutor Louise and aftercare from the Academy is exceptional and together with the Alumni group, you are never alone. There will always be something you have never come across and the group is there to ask advice.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Be prepared to put the work in and just go for it!
I've been in corporate IT for many years now, so learning to become a Sports Massage Therapist has been a big career U-turn for me! I've long been passionate about exercise in all forms, and when I'm not at work you will usually find me weightlifting, doing CrossFit, running or some other form of working out.
How have you used your new qualification?
On May 1st, I set up my mobile Sports Massage business, Restore Fitness Bournemouth. It's currently part-time, outside my main IT job. I have gained a few clients in the last month and am really enjoying getting into the swing of things! My long term plan is to hire a room locally so my clients can come to me, but as I am building the business up the mobile service is working well for me. It's been an exciting journey already, and I've only just begun!
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy has been brilliant in all aspects of my training. Our group started in September 2020; two lockdowns resulted in the training dates needing to be moved quite a lot! Sports Massage Academy have worked really hard to ensure we were safe at all times, provided online training for Anatomy when meeting up wasn't allowed, and have given us all a lot of support throughout. I've also done the IASTM CPD course which was brilliant, and signed on to three more CPD courses this year. I'll be doing the Level 4 course next year. The alumni group is also free and full of lovely, supportive SMTs, who make all aspects of becoming a SMT much less daunting. Finally, I would highly recommend the free live Business Webinars which gave me so much knowledge and confidence in setting up my business!
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
If it feels right, take the leap of faith. Spend time looking at what the courses available offer you, and don't just go for the cheapest supplier or online Sports Massage courses, you really need the hands-on training!
I've been involved in the health & fitness industry for over 20 years and managed several gyms in that time. Over the last 4 years I have transitioned to do more of what I love, running my sports massage clinic and teaching for the Sports Massage Academy. Outside of work I am a keen hockey player and more recently taken up running.
How have you used your new qualification?
I'm now almost at the end of my level 5 soft tissue diploma and looking forward to putting everything I've learned into practice within my business, Neil Hawksworth Sports Massage & PT, in Castle Donnington. I use a range of modalities from massage to acupuncture to treat a diverse range of clients and I'm especially looking forward to incorporating the rehabilitation elements into my business.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I may be a little biased but I chose to teach for the Sports Massage Academy for a reason; their focus on giving students what they need. This means not just ticking boxes and issuing certificates, but providing the knowledge and skills required to be a great therapist with the support needed to put this into practice as a business upon graduation. My level 5 soft tissue therapy course itself has been fantastic, challenging and rewarding.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
I joined the Royal Navy at 19 years old to be an Aircraft Engineering Technician & 13 years later I am still currently serving. I have always been quite sporty & loved keeping fit, with Navy giving me so many opportunities to participate in & learn new sports. I am part of the Royal Navy Bobsleigh Team & a snowboard instructor; so as you can imagine, I'm no stranger to a sports massage. I just found it so fascinating and I was always asking questions about what they are doing & why they are doing it, so I knew for me it was the way to go.
How have you used your new qualification?
Shortly after completing the Level 3 Course & the Kinesiology Taping CPD, I set up my own business, Muscle Movement Therapy in Yeovil. This was all undertaken in my spare time, where I do most of my work from home, but on occasion I offer mobile treatments. I have an ever-growing client base & hopefully, when my Naval career comes to an end, I will be in a good position to take this on full time.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
After undertaking a fair amount of research looking into which course to do, I decided that the Sports Massage Academy was for me. Everything from the beginning to the end is just second to none - from the first contact I had, to attending the course tutored by Dani in Bournemouth, followed by the aftercare provided through the alumni programme. It is so refreshing to have that extra support & access to advice from experienced graduates with a wealth of knowledge, knowing that the Sports Massage Academy is there to help all their students thrive in their new career paths. I'm now really looking forward to starting my level 4 course next month!
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
If you are in a position to do it, go for it - you will not regret it! Once you start your course, get as much hands-on practice as you can with family & friends. This will not only build your confidence when you graduate, but you'll feel like you're in a much better position to go ahead and start your own business. Be prepared not to know everything but continue learning as much as you can from courses, reading & other's experiences - remember it is a journey, not a destination.
For the last 6 years I have worked away for two international dressage riders as a rider and international groom, whilst running my own business as a dressage rider and coach. I have always been interested in human anatomy and before developing my career in the dressage world I always aspired to train as a physiotherapist or sport massage therapist.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating I have been working as a mobile therapist, whilst also making valuable connections that have led to an exciting partnership working in a day spa as a resident therapist. I look forward to starting this position once we come out of lockdown. Complimenting my existing knowledge of the dressage world, I have accompanied new found skills to identify specific problems that occur with dressage riders with the aim to increase performance. There is also a personal connection to the naming of my new sports massage business - Vita Sports Massage Therapy. The horse that I have owned for 9 years, who has allowed me to achieve everything I have so far in my riding career is called Dolce Vita IV. Vita, Italian for Life seemed like the perfect fit.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The training and support from the Sports Massage Academy, especially in these tricky times exceeded my expectations; not only providing all resources for us to learn, but also supporting us personally through training and after graduation. You're made to feel like a member, not just a number.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Don't hold back, don't be scared to fail. If you don't succeed first time, that's okay, it'll only make you stronger. I am personally guilty of this, but by going through the Sports Massage Academy you won't be alone. The family-like community will provide you with the support and reassurance you need.
Before embarking on my career change, I was a manager within children's services. As a caring and empathetic person, I've always wanted to do what I can to help people. However, the job started to have an adverse effect on me and my family life. Despite being anxious I took the plunge and signed up for the level 3 diploma and graduated in August 2018.
How have you used your new qualification?
Unfortunately shortly after graduating I became ill, which put things on hold for sometime. However, that's behind me now, and I've set up my clinic, MP Sports Massage Therapy, at the lotus therapy centre in Mansfield. I'm also offering a mobile service predominantly in the Newark and Sherwood district.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The support I received from my tutors Alex and Louise was second to none, they were always there when I needed extra support with the theory work. The others on my course were also so supportive of one another, which was amazing.
The balance between practical and theory was spot on. And the support doesn't end when the course does. I'm currently completing their series of free business development webinars which I have found to be extremely beneficial, and plan to complete further hands on CPD later in the year.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
I would say if it's what you really want to do, 'go for it' and don't let fear of the unknown prevent you from moving forward. If you choose to train with Sports Massage Academy, in my experience they will support you all the way.
My career to date has been predominantly in Sales and Business Development. I am a natural people person so the thing I love most is getting to know my clients and their interests whilst building rapport and trust. I'm a mum of two and I've always been involved in fitness whether that's running, high energy HIIT classes, yoga or more recently CrossFit.
How have you used your new qualification?
Understanding the mechanics of the body and how Massage Therapy can improve ability and performance fascinates me which inevitably led me to study Sports Massage. During my studies I set up my business, Sarah O'Neill Sports Massage Therapy in Lancashire, offering services from my home treatment room and also mobile. I hope to utilise the amazing community within local CrossFit boxes and also attend upcoming sporting events within nearby Lake District.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I am so pleased I chose the Sports Massage Academy. From the very start I felt in safe hands. Choosing equipment was made easy, the advice was straightforward and realistic and I was impressed with the level of business support post qualification. The level of teaching and tailored support from my tutor Louise was second to none. It's very clear how much she cares about her student's success and wellbeing whilst delivering a great learning experience.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My advice would be to research your course supplier thoroughly and be prepared to give it the time it deserves to learn and revise. You will be guaranteed to have fun along the way and you will find yourself in a career which provides an immense amount of job satisfaction and enjoyment. Having access to the support network in place means that I genuinely feel part of a large and supportive family of therapists.
I've spent my career in Telecoms/IT as a Project Manager & consultant, but this came at a cost. Despite being successful, it also came with lots of stress and time away from home.
The highlight of my career was working on London 2012 where I got to meet & chat with my sporting hero Seb Coe; I was responsible for the Road & Time Trial Cycling radio communication systems & also indoor radio coverage in the major stadiums. I got to visit them all and had a free pass on my days off, being in the Velodrome to see the me's Team Pursuit team and Victoria Pendleton win Gold was amazing. It was hard work & very stressful but I'm so proud of what the whole LOCOG team achieved and delivered.
How have you used your new qualification?
I've completed my level 3 & 4 qualifications this year but due to Covid I've only been able to use my new skills on family & friends so far, but have used the time wisely to get my business up & running to have everything in place to get started straight out of the current lockdown.
I've put in place all the processes & procedures, social media and designed a logo; and looking forward to running my business " Pro-Motion Sports Massage " from home in Long Eaton, in-between Nottingham & Derby.
To be honest I'm quite nervous & apprehensive but plenty of people I know from my Triathlon Club are interested and keep asking me when I'm going to start, which will be early December.
