LSSM or London Massage Company?

[Killer_apNY]

Anyone got any thoughts on which you'd go with?
Jane Johnsson's Sports Massage Dip at her London Massage Company or Level 5 BTEC Dip at the LSSM (Mel Cash)?
Am not planning to start either until or a year or so as I want to hone my current skills (only recently qualified with my BTEC level 4 Dip and ITEC in Holistic Massage and A&P via EfH), and explore other things too with 'workshops' and No Hands Massage as per my previous thread. My only reservations re the Jane Johnsson one is that its completed quite quickly but I understand both have a good reputation?
If anyone's done either of them could ya let me know what you thought? I'd be ever so grateful! Seeing as they are both expensive outlays I want to make sure if I go and do Sports and Remedial that I'm on the best vocational course I can get my hands on.
Thanks v much!!

 

[WebSystemsGeraldine]

def mel cash at lssm.

 

[dalitouurs]

The London Massage looks good on paper, but not sure how you can learn all that in 15 days? I do like intensive courses, but I dont think you could effectively cover all that is in that syllabus in 15 days.

 

[Ryan Butler]

Hi,

Definitely LSSM for me too,

Therapist1960uk

 

[umereuhoisdiwbecr]

Only advice I can offer from recommendation is that Jane is fantastic

 

[Shannon Bassoe]

If you have the time and money then I would suggest that you do the sports massage introductory weekend with LSSM and do one of the workshops that Jane Johnson runs. At least then you can make your own mind up instead of taking recommendations from people who have links to either of the schools.

 

[soisitok]

A workshop will only give you an idea of the tutor of the day, and not on the course as a whole.

Recommendations from people that have done the course is the best to go off. I know of both Mel Cash and Jane Johnson....I dont know them personally, however, not keen on the Jane Johnson therapy by numbers soft tissue book, though Mel's book seems to be a 'bible' for remedial.

I also dont think that all the techniques on the London Massage course can be covered in 15 days, IMO, as I havent done the course.

 

[eapglcss]

Uclanguy,

I completely disagree. What one person thinks of tutors, facilities, standard of teaching, accessibility of the college etc maybe different to another person. You need to experience all of this yourself, then you can make an informed decision as to what training will suit you personally.

I have read a lot of good things about both courses and when it is so close to call its best to find out first hand.

 

[James Yang]

I mean recommendations on here. Although you can train somewhere that has state of the art facilities, whose trainers are PHd'd up to their eyeballs, but run the worst training programmes ever.......if someone has done a course, they can tell you how good or bad it is.

If I had the choice of those two, from peoples postings/recommendations on here I would choose LSSM.


From experience of what can/cannot be covered in 15 days, I would not choose London Massage.

 

[googly eyes]

As I said, a workshop will give you an idea of the facility, and of the tutor(s) of the day, but not of the course as a whole, which is why you need recommendations from people that have done the whole course, not just one/two day workshops with a provider.

 

[SHY]

I wouldnt take too many recommendations from HP. There are lots of tutors on here or people who have vested interests in courses in all therapies, or affiliations to the schools that run them and obviously they want to fill courses up.

My point is, what is right for one student may not be for the next. Past students experiences are a consideration but should be far from the only consideration in signing up to a course. I have been on courses that I didnt think were great but others did and vice versa. I think you can get a lot from workshops etc about the way a course is taught except maybe the content. That should be made available before you sign up anyway. I know the LSSM has a lot of tutors but as far as I am aware the LMC is very small in comparison with two tutors so really it should be a case of what you see is what you get.

 

[Monkey Cheese]

Off and on over the past couple of years I've been considering upgrading my Level 3 SM qualification and every time I look into it I've felt that the LSSM's BTEC Level 5 is, to quote you Restore, "the best vocational course I can get my hands on." Since doing my original training, I've got the impression that Mel Cash is a bit of a legend in the field of SM. The LSSM have a branch down in Southampton, which would be easier for me to get to but to train with Mel in London would be the icing on the cake of the highest level qualification you can get.

I vaguely remember looking at the London Massage Company website in the past but since it doesn't really offer me an upgrade to my Level 3 qualification the visit was brief. Looking at it again I don't see any mention of what level of qualification you gain. It's 15 days long, my course was 25 (but included A&P). I notice there are 120 hours of case studies (so another 15 days) but there is no substitute for class time with an instructor and the LSSM is a 25 day classroom course (with home study and practice being a requirement between weekend classes). I have a friend who just finished the LSSM course and she said that each day was packed with content - hard work but highly rewarding.

I have a feeling, if I was starting out and I did the London Massage Company course, then worked as an SM for a while, I'd end up wanting to do the LSSM course to upgrade my skills. I'd regret not having done the LSSM course first.

Damn! I want to do the LSSM course now! Posting on HP can be a costly business!

 

[Mrs. Q]

i have no vested interest in recommending LSSM, I have however mapped both course syllabii and as an experienced assessor in the industry and member of the 2 lead bodies who represent the industry believe the LSSM course to be superior in content and quality of training. I have previuosly assessed several (nearer 50 than 20) LSSM graduates and find their skillset second to none in the industry.

My advice on here is honest and you can view all my previous posts including those advising aspire ST on his own progression routes within the industry. I stand by my opinion but respect other opinions. I do not however think enroling on two workshops is either cost effective or efficient use of time.
you can arrange to meet with the tutors at either training centre or drop into view a class in progress. You will get a personal feel for which you want to do.
I suspect Aspire ST is covering all bases with his advice after enroling on a course which has not met his needs or the advertised course objectives.
BGFL

 

[Valep]

I suspect Aspire ST is covering all bases with his advice after enroling on a course which has not met his needs or the advertised course objectives.


