In This Issue

ISRM | ISSUE 32 | FEBRUARY 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

Contents

Breaking news 2

Editorial 3

Feature articles 4

Event work 8

Expand your knowledge... 16

Members’ offers 19

ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 1 Breaking news! Breaking news! Breaking news indeed! Acquisition of Marshcouch! From Mel Cash MARSHCOUCH

As some of you already know, the former improving our training and far exceeding What Soft Tissue Therapists do? longstanding proprietor of Marshcouch, the scope of our former BTEC qualification Soft Tissue Therapists can safely assess, Nigel Marshall, recently decided to retire, for many years. The BTEC qualification treat, and rehabilitate acute or chronic and to sell his highly reputed business as a has now come into line with our training minor soft tissue1 conditions caused by going concern. and very little will actually change in our injury, sport, lifestyle stress, or illness. As A buyer was found, so the workshop closed training programme. well as addressing the primary problem, and everything was packed up to go North The new BTEC title makes Soft they analyse a wide range of other to the new owners. However, there was a Tissue Therapy a formally recognised contributing factors, enabling them very last minute change of mind when they qualification and this is an important step to provide treatment and remedial/ decided not to go ahead, but it was then far towards establishing it as a distinct new preventative exercise/lifestyle advice to too late to turn back, so Marshcouch went therapy in modern healthcare. help avert further injury, and improve out of business. This was sad news for its physical and psychological wellbeing in the many devoted customers, especially LSSM. Why Soft Tissue Therapy evolved longer term. They had used and recommended nothing Soft Tissue Therapy has evolved over many else for 25 years because it was always the years, not just because of our desire and 1 Soft Tissues – mainly the muscles, strongest and most stable couch on the passion to become better therapists, but tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. market. also in response to the changing healthcare Mel Cash had known Nigel for many years needs of the clients who seek our help. and they met up to see if there was a way We have seen how the financial strain on he could rescue the brand. Mel had a very the National Health Service has made it Introductory Marshcouch good contact in the Midlands with exactly less able to fund treatment for minor and the right experience in production, and so chronic injuries. Although considered only special price for ISRM together they have now become the proud ‘minor’ in clinical terms, these are painful members only owners of this specialised enterprise. conditions that can seriously affect quality After an inevitable pause during the of life, and if left untreated, they can lead Fixed height couch from £266 purchasing process and the setting up of to much more complex problems later on. (was £324) a new workshop, Marshcouch resumed But without NHS funding to support this Adjustable height couch from £288 production in October (2016), with the field, people increasingly have to turn to (was £354) same tried and tested couch model that the private sector for help. The couches are all individually LSSM have been using for many years. We have also seen changes in the custom made in our own workshop Prices start at £270 (+VAT), but all ISRM training of physiotherapists over recent here in the UK. You can choose students and members are eligible for a decades, which has made musculoskeletal from a range of colours and select 10% discount. For further details, please Physiotherapy become predominantly any fixed height that you want, visit www.marshcouch.com exercise-based, with limited, if any, hands- or there is a standard adjustable on treatment techniques that we use to and an extra low adjustable option such great effect in Soft Tissue Therapy. New Qualification Title as well. You could even have the We have been waiting for over three Soft Tissue Therapy has evolved to fill couch made extra wide or long years while Pearsons BTEC went through the vacuum that has developed in the if you want it. No other couch some restructuring, but we finally treatment of minor and chronic injuries supplier does this! gained approval in July 2016 for the new in mainstream healthcare today. It has qualification with the title: risen to a much higher clinical level than www.marshcouch.com BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma in Soft the ‘sports massage’ we started off with in You can get your discount code Tissue Therapy the 1980ies, and as well as playing a much when you log in to your In practical terms, this is nothing new at all, more important role in society, it also offers ISRM account. because we have been building up to this a far more satisfying and rewarding career for a long time. We have continually been for the therapist.

2 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32 Editorial From Tanya Ball

Welcome... The second announcement is a ‘Mel- Bodywork and Movement Therapies, A very warm welcome to our winter style tale’ of the somewhat unlikely and Marshcouch – now under Mel 2017 ISRM Newsletter, and a special twist of events that resulted in him Cash’s new joint ownership. welcome to any new student Members becoming the proud joint-owner for whom this is their first Issue. We of highly reputed therapy couch *** Newsletter contributions – please hope that you will find this publication manufacturers Marshcouch. get writing now! *** sufficiently informative, helpful and inspiring to contribute a story/article Feature articles once again include My grateful thanks as always to all in the next edition! a faithful update about the charity contributors to this Issue. Given the project Seeing Hands Nepal from relative shortage of material received ever dedicated Sue Ainley, and an – specially with regard to ‘Feature ISRM Newsletter format – reminder insightful, informative clinical piece articles’ – however, I am appealing to For the benefit of our new Members, from LSSM London Tutor Jo Chatfield, each of you not wait for ‘somebody please note that our mid-year about her experience of and helpful else’ to send in a report, story, case newsletter editions are published tips for working with patients with study or anything else of interest. online only, followed by an extended Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Both stories So please get writing now! hard copy format for the winter Issue. are generously illustrated by photos. Thank you! Any non-obsolete material from the electronic editions is reproduced Event Work: Catch up on 2016 events Please note that the submission in the published Issue of the same supported by ISRM volunteers, deadline for the spring/summer year. Members can access previous including several first-hand accounts 2017 issue is articles, case studies, etc. dating back of the London Marathon experience Friday 28th April 2017, from the spring 2009 edition to date. as well as reports from the Ride thank you. A very grateful ‘thank you’ to ISRM London Surrey 100 and the Tonbridge website manager Martin Docherty for ½ Marathon. A big thank you to Tracy Please keep sending your newsletter his continued efforts in making our Harris, Sam Roberts, Helena Martin, contributions to me at: website ever more user-friendly and Nicola Ralph for these. Once again, [email protected] informative. an abundance of photos adds to the flavour of these events. A huge ‘thank you’ as always to all who helped, In this Issue... sometimes stepping in at short notice and/or personal inconvenience, on Mel Cash makes two significant these occasions. announcements in his ‘Breaking News’ page: one, pertaining to ISRM’s Expand your knowledge, enhance long-awaited success in securing your skills (CPD): Full details of known approval from BTEC for a new / confirmed 2017 CPD (Continued qualification entitled, ‘BTEC Level 5 professional development) at the time Professional Diploma in Soft Tissue of writing are available in this edition. Therapy’ in July 2016. This is a major achievement for our profession, as it Members’ special offers: I am testifies externally and objectively to delighted to remind ISRM members the superiority in quality and scope of about the various preferential training provided by ISRM-accredited offers available to us from schools, compared to other options in Physique Management Company the country. (www.physique.co.uk), the Journal of

ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 3 Feature Articles Seeing Hands Nepal update From Rob & Sue Ainley, Founders

In 2015, two massive earthquakes, and outside in thunderstorms for the first few philanthropic organisation that supports over 300 subsequent aftershocks left days but soon everyone was able to get community tourism-based projects. a humanitarian disaster in their wake. to the safety of their villages. 8,714 people died , 470,000 houses were destroyed and 2.8 million displaced. Now Nepal is being crippled by severe With the government failing to mobilise and protracted fuel and gas shortages as aid, our team in Nepal engaged in a anti-government protesters continue to number of different DIY relief efforts and blockade the Indian border. Prices have our friends and supporters acted fast to risen to astronomical levels and people raise funds to support their efforts. In are queuing for days to get fuel and gas. total we donated over £3000 and used The winter has been cold this year too, those funds in the following ways: and long power cuts add to the woes. Chiran is running the student selection process and has invited interested blind Percentage of funds used for different Getting gas for our heaters has been people to fill in forms, shortlisting 30 so causes in Nepal difficult but thankfully the few guests we far for formal interviews. They may even have seen have been very understanding have a skype interview with us in the UK about our sometimes chilly massage if we can make that work! The plan is to Tin roofing materials for rooms! The shortages are causing tour take 6 students this time and we’ll post blind families (Gorkha) companies to cancel trips though, stifling photos of the selected class of 2016 in a Immediate the so-important recovery of Nepal’s few weeks on our facebook page. Elderly refuge relief supplies, food, medical tourist industry, which post-earthquake Cooking (Dhading) shrunk to a quarter of its usual size. Volunteers wanted! equipment for flood victims The lack of tourist visitors was the most With new students starting soon, we (Lumle) difficult part of 2015 for us - but we’ve now need volunteer massage tutors 70 blankets for been lucky to have a contingency fund to help Chiran with the training. If any families living in shelters in Winter to rely on. Many other small businesses experienced massage therapists or (Lalitpur) haven’t been so fortunate. Nepal has previous volunteers are thinking of faced far more than its fair share of travelling to Nepal this year, please get tragedy this year, and badly needs the in touch. In partnership with the Change Fusion income from tourists to recover. Any To find out more about volunteering team, we also paid for the construction friends of Nepal wanting to help should for Seeing Hands please email: info@ of 35 Matribhumi smoke-free stoves in simply spread the word that Nepal is seeinghandsnepal.org Bhattedadha village. safe, and stunning as ever:

Huge thanks to all those who donated New student selections... and helped us to make a small difference We are delighted to announce that to the lives of just a few of the many Seeing Hands will be taking on a new affected so badly. group of blind students very soon!

Fortunately our clinics survived the With the clinics quieter than usual, now earthquakes well, some cracks appeared is the perfect time to be training more in our Thamel building but turned out to therapists and their course will take be superficial. There was some damage a year, by which time we hope visitor to the rented building that two of our numbers will have returned to usual therapists in Patan live in, but fortunately levels. This has been made possible they weren’t in it at the time. Everyone thanks to some local funding from and experienced some difficult days living organisation called Tourism Cares, a

4 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32 Feature Articles Working with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients From Jo Chatfield

Working with people suffering with a Balance, but first here are a few general 2) Setting realistic goals. This is just as degenerative condition is not for everyone. principles we abide by at the MS Centre important to us as therapists as to our You need to be honest and accept this regardless of the issue we are focusing on. clients. Our approach needs careful will be a downward slope, but also consideration and each client’s situation, remain positive because precisely how 1) “Use it or lose it!” is our mantra. ability, and response to treatment will the condition develops varies extensively Ensuring people remain as active be different. As soft tissue therapists, from person to person. I have worked at as possible for as long as possible is we can play a major role in supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in our goal. We need to bear in mind our clients with MS, but when treating Coulsdon for over 10 years now and want that depression can commonly be a people with a neurological condition, to share some of the ways we are able to symptom of degenerative conditions, the results are unlikely to be the same support people with MS. and that only clients who are motivated as in a non-neuro rehab situation. Over the next few newsletters, I will be to improve, and who invest time outside covering different subjects which may of their therapy session, will have the 3) Watching your language as a therapist. relate to other neurological conditions as best chance of maintaining or (possibly) Our clients are vulnerable and already well. In this first article, I will be discussing improving their mobility. struggle with feeling ‘diminished’ and

ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 5 Feature Articles

Remedial Exercise Patterning Exercises:The brain is considered to have a degree of plasticity, and to be able to respond and adapt to change. This means that new pathways can be established between central and peripheral nervous systems. To re-establish neural pathways, the client must repeatedly and regularly perform co-ordinated movements. This requires considerable mental and physical effort on the client’s part, but these “Patterning” exercises are the basis for our daily exercise classes at the MS Centre. A great daily exercise is Marching (seated, perching on a stool or standing) bringing opposite arm across to opposite leg can help maintain and re-establish correct movement patterns and improve neural conduction to the legs. The response may be slower and less dramatic than with non- neuro clients, so it is important to manage expectations carefully. Stimulation: To help improve neural connection to the feet I start with something ‘useless’ (their words, not mine), so balance, and can sometimes increase their basic like getting the client to become more avoiding negative terms such as “weak” likelihood of falling when they have to turn aware of the sensations they can feel in or “bad” is important. We refer instead around. Another sign is walking with a wide, their feet. If one foot is less responsive than to “targets” or “improving” limb/muscle shuffling gait, as they lack the confidence to the other, the client is encouraged to focus etc., and encourage them to adopt lift their feet off the ground. Dizziness and on that one twice as much. Stimulation positive language as well. So often, the nausea are common symptoms, and they is performed with bare feet using a spiky press uses the phrase “MS Sufferer”. may struggle to use lifts or develop “travel ball or other tactile surface. We have soft We avoid ever using such a negative sickness” very easily even when using a foam Balance Pads that one can really press expression, as it reinforces the idea that treadmill or cross-trainer in the gym. one’s foot into, which are great for neural everyone with MS must be finding life a feedback as each toe can be felt to be struggle! Common Causes moving individually. Reduced sensation: Balance often Balance becomes an issue when people have Balance work: On my yoga teacher training The NHS has a mission to cut the number reduced sensation in their feet. Releasing course I have just learnt a new protocol of falls among patients, and we can all hypertonic muscles and fascia in the lower when working on balance that has proven contribute towards this aim in the Private limbs and feet may help improve blood really effective with my MS clients: There Sector, by supporting our clients with MS or flow and stimulate nerves, however it is are three points to the plan – Foundation, other conditions affecting balance. possible that the nerves are no longer fully Focus and Strength. “connected” to the brain. Foundation – Consider the foot as a Signs and symptoms tripod. The three points to spread the Falling over is the most obvious sign, Problems with vision weight are the base of the big toe, but people with MS may be walking into Disruption to any of the senses can base of the little toe, and the centre of furniture, or becoming anxious in crowded affect our balance, however with MS the heel. Instruct your client(s) to lift spaces. While possibly due to muscle it is typically sight. Optical myelitis is their toes whilst keeping their weight weakness, these traits can also be signs of fairly common among this patient distributed through these three points. issues with balance. They may noticeably group, and occurs when the myelin When they let their toes return to the become reluctant to turn their head, or be around the nerves in the eye becomes floor, these should be spread and kept holding their body rigid. This may be part inflamed, causing inability to focus and/or relaxed. If the toes go white at any time, of a coping mechanism for difficulties with reduced vision. this suggests they are over-gripping.

6 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32 Feature Articles

Improving eye function: There is a wide someone to use two canes as they perceive range of neuro exercises that aim to this makes them appear more disabled. improve ocular muscle response. Here is a Walking poles can work well although really nice one that can be performed sitting many people feel embarrassed using them down. Get them to hold an object in their around town. An across-the-body bag is right hand and out to their right. Constantly also a good idea as it stops people being watching the object, instruct them to bring pulled to one side by having a bag on one it out in front of them and change over to shoulder or on an arm and leaves both the left hand. Then instruct them to take hands free. their left hand out of their left. Continue swapping left to right, turning their head Don’t expect miracles overnight if the as well as their eyes from side to side to client already has severely diminished follow the movement of the object. If they sensation and/or muscle imbalance, but begin to feel light-headed or nauseous, get the above are all tried and tested methods them to pause the exercise and rest. They with proven results. Even our 80 year-old can resume as soon as their symptoms clients have made improvements when ease. It may take several weeks, but when they have focused on regular balance Focus – Instruct your client(s) to fix this becomes easy, clients can progress to exercises at home. their gaze on a point ahead of them, bringing their arms up over head to swap concentrating and keeping quiet to help hands, and then go on to swapping down Coming up … in further issues I will cover them feel the constant adjustments at knee level as well. With practice, the continence, spasticity and fatigue. Do let needed to maintain balance. plasticity of the brain will allow them to me know if you have any other areas you Strength – Encourage them to use continue for longer over time, and to would like to see covered or contact me as many muscles as possible when increase their range of movement without with any specific questions you may have. balancing. Cue them to think of growing feeling so nauseous or dizzy. Email jochatters:@hotmail.com upwards and not sinking down. I like to use the image of mist lifting from Other tips: Encourage clients to massage Jo Chatfield qualified at the LSSM in 2003 the ground upwards, naming all the their own feet regularly if they are able to and has worked at the Sutton and Croydon muscles/parts of body that should be reach them. Make foot tapping or wriggling Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre for over engaging as clients work their way up toes a daily must-do exercise. I recently 10 years. There are over 50 MS therapy the body, starting with the shins through read an interesting article on Ayurveda and centres across the UK providing a variety to the back of the neck. MS which may be of interest to clients keen of different services for people with MS. to try to reduce optical myelitis through They are all charities relying on their own Weight Distribution: Increase clients’ diet – please refer to link below: fundraising efforts to help them provide awareness of how they are distributing http://www.atreya.com/ayurveda/ much needed physiotherapy to the MS their weight through their feet. Ask them Multiple-Sclerosis-Protocoles-in.html community. http://www.msntc.org.uk/ subtly to transfer their weight towards the front of the foot, back on to heels, onto the Walking Aids left foot, then onto the right foot, until they Observe how your client is walking, and find the optimal point where they believe note what aids they are using. We need to their weight is evenly distributed. Repeat ensure our clients are using an appropriate this exercise several times, giving them “pattern” for walking to optimise co- tactile cues if their weight is not centred. ordination and balance. They should A simple exercise that clients can perform be walking as per the Marching exercise at any time and in any place, is just described above, using the opposite arm standing on one leg, holding on of course to leg ‘swing’. Many people with MS often if needed. If they are rather ‘wobbly’ or lack find this difficult at first. It is vital that we confidence, practicing somewhere such as advise clients to use TWO sticks and not a kitchen, where they can use worktops on one! Not only does this support the correct either side of them to hold on to, is ideal. movement pattern, but it helps to prevent They can progress to not holding on, and further muscle recruitment imbalances even closing their eyes, as they improve in and encourage improved uprightness. It stages. can often be really challenging to persuade The foot tripod

ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 7 Event Work A student’s pre-marathon support, and a memorable London Marathon experience with RNLI From Tracy Harris

‘Half an hour later, we were all busy treating sore and aching legs, and did not stop for about 4-5 hours. We were all exhausted – but seeing the runners after what they had just endured kept us going. The last lady I treated came in at about 6:00 pm, having taken 6 hours to complete her race – but she was so buzzing that she would not stop talking, although when I turned her into prone position I think she fell asleep!’

to help my two good friends Nikki and Sarah get through their arduous training, with weekly massages – which was great for my log book entries! Nikki had an ongoing painful big toe which at first we thought might be hallux rigidus, and although treatment worked for a few days, it did not fix the problem. I sent her to have an X-ray which revealed arthritis, so I could only treat with general massage to keep her going. She raised over 3k for Aspire – a charity for spinal injuries – as her brother had sustained an accident last year which left him wheelchair bound (Nikki ran a time of 4 hrs 42 min for her 1st marathon!!).

Sarah was pretty injury-free other than Half way through my Diploma training April 2016 with my couch!! Aghh!! I then tight IT bands and calves, which was with the CSSM, I had the opportunity to found out that two of my colleagues had easier to help with. Unfortunately the massage at the London Marathon. We also successfully applied and that the week before the race, on her last training were advised that some sort of event ISRM event coordinator would try and run, she fell and badly grazed her knees. work would be good for experience, keep us together. Swollen and bruised, she vowed to carry so after passing my General Massage 10 days before the event, we found on as she was running with her 80 year-old practical assessment in January, I looked out that we had all been assigned to marathon veteran father, and didn’t want up the ISRM website. The only event that the RNLI and would be based in a hotel to let him down! We all went to the Excel was showing was the London Marathon, near the finish! Stuart Offer was to be Exhibition to collect their race numbers so as I had a few friends taking part, I our supervisor and numerous emails on the Thursday before race day, which thought I would jump in at the deep end were exchanged between us all for the was a very organised and inspirational and go for it!! arrangements. I then found out that event. There I met with Stuart on the Stuart was going to be at the Excel Rocktape® stand. He seemed great fun At first I only had the confirmation that Exhibition for the few days leading up to and put me at ease. Sarah got her knees I had been accepted, and had no idea of the event and arranged to meet him. taped up by one of Stuart’s colleagues where I needed to be or at what time, so which helped her through! The morning couldn’t organise anything. I just knew I In the few months leading up to the of the marathon came, and I drove to needed to be in central London on 24th London Marathon, I was busy trying the end of the Underground line to start

8 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32 Event Work

in St James’ where we were based. My not stop for about 4-5 hours. We were two colleagues Emily and Emma arrived all exhausted – but seeing the runners shortly after, and following a briefing with after what they had just endured kept Stuart, he then took us to grab lunch and us going. The last lady I treated came in coffee at Starbucks. And as we were still at about 6:00 pm, having taken 6 hours awaiting the arrival of the first finishers, to complete her race – but she was so he suggested that we go and watch some buzzing that she would not stop talking, of the race across the road at Parliament although when I turned her into prone Square. The atmosphere was electric!! position I think she fell asleep! After a little more waiting, the athletes my journey. After three Tube changes, started to come through, wearing their Then it was back on the Underground to one lift, numerous escalators and a few foil blankets as the weather was cold. start the long journey home after a very flights of stairs to lug the couch up and Half an hour later, we were all busy satisfying and enjoyable day for a very down, I arrived at the very classy hotel treating sore and aching legs, and did worthwhile charity. 2016 London Marathon – What some Team Leaders said… From Helena Martin – St John’s Ambulance

to feel excluded, as they did not know anyone and looked a little bit lost at first. I made sure they were welcomed and introduced them to the other therapists there etc. The remaining ‘action’ photos are of ISRM team members only. We even had a couple of students travel down from Exeter. It was exciting to witness how the students attending grew in confidence as time went on. Everyone greatly enjoyed the experience.

Also, I cannot believe how well the charities treated us, it was amazing. They provided a hot meal of jacket potato with a few choices of fillings, we also got a ‘Thank you so much for giving me the up to me after to say what excellent goodie bag full of snacks, and they kept opportunity to act as Team Leader at treatments they had received, and how coming round with cereal bars and sweets, the London Marathon, we all had a impressed they were at the therapists plenty of fluids were on supply as well as fantastic time. on site. hot drinks should we have wanted them. It worked well to be sharing the facilities They really did look after us. I am about to As usual, the event started off quieter, and with the Charity Pancreatic Cancer, and email St John’s Ambulance to thank them. then by 2pm became extremely busy, so everyone just mucked in and helped one Once again, many thanks! I will keep a look everyone was working hard. In total just another. It really was a great day. out on the ISRM website for events. They over 100 people were treated, and what The photos attached show some of the are such a great way to pick up new skills, was lovely was that all of them were so excellent work that was going on. The meet new therapists and just generally very appreciative to have such a wonderful group photo includes two therapists from have a great day.’ service on offer. So many runners came Athletes Angels – I did not want them continued on page 12

ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 9 Event work - the 2016 London Marathon

10 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32 Event work - the 2016 London Marathon Event work - the 2016 London Marathon

ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 11 Event Work

From Neil Clark – complete the qualification. And to Hazel, Prostate Cancer Research welcome to the world of SRMT. To all of Hi Team, can I say yet again what a great you, remember it’s a very high standard team you were on Sunday. You showed you’re being / have been trained to professionalism towards your clients perform at, so keep the faith and you’ll and a great work ethic that did the ISRM make a success of it!’ proud. I spoke to Ellen and Professor John Masters who were representing the From Steve MacEvoy – Charity Prostate Cancer Research, and Pancreatic Cancer they were very pleased with how their Hi all, thank you again for your company event went and equally as complimentary on Sunday and all your hard work. with the contribution we made to it. I received lots of complimentary I’ve attached photos from Sunday (sorry comments about your efforts, and you about the quality but I’ve since noticed treated 103 marathon runners. my lens is cracked). undergoing training – the very best Good luck with your studies/future Otherwise, to the three of you still of luck and hoping you successfully careers - Thanks again!’ Ride London Surrey 100 Event work – A Team Leader’s experience From Helena Martin

On Sunday, 31st July 2016, both myself The atmosphere was fantastic, it was so I do have a sneaky feeling that we and a team of students from the London wonderful to see everyone enjoying may get to see more of the amazing School of Sports Massage (LSSM), the day. I found it hard to believe I work performed that day by the LSSM/ attended the high profile charity was being accompanied by students OSSM team!! fundraising Ride London Surrey 100 as their work was of such a high event. We were there to provide post- standard, and the feedback both to For me personally, what I really loved event massage therapy to the cyclists me and also to the Charity by some of was seeing a couple of the more recent taking part that day to raise money for those treated was how much the riders students on the course looking a little the charity Children With Cancer. had enjoyed their massage and were nervous at the start, and then just feeling the benefit of receiving post- watching them flourish and see their The day was amazing from start to event treatment after such a major confidence grow half way through finish; accompanying me were, from endurance challenge, and how they the day. They too greatly enjoyed the LSSM, Ruth, Sarah, Peter and Hayley, hoped we would be attending again occasion, and mentioned to me how and from the Oxford School (OSSM), next year. Riders and Charity alike beneficial it had been to them. Melissa. As is normal with event work, really appreciated the advantages of the first hour was a little quieter, and having a team of soft tissue therapists The event was a huge success, it was then the riders started to filter through, on hand at the end of the race, and not only most enjoyable to meet the just a couple here and there at first, likewise the students attending cyclists and at times their families, but and then all of a sudden, we had all the thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it was above all greatly rewarding and beds in use, and people waiting too. and the opportunity to work with the an honour to have had the opportunity Even though I was attending as a team fundraising cyclists who requested a to assist the charity Children With leader that day, being as busy as it was, treatment. Cancer on that day. A big thank you to gave me the opportunity to get involved them too, as they truly did look after with something I am passionate about, We furthermore received a visit from us, and the work they do is beyond and I got to treat some of the cyclists a team of professional photographers, amazing. coming to see us as well. and even a little filming took place,

12 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32 Event Work 2016 London Marathon – A SRM Team Leader’s perspective From Sam Roberts

When you are down four masseurs runners. I decided to take my couch so I when so many have sponsored you is for the Marathon what do you do? could help out. immense. Needless to say he was not in In a nutshell – work harder, the best condition when he arrived back but not faster! On the day itself, someone did not turn at the Shelter base. up… so I rang a friend. She arrived at 2.30 This year I was once again assigned to just as it was getting really busy. She used I am pleased to say that we met our usual supervise a post-event massage team my couch, which enabled me to continue quota of 80 massages. The masseurs for Shelter. I believe this is my 5th year to manage the team, keeping everyone were brilliant. They were nervous at first working with them. It has been so lovely to time, lining up the next runner, but once they started, they didn’t really developing a relationship with the motivating them, especially from 5pm, have time to think about it. They worked Charity as well as some of the runners. and dealing with minor emergencies to solidly for 4 hours. I did offer breaks and One guy comes in at under 3 hours every ascertain whether massage should be encouraged them to eat and drink, but year and always looks like he has just run carried out. they just kept going. for the bus. Needless to say he is always our first man on the couch. There are all sorts of conditions to deal I want to thank Tanya for all her hard with on the day, and no time for any work, recruiting and organizing the Everyone works very hard on the day. contraindication check list! Runners teams. I would like to reiterate what a Over the years I have had 10 masseurs can be emotional, very cold, have valuable experience it is for students or in my team. Unfortunately, despite huge blood blisters, feel sick, unable to ‘novice’ therapists, and how important it Tanya’s great efforts, I believe we lacked walk, light-headed, or have started on is to volunteer and then stay committed. volunteers this year, so I had 8. As the the alcohol! One guy passed out at 24 Your role as a masseur is crucial to the event drew closer one pulled out. As I miles as his body over-heated and ‘shut whole process, plus you are representing knew the Charity set up well I knew we down’ on him. He spent two hours in an our industry of Soft Tissue Therapy, would be busy from 1.30 and that we ambulance, then got up and completed the Charity you are working with, and would be required to massage about 80 the last two miles! The pressure to finish yourself.

ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 13 Event Work Tonbridge Half Marathon 2nd October 2016 From Nicola Ralph

‘The students were a worthy advertisement for the quality of training received from LSSM.’ (…) ‘Teamwork was excellent, with all therapists (…) working together to get through the queues of tired runners.’ ‘It was a full-on morning, but everyone worked with great levels of energy and enthusiasm and our services were gratefully received by runners. According to the Tonbridge Half Marathon 2016 website, we had a: “magnificent team of massage therapists who provided an outstanding post-race massage service and raised £350 for our charities in the process!”’