As my competitive Triathlon years come to an end I hope to use this and the British triathlon Coaching course I'm doing to start to "give something back", as sport has been such a large part of my life.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I've known Alex, the MD, for many years through TFN Triathlon club in Nottingham and have been a "body" for previous courses over the years, we'd spoken about me doing the SMT course many times and I eventually took the plunge after becoming totally disillusioned and over stressed in my previous job.
Louise & Deesh, our tutors, were excellent at demonstrating and explaining everything you needed to know and practice, taking into account that all students had different levels of prior knowledge, experience & learning styles. It was also a fun environment we all got on really well, helping each other when needed.
Level 4, taught by Alex, was definitely a step up in learning & knowledge focussing more on injury assessment/management.
On top of everything in the classroom, The Sports Massage Academy's support & advice during this challenging year have been invaluable to me and fellow newcomers to the industry.
More about Level 4 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Speak to people you know in the industry for help & advice, do your research & don't rush into it. Make sure it's something you want to do and will enjoy. But most importantly, it's never too late to make a change in your life, it may turn out for the best.
I am a secondary school Modern Foreign Languages teacher. I had been thinking about having a plan B even before I had the need for one and sports massage was of particular interest to me. Now I am considering upping my time doing sports massage and bringing down my teaching time in the future.
How have you used your new qualification?
I graduated in March, just one week before lockdown started. Thinking about starting my own business was hard and confusing due to the unprecedented times we are living in but I was so lucky to have the Sports Massage Academy to support me through the process. I created my own brand "Activa Sports Massage" for events and mobile services. I have already had the opportunity to cover a deadlift competition and the Britain's Strongest Man under 90kg qualifiers in August. In September I started doing clinic based sports massage from The Sports Injury Clinic in Derby, and now I have progressed to do Sunday mornings there. I learn a lot from everyone there and it is an amazing place to work.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I believe the support offered by the Academy was second to none and the tutor instantly made everyone feel comfortable in the classroom from day one. I will definitely be attending extra workshops and I am already saving up for my Level 4 qualification, also I cannot wait for the conference next year!
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip would be to not be scared of getting started. Whether it is with your own business or working with someone else in an existing business. I love doing sports massage because of the instant feedback and results you can get from your clients. It is very rewarding when all my slots are full and my clients text me saying they are feeling lots better after seeing me.
I've always been interested in sport, taking part in most sports and eventually narrowing to just Athletics where, unfortunately, I also got injured quite a lot. As a result I spent a lot of time with physios and took an interest in injuries, rehab and treatment. This interest grew through my work as a fitness instructor and throughout the first year of my degree, so when the opportunity to train as a Sports Massage Therapist came up, I jumped at the chance.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since qualifying I have set up my business - SS Health & Performance in Loughborough - combining my mobile therapy, sports nutrition and fitness coaching alongside my full-time work at Loughborough University. In this time, I've been lucky enough to work in elite sport, supporting international athletes in a variety of sports including Netball, Gymnastics and Athletics. As well as this I've provided massage cover at the Great North Run, British Athletics Championships and World Trials, and the Loughborough International Athletics and European Athletics Permit meetings. Alongside my work in elite sport, I have worked with professional theatre, office workers, students and recreational runners. Now I've completed my Level 4, I'm now looking to get more clinic work and complete further qualifications such as dry needling and the level 5 advanced diploma.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
A friend recommended the Sports Massage Academy to me whilst they were studying for their Level 3. I was immediately impressed with the resources, support and extra guidance that they received. This led to me undertaking my Dry Cupping CPD course with SMA, giving me first-hand experience of the quality of tutors, resources and support. When it came to finally booking onto a Level 4 course, I didn't even need to consider any other training providers. Our tutor Alex was always extremely helpful and supportive. For example, when our course was unfortunately postponed due to COVID-19, he kept us updated around when the course would run. Alongside this, the support and advice he provided during the whole lockdown period where we were unable to work was outstanding - way better than any professional association - alongside the support within the graduate community this was priceless.
More about Level 4 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My first tip would be to train with SMA! Other than this, network with other excellent therapists - swap treatments with them, ask questions and learn from them.
Prior to sports massage, most of my career was spent in recruitment, which definitely helped me in terms of having the confidence to have a chat with pretty much anyone, anywhere, anytime - whether they wanted to talk to me or not! In all seriousness though, I really enjoy meeting people and hearing about their lives, and working with them to help them achieve their goals, which has helped me in both my sports massage and weightlifting coaching!
How have you used your new qualification?
I run Down Signal Sports Massage, and I partner with two fantastic local businesses to deliver my services to clients - Compound Strength & Conditioning in Ruddington & The Body Project in West Bridgford/Keyworth. I offer sports massage, mobility and weightlifting coaching to an incredibly diverse range of clients, from weightlifters and functional fitness enthusiasts, to desk workers, manual workers and toddler-carriers! I have been lucky enough to work with and gain feedback from highly experienced sports therapists and elite athletes through my training, and this has really helped me to hone my skills and what I am bringing to the table for all of my clients. I've found sports massage to be hugely complementary to my work as a weightlifting coach, in helping people recover from their training well and prevent injury, which allows them to focus on getting stronger and improving their performance on the platform.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy tutors have been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, the training given prepared me for both the realities of working with clients and running my business. What surprised me most was the aftercare support - when COVID-19 hit as a new practitioner, and we were handed that huge government guidance document, I felt pretty lost and wasn't sure how to ensure I was compliant. The SMA worked tirelessly to interpret the information and put together a set of relevant guidelines and best practice considerations for our graduate network so I was able to get straight back to work much more quickly! I find the Academy's commitment to not just getting people through their certificates, but also to support them to be successful therapists really impressive! I use the alumni group for any questions that I have and being networked with other graduates is really helpful too.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Listen, learn and practice as much as you can! Develop your own skills and knowledge as much as possible outside the qualification, and ask experienced people for help, feedback and advice, as they are often really willing to assist you! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and be confident in your own abilities, while remaining honest about your limits, you don't need to "know it all" to be a great therapist who can help people and make a difference to their lives.
Working within the fitness industry since I was 19 I started my career at Nottingham Trent University as a fitness instructor. Here I got my first experience of working with injuries, helping a member after a serious lower-body trauma, creating him a rehabilitation & conditioning programme designed to help him walk unaided again. The feeling & appreciation I received was great & planted a seed.
Moving over to the University of Nottingham I instructed members on a 1-2-1 basis and offered nutritional advice. It was here I was able to use my conditioning qualifications to offer rehabilitation programmes for minor injuries which is something I developed a passion for.
During my time at the university, I suffered a serious ankle inversion sprain which was operated on leading to a fully ruptured lateral ankle ligament, retinaculum & part of my tibia all being removed. During a hard & unpredictable recovery, I decided to focus my attention on helping others who may be suffering from injuries & muscular imbalances, leading me to the Sports Massage Academy.
How have you used your new qualification?
After completing my level 3 diploma in 2017 I started my own business MSE Sports & Remedial Massage in Nottingham. At first, I ran a mobile-only business which worked very well. I was lucky enough to work with clients from all backgrounds & occupations including manual labourers, doctors & consultants, retirees, & elite athletes. Working with such a variety of clients was great for building my experience & knowledge.
In 2018 I went back to the Sports Massage Academy to complete my level 4 qualification. I would say this is the most beneficial course I have ever done, & I graduated feeling very confident I could implement all the skill I was taught.
I am now able to combine my skills from both sports massage & conditioning qualifications along with nearly 9 years of injury & rehabilitation experience to offer my clients great support & treatments all under one roof.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy is by far the best training provider I have experienced. The knowledge I have gained is incredible & even though the qualifications are intense the support all the tutors provide creates a relaxed & enjoyable environment. They really have changed my career & my life.
Having the support of a great tutor is priceless & during both level 3 & 4 both tutors were fantastic. This has continued even after qualifying; as an example the team have provided invaluable support, advice & guidance throughout the Covid-19 pandemic which has been a lifesaver while our industry is closed.
More about Level 4 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Picking the Sports Massage Academy would be my first tip!
Start with a first-class provider & this will reflect later in your career.
Speak & liaise with other therapists to see if there is a niche in the market local to you which you can capitalise on.
Continue learning & progressing as this will help develop yourself & your business making you stand out from others.
Be prepared to go that extra mile as it will always pay you back in the end.
I played professional Rugby League with Huddersfield Giants before a serious knee injury. At the time, I was completing my final year degree studying Sport at the University of Leeds.
After graduating I began working as a Personal Trainer, developing into a sports fitness consultant & spending over five seasons with some of the country's leading pro football clubs. I was responsible for the day-to-day implementation of strength & conditioning through pre-season & match season.
Returning to Huddersfield, I managed the community development of Rugby League, a very rewarding role resulting in coaching opportunities within the club's player development & RFL national youth player pathways working with some of the country's leading regional & national talent.
