Hi,
Can anyone clarify the differences between the NLSSM and LSSM sports massage courses? I understand from the LSSM website that they both follow the same syllabus. I asked someone at the NLSSM this question and she said that their course was more "medical" becasue Susan (Findlay) comes from a nursing background. I'm not quite sure what she meant and she didn't seem able to elaborate. I know they both have very good reputations and I'm sure I wouldn't go wrong with either but I wondered if there some subtle differences that might effect a student's experience. I know one is allied to SMA and the other to ISRM. Does this make any real difference as I'm not really interested in the politics of one organisation over the other!
Does either course have a leaning toward anything in particular? Would one course suit a particular kind of student more than another? My a&p is very rusty - is one better at dealing with students who find a&p a challenge? Also fair to say I'm less interested in the sort of rugby/football pitch side application of sports massage and more interested in using it for remedial work, chronic/acute injuries in the general public and also working with dancers.
I know there are some assessors that contribute to this forum or if you've had some inside expereince of these schools I'd be really grateful for some feedback.
Thanks in advance,
Sam
Hi Sam
I trained at LSSM in 1999-2000, and would definitely recommend the tutors there: they have a strong team, most of whom have been teaching there for more than 10 years. Mel Cash of LSSM is the author of two highly-regarded textbooks: Susan Findlay of NLSSM has just had a book published: I have not yet seen a copy, and would be interested in hearing if anyone on this forum can compare it to Mel's books.
As far as I am aware, there is very little difference between the courses. But in practical terms, the LSSM course involves attending one weekend every 4 weeks, whereas the NLSSM course involves attending one day each fortnight.
Regards
Alan
Hi Alan,
Thank you for your feedback. I know they both have very good reputations but I thought they might have a certain slant that might suit one type of student over another. Difficult to compare really as anyone who has done the diploma at one school is unlikely to have similar experience of the other!
Part of my question relates to how the Schools deal with helping students handle the A&P. I'm concerned that I will be able to cope with the high level of A&P and then applying that knowledge for client assessment (both of which I REALLY want to learn). I'm used to academic study, I have post grad qualifications but most of my past studies have been in humanities/creative areas rather than science. I did my ITEC holistic/a&p many years ago (and found the a&p challenging - or perhaps it was the clunky way it was taught) but have picked up a fair bit of body knowledge from my yoga studies. But science has never come easy to me, so I do worry!! 😮 If anyone can comment on this or my original point, I'd love to hear your comments. Thanks very much. Sam
Anyone else have any thoughts on NLSSM and LSSM?
My friend is interested in enrolling at one of these and has asked me.. I said I would post on here?
Cheers,
Danny
Nlssm
I would personally recommend NLSSM for many reasons. They have a lot of support in place, student mentor evenings, A&P short course for those that are rusty and want a brush up, plus the approach on the course addresses all styles of learning, visual, academic etc. They also have facilities for students to get together and practice, plus a clinic for the public to receive massages from the students on the course. (students receive free massages during their time on the course through the clinic as well). NLSSM has a weekly newsletter that has a lot of jobs both in sport and health clinics, the job types are very diverse.
Their teachers are amazing, they have 10 15 years of working experience as well as teaching time, they are so passionate about what they do. The classes are also not overly large, theres about 16 per class and usually theres three tutors on.
After one day in the classroom, I am glad not to have to do another day as there is enough information to go away with and work on without having to do another day.
While some say it is more medical, it just means that they spend more time on the understanding of pathology, how injury and disease affect your client, and what to do with it. It has very high standards, so it is not for the faint hearted, but the reputation speaks for itself.
I hope this helps!