There was a small proportion of pre- event work required but the majority of treatments were needed after the event from 11:15 a.m. onwards, when exhausted runners started trickling through the door. Teamwork was excellent, with all therapists getting to know each other at the beginning, and working together to get through the queues of tired runners. Chris Stevens, one of the student therapists commented: This was the 6th Tonbridge Half Marathon and myself, Nicola Ralph; an impressive nine “I really enjoyed my introduction to event and a record 1,117 runners took part in cool, students from ISRM-accredited Schools: massage and meeting the other therapists/ sunny conditions. One participant described Jenny Skinner, Neil Franklin, Caroline Mash, students.” The open-plan environment the event as: “Without a doubt the best Sarah Doherty, Hayley Allen, Colin Taylor, of the massage suite afforded plenty of road race in Kent, amazing organisation, Chris Stevens, Clare Apps and John Dods. opportunities to learn from one another, facilities, and the support was fabulous. Many thanks to Tanya Ball for advertising regardless of levels of qualification. There is Loved it and will be back again.” (http:// and coordinating the event at ISRM. The always something new to gain, even for the www.tonbridgehalfmarathon.co.uk). students were a worthy advertisement for most experienced! The event was organised by Tonbridge the quality of training received from LSSM. It was a full-on morning, but everyone Rotary Club and Tonbridge Lions Club to We also had two sports science students worked with great levels of energy and raise money for KSS Air Ambulance, the from West Kent College: Jenny Moran and enthusiasm and our services were gratefully Tonbridge Cottage Hospital League of Richard Hill. Although less experienced with received by runners. According to the Friends, and other local charities, including massage, both were valuable members of Tonbridge Half Marathon 2016 website, Slideaway, a bereavement support service the team, getting involved wherever asked, we had a: “magnificent team of massage for children and young people. The race shadowing more experienced therapists and therapists who provided an outstanding headquarters were at West Kent College, having some “hands-on” experience by the post-race massage service and raised £350 just a short walk from Tonbridge station. end. To complete the team, we benefited for our charities in the process!” Events Coordinator Sabrina Goacher and from having Amy Pay, an experienced local her team did everything possible to make osteopath. Many thanks to all therapists and students sure that runners and volunteers were We had luxurious surroundings for our pre- for giving up their Sunday morning to made to feel really welcome, including and post-event work: a dedicated massage volunteer their very professional services reserving parking spaces on site for massage suite with hydraulic couches, running water to support this event. By all accounts, the therapists travelling by car. and toilets. As all massage therapists know, event was hard work, but very enjoyable We had a fabulous, seventeen-strong sports it is a rare treat not to have to drag your and a great opportunity to get to know massage team this year, consisting of five couch along to an event. Thanks to Dianne other therapists. Hope to see you next year! local experienced massage therapists: Val Bradley from Tonbridge A.C, we were spoilt Davis, Kirsty Harvey, Kirsty Ellis, Ellie Palmer with tea, coffee and biscuits. Nicola Ralph, Team Leader (LSSM Dip)

14 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32 Event Work Event work update From Tanya Ball

What an unforgettable Finally: the ISRM event work registration • READ CAREFULLY the information in red feast of talent and process (this reminder features in each below the event, and ENSURE that you excellence we have Issue). are available on the date of the event(s) had the privilege to • Please, please, PLEASE ensure that you witness last August Would all members, and specially new enter ALL details requested including and September, with student members for whom this is their your ‘status’ e.g. ‘student’, ‘recent the Rio Olympic and first ISRM Newsletter please kindly note graduate’, etc., Paralympic Games! I the one and only Event Work registration • Please, please, PLEASE only apply (click) found the perfection process below, thank you. once for a given event! Some people in performance as breath-taking as the have managed to click as many as seven finest margins of medal success were nail- Registration for any/all ISRM event work is times for the same event… biting. Emotions of euphoria were mixed available exclusively online. For logistical with shared sadness and disappointment for reasons, there can be no exception, and Duplicate entries are difficult for me to spot those who narrowly missed out on medal because the Event Work web page is due to the automated system, and once an places, or who, despite diligent preparation, understandably accessible to members applicant has been approved, I am unable to underperformed when it mattered most. only (as the ISRM fund the associated delete them from the relevant event team administrative costs), it follows that list. This again means having to e-mail that As in previous years, a number of ISRM applicants/participants must be ISRM person individually to ask them to cancel students/therapists have been busy members. Unfortunately I regularly receive one of their applications, unnecessarily providing the usual high standards of pre/ e-mails from people unable for some wasting time I could be devoting more post event soft tissue therapy in 2016, technical reason to access the page, or… productively to the Event Work scheme. which people have come to expect of us. because they are not/no longer ISRM If you cannot ‘see’ the event you are Events we have supported to date include: members. In the former case, I can only looking for but know it was previously on • Walking with the Wounded – Southsea, advise people to ask to borrow someone display on the web page, the most likely Hampshire – Sun 20th Feb 2016 else’s PC; in the latter case… I can only reason is that I have ‘closed’ the event • Fleet ½ Marathon, Fleet, Hampshire – suggest that they (re-)join the ISRM and because applications have reached full Sun 20th March reap its many benefits! capacity. Please therefore do not e-mail me • London Marathon – Sun 24th April In addition, to qualify for ISRM event work, individually to ask if you may be included • Hackney Half Marathon – Sunday 8th Professional Indemnity and Public Liability – events fill on a first come, first served May insurance at the appropriate level (student/ basis and it is therefore up to members • Full Circle Fund (Charity) Cycling Event, graduate) and valid at the time of the event to ‘jump in early’ if they want to secure a Oxshott, Surrey – Sunday 8th May is mandatory. We regret that no exceptions place. Please note however that sometimes • Bournemouth 7’s Festival, Bournemouth can be considered. a ‘closed’ event may re-appear nearer the – Fri-Mon 27th-30th May Students must have successfully passed date if withdrawals mean that new places • Ride London – Surrey 100/London – their Weekend 5 General Massage have become available, so it is a good idea Sunday 31st July assessment in order to be considered for to keep checking. • Tonbridge Half Marathon – Sun 2nd ISRM event work. Very rare exceptions may Should you encounter problems you October. be considered at ISRM’s discretion. suspect to be website-related, please contact the ISRM and not me, as this is Readers can soak up the vibrant atmosphere How to apply for Event Work: completely outside of my control, let alone and contrasting emotions of the London • From the ISRM home page (www. my skills! Thank you. Marathon, Ride London, and Tonbridge ½ theisrm.com), login A very grateful thank you to all those of you Marathon events through various personal • Click on ‘Your ISRM’ and select ‘event who have supported/are supporting ISRM accounts and a range of photos in this work’ from the drop-down menu events over the years. Remember, we could newsletter section. I am confident that • Follow any (very easy) instructions to not possibly field these teams nor provide these will inspire many to sign up for event view the current list of events the quality of service without each one of work in 2017! • Click on whichever you are interested in you.

ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 15 Expand your knowledge, enhance your skills Active Fascial Release

Speaker: James Earls Country: UK Date: 24/25/26 February 2017 Price: £600 Venue: Camden, London Contact: Tanya +44 (0) 28 9058 0764 City: London

Workshop highlights include: What is covered? • The essential principles – touch, layering, movement AFR is taught in a 3-day workshop (9am-5pm). • Using different drivers for movement to create different effects The lower limbs are covered in during the first day, along with • Creating length versus separation and the importance of each essential elements of functional movement such as directions • Structural and Functional Assessment – combining the two to and drivers. Fascial touch skills are explored, as well as how to really make sense of both use different movements and directions to create various effects • Building on the principles listed above and develop global and in the myofascial tissues. local movement strategies and when to use each based on the The second and third days address the pelvis, torso and shoulder combined structural and functional assessments. girdle. Techniques and handling are taught for various trunk and Further highlights include: shoulder tissues. We then spend a lot of time blending the A full repertoire of interventions for the upper body including material together to give a full body treatment, learning to feel quadratus lumborum, obliques and intercostals, multifidi and the connections through the body in many different positions shoulder girdle muscles. with a variety of movement ideas. Bringing the system together to assess and then utilize the full Once the principles of AFR are learned they can be easily body connections via the Anatomy Trains model. adapted to almost any client or situation, encouraging an increase in their body awareness and understanding of Course Description: movement as well as resolving or easing many of their issues. Each class includes – Relevant anatomy for the area – short intensive and integrated presentations from multiple sources. Learning Aids The presentations will include new learning tools such as video To support you in the learning process we have chosen some of fascial dissections combined with palpation of the relevant excellent tutors – chosen for their backgrounds in therapy, sports structures. We always to convey the information in an inspiring and understanding of the body. and understandable fashion. By maintaining a teacher-student ratio of 1-9 we can guarantee Body Reading (visual assessment) & Functional Assessment – the that you receive enough individual attention to gain proficiency. common postural and movement implications – how to see and Each teaching module is beautifully illustrated with short ‘read’ the intricacy of individual patterns. lectures, and the techniques are supported by video content Active Fascial Release Techniques – each technique is fully laid playing as you practice. out for intent and ‘feel’. With plenty of time for practice we will A fully illustrated manual outlines the principles and techniques. ensure that you can apply these methods immediately in your On attendance of the workshop you will receive access to video practice. content to review and expand on the techniques demonstrated during the workshop. Who should attend? The workshop is designed for physiotherapists, osteopaths, Investment chiropractors and advanced massage practitioners wanting to For an investment of £600 attendees will receive the three-day add an extra dimension to their treatments. training that is fully supported with a full colour manual and While anatomy and pathology will be acknowledged during the 3 video content, and will gain the days of training, time is too short to teach basics, so a reasonable knowledge, skill and ability to apply the principles of AFR to understanding of practice is expected to allow for a rapid generate better client outcomes. progression and focus on techniques.

16 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32 Expand your knowledge, enhance your skills

Details of all other CPD workshops can be found on the ISRM website

Hampshire-based CPD & tailored under-/post-graduate tuition programme with Tanya Ball

A wide range of high quality courses, workshops, or tailored Tutorials are available for all levels throughout the academic year in Kempshott (M3 J7 just South of Basingstoke).

Details can be requested by e-mailing [email protected]

Specific requests for tutorials or workshop subjects are welcome, but can only take place subject to sufficient uptake

Thank you in advance for your interest. Tanya Ball MSc BA KCMT BCSI LSSM MISRM MCNHC MIASI Remedial Soft Tissue Therapist / Board Certified Structural Integrator / Kinetic Control Movement Therapist

For further ISRM-accredited CPD workshops and courses, visit www.theisrm.com

ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 17 Expand your knowledge, enhance your skills