This role led to developing an education department within the Huddersfield Giants & Huddersfield Town community charity & from this I moved into full-time FE teaching, delivering A-level PE & BTEC Sport Science which I've now being doing for 10 years.
How have you used your new qualification?
I completed the Level 4 Sports Massage this year with the Sports Massage Academy whilst setting up our business, Revive in Huddersfield, with my wife Samantha. I provide Sports Massage & Personal Training with Samantha, a trained nurse, offering her skills in Aesthetics and skin care.
I have used my academic knowledge, professional & teaching experience together to create a productive & supportive rehabilitation environment at Revive. I've also completed the Kinesiology Taping course & the Dry Cupping course with SMA to expand our services, and now looking to complete my level 5 qualification later this year.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The course was intense when balancing it with a full time job and running a clinic but what I gained most from the course, apart from the qualification itself, was the insight into the practical applications of sports massage with real clients from our tutor. The Sports Massage Academy provided great support & guidance throughout the qualification & continues to provides an excellent post qualification support system through their graduate network.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip is to actively keep learning, reading, practicing & seek out quality feedback from your clients; always be the student.
Before commencing my level 3 diploma in sports massage I worked in the finance industry
How have you used your new qualification?
I am still developing my business, Reshape Sports Massage Therapy in Newport, alongside my other work. I have started out on mobile basis I am now building a treatment room at home. Since graduating, i have completed a few CPD courses and next aim is to complete a pitchside first aid course to allow inroads into local sport teams. I also intend to complete my level 4 sports massage and dry needling courses in the near future.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The training and support I received was second to none. Luke was a great tutor and all round top guy! I really like the continued graduate support offered and the active Facebook group.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Practise and learn... 'The best way to become a master of anything, is to never stop being a student'
In 2018 I was overweight and very unfit. I joined the gym and worked with an amazing personal trainer who helped me with my fitness goals. Now I just don't want to stop. I love a challenge and try to push myself to do things I would never have attempted before; I've signed up for novice Hull's Strongest Woman and also an Ultra White Collar Boxing Event.
My passion for training and fascination of how the body responds to exercise led me to complete the level 3 diploma. I love my new career as a Sports Massage Therapist, I find it so rewarding when I can positively help someone and make them feel better. It's also really satisfying to see the improvement in a client over time.
How have you used your new qualification?
Although my business, Licence2Chill in Hull, is still in its infancy I have already established a client base and have over 20 positive reviews on my social media. I have forged strong links with 2 gyms that I attend and I will be working from both sites as well as my home going forward.
Due to the Coronavirus my business is obviously on hold at the moment but I remain extremely positive. This situation is only temporary and I have used the time to sort out my logo, uniform and website.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I actually chose the Sports Massage Academy through a recommendation and I know I made the right choice. Our tutor Luke was amazing and delivered the information in a way that was both interesting and easy to understand. Going forward I will certainly be using the academy again to develop my career and will have no hesitation in recommending to others. We all forged friendships on our training group and will be keeping in touch with each other in the future.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Having been self employed for most of my working life, I spent many fantastic years working with, training and breeding Sports Horses in my own equestrian yard.
These included competition winning eventers, show jumpers, dressage and race horses, some of which were on the international scene.
Being a keen sportsman and affiliated club runner over many years has helped me maintain good fitness levels but whilst reflecting on how/why I picked up various injuries along the way I decided to explore just what it took to become a good sports massage therapist.
How have you used your new qualification?
After taking the plunge at the tender age of 58 to study level 3 and level 4 back-to-back with The Sports Massage Academy last year and graduating in June, I then added some very useful CPD courses to help consolidate my learning.
Initially I set up my own business, Carl Manning Sports & Remedial Massage, focusing on providing daytime mobile treatments which fitted in perfectly with being a 24/7 dad to a reception class little girl.
Being fortunate enough to now have my own dedicated clinic which is linked to my home, I have established a manageable sized client base which has predominantly grown via personal recommendation. My clients are from all walks of life, sporting disciplines and ages.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
After researching and making a shortlist of Sports Massage Therapy course providers it was soon clear to me that the one that really stood out was the Sports Massage Academy.
From my initial call, answered by the managing director, and enquiring why the SMA was the UK leader course provider I was extremely impressed by the promise of infinite student support and the offer of top class training.
My tutors Louise & Deesh delivered the level 3 course professionally, taking the time to carefully explain every aspect of the course but still made it fun!
Luke's level 4 course was equally excellent, supported by Dani.
I have also benefitted from Neil's expertise and knowledge gained from attending some of the CPD courses such as kinesiology taping.
Each tutor's extensive knowledge, professionalism and approachability have been outstanding.
I've met some fabulous people whilst attending the courses and thoroughly enjoyed the Inaugural Sports Massage Academy Conference. It's a 2020 "must do!"
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Here are my top tips:
Never be afraid to ask questions whilst on the courses.
Be prepared to carry on learning well beyond graduation as it should be endless!
Don't be put off by the amount of local competition as with the training supplied by the SMA we all have a place in this industry.
Don't let age be a barrier, allow yourself to be driven, it's extremely satisfying and so worthwhile!
For the past 8 years I have worked in the manufacturing department of a marketing company, operating printing presses and cutting machines.
How have you used your new qualification?
I have used my level 3 diploma in sports massage therapy to open my clinic, MA Sports Massage, within the local Xercise4less gym in Mansfield.
I didn't waste any time putting my training into practice as I opened my clinic a week after qualifying! I have started to build a client base of regular gym goers, bodybuilders, powerlifters and mix martial artists. I love every moment working as a SMT and I look forward to seeing my clients everyday.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I couldn't recommend The Sports Massage Academy enough! The course was delivered perfectly by our tutor Alex, a good balance of theory and practical each day to keep you stimulated and fun.
The support is brilliant within the alumni group and any questions they were always happy to answer emails or calls.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tips would be to practice as much as possible at the beginning, this really helped me gain confidence when starting up. Also never be afraid to ask questions, there's a lot of friendly people willing to help help you succeed.
For the past 16 years I've run 2 businesses; a swim school since 2003 and a fancy dress shop with my mum since 2005. As the retail world changed and shifted online I began looking for an alternate career. I've always had an interest in massage and have regular sports massage treatments which led me to start researching courses.
How have you used your new qualification?
During my level 3 training, I was offered a volunteer role within Radcliffe Borough Football club. This gave me a huge amount of experience which massively helped develop my massage skills & knowledge.
I still work at the club on training nights and match days, providing pre, inter & post massages alongside rehabilitation. I thoroughly I enjoy being part of the team, along with the camaraderie!
The club have since offered to pay for my FA medical qualifications for the time I have given them. So volunteering really does pay off and it's a good way to get your foot in the door.
On completing the course I felt confident enough to start applying for jobs and landed a role with Salford City Clinic.
This is a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, podiatrists, sports rehabilitators and sports massage therapists.
I work at the clinic part time, working with a whole range of clients. I have developed a loyal client base which I see on a regular basis and receive lots of great feedback and reviews which is rewarding to hear and also gives you that confidence that you are doing a good job!
Going forwards, I feel confident enough to go it alone full time and I am planning to convert my garage and provide sports massage from home.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I took the plunge in January 2019 and had a wonderful tutor in Louise Greenwood. Louise made the course very enjoyable and instilled a great passion for sports massage. I was fortunate enough to be apart of a great group of students who I've developed great friendships with since.
The support and community from the Sports Massage Academy is amazing and I knew straight away that I had made the right choice. As soon as I completed my level 3 I moved straight onto level 4 and experienced another fantastic course with Luke. Since then I've done several CPD courses, attended the annual conference and gained further field experience at several events included elite level competitions in strongman.
More about Level 4 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip would have to be: Get as much 'hands on' experience as possible whilst studying through family and friends or volunteering as it really helps to boost your confidence.
Since completing a BTEC Sports Diploma at college I've struggled to gain employment due to being severely visually impaired. My college course instilled a passion for the sport & fitness industry & I've been looking ever since for a way to get my foot in the door.
How have you used your new qualification?
Completing my Level 3 Diploma in August I've since set up my own business, RL Sports Massage, in Pembroke Dock, renting a shop in the town centre. I already have a small regular client base that's growing week by week and I'm loving every minute of it.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
After having a poor experience trying to complete a gym instructor course in the past, I did a LOT of research, speaking to a few different providers before deciding where to enrol. Alex, the managing director, took the time to explore my needs to make sure the course would be a good fit and that they would be able to provide the support I needed. They lived up to their word; the course was fantastic and the support was always on hand both during the course and after. I'm now part way through the level 4 certificate and so glad I found the Sports Massage Academy.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip is to get as much practice in during the course on family & friends; it really helps with confidence & I felt like I got a lot more out of the course because of it.
