To train in sports massage or not?

[cleo hutton]

HI all

I have just passed my VTCT Swedish Body Massage course and really enjoyed it. I had my heart set on doing the VTCT Sports Massage Course later on this year. I have spoken to 2 people on this course and they have told me that the course is a lot harder and the theory is a bit heavy.
I am now worried that I will be out of my depth if I sign up on this course and as I have to pay for it myself I am worried that I may not cope with it if it is really hard. I am not sure to go for it or go for a safer route like aromatherapy. I like my sports and have interests in it. My iq is average and I don't think I am thick nor am I brainy.

What do other people think? I would be interested to hear from people who have completed the VTCT course and what their experience is.

Any advise most apreciated.

Bearchen

 

[Evilteenietiff]

aromatherapy is not exactly an easy option because of the knowledge you need about the oils, chemical constituents and therapeutic properties etc

if you have recently completed your swedish massage course you will or should still be in study mode and I would have thought you would be able to cope with the sports massage course - it is a good time to get qualified with the olympics coming up - even if you dont get involved with the actual olympics you may pick up extra work with the wannabes who thought it looked easy on the tv and had a go without proper training

 

[Ted]

Hi Bearchen

I did the VTCT Swedish Massage 2 years ago and the VTCT Sports massage last year. It is definitely a step up from the Swedish in terms of work load but is a great course and I got a lot from it. As long as you are prepared to put the work in I am sure you will pass.

The more time you put into studying anatomy, particularly origins, insertions and actions etc the easier you will find it.

I would say go for it, I'm sure you will love it.

Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions.

Good luck

Dave

 

[gamesixekttu]

He's right. You need to know the proximal and distal (or origin and insertions) attachments of muscles and more techniques that will not have been covered in more general body massage syllabus.

That said, it is a big step up but that makes it a whole lot more fun. I don't regret making the move, I now run my own practice so can highly recommend it. I'm even planning a bigger step up this year and going to uni to do sports rehabilitation.

Don't stop short just cos you think you're not brainy enough, you'll just need to put more effort in and study harder that the previouse course, but I promise it's worth it

 

[just_ken_here]

Hi everyone,
I'm considering doing a course in sports massage, having already done beauty and massage to find that beauty may not be my "thing". I don't know why I'm drawn to that area and am just wondering does anyone know what career opportunities are out there for this sort of thing?

 

[Curt J]

If you've no intention to do "pure" sports massage ie.work with sports teams or athletes don't worry. The extra techniques you learn are invaluable and can be incorporated into any massage routine. It gives you more confidence and make your more marketable. It's hard work but well worth it.