ISRM Membership

The Institute for Soft Tissue Therapists

ISRM's main objectives are:

• To unite independent schools under a single, externally validated Soft Tissue Therapy qualification, ensuring quality of training
• To represent therapists who employ a range of assessment and remedial techniques to effectively treat a variety of soft tissue conditions
• To implement research projects for the greater understanding and development of the validity of Soft Tissue Therapy. 

Giving Soft Tissue Therapists a Voice...

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

ISRM is a small specialist Professional Association which only has one category of therapist. Members must have a BTEC level 4/5 in Sport and Remedial massage therapy or equivalent. Any applicant who does not have this qualification will be fairly considered through an assessment process, or a bridging programme. 

OVERSEAS THERAPISTS 

JOINING THE INSTITUTE FOR SOFT TISSUE THERAPISTS.

Initial Assessment

You should bring with you as much documentation about your training as possible, not just your certificates. Professional references from medical practitioners that show how long you have been practicing and the clinical level to which you work is very helpful.

We go through the details of your training and compare it with the Competencies listed below. We then ask you to demonstrate your massage therapy skills.

(Assessors are highly experienced and open minded and look for safety, quality and efficacy rather than any set routines and procedures. Massage is not a high-stress job and so we try to make the assessment as friendly and relaxed as possible.) 

If you meet the majority of key Competencies we will be happy to invite you to join the ISRM. If this is not the case we will discuss the extra training options that are available to you.

The fee for Overseas Therapist Assessment is £75

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
ISRM members must be properly qualified to:

• Be able to describe the structure and components of the musculoskeletal system with regard to their support and movement.
• Be able to identify and explain the function of the bones, bony prominences and joints of the human skeletal system.
• Be able to identify and explain the function of the muscle locations, origins and insertions on the human body.
• Understand and explain the different types of muscle function.
• Be able to describe and explain muscle physiology.
• Be able to describe the structure and function of the major systems of the human body.
• Be able to identify and carry out correctly massage techniques in the treatment of physiological conditions.
• Be able to demonstrate research techniques and correct referral procedures.
• Be able to recognise the signs of and explain the causes of the symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries.
• Be able to take clients’ case histories.
• Be able to assess using several appropriate methods a client’s function and range of movement.
• Be able to conduct a postural assessment and explain the reasons for the conclusions drawn.
• Evaluate the outcomes of each treatment.
• Prepare for massage treatment.
• Demonstrate the application of standard massage techniques.
• Be able to explain the physiological effects, uses and benefits of the massage techniques.
• Be able to treat areas of soft tissue dysfunction on a client, using Neuromuscular Techniques.
• Be able to treat areas of myofascial restriction on a client, using a variety of Muscle Energy Techniques.
• Be able to release local areas of soft tissue restriction on a client, using a range of Soft Tissue Release techniques.
• Be able to release local areas of fascial restriction on a client, using Connective Tissue techniques.
• Be able to demonstrate how to release chronic muscle tension using Positional Release Technique.
• Explain the factors and phases involved in a rehabilitation programme.
• Explain and evaluate the techniques used to prevent injuries.
• Demonstrate and evaluate the treatment of a variety of injuries.
• Be able to give a client remedial exercise advice which meet the client’s specific needs.
• Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of how to set up a business.
• Be able to explain the Basic Employment and Health and Safety Regulations relevant to a small business.
• Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the code of ethics and practice relevant to professional practice.

With the wide variety of different training courses and the unique variety of learning experiences therapists get after qualifying, it is impractical to have a single set programme that will suit everyone. For this reason we start with an initial assessment of skill and knowledge which we match against the Learning Outcomes (see below) that make up our BTEC qualification.

From this we will discuss any additional training/workshops that you may need to do to make up any short-falls, and devise a programme to meet your particular needs. These workshops can normally be taken at an ISRM Validated school.

Therapists with ITEC, VTCT or Premier Level 3 or 4 qualifications will need to have a minimum of 2 years clinical experience since qualification and have completed additional CPD training to be eligible for the Bridging Programme.

The fee for the Initial Assessment is £50

Bridging Programme
(In addition to any workshops you may need to attend)

• BTEC Registration
• 6 months ISRM student membership
  (this also enables you to take out student insurance if required)
• Home study course (theory), 4 written assignments. 
  Marked by ISRM assessors and returned with marks and correction notes.  Notes for guidance and a booklist are provided.
  2 Case studies, Practice treatment log
• Pre-exam practice day
• ISRM exams (I theory, 1 Practical)
• BTEC and ISRM certification