'Active Health Group' was formed in 1997, as 'Active Health Sports Therapy', by its founder Richard Johnson. Initially, Richard ran a busy clinic, worked for various sports clubs, as well as teaching Sports Massage and Sports Therapy.
In 1999, Richard co-founded 'Sports Therapy Organisation' (STO), as a small networking group of physiotherapists and sports massage therapists, working in sport, which mainly covered the North West. Its main aims were to provide support and advice, and also to 'exchange' ideas and techniques through small workshops.
As STO grew, the need for a good quality Sports Therapy course became more apparent, as there were very few around.
In 2000, Christian Platts joined the team, and 'Active Health Group' was born. Its main aim was to provide a good alternative to the traditional sports therapy courses offered mainly at colleges of further education.
Since then, Active Health Group has provided consistent professional training in Sports Therapy and Massage, and was the first company to develop externally accredited qualifications at Level 5 in Sports Therapy and Sports & Remedial Massage, and at Level 4 in Myofascial Release.
Active Health Group has often been copied, but our strength is in our excellent training programmes, and outstanding trainers.
In 2006 'The Princes Foundation for Integrated Health' (FIH) had a mandate to establish a self-regulatory body for Complementary Healthcare. As the representative of the massage profession the 'General Council of Massage Therapies' (GCMT) is on the FIH working group which is developing the structure for what should become a National Register covering all the different disciplines within Complementary Medicine. STO is on the GCMT council where we are able to take an active role during this very significant decision making period.
In January 2009, the 'Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council' (CNHC) was launched with full government backing. Active Health Group Sports Therapy, Sport & Remedial Massage and Sports Massage graduates are eligible to join the CNHC.