My background was a combination of sport & working within the health & fitness industry. I competed in amateur mixed martial arts so sports massage was a regular part of my programme. I have also working in various gyms over the years so 'health' was of great interest to me. The idea of sports massage was born out of a comment my sports massage therapist made & from then it planted a seed.
How have you used your new qualification?
My qualifications have enabled me to become self-employed and set up my own small business Rose Therapies. After completing my level 3 I wanted to concentrate on getting clients on the books & experience. After a year I progressed onto level 4 which I felt was the right amount of time for me. I have also done the taping & strapping course which is a nice accompaniment to the soft tissue work.
I work across 3 centres which keeps me busy and allows me access to clients from a lot of different areas & backgrounds. I also work with Team GB Judo and do all the soft tissue work of our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls. I work closely with a physiotherapist and we team up on a lot of running events in the local area which is always a lot of fun and gets me out of the clinics. Another great thing I have been able to do was to massage the musical cast of Stomp who were touring the UK for the week.
I feel I have made my business relaxed, real and professional all rolled into one. I think education is so important when informing clients as they can be a bit lost, very down or misled. So constant reading and accessing further information is a key factor on how I like to grow.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I thoroughly enjoyed all my qualifications through the academy. I think the students that attend are all so friendly and as we all want to better the industry it creates a positive atmosphere. The academy also encourages you to question- Why are you doing this? What do you want to achieve? Is this the best course of action? I have carried this into my years of practise as it allows me to maintain a high standard and not just become complacent.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
I have a few top tips for anyone looking at starting sports massage:
Set your standard on how you want to run your business and do not deviate unless someone has higher standards than you.
Learn to love the people aspect: I didn't realise how much of what I say to my clients can brighten their day.
Lastly look after yourself! Book yourself regular treatments and be kind to yourself as you can't fix everyone's issues in 1 hour.
During my time at school, I had a passion for 3 things: travel, sport & Biology; I always knew I'd work in one of these fields. For some unknown reason I then decided to do a business degree but after the 1st year I knew I'd made a mistake & started applying for jobs in the airline industry. I got a job with British Airways as Cabin Crew & thought that I'd travel the world for a few months & get paid for it. 22 years later, I'm still there & I've loved every minute of it. However I was still fascinated by anatomy & physiology so I decided to complete a personal training course with a view to reducing my flying hours & starting my own business along side. Unfortunately at the same time, my dad became really ill & passed away. I completed the course but lost the passion for starting a business, so I carried on plodding along in my comfort zone doing what I knew best. It wasn't a challenge anymore & the excitement of travelling all over the place had gone but it was a comfortable place to be. I knew I wanted more so I started researching sports massage courses.
How have you used your new qualification?
My business 'Jane Atkins Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy' is growing month by month. Im currently flying as well & doing both is hard work, but I'm aiming to have enough clients by summer 2020 to halve my flying hours. I'm mainly mobile at the moment working in & around the Derby area but I'm also converting my garage into a clinic. My next step is to complete Level 4 which I will be doing next year, again with the Sports Massage Academy. For me, getting plenty of experience as a massage therapist before starting the next level is the best thing to do.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The decision to train with the Sports Massage Academy was easy because I loved the idea of the continued support after training & I was impressed that Alex took the time to answer all my questions personally without any pressure to make a decision. Once the decision was made, I haven't looked back. The course was so much fun I've made friends for life.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip would be to know what you're interested in. Sports Massage has so many different aspects to it but by doing what you love, no working day is a chore.
Before starting my level 3 diploma in sports massage I was working as a Paediatric Physiotherapy assistant in the NHS. I have since completed my level 4 certificate and numerous CPD courses as my business has developed.
How have you used your new qualification?
After a year or so of juggling a full time job and massaging in the evenings and weekends I gave up my full time job in exchange for a part time PA job for a person with a spinal cord injury, which has enabled me to focus on my massage business 'The Anja Touch' as well as given me time to start my 200 hours yoga teacher training. I have been massaging at yoga retreats, supported swimmers in California doing a double channel crossing with the Sports Therapy Association, massaged on women's cycling holidays in the Pyrenees, looked after pro athletes at the triathlon in Nottingham as well as building up my own client base. I love what I do and never feel like I'm working as it's such a pleasure to support people feeling better, recover and looking after their well being.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I enjoyed being back learning and doing something to develop myself as a person. I really enjoyed my time at the Sports Massage Academy and I have made friends for life. My life has changed in so many direction that I could never even have dreamt of and I have felt fully supported during all of my courses. I also really value the opportunities the graduate support network has provided me with like massaging at the World's Strongest Man events and teaching yoga at the annual conference.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My 2 top tips for anyone looking to start a new career are: Never stop learning & Follow your dreams
Before qualifying as a sports massage therapist I was, and still am a dental nurse but wanted a career change that I could fit around family life. I have always loved the patient care aspect of nursing and working in a clinical environment so sports massage was a very natural progression for me.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since completing my level 3 diploma in November 2018 I have been working at a Physiotherapist clinic and a Sports Therapy Centre whilst also building a client base of my own through my own business, Body Correct Sports Massage. Recently, I have undertaken Level 4 Sports Massage, Dry needling and enrolled on to a Dry Cupping course with Sports Massage Academy so I am able to offer my clients a variety of treatment modalities.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I would highly recommend Sports Massage Academy. The support from the tutors during and after each course has been amazing. I was a little apprehensive before starting Level 3 as I didn't come from a 'sporting' back ground but with Luke's extensive knowledge and support this was never an issue. All the tutors I have met have been outstanding and the on going support has been invaluable.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip would be to continue to develop your knowledge, read recommended books, ask questions and network with other sports massage therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths etc. Networking with other professionals have been very beneficial and as led to opportunities that I never thought would be achievable.
I started my working life as a military medic and nurse, specialised in Accident & Emergency and worked for 8 years in the NHS. I then joined the Metropolitan Police Service where I served for 17 years in a variety of roles before being headhunted for a teaching job in further education. Throughout this time, I had always been involved in playing, coaching and providing first aid cover for my local rugby union team, Sutton & Epsom RFC. In June last year the opportunity arose for me to take up a part-time teaching post that meant I could start my own business and finally be my own boss!
How have you used your new qualification?
I had already qualified in kinesiology taping and was now 'Team Medic' for Metropolitan Police RFC. Completing a Sports Massage Therapy qualification seemed like a natural progression. I had looked at a number of courses and providers but when I spoke to Alex I was impressed by the 'can do' ethos of The Sports Massage Academy, structure of the course and value for money it represented. I wanted to get a credible qualification that would be supported by my insurers and managed to enrol on the next available level 3 course. The course was hard work but fascinating and the mix of theory and practical work really suited my style of learning. Under the expert care of Luke & Dani I completed and passed my course. At this point I had expected that SMT would be a useful adjunct to my business and that first aid training would be my main source of earnings; I could not have been more wrong!
Viking Medical Ltd goes from strength to strength & I now find myself looking at reducing my teaching hours further, with a stable corporate client base and a private client base that continues to grow. Looking to the future I plan to invest in more training with Sports Massage Academy, start looking at business premises and the potential for employing or going into partnership with other therapists and personal trainers.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I would highly recommend Sports Massage Academy and as mentioned, the mix of theory and practice during the course really suited my style of learning. Both Luke & Dani ensured a fun and professional learning environment and encouraged an investigative and problem-solving approach to SMT that I for one have applied in my practice. Indeed, I think it's this approach that has helped ensure my clients are satisfied with the service I provide and keep coming back. At the same time, many of the business tips provided were invaluable to me as someone starting up for the first time. Since completing the course I have kept a listening watch on the alumni Facebook page, picking up more hints and tips to help drive my business forward and learning from the experience of others. Next stop will be the SMA conference in Nottingham where I am looking forward to catching up with Alex, Dani and Luke as well as extending my network and knowledge further!
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
In terms of top tips for anyone joining the industry I have to say that I still feel like a bit of an imposter and in all honesty I have to pinch myself sometimes when I consider how Viking Medical Ltd has grown over the last year. So, I would like to repeat some advice that I read from Alex on the alumni Facebook page in the run up to Christmas when I was having a few doubts. There had been a question about Groupon type vouchers and offering discounts etc. I started to consider this as a method of generating business but was put off from doing this by Alex's reference to providing a quality service in order to generate quality clients over the long term rather than a discounted service with a high client turnover. The wisdom in Alex's advice was entirely borne out by my own experience and it was provision of a quality service that led to a word-of-mouth recommendation/referral and ultimately my first major corporate client. While I understand that chasing numbers of clients with discounted rates is tempting, I absolutely believe that If you provide a realistic price for a quality service consistently, then the clients you generate will be the clients you keep!
I started life with a few GCSEs and a love for football and travel. I worked as a travel agent dreaming of being able afford to travel and becoming a Police officer one day.
I joined the force 14 years ago and continued with my football, albeit plagued by injuries. I was introduced to Sports Massage which was life changing and enabled me to continue with the sport I love.
