31/07/2024
Meet Chris, July's Graduate of the Month!
What is your background?
"Having worked in education since 2003, my teaching career has encompassed a range of roles - from a Head of Drama and Theatre Studies at secondary level to a Senior Leader of Behaviour and Rewards in primary. My time in education has always had a big focus on the wellbeing and mental health of young people, as well as developing coaching programmes to help teachers become outstanding practitioners. The qualities honed in this environment, such as listening and problem-solving, have definitely come in handy since starting my journey as a sports massage therapist.
It's also worth noting that I'm a keen runner. As I made progress with my training plans, I became more conscious of the impact high mileage can have on the body and realised the importance of recovery. I started having regular sports massages and quickly saw the benefits."
How have you used your new qualification?
"Since completing my Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy qualification in December 2023, I have set up Symmetry Sports Massage Stafford . It's a venture I'm hugely passionate about. In a short space of time, the business has skyrocketed. I get to help all kinds of people - from Olympic medallists to gym enthusiasts, cross country runners to triathletes - establishing effective treatment plans that really make a difference. I get to be part of that individual's journey, as they train for an event or just for one of their own personal fitness goals. I find that hugely rewarding.
Since graduating, I have also undertaken Sport Massage Academy's excellent myofascial dry cupping and instrumental-assisted massage CPD courses. These informative and practical courses have equipped me with the skills to easily include these treatments within my practice. Finally, I recently completed the Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy qualification in June 2024, which has allowed me to take my sports massage business to the next level.
I'm also pleased to share that my business is an official sponsor for Stafford Harriers Running Club. This has provided opportunities to support local running events, which are attended by many other running clubs from across the county, pitching up a tent and providing pre- and post-race massages in the race villages. I've recently supported Sports Massage Academy at events too, such as GrappleMax, a grappling and jiu jitsu show in Shrewsbury."
What did you think of the course you attended?
"Ahead of signing onto the Level 3 qualification, I remember reading testimonials from previous graduates, with several really resonating with me. Here were individuals just like me, in similar careers, who had chosen to pursue new learning and, in doing so, had created new opportunities for themselves. When I eventually took the plunge, I decided to just try and treat it as a new experience, in an attempt to reduce the pressure I was placing on myself. From day one, however, I was totally engrossed, quickly falling in love with the discipline. I did find the anatomy and physiology elements challenging at first, but with a little patience and a lot of research, everything started falling into place.
For both the Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications, the tutors were supportive, knowledgeable and encouraging, so I quickly gained confidence in what I was doing. I may have looked like a rabbit in the headlights ahead of all the assessments, but the tutors and cohort really do make the whole experience special, championing you all the way.
After the Level 3 course, I was hungry for more learning and to further enhance my skills. The Level 4 course pushed my skills and understanding of the body to the next level. I really appreciated how the Level 4 cohort were all practicing sports massage professionals, with well-established businesses. It was great to network, watch and learn new techniques, and get familiar with different approaches to sports massage therapy. I found I learned not just from those delivering the course, but from the people around you too, taking your practice up a notch.
I completed the Level 3 course in Birmingham with Luke and the Level 4 qualification in Nottingham with Neil. Both were truly excellent practitioners. The decision to pursue sports massage therapy has been life-changing, and I can see myself stepping further away from teaching and pursuing this as my full-time career. I'm looking forward to attending Sports Massage Academy's October conference and signing up for future workshops, to continue my professional development and catch-up with all the friends I've made since starting this new journey."
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
"If you have queries, reach out to some of the graduates on social channels, ask them questions and I'm sure they'll be happy to help. Once you've qualified, I'd recommend connecting with other sports massage therapists in your area. Building a community of like-minded people has given me a support network to turn to; I've been able to discuss everything from the ups and downs of setting up a business, to sharing the best exercises to enhance a client's recovery. Lastly, invest in towels! I promise you will always need more than you think."