Winter/Spring 2017 Hampshire Tutorial/CPD Programme - Basingstoke Course Programme Tanya Ball MSc BA KCMT BCSI LSSM MISRM MCNHC MIASI Clinical Soft Tissue Therapist / Board Certified Structural Integrator / Kinetic Control Movement Therapist e-mail [email protected] / website www.tmb-src.co.uk Day Workshop Level Course details Thursday 20/04/17 Fascial Release for Intro/ intermediate Learn/enhance your ability to address fascial restriction/imbalance to 2 pm-5.30 pm the thigh, hip, & knee enhance clients’ postural and functional support. Discover/expand your HALF DAY WORKSHOP skills in seeing and addressing the ‘whole’ beyond the ‘local’, and effectively influencing troubled areas ‘from a distance’. Thursday 27/04/2017 Soft Tissue Release (STR) Introductory/ intermediate Ideal to refresh and develop further skills – reaching those ‘difficult’ 2 pm -5.30 pm consolidation/ development muscles, making STR more specific. Also ideal ‘bridging’ workshop for HALF DAY WORKSHOP therapists aspiring to ISRM accreditation, or as L5 Dip. Pre-exam revision. Thursday 11/05/17 Restriction/compensation Intro/ intermediate ‘Restriction’ over time leads to ‘compensation’. How do we unravel 2 pm-5.30 pm patterns: the lower back and this ‘chicken and egg’ enigma? Understanding the source of pain/ pelvis: essential assessment leads overuse injury: learn to ‘see’, interpret what you ‘see’, and focus on to effective treatment effective, relevant treatment. HALF DAY WORKSHOP Thursday 18/05/17 Fascial Release for the Intro/ intermediate Learn/enhance your ability to address fascial restriction/imbalance to 2 pm-5.30 pm lumbar & pelvic region enhance clients’ postural and functional support. Discover/expand your HALF DAY WORKSHOP skills in seeing and addressing the ‘whole’ beyond the ‘local’, and effectively influencing troubled areas ‘from a distance’. Thursday 01/06/17 Muscle Energy Technique Intermediate - L5 Dip. Ideal to refresh and develop further skills – targeting those ‘difficult’ 2 pm-5.30 pm (MET) consolidation/ w/e 6+ students/ graduates muscles, making MET more specific. Also ideal ‘bridging’ workshop for development seeking confidence/ broader therapists aspiring to ISRM accreditation, or as L5 Dip. Pre-exam HALF DAY WORKSHOP techniques etc. revision. Thursday 08/06/17 Restriction/compensation Intermediate - L5 Dip. ‘Restriction’ over time leads to ‘compensation’. How do we unravel 2 pm-5.30 pm patterns: the cervical and thoracic w/e 5+ students/ graduates this ‘chicken and egg’ enigma? Understanding the source of pain/ region: essential assessment seeking confidence/ broader overuse injury: learn to ‘see’, interpret what you ‘see’, and focus on leads to effective treatment techniques etc. effective, relevant treatment. HALF DAY WORKSHOP Thursday 15/06/17 Pre-assessment/pre-exam Intro/ intermediate Ideal opportunity to consolidate skills / maximise confidence ahead of 2 pm-5.30 pm revision assessments or exams. Students to select tutorial content in advance HALF DAY TUTORIAL e.g. STR/MET/other... Thursday 22/06/17 Fascial Release for the trunk/ Introductory/ intermediate Learn/enhance your ability to address fascial restriction/imbalance to 2 pm-5.30 pm thoracic/cervical area enhance clients’ postural and functional support. Discover/expand your HALF DAY WORKSHOP skills in seeing and addressing the ‘whole’ beyond the ‘local’, and effectively influencing troubled areas ‘from a distance’. Other suggestions welcome!

Details for all above courses Venue: Basingstoke, Hampshire (7 mins’ from M3 J7 just South of B’stoke). Tutor: Tanya Ball Workshop enrolment fee: (Half-day workshops): £50 per person Please note that a minimum of four Delegates is required for a workshop to run. For further information and an enrolment form, please email Tanya at: [email protected] - Thank you. Please note that full payment for your selected workshop(s) must be received at the time of enrolment to guarantee your place on the relevant course(s). Online (‘BACS’) payment preferred, bank details available on request. Thank you. Should a course be postponed or cancelled due to insufficient uptake, you will be offered the choice of a full refund, or the reallocation of your fee to another workshop of your choice. Please make cheques payable to ‘Tanya Ball’ and email [email protected] for forwarding address, thank you. CPD hours: three and a half CPD hours per half-day.

18 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32 Special Offer to all ISRM MARSHCOUCH MARSHCOUCH Members All couches made to order. % off all Contact Marshcouch on 10 Couch orders! 01442 263199 [email protected]

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ISSUE 32 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | 19 Below are a selection of websites that might be of interest to you. ISRM Therapists can register with the Complementary and If you have discovered some others that you would like to share, Natural Healthcare Council which is backed by the please send them along to [email protected] Thanks Department of Health

http://www.movementlectures.com VALIDATED SCHOOLS

LONDON SCHOOL OF SPORTS MASSAGE www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business Central London, Southampton & Brighton www.lssm.com

www.getbodysmart.com/ap/muscularsystem/quizzes/ Oxford School upperextremities/menu/menu.html of Sports Massage Oxford www.ossm.co.uk shoulderdoc.co.uk ACTIVE SCHOOL OF COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY Loughborough sportsinjuryclinic.net www.activerecovery.co.uk SCHOOL OF NATURAL THERAPIES stopsportsinjuries.org Clapham, London www.schoolofnaturaltherapies.co.uk

BLUECHIP MASSAGE CPD sportsresource.org Central London (CPD only) www.bluechipmassage.co.uk

leonchaitow.com Massage Training School Exmouth www.themassagetrainingschool.com osceskills.com Cambridge School of Sports Massage Cambridge www.thecssm.co.uk

» FIND A THERAPIST A register of ISRM members is available to the public on www.theisrm.com » ADVERTISING: ISRM offers free advertising to employers offering work opportunities to our members. Please contact: [email protected]

ISRM is on the Sport and Remedial Therapies Council, which is Designed & Printed by recognised by CNHC as the lead body for Sport and Remedial QP Printing Therapies. 07593 025013 QP [email protected] Printing

20 | ISRM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 32