Now 36 years young, I invested in training to follow my passions and in turn help other people. I intend to work part-time around my full time job with the focus on building on the business to give me a trade once I retire from Policing.
How have you used your new qualification?
2019 saw the launch of my own business, Adventure Sports Massage, converting a room in my house in Chesterfield into a clinic. I have a full calendar of appointments and I've invested in a look and a logo that suits my personality of travel and adventure; ironically I'm writing this from Copacabana Beach in Brazil!
I've really enjoyed the various challenges of running my own business such as designing a logo and wall art in my therapy room and creating my Facebook page.
In June this year I'll be supporting the Army, Navy & RAF ice hockey teams in their national tournament through relationships I've developed with the armed forces and my fellow graduates from my Level 3 Diploma.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The training for me was perfect, re-accustoming my mind to the world of study and building on my passion to create a business personal to me. As a huge bonus I have gained a whole host of new friends, some of which have become more like family. The support from the Sports Massage Academy after graduation has been amazing, helping with setting up my business and instilling the confidence to tackle anything.
I was apprehensive about the theory side as I'm dyslexic and don't find study or exams easy. They were far from easy and it took two attempts to pass the written exam but with continued support I got there and sailed through the practical exams.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My Top tips:
’Life is for living’
If you have a passion then follow your dreams and make your business personal, people appreciate a personal touch.
’Live the life you love’
For now Brazil needs my attention and the sun is shining!
Before I started my sports massage career I was still at university going into my 3rd year of an Exercise & Health Degree.
All the way through the course my lecturers were educating us on how we could get the best grades possible but had no real handle on the industry, and I felt I needed additional qualifications and experience!
For me Sports Massage was something I always wanted to offer my clients… be part of the muscular damage/rebuilding process with Personal Training & the recovery process with Sports Massage.
How have you used your new qualification?
I have been qualified for coming up to 3 years now; I run my own business, Luke Morbey Training & Therapy in Sutton Coldfield - Birmingham, where I use Sports Massage alongside personal training to look after them with a holistic approach.
The qualification along with my Degree has helped me stand out from the crowd: An advanced understanding of anatomy and the function of the body helps me prescribe exercises programmes, mobility & stretches for clients to achieve their goals safer & faster and I am now the go to personal trainer in my club because of my depth of knowledge.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy has a pretty awesome support structure, from the pre-course preparation and walking into the class room one day one right through to the facebook support group online… being able discussing injury treatment strategies, discounts of products/services and client referrals among other things is invaluable.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anyone entering the industry would be to take every opportunity possible… get the experience under your belt to help reinforce what you're learning in the classroom.
Don't think the studying or revision has finished just because you have a qualification… Use online resources, published books & youtube/instagram to educate and continue your learning.
Before undertaking my career change I worked in a challenging job in children's services, looking after children in a residential setting. I have a caring nature but the demands of the job were encroaching on my family life so I felt the need to change my career whilst still fulfilling my passion of looking after others.
How have you used your new qualification?
A random conversation at the race track lead me to seek out the Sports Massage Academy and I haven't looked back since! After graduating I set up my own business, Beuna Forma Sports Massage and I have been fortunate enough to be invited to work alongside a Motorcycle Track Event company out in Spain. I've been able to work with World Class Motorcycle Racers and I'm in my element as Biking is another passion!
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy gave me more knowledge than I imagined would be involved, the course was intense but the support from the team of lecturers and tutors was outstanding. I appreciate the ongoing support and community I have the pleasure of being a part of, the lifelong support network is one of the reasons I chose them.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
If anyone has considered a career change like I did I would say it's definitely worth the leap! Although you have to work hard at building a client base the rewards far out way the effort involved! Be brave, take yourself out of your comfort zone, talk to everyone and tell them what you're doing and even on the days that feel a struggle... keep going, make it work!
My life for the last 5 years has been pretty much dedicated to fitness & training including running events, martial arts, rock climbing, weightlifting, mountain biking and lots of gym work. Unfortunately this led to me developing patella tendonitis in both knees. I ended up spending 9 months in physio and during this time it made me realise that I would like a career where I could help people in similar positions, knowing how frustrating it is when you can't train due to injuries. I decided the quickest way to do this was to become a sports massage therapist, definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made!
How have you used your new qualification?
Since passing my level 3 in June 2018 I have started providing sports massage as part of my own business, Lou Riley Fitness. I am working out of CrossFit Tamworth, so getting plenty of customers in need of relieving tight muscles! I have also worked at a couple of outdoor events, Mud7 & The Reaper Run which were great experiences & I will be doing a few more this year.
I went on to complete my level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage in November which really helped me understand injuries & dysfunctions in a lot more depth.
Having my level 4 Sports Massage really compliments my level 4 Strength & Conditioning qualification because I am able to not only help fix the issue with sports massage but also use my S & C knowledge to help with exercises & movement patterns to provide a long term solution to the client's pain.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy were absolutely amazing! I had Luke as my tutor for both level 3 & 4. Luke's knowledge & experience made each class very rewarding and I came away with a greater understanding of anatomy and physiology & there were no questions he could not answer. I also made some awesome friends during level 3 course, with 3 of them joining me on level 4 which was ace! I'm sure Luke was sick of us by the end hehe!
I had a lot of support from the Sports Massage Academy through the graduate group on Facebook & through email even after the courses are done, so you know you are getting quality help & support if you ever need it.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tips for anyone entering the industry would be...
Ask as many questions as you can, even if it seems stupid. Also, social networking & word of mouth go a very long way so make sure you provide your clients with a great service.
Before enrolling on the Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy I was a rehabilitation assistant in the NHS for 12 years, working with neurological patients.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating in August 2018 I have set up my own business, Mansfield Sports Massage Therapy. I have my own clinic room in a health shop and see 20 clients a week. I am due to leave the NHS this week to run the business full time due to how busy it has been, which is a huge step for me!
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I thought the training was excellent! The mixture of practical hands on learning and theory was perfect for my learning needs. Additional support throughout the week when completing the coursework was always available which was a great help and the practical advice to set up the business from Alex was invaluable.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip would be to create a strong network with other professionals in your area and don't be afraid to refer on if a client has an issue outside of your remit. Referrals are a 2 way process and you'll be providing your client with a better overall service.
I decided to do my PT qualification after I got rejected from the Royal Marines. Nearing completion of my course, the dream opportunity arose to open a gym with a very good friend of mine, Jacob William Poulter.
Almost on a whim, we bought a gym out in stockport which was liquidating and set up Peak Power Gym Strength & Fitness in a unit. Fast forward a year and I expanded my skills by completing the level 3 Sports Massage qualification. I really enjoyed the anatomy on my PT course, so sports massage felt like the right course to do, especially with it being part of my own recovery routine.
On completing the level 3 I knew i wanted to progress it further so after a year of treating clients in the clinic I set up at the gym, I found the Sports Massage Academy and knew they would be a great fit to progress onto my Level 4.
How have you used your new qualification?
Ive used my knowledge gained from the course to improve treatment of existing clients and help them with a wider range of issues. Improving the service I provide for existing clients has made it much easier to gain new clients from word of mouth, and I'm looking in the new year to get into treating more athletes as I already sponsor a professional cruiserweight boxer with treatments. Im also looking at getting a van, professionally signed and pushing my mobile massage business.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The course was great and exactly what I was looking for, the knowledge of the course tutor was inspiring. Content and delivery was, in my eyes, perfect for my learning style. Highly recommended to anyone seeking education in Sports Massage or progressing to the next level.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Learn as much anatomy as possible as it underpins so much. Exercise prescription knowledge has really helped me with post treatment advice so recommend learning about that as well.
I am 40 years old and have been an electrician for the past 20 years, now managing a branch of the largest new build electrical contractor in the country. I took up running with my local club Lliswerry Runners, completing distances ranging from 5K to Ultra Marathons. With that came plenty of treatment on the physio table and where my initial interest in sports massage came from; always asking questions and intrigued to know 'why this' and 'why that'.
How have you used your new qualification?
I have used my level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy to set up my own business, SWH Sports Massage Therapy, in Newport and have converted part of my garage into a treatment room whilst offering a mobile service to those that require it.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The training I received from the Sports Massage Academy was second to none and an added plus it didn't end there. They are always on hand for support through the alumni program, their graduate support network, which has been invaluable.
In a world where a lot of courses can be done online, I'm really glad I went with my gut and attended a classroom based course; the excellent tuition and feedback from our tutor Luke gave me the confidence to set up my business straight away.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anybody entering into the industry is 'follow your passion' and always be willing to learn and develop.
At 14 I took up boxing at my local club. I had a decent amateur career, winning a national title at the age of 18. A few months after that I enrolled in the Royal Marines, an ambition I'd had from an early age to follow in my uncles footsteps.
