Remedial Massage students from College of VE attend The Great Ocean Road Beach VolleyFest

Remedial Massage students from College of VE attend The Great Ocean Road Beach VolleyFest

Two students studying the Diploma of Remedial Massage were given the opportunity to work with international volleyball players during the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour in Torquay, Victoria.

Salina Lee and Shenyuan Zou, accompanied by their teacher, Toby Glennon, were able to gain industry experience through the competition and got to treat players from international teams such as Portugal, Italy, France and Vanuatu. 

After the tournament, Salina and Shenyuan were happy to answer some questions about their experience.

What was your favourite part of being involved with the placement? 

SZ: The placement in the International beach volleyball tournament provided an opportunity for us to work alongside other allied health practitioners, such as physio, as well as working with athletes in a professional sports setting. This was a great experience for us to work within a multidisciplinary health team and build a connection with them. 

SL: I am a big fan of volleyball, so this was a great opportunity for me to do what I love, with a sport that I enjoy, and learn so much more in the process! 

Has being involved in this placement increased your employability? 

SZ: I believe this placement will definitely boost my employability, especially within sport-related jobs and events. For such a big event in beach volleyball, we were able to gain real-world experience, and I believe this will be an advantage in future employment. 

SL: I certainly think it has increased my chances, especially when I continue to pursue roles in the sporting industry. 

What was one unexpected thing you learnt that you didn't expect going into the placement? 

SZ: I was surprised that taping is such a common technique within a sporting event. This is used to support and stabilise weak or injured joints. However, before I attended this placement, I had a lack of knowledge about the use of sport taping. It is great that I had this opportunity to learn about sport taping within a real sport clinic. 

SL: I learnt a lot about the different types of taping, mostly rigid taping. There were many instances which I got to observe, and I am excited to develop a deeper understanding and practice. 

Three people standing in front of a sign with a girl playing volleyball on it (L-R) Toby Glennon, Program Coordinator, Massage & Myotherapy, Shenyuan Zhou and Salina Lee at the Great Ocean Road Beach VolleyFest in Torquay.

What did you find the most challenging part of the placement? 

SZ: The most challenging part of the placement for me was how to bring and put into use the knowledge I learnt from my course. Having to use the information within real world situations and in a real clinical setting within a sporting event was challenging. Luckily, we had our awesome teacher Toby Glennon working with us all the time, giving us guidance and help to turn these challenges into opportunities of learning. 

SL: I didn't find anything particularly challenging. The long hours were tiring, but I chose to stay for the whole duration of the day and I sort of wish I could have worked for a couple more days! 

What are two tips you could give another student about taking on this placement to help them get the most out of it? 

SZ: Ask questions and take notes. It is a good opportunity for us to work closely with other allied health practitioners. Always ask questions if you have any doubts about assessment and treatments. On the other hand, taking notes can help you recall knowledge points after a long day event.   

SL: Ask as many questions as possible and observe your co-workers' consultations. 

Any other comments about the placement? 

SZ: I found this placement extremely helpful as it allowed me to explore my interests more and allowed me to gain a huge amount of confidence. Thanks so much RMIT and Toby for organising this placement and giving us this opportunity.   

SL: I had a great time and hope I can be involved in a similar event in the future! 

Story: Sheridan van Gelderen

For more information about the Diploma of Remedial Massage, click the button below. 

07 December 2022

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.