Hollie graduated from London Metropolitan University in 2008 with BSc Hons Sports Therapy degree and then completed her MSc Sports and Exercise Medicine in 2013.
She started her career in lecturing in 2009, and has taught at University of Gloucester, University of Worcester and Hartpury University Centre on the Bsc Hon Sports Therapy degrees.
Alongside her teaching role Hollie also finds time to run her company STAR Medical; which comprises of two clinics, medical provision for sports teams and events. She works predominantly in amateur rugby and is the therapist for GB ultimate Frisbee!
" I have been using sports tape for over 10 years. I use it for the clients in my clinic and for my players. At the end of the season in rugby I will probably end up taping most of the squad!
Tell us about the course..
The Kinesiology & Sports Taping course that I run at the Academy was developed from my experience and the evidence base around taping. It covers sports and kinesio tape. I believe it's important to teach each student the principles and theory behind the tape which will enable you to employ clinical reason and apply the correct application for any condition or complaint. We don’t just teach you how to tape something, we look at the aims of the treatment and then what techniques will suit that individual.
Most courses separate sports tape and kinesio tape, but actually they complement each other, this why the course is taught over 2 days. It allows you to practise with the tape over 2 days and work on case
Who could benefit from this course?
This course is ideal for sports massage therapists, sports therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths. The techniques taught can be used for practitioners that work in both clinic environments as well as in a sports team. Students must hold a Level 3 or higher Sports Massage Therapy qualification or equivalent as knowledge of joint function and anatomy is required.
" I love teaching in a small group, it enables me to focus on each student and ensure techniques applied are correct.
What are the myths surrounding this practice?
- The biggest myth about Kinesio tape is that it doesn’t work! There isn’t any strong evidence to use it; yes this is correct, however kinesio tape is now being included in consensus articles and methods used are much better in the last couple of years so the evidence is becoming much better.
- Many people assume that sports/kinesio tape are just for athletes; tapes can actually help with occupational related injuries and posture!