I served for over 4 years, deployed worldwide; arctic warfare training in Norway, sea defence in the Mediterranean & operational deployment in Sierra Leone.
I represented the Royal Navy/Marines boxing squad and had a pretty successful time fighting around the country and even Australia boxing some of their elite fighters.
I had a fairly short military career, leaving to work in the family business, but more importantly to pursue a career in professional boxing; given my amateur experience, it was the natural progression.
I boxed professional for 6 years, winning titles at 2 different weights, fighting on some big televised shows, in the company of some well known boxers. It was a bit surreal at times, but I loved it.
During my boxing career my body took a bit of a hammering I retired to become a professional boxing trainer. While training fighters & the general public, I was always getting asked for recommendations for a decent sports masseur. Eventually... the penny dropped and I started to research courses.
How have you used your new qualification?
After completing the course, I renovated my garage to have my own clinic and set up my own business, Andrew Lowe Massage Therapy.
I still have a full time job as an engineer, but have successfully got into Notts police and I am awaiting my start date sometime next year... which has given me the time and opportunity to do my level 4 course, which I am really excited about.
I treat a wide range of clients... pro boxers, motor-cross racers, pro dancers, pro footballers, rugby players, ground workers, office personal, swimmers and many more!
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I did some investigating on the net and came across the Sports Massage Academy. I had read great feedback regarding the academy and the courses, and when I spoke to Alex, I enrolled on the level 3 SMT course as soon as I put the phone down.
I really enjoyed doing the course and met some great people and had constant banter with Luke...
while on the course, I made sure I purchased a quality couch and treated as many clients as possible, from different backgrounds with different issues to help me gain as much as experience and practice as possible.
I successfully passed my level 3 diploma, which I was over the moon about and have since completed the taping & strapping course which was good fun.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
For anyone thinking about enrolling on any of the courses or becoming a sports masseur... I would HIGHLY recommend it. The only prior qualifications needed, in my opinion... are enthusiasm, willingness to learn and passion for the field.
Lucy and Chris met at University where they both studied Sport.
Lucy went on to become a PE lead in Primary Teaching whilst Chris works in Children's Services alongside owning a successful Mountain Bike Coaching business Alliance MTB.
How have you used your new qualification?
Lucy was doing supply work alongside caring for their 2 young children and wanted a change of career where she could set her own hours, use her previous knowledge and passion whilst still working around her busy family life. Successfully completing her level 3 and then level 4 course Lucy recently opened her own clinic 'Alliance Sports Massage' in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire in addition to treating clients in their homes. As the business developed Chris trained in his level 3 initially to do something completely different to the day job and for the enjoyment of learning. However, the business is so successful that Chris is also building a steady client base most notably amongst the local Mountain Bike Community and they've just built their own clinic.
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
Lucy - Sports Massage Academy is brilliant, the training set me up to start my business, they also offer plenty of CPD opportunities to further your knowledge and understanding, I'm confident that with the continued support of Sports Massage Academy we will continue to grow. I have also met some wonderful people and find I am never short of places and people to go to for advice and support. It's never too late to start something new and my level 4 has made me realise you need to keep learning and consolidating what you already know.
Chris - From initially starting out to do something new out of work time, I've been surprised at how involved I have become in working alongside Lucy and how popular our business is becoming. Mountain Bike clients I coach and local riders turn to us both for support and advice, not just with massage but injury prevention and rehab. It's great to be able to offer additional services and knowledge to my existing clients. Sports Massage Academy gave me the chance to train with some great people who have become good friends and access to a lot of support.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Lucy - My tips for going into the industry are have a good idea of what you want to achieve and be realistic with your expectations, know what you do well and don't try to do too much at once.
Chris - My advice would be to think about how sports massage might complement your already existing skills and how you can develop your ties with local teams or clubs.
Before doing my Sports Massage Qualification I was a Personal Trainer. I knew the benefits of having a Sports Massage after regularly needing all of my aches and pains dealt with after training and taking part in Obstacle Course Races. I wanted to become a Sports Massage Therapist to add an additional string to my bow and help my clients with their training and be able to offer an all round service to them.
How have you used your new qualification?
I qualified at the beginning of the year and since then I have built up a good client base of new and existing clients, working as part of the team at an established clinic. Doing the qualification has now meant I'm in a position to open my own premises, Fundamental Sports and Fitness Personal Training Studio, which is opening in September in West Bridgford, Nottingham.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The training I received from Sports massage Academy was brilliant, Alex and Louise the tutors were very knowledgeable and put things across in a way that was easy to learn. I've recommend the company to friends and colleagues who have found the same. The range of CPD courses they run are excellent and I'm looking to take part in some of them in the near further.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anybody looking to enter the industry is research what it is you want to achieve by completing the qualification and utilise the business support offered to guide you.
I was an area sales manager for a retail company, really not enjoying the Monday to Friday grind. One random day last July I had enough and handed in my notice, decided to take a chance with a new career path, one that I new I could enjoy and make a true career out of. It was hard to find somewhere I could trust to do my level 3, but once I had spoken to Alex I knew this was the course for me.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating from Sports Massage Academy in November 2017 I’ve opened my own clinic, BG Sports Massage, inside of a local gym in Mansfield. I make my own hours and am truly enjoying life to the fullest. Through the graduate support network I also had the opportunity to massage at Europe’s Strongest Man, and work on none other than Thor Bjornsson, the Mountain from Game of Thrones and current World’s Strongest man.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The support and advice that I have received from Sports Massage Academy and their alumni programme has been priceless; and from speaking to other therapists I know I wouldn’t have this much support from any other company. I’ve recently done my taping and strapping course and in October I will be doing the dry cupping course, to further enhance my knowledge in the industry.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tips for anyone wanting to join the industry would be to; know your target market, find a niche in the area that you’re working in and trust that word of mouth will be your biggest selling point - so be nice!
I'm SJ, mum of three hormonal teenagers and part time teaching assistant in a primary school. I've worked in education for 11 years and with my youngest child now at secondary school, wanted a career path that enabled me to work flexibly alongside my existing school hours. I needed something with the potential to allow me to work as much as I wanted/needed according to the needs of the family and other commitments.
I've been an avid runner for four years, starting during a particularly difficult time in my life. It helped me both physically and mentally, becoming hooked into running further and faster, I joined a local running club and entered many races.
How have you used your new qualification?
I launched my own business, Myo My Massage Therapy, when I qualified as a Level 3 SMT last December. I have since continued to learn the theory of massage and the body and have enhanced my technique with help from fellow therapists and CPD including Pregnancy Massage.
I work in Grantham and surrounding areas from my treatment room and also do home visits and events. I have met some inspiring and beautiful people and made many new friends and acquaintances since doing this job (if you can call doing something you love a 'job.') I have been fortunate that I already have many contacts from Grantham Running Club who have been keen to let me try my new skills out on them, many returning regularly and referring friends.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
Enrolling with the Sports Massage Academy was a great decision for me. I'd had treatments myself and appreciated the importance of good body maintenance and believed that prevention was better than a cure once injured.
I was ready to understand more and took to the anatomy and physiology textbooks over the school summer holidays. Having not studied the body or fitness at any level for 20 plus years it was quite reassuring that it was all set out so clearly and seemed to go in with relative ease.
By the time I began attending practical 'lessons' in September I felt well equipped and had a solid foundation to build on. The rest of the group ranged from me (with no fitness background) to personal trainers, professional boxing trainers and pro footballers; the mix of backgrounds and experience worked really well as a group.
The tutor, Luke, was just the right balance of banter and authority and I honestly looked forward to each 'lesson'. We practiced at every opportunity on willing guinea pigs as well as on each other: which I found really useful to experience receiving the kind of treatment I was giving.
The Sports Massage Academy Alumni offers continued support from a therapist and self employed business point of view, which has been a whole other learning curve.
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Whether you have any existing understanding of anatomy and physiology or not, don't be put off. If you have an interest in health, fitness or sport, that will be enough. The Sports Massage Academy will support you with structure and consistency and the tutors engage in a way that gives you a thirst to learn and drive to succeed.
After being a school teacher for 20 years, I decided I should dedicate the next phase of my life doing what energises me! I thought helping people (including myself) improve their health and fitness levels would be amazing! A healthy mind in a healthy body has always been my motto. I studied health and fitness related disciplines during my free time, working as a fitness instructor for a few years but still that was not enough. I felt the need for a deeper level of anatomical knowledge which led me to sports massage. Having had a lot of sport related injuries myself over the years which had taken a toll on my wellbeing, my mind really craved to understand how I could stop the degeneration, recover from injuries and treat dysfunction.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since I graduated only a few months ago, I have continued treating friends, friends of friends and family so as to perfect my newly acquired skills and continue learning while setting up my new business, SOMA Sports Massage. I undertook training in 1st aid and hope to complete the Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy course with Sports Massage Academy in the near future. This learning journey I chose will never end but that’s what I love about it!
