Developing a Successful Career in Sports Massage and Rehabilitation: Q&A with Lewis Hanson

For the past seven years, I have worked as a Health & Fitness Assistant within the Forensic Department at St George's Hospital. As part of a wider Health & Fitness team, I support patients with their physical and mental wellbeing through a range of services, including gym sessions, sports hall activities, weight management groups and community leisure and sports programmes. I also deliver seated acupressure chair massage as part of our approach to promoting health and wellbeing.

My role involves encouraging patient engagement, adapting activities to individual needs, promoting healthy lifestyle choices and working alongside other healthcare professionals to support positive outcomes.

I decided to study this course at NSCG because I previously had a positive experience studying at the college and always found the teaching staff to be supportive and approachable. Having completed a range of sports-related qualifications at NSCG, I felt confident returning to an environment that I was already familiar with.

The part-time delivery of the course was also an important factor in my decision, as it allows me to continue working full-time while developing my knowledge and qualifications. This flexibility provides a good balance between my professional responsibilities and academic development.

I previously studied at NSCG between 2015 and 2019, where I completed the BTEC Level 2 and BTEC Level 3 in Sports Coaching, Development and Fitness, as well as the Active IQ Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification. I also completed the first year of a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Physical Education.

I have gained valuable practical experience supporting patients' physical health and wellbeing. I have now returned to education to build on my previous qualifications, further develop my knowledge and skills, and continue my professional development.

After working within the healthcare and fitness industry, I have realised that my passion lies more in sports rehabilitation and sports therapy. In my current role, I have seen the positive impact that physical activity, rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions can have on an individual's physical health, recovery and overall wellbeing. This has strengthened my interest in developing further within this area.

My current experience delivering seated acupressure chair massage has also increased my interest in manual therapy and encouraged me to progress into sports massage and soft tissue rehabilitation. I was attracted to this course because it will allow me to build on my existing qualifications I have acquired and practical experience while developing specialist knowledge and skills in sports massage therapy and the treatment of soft tissue dysfunction.

This qualification forms part of my long-term career goals I have planned, as I aim to continue developing my expertise within sports rehabilitation and hopefully start my own sports massage and rehabilitation business. I hope to use the knowledge and skills gained from this course to support individuals with injury recovery, pain management, improved mobility and enhanced physical performance.

Studying alongside my work commitments has been challenging at times but also very rewarding. Working full-time has required me to develop strong organisational and time management skills to balance my professional responsibilities with my academic workload.

The part-time structure of the course has been particularly beneficial, as it allows me to continue gaining industry experience while developing my academic knowledge. I have also found that my work experience helps me relate course content to practical situations, making the learning experience more valuable.

Studying the YMCA Level 3 in Performance Massage course has helped me to develop a deeper understanding of soft tissue dysfunction, assessment methods and treatment techniques. It has expanded my knowledge beyond general fitness and exercise, allowing me to develop a greater understanding of how manual therapy can support movement, recovery and physical wellbeing.

The practical skills gained throughout the course have increased my confidence in applying appropriate techniques and understanding how different factors can influence injury, discomfort and rehabilitation.

Throughout my studies and professional experience, I have developed a range of key skills, including effective communication, adaptability, organisation and time management. My current role has strengthened my ability to build positive relationships, understand individual needs and adapt my approach accordingly.

Through completing this course, I have further developed my practical skills, including assessment techniques, understanding of anatomy and soft tissue function and applying appropriate massage techniques. These skills have increased my confidence and supported my continued professional development ready for me to take into my practice.

My tutors provided continuous support and guidance throughout the course, particularly in helping me balance my studies alongside my professional commitments. They were approachable, communicated clearly and always provided reassurance and constructive feedback when needed. Their encouragement and knowledge helped build my confidence, develop my practical skills and create a positive learning experience. I am extremely grateful and couldn’t have asked for more.

Studying at NSCG has had a positive impact on both my personal and professional development. It has increased my confidence in my abilities and allowed me to expand my knowledge and practical skills within sports massage and wellbeing.

The course has helped me recognise my potential for further career progression and has given me the motivation to continue developing within this field. Returning to education after several years in employment has also strengthened my confidence as a learner and shown me that continued development is possible alongside professional and personal commitments.

I am continuing to look for opportunities to develop my knowledge and skills further. As part of my long-term professional development, I am planning to undertake additional specialist training, including the Part-Time Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (Soft Tissue Dysfunction) which I will be enrolling onto in this September to continue enhancing my understanding and delivery within sports massage and rehabilitation.

My advice would be to fully commit to this course and take advantage of the support and knowledge available from the tutor. The course provides a great opportunity to develop both practical skills and confidence, regardless of your previous experience or stage in your career.

I would also encourage anyone considering the course to be open to learning, ask questions and make the most of the guidance provided by the teaching team. Balancing study alongside other commitments can be challenging, but the skills and confidence gained make it a worthwhile experience. I am extremely pleased that I decided to proceed with this course and I am very grateful for the support, encouragement and knowledge shared by the tutor throughout my studies. The experience has been highly valuable both personally and professionally and I’d strongly recommend the course to anyone looking to develop their skills within sports massage and wellbeing.