Get a free massage as part of new course

14th January 2009 11:10am - Return to press releases

Students at East Riding College are appealing for help overcoming a surprising shortage - of customers wanting a free massage.
The level three Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is running for the first time at the College's Gallows Lane site on Monday evenings from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
Each student needs to do 40 hours practical work before the end of the course in February and all the practice is carried out on real people. But, strangely, there is a lack of willing volunteers.
Instructor Ben Neves said: "The course is going well but the students need to practice on real people.
"We have a number of volunteers but we need more. It's crazy really - we're giving away free massages but we're having trouble finding enough people to take us up on our offer."

Sports massage is about the application of massage techniques to specific body areas and to meet specific individual needs, including rehabilitation following medical treatments for injury. It is ideal for people with injuries, whether sport or work-related.
Ben said: "Our therapists also need to go out to local clubs in the community to get hands-on experience as part of their work placement module.
"I would ask for any local clubs in the area who may need a sports massage therapist to get in touch."

"Injuries come in all shapes and sizes," added Ben, who runs a sports injury clinic at the Fitness First gym in Clough Road, Hull. "People can come for a general deep tissue massage to relieve tension after a work out or they can come to relieve sore neck and back muscles from sitting at a desk all day."
The college will be running clinics from Monday, January 5 2009, at 7.30pm and 8.30pm with the possibility of a third time slot available depending on demand.

Massage volunteer Jane Bayram, who wanted lower back relief because her job requires her to stand up for long periods, said: "The massages really help and they're very relaxing.
"I'd encourage anyone with any aches and pains to volunteer as the students really know their stuff."

East Riding College also runs a level three Body Massage course in which students learn Swedish massage techniques and anatomy and physiology.
People who take this course can follow it by taking the Sports Massage Therapy course.
Anyone who is interested or who would like to volunteer for a massage should call Ben on 07960 329690 or email [email protected]