During one of the weeks on the course we had to come up with a name for our business, design our logo, and set up our facebook page as part of our homework. All this was part of the business module and I found it super exciting as people I treated started leaving reviews and giving feedback, which really helped my confidence when we had to take our practical exams.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
Level 3 was more in depth than I thought it would be! It was hard work but fascinating, be prepared! Our tutors, Alex and Louise were super supportive throughout the course and no matter how much I tried to annoy them with my questions they were always happy to help! They made sure all our questions were answered before the end of each day and we always had plenty of opportunities to practice a bit more or cover any gaps. Feedback during practicals was great and lots of fun too, not to mention we all got a massage every week!
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
If you love sports, fitness and health related disciplines, this is a great place to start from! It will help you understand how the human body works and it will complement any other related career path you wish to follow! Just be aware, the learning journey you are embarking on that has no end! The more you learn the more you will want to learn! And being able to help people feel better is an amazing feeling and totally worth the time and effort!
For over 15 years I have worked in engineering. In 2016 my mum passed away and looking for an outlet I joined a gym and took up running. Thwart with injuries I turned to massage, physiotherapy and also looking into what possibly could be the problem causing my injuries, developing a great interest in human anatomy which grew and grew.
I decided at the end of 2017 I'd like to do something with my passion for sports and anatomy, already having an interest in helping others with their ailments.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating in March I have set up my own business, EW Sports Massage, in Leicester. I have since built up an extensive clientele in the Leicestershire area, ranging from Thai-boxing fighters to Marathon runners and also have a big passion for using massage as pain management for chronic conditions. I've also just started working from The East midlands Physiotherapy Clinic in Loughborough as well as offering mobile massage.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I absolutely loved the course and every week was a pleasure. I'm constantly blown away by the human body, and what it can do and achieve. The training was fantastic, informative from start to finish and I really appreciated the much needed information on how to set up your own business. I've just booked onto the level 4 course and can't wait to go back to learn more later in the year.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
If you have an interest in the human body, and you love sports and want to help people then this is the way to go, the Sports Massage Academy supports you during and after you graduate. Take the plunge and do a course, it's one of the best things I've ever done and really given me a new direction in life.
I was a kind of nomad when it came to jobs, never really settling on anything longer than a year. I have done everything from cleaning wheelie bins to being a butcher. I then joined the Army, but this was not meant to be. Due to several medical problems I couldn't even make it out of basic training and was discharged. The one staple I have had through it all is my love of running. I ran my first marathon back in 2011 and it snowballed from that point. It was like an impossible itch that I could never scratch. I would see an event I would enter it, completing everything from a 5k to a 12 hour endurance run across the Humber Bridge. Then in 2018 I became a run director for Shipley Country Parkrun, a post I truly love.
After being discharged from the army it got me thinking of what my future was going to hold, as I did not want to get stuck in a job where my day consisted of either an office or factory. I had a light bulb moment. Those that know me will tell you they are few and far between. Why don’t I start looking at a career that will not only challenge me but one that I am going to love; let’s do something that involves sport. So after many of hours looking through different courses and avenues to take I decided my fate. I will become a Sports Massage Therapist!
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating in December 2017 I have been busy paving the way to Sports Massage stardom (well I can dream at least). I have been laying the foundations to start my own practice, networking with different clubs with everything from Boxing, Running and even Ice Hockey. The Lions Den Boxing Club, Inspire Fitness Academy, Smalley Road Runners and Nottingham Knights ice hockey are all clubs I work closely with on a regular bases. I have also provided my services to ICB fight nights which have up-to 30 fighters, and venues like the Motorpoint arena in Nottingham. I have also been lucky enough to attend several events with the Sports Massage Academy which has provided a great experience. Over the course of the next 6 to 12 months I am aiming to have a clinic set up in Ripley Derbyshire. I will also be working closely with Fusion Yoga and fitness and I'm really excited to be starting my level 4 Sports Massage Qualification with the Sports Massage Academy in a few weeks!
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy are 2nd to none when it comes to training and support. leading up to starting my level 3 course I knew if I had a problem or query Alex was either an email or phone call away and nothing was too much trouble. The day my course started in Leicester was my first day back in the classroom in many years, getting to the venue in plenty of time there I was greeted by a beast of a man Luke Ursell who was to be my course tutor (all I can say is what a legend of a tutor). The course itself was really enjoyable, everything thought out and planned with plenty of hands on practical which was balanced with the theory. After completing the course you are not just left to fend for yourself, the aftercare that the Sports Massage Academy give is unreal, being part of the Alumni gives many benefits from working on future events, to continued support from Alex and his tutors and other past students. I am looking forward to my future courses all of which will be done with the Sports Massage Academy.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My TOP TIP: in-fact ill give you 5
1. Don’t be scared to network
2. Get involved with clubs and events
3. Be positive about what you are offering
4. Persevere, believe in you and be yourself
5. Business cards! Just in case that opportunity knocks have them ready!
My working background has mostly been rooted in the very unexciting world of retail. The upside of retail life however, is that you get to meet lots of interesting people, and I was fortunate enough to meet people within the health and fitness industry who inspired me to get back into learning and find a more rewarding path to take.
Growing up I always did a lot of sports and nowadays my main love is snowboarding, but I use the gym and do yoga for good measure!! These backgrounds combined with my own interests in fitness and general wellbeing lead to me wanting to know about the body as a whole, understanding movement, dysfunctions and also wanting to help people feel better and get back to their own training.
Having done an Indian Head Massage course before I already knew massage was something I was interested and familiar with, so it made sense to me to rediscover it and study it in greater depth.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since graduating at Level 3 & 4 in 2017 I have set up my own business, Stance Sports Massage Therapy, providing mobile massage services to people in central Nottingham as well as having a base at Crossfit Nottingham. I have done pre/post event massage at the Nottingham Triathlon through the Sports Massage Academy and I'm hoping to do massage at some of the UK festivals this summer.
I am soon to be working from a second location in Nottingham from April 2018, and having shadowed a fellow therapist, I can also offer Swedish massage to clients. There's no such thing as having too many strings to your bow!!
To coincide with growing my client base and providing massage I also write blogs posts for my own website. This has been fun to do because you can explore all the different aspects of not only massage, but the industry as a whole and use what you have learned to help others, or even use it as a resource for clients. I have one published blog post with the Sports Massage Academy so far too, and I am sure there will be more so be sure to keep an eye open for those!
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
The training I received through the Sports Massage Academy was thorough, well delivered and fun on the Level 3, Level 4 and Dry Cupping courses I have attended so far.
The tutors were always on hand to answer any questions I had and always happy to give out advice in regards to any aspect of massage; Whether that's treatment, marketing or accounting and business related.
The other bonus is of course the great discounts the SMA manage to organise for the alumni, and all of the events we have the opportunity to work at. Those are invaluable experiences so definitely try and get a place at an event!
More about Level 4 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Be prepared to work hard. If your background isn't from the fitness industry the amount of anatomy and physiology can seem overwhelming, but just plug away at it, it all goes in in the end. Also, don't be disheartened if your business doesn't take off immediately. Work towards a goal and celebrate the small victories. Before you know it you'll be so busy you will have forgotten what it was like to only have a couple of clients!
My background is in Holistic Therapy, qualifying in 2005. I began working as a spa therapist for several years part time around bringing up my 2 children . I enjoyed gaining quality experience and found that I had a passion for massage therapy and helping people. I gradually created a Business in 2015 called SKNtouch Holistics where I was able to deliver mobile treatments to clients in their homes.
I had always had a keen interest in sports and fitness, which led me to extend my knowledge and add sports massage onto my menu of therapies.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since I passed my level 3 in sports massage, I have helped more individuals who were looking to enhance their performance levels, working with them to reach their goals. I also love being able to educating my clients of the benefits received from sports massage therapy and tailoring each to the individual.
I took the plunge and leased my own clinic premises as well, which has really paid off, and this has really helped my confidence for the future. I'm also working with a local chiropractor as we can both refer to each other when necessary.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The Sports Massage Academy really boosted my level of knowledge in anatomy and physiology and the support from Alex and his team have been incredible, advising me where needed and giving me the confidence to network within the industry.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My number 1 top tip for anyone looking to enter the industry is prepare to focus and practice practice practice! I love to interact and talk with people and this is a big factor in attracting potential client base.
My background was originally as a urology nurse at Lincoln hospital for 13 years followed by 2 years as a home care manager. It was whilst doing this that I decided to do a Swedish body massage at Lincoln college through city and guilds and passed with distinction, using this to offer massage to the clients I cared for. After leaving I became a Health and Social Care assessor and did massage in the evenings and weekends to build up a client base. I found I was receiving more clients with sports related issues so decided to do a sports massage course which is where I came across the Sports Massage Academy.
How have you used your new qualification?
