What is Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft Tissue Therapy has evolved over the last 30 years through the work of a small group of pioneering therapists who kept increasing their clinical skills so they could meet the needs of their clients better. And those needs have also changed because Physiotherapy in the UK no longer includes the hands-on techniques that Soft Tissue Therapists now specialise in.

Soft Tissue Therapy is emerging as the only one using this range of hands-on skills which have proved so effective in treating people with minor and chronic pain and injury, for a very long time. Everyone gets these aches and pains during their lifetime and so the carer and income potential for Soft Tissue Therapists is great.

BTEC Level 5 Soft Tissue Therapy Diploma at LSSM

12 weekend workshops spread over approximately one year (Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm, each about a month apart) combining theory and practical subjects with closely supervised classroom practice.

Video Library

Students have unlimited access to our online Video Library which has over 50 videos, all exclusive to us, which cover all aspects of our course.

All practical hands-on techniques are still taught in the classroom with supervision and guidance from highly experienced tutors because we know that this is the only effective way to teach them properly. The videos provide additional support to the classroom experience and do not replace any classes.

Home study and practice

To devote as much time as we can to the practical hands-on training in the classroom, most of the underpinning theory and knowledge is taught through online written assignments. There is a lot to know but our assignments have been very carefully designed to make it as easy as possible to learn. All questions have guidance notes with resources and references to help find the information needed and tutors are available to give extra support if necessary.

There are 4 assignments and although they have recommended hand-in dates, because we want them to be done well rather than rushed we always allow extra time. It may take the average student about 4-5 hours per week to complete it all on time but some students can sometimes take up to a year after the practical exam to complete all the written assignments.

100 practice treatments outside the classroom (on average about 2 treatments per week). You start by treating friends and family, then as your skill, knowledge and confidence grows, your friends and family start to recommend you to their friends and family. In this way your client base increases as you progress so by the end of the course you should already have enough clients to start your professional practice with.

Start earning after 6 months 
Certificate of competence awarded after 6 months (with successful completion of course assessments and assignments at this stage) enabling you to work and earn money doing Sport & Therapeutic massage.

3 Case Studies to be completed towards the end of the course.

1 Practical exam at the end of the course.

Assessment of knowledge and understanding

We have a unique online assignment system which allows students to improve and resubmit answers they may have received a low mark for. We also have a series of short tests during the course. Our marking procedure are audited annually by BTEC and achieve the necessary academic assessment criteria without requiring a theory exam at the end of the course.

The LSSM has a no discrimination policy & students with disabilities are welcome to apply.

Hands-on training in class

This ISRM qualification is also available at other centres around the UK

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The evolution of our qualification by LSSM

Syllabus

As the pioneer of Soft Tissue Therapy and leader of the industry we are continually developing our training to better meet the needs of our clients. Through this journey we have learned that clinical success involves more than just the individual techniques we use. So Soft Tissue Therapy is an approach to musculoskeletal care and not a stand alone set of manual techniques.

Soft Tissue Therapy is a Person Centred Approach to the Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of minor and chronic musculoskeletal injuries and pain. 

Soft Tissue Therapy is an interplay between Therapeutic Alliance, Hands-on techniques and Movement-based Rehabilitation all within a Biopsychosocial Framework of care. 

Although this has always been an underlying concept behind the ISRM training programme we have now formalised it with three newly featured topics of Underpinning Theory.

The successful student will receive diplomas from LSSM, ISRM and BTEC. The qualification is recognised nationally and in some other countries as well. It enables therapists to practice independently as a professional Soft Tissue Therapist and obtain full Professional Indemnity insurance. It also entitles you to become a full member of ISRM as well as other professional bodies.

What you get with LSSM:

• High tutor to staff ratio
• The most highly qualified and experience tutors who are all successful therapists and teach with great knowledge, passion, enthusiasm and humour. The principal tutor is Mel Cash, author of 4 internationally renowned textbooks on massage and Soft Tissue Therapy
• Excellent premises and equipment
• Guided home study assignment - Online
• Extensive online video library covering the lectures and practical topics of the qualification, plus more in-depth topics which go beyond the course requirements for more advanced knowledge.
• BTEC registration, exam and certification fees all included
• ISRM student membership
• Long-term career support through our own professional association ISRM
• 10% discount on Premium membership at Kenhub - a superb Anatomy resource (via your ISRM membership).
• Professional Indemnity Insurance (optional, www.balens.co.uk)
• Event work opportunities via the ISRM
• Totum Card (optional) discount on a wide range of products and services
• 10% discount on Marshcouch products (www.marshcouch.com)
• 10% discount on Physique products, (www.physique.co.uk)
• 10% Rehab My Patient (www.rehabmypatient.com) 

                       

                   

Diploma course ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Ideally, 4 GCSE's and 1 'A' level, or a similar level of high-school education
• Must have a basic acceptable massage qualification OR an LSSM introductory massage certificate
• Ideally, an active involvement in some sport, dance or exercise activity
• A minimum of 18 years-old.