BGFL,

You are absolutely right. I am offering advice based on my own experiences. If it saves anyone else time and money in the long run, then I am happy to pass on lessons I have learnt. Have you any news. PM if so. Cheers
AspireST.

 

[Jerrod]

been of work with pneumonia so catching up early next week

 

[Rina]

Thanks very much for this. Its been really useful to have your input. I was inclined to think that for me personally, i'd come out more confident having taken my time to learn over a year with LSSM than in a kind of 'hurry' with LCM - but I know that Jane and Mel both have great reputations. I'm tempted to do a workshop wiht Jane and am really wanting to go on one of the pathology clinics as I would love to see what proper human muscle/fascia etc looks like!!! But I think in terms of a diploma I will probably go the LSSM. Having just finished a BTEC level 4 in HM I think it'll be good to have a 'progression' into a level 5 BTEC and primarily it'll give me more opportunity to ask heaps of questions as they come up as I know from experience of my last course that I am always sticking my hand up and asking a LOT of questions! I'm loving this journey of learning about our bodies and exploring what you can achieve with touch but as there is so much I want to learn and I have a real desire to be the very best I can be, and as skilled as I can be. I'm determined to pursue this new career path as I love it, but as a single mum juggling two little ones, I want the money and time I set aside to do this spent wisely and on getting the best quality training and mentoring I can get. I struggle with my confidence a lot as I am always questioning my ability but I want to feel that when I earn my qualifications that they are worthy ones. I've seen people go through the ITEC/BTEC process etc who I've watched practice with a really bad attitude (ie projecting an angry and resentful energy, having breath that stinks of cigarettes, behaving rudely to tutors etc with an unhygienic appearance (ie dirty greasy hair) , unclean hands etc, who've barely studied or put work into their training) and found it frustrating that they get through and pass as it feels like it completely devalues my own qualification which I studied hard for and with real diligence - and this from a supposedly highly respected training centre. Anyways, thanks for the input. I spoke to one of the staff at the LSSM and they answered some of my questions (albeit with quite a lot of attitude and sarcasm!!!) and I suspect its the place I'll plump for. In the meantime I need to get saving and use this year as best I can to develop my skills and my confidence.

 

[alisongiggles]

Hi Restore,

I dont know who you spoke to at the LSSM but I am sure it wasn't Mel Cash. I have spoken to him in the past about the course and he was very helpful with my enquiry. Even so, some alarm bells should be ringing if that was the attitude of one of the tutors!

I urge you to contact Jane Johnson aswell and talk things through with her. I am glad you are considering taking some training at the LMC. I am sure it will be of benefit in many ways contrary to what others think.

Its good that you are holding off for a year. A lot could change in Sports Massage/Therapy during that time and your decision may become clearer down the line.

What ever path you take I wish you luck. All I will say is that you can never do enough to research the courses and people who run them and also promote them.

 

[HappyDayz]

Thought that I should point out a few points, which do not seem to be mentioned (if they have then I apoligise).

The LSM course is a post grad course while the LSSM takes you from scratch where you will go over areas you have already covered with the holistic course e.g. physiology, ethics and some of your techniques. That is why there is a differnce in teaching hours. Therefore you need to compare the LSM course with LSSM linked schools that offer a post grad program.

As for steeping up from a level 4 Holistic to a Sports course. There is a big difference between a holistic level 4 and a sports level 4 and I can assure you there is a big step up. While the introduction of levels to courses is a good idea and a step in the right direction, there is a huge difference between levels and a level 3 with one school could be as high as lvel 4 with another etc (there have been many discussions on this on the sports therapy forums).
The majority of employers will still want you to give them a treatment or see you give a treatment before taking you on, rather than looking at what level you are on. So a therapist with a level 3 who has undertaken many CPD courses, worked full time in multi teams over a period of years could be a lot better than someone with a level 5 having a couple of years exp but done no CPD etc.

I know both Jane and Mel (though not very well), they are inspiring, knowledgeable and both will provide you with a good grounding. Mel has a large team and you will probably be learning from other well qualified therapists, while Jane does most of the teaching herself.

I will suggest that you try to find out the timetable of each course in more detail as each course differs slightly in content, while both adhere either exactly or very close to the NOS standards (have been privy to both syllabuses and spoken to graduates from both schools).

Perhaps look at some other schools as well to provide a benchmark / checklist to help you decide.

Hope that helps.

Sth Osteo

 

[Rodeo64]

Hi Restore,

I notice you did your Holistic massage diploma at Essentials for Health. I'm considering doing the level 4 sports massage course there and just wondered why you're not considering EfH for your further training? Is it purely that you want a level 5 sports massage course (although I think the Jane Johnson APNT course is a level 4 course?), or did you generally not think EfH sports course was up to scratch? Would be very interested to get your perspective on EfH.

I have also been considering LSSM and NLSSM which I believe are the same syllabus. As far as I can tell these 2 courses are highly recommended but I'm not sure what differentiates them except that the NLSSM leads to SMA membership while the LSSM leads to ISRM.

Thanks

Sam

 

[tiny]

Hi I'd just like to raise a point as quoted by BGFL. It's interesting that someone who is "an experienced assessor in the industry and member of the 2 lead bodies" is willing to openly promote one course's 'superiority above another. Surely if a course syllabus has been mapped or excepted by a lead/awarding body then it must meet the required standards. Is one course superior to another simply because it contains different elements, because of hours taught or days/hours spent on a specific skill?? And whilst it's good to see an experience assessor weighing up the pros and cons of any qualification, I'm interested in how an assessor can comment or appraise the quality of training? As an assessor do you have to sit in on all accredited courses at all accredited schools or examine graduating students in order to determine the "quality of training"? I only ask as I've trained with big companies and small and in my experience it's not size that matters. M