I offer sports, hot stone, pregnancy and baby massage within my own business Cam Sports Massage Therapy in Lincoln. I have a purpose built room at home, offer mobile appointments and work within a local gym to offer flexibility to my clients.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The course was over 12 weeks ( one night a week in Nottingham) where we did anatomy and physiology and practice massage and then a theory and practical exam. The course was in-depth and very well delivered with knowledgeable tutors, and very enjoyable. I have since attended an event, the Grimsthorpe 10, as part of the Alumni programme's ongoing support and found the experience really useful.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My advice to anyone looking to start would be to research the courses thoroughly, look for accredited courses stay away from online courses that doo not offer practical days. Research the client base and other businesses in your area. What can you offer that others in your field cannot? And build on that.
Prior to attending the course with Sports Massage Academy, I spent 21 years working for the Police but have always had close links to sport.
My sport was football (apparently the wrong shaped ball for a Welshman) and at after leaving school was signed by my home town team Lincoln City.
After rupturing my ACL in 2006 in my right knee during a game, and a long period of rehabilitation, I decided to change from football to distance running. I've now completed 12 marathons and picked up several injuries along the way, which has provided me with a personal insight and understanding of the positive impact a Sports Massage Therapist can have on individuals physical and mental wellbeing.
How have you used your new qualification?
In July 2017 an opportunity arose for my family and I to move to Murcia, Spain. I left my employment of 21 years with the Police and have now set up own business, Diamond Sports Massage Therapy, based on the Costa Calida.
I've purpose built my own cabin treatment room within the grounds of our villa (essentially therefore working from home). The business is in it's infancy and I am presently in a launch period including significant advertising in several formats.
Having reached the business 'starting line', the hard work ahead comes in the form of establishing the business and gaining credibility. Recommendations are so important.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The course that I undertook with Sports Massage Academy was excellent. For someone not working in the sports and / or medical industry when starting I found the pace and progression spot on. Our tutor, Luke, made the classes fun and engaging.
The support was top drawer, with staff being readily available to contact if needed, and the Alumni support network providing an area to discuss / view students thoughts, pitch ideas and obtain useful CPD.
I found the opportunity to do event work was really beneficial. I attended the Dambuster Triathlon in June 2017 and worked with Luke Ursell and the team providing massage treatment post race to athletes. This was an excellent experience and gave me confidence to work in that environment. I would highly recommend students seeking to gain this experience where possible.
Overall my learning experience gave me the confidence to jump in with both feet with my new venture and I couldn't have asked for any more. The support is still there even after moving.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Here are my top tips for anyone looking to enter the sports massage industry:
Commit to the course and make sure you practice - Sports Massage Academy provide the training and support, so take advantage of it. Event work was an excellent exercise for my confidence.
Be positive about entering the industry - With effort, being able to work as a Sports Massage Therapist is achievable. If you are genuinely interested in sporting injuries, prevention and rehabilitation then this could be the right move for you (whatever your experience and current employment).
Enjoy the work - Make it client centred and find enjoyment seeing the positive impact you have upon them.
As our tutor told us, don't stop learning when your course has finished.
There's always some way to improve your knowledge or skill set
Before starting the course, my background was in retail management, which I had been in for the last 8 years. I'd always wanted to do something for myself and as a keen runner and triathlete, this seemed like a great way to go!
How have you used your new qualification?
I am just about to start working at Prehability - Sports and Remedial Massage in Nottingham and also plan to do my Level 4 qualification next year, to expand my knowledge further.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
The training and support I received from Alex and all at Sports Massage Academy was first rate and I would recommend them to anyone who is thinking of entering this field. The alumni program for graduates is a great place for everyone to bounce ideas off each other and to ask any questions you may have as you start out in your new career.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip for anyone looking to enter the industry would be to get as much experience as possible, through treating willing friends & family or volunteering at sports events, it'll stand you good stead for when you start your own business.
I initially trained in Swedish massage at another school but I left without the confidence to start my own business so I worked occasionally from home.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since I qualified in December 2016, I have used my qualification to start my own business Enso Holistic Therapy in Manchester. I work from two locations now; my main room is in my martial arts school and I also rent a room in a clinic in the city centre.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I really enjoyed the level 3 diploma. The theory was really well presented and the practical skills taught in class were at very high level. The tutor was very knowledgeable and friendly. The most beneficial part for me was that the tutor was able to answer all of my questions. And because I already had some experience, I had quite a lot of them!
I am really happy I chose Sports Massage Academy. What sets them apart from other schools is their alumni support program. Other training providers will forget about you once you graduate and will show some interest only when they offer you to enrol in another course. The Alumni group is really amazing and I know that I can get support from them whenever I need it. I am really looking forward to my level 4 course.
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My tip for anyone wanting to get into the industry is to know whether you want to work for someone else or for yourself. Having your own massage business might be difficult and challenging in the beginning but it can also be extremely rewarding and satisfying. Just get as much practice as you can with friends and family and build up some confidence in your skills and knowledge.
Daniella used to be in the army so has always been fit and active. After leaving the armed forces she has worked as a Property Service Administrator but wanted to pursue something more in line with her interests.
How have you used your new qualification?
After completing my Level 3 Diploma and Taping & Strapping course in March I set up my own clinic "Daniella Sports Massage" in Christchurch near Bournemouth.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I am so pleased I decided to do my course through Sports Massage Academy. Our instructor, Luke, was very helpful, professional, and went above and beyond not just getting us through the standard level 3 qualification but also giving us the knowledge and insight required for running our own clinics.
Not to mention the opportunity to go and massage some of the Worlds Strongest Men in Stoke, which was one fantastic experience and I cannot wait to do another! It was also a great advertiser for your business and people ask me questions about it all the time!
I'm now booked onto the Level 4 course next year and really looking forward to progressing my career
More about Level 3 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My top tip of course would be to make sure you have the basics in place when it comes to advertising. People need to be able to find your details as quickly and easily as possible, and you can start with stuff that's free even before you've finished the course.
Gemma has a background in I.T as a workflow coordinator and had not studied any wellbeing, health or fitness qualifications before. As a keen crossfitter she was looking for a more practical job that would tie in with her passion.
How have you used your new qualification?
I have used my Level 3 Diploma to set up my clinic Body Affinity Sports Massage. My client base is growing all the time and I've just started some work experience with Nottingham Rugby on a weekly basis this month.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I found the Sports Massage Academy course fantastic especially for someone that had not studied since school and the tutor was always on hand for clarification if I was unsure of something. The environment was great for learning, we were expected to work hard but it was also a very engaging and relaxed atmosphere with a lot of laughs thrown in. I still fire the odd question over to Alex and he is always obliging; having the support of the Alumni programme once you've qualified is invaluable.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
The best bit of advice I think I could give to someone looking at this industry is to make sure its something you can actually see yourself doing as a career and also not to expect a full client list right away, all good things come to those that wait and perseverance will pay off in the long run.
Susi completed her Level 3 Diploma with us in August 2016 and has since gone on to complete our Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage.
How have you used your new qualification?
Since I qualifying, I have used my qualification to start my own business IMassage. I have built a steady stream of clients from varying backgrounds and sports while qualified to level 3 and having just completed level 4 I can expand my services to offer injury rehabilitation. I have a room at Hood Park Leisure Centre in Ashby de la Zouch where members can access my services, in addition to working from my home in Osbaston and offering home visits locally in the Leicestershire area
What did you think of the Level 4 course you attended?
I enjoyed learning through Sports Massage Academy as the content was interesting and the classes were fun and didn't feel intense. I particularly liked the ability to study at weekends owing to already working full time. The tutor was easy to work with, made you feel comfortable and was always available to answer any questions outside of the sessions which was a godsend as I usually had quite a few!
More about Level 4 courses
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
My tip for anyone wanting to get into the business is to not worry about not having done any formal learning for years, like myself, and just go for it. If you are interested in sport and helping people to feel better then you'll love the course. You'll learn a lot with the opportunity of additional practical experience outside of the class you can soon build a steady regular clientele
Rebecca came to us with a background as a gym instructor and a keen crossfitter. She felt there was something missing in her exercise prescription and was really looking forward to understanding more about how the body works.
How have you used your new qualification?
I studied both the Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy and the Award in Taping & Strapping with the Sports Massage Academy and on both courses the support I received was fantastic; not only during but after. I have set up my own clinic, RS Sports Massage based at Crossfit Nottingham Ltd. I am also going to be working along side a event organiser for an upcoming event to provide the intra and post event Sports Massage.
What did you think of the Level 3 course you attended?
I've found the courses extremely useful to my current role as a Fitness Instructor as I am able to apply my new knowledge of anatomy and how the body works with my clients.I have recently set up my own clinic, RS Sports Massage, and have received advice from tax to marketing through the awesome Alumni programme.
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What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
Don't be complacent and practice as much as possible during your course, you'll get more out of it in the end.
