Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy

Sports Massage therapy involves the use of individual client assessment, massage, related soft tissue techniques and post-treatment advice to manage, manipulate and rehabilitate the various soft tissues of the body. It can be applied to alleviate a variety of aches and pains, whether they arise in a sporting or recreational context or simply from the stresses of modern life.

The Diploma in Sports Massage (Soft Tissue Therapy) is at level 4 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

Qualifications

• Premier Diploma in Sports Massage (Soft Tissue Therapy)
• Active IQ Level 3 and Level 4 Certificates in Sports Massage (Soft Tissue Therapy)

Successful completion of this qualification will enable you to apply for membership of the Sports Therapy Organisations (STO). Membership of STO enables registration with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the regulator of for complimentary healthcare, and entitles you to use the title 'Registered Sports Massage Practitioner'.

Course Content

• Clinical issues - safe treatment, sports massage regulation, professionalism and ethics, continuing professional development and communication skills
  
  
• Anatomy and physiology of the major body systems with in-depth knowledge of the musculoskeletal system
  
  
• Sports massage techniques including palpation, basic strokes
  
  
• Neuromuscular techniques - trigger points, muscle energy and positional release techniques
  
  
• Soft tissue mobilisation techniques - frictions, connective tissue therapy and soft tissue release techniques
  
  
• Assessment of clients, joint and muscle testing, assessment of posture, profiling and appropriate record keeping
  
  
• Soft tissue damage and repair - injury occurrence and treatment
  
  
• Post-care advice - supporting clients'return to function

Entry Requirements

There are no pre-requisites for this qualification although those who do not hold a suitable Level 2 qualification will be required to complete 2 modules of online study prior to starting the course. You will need a CPR certificate to practice as an insured sports massage therapist but you do not need one to take this course. Minimum age, 16.

Length and Format of Course

In order to best meet your particular circumstances this course is available in 2 different formats:

• Full-time
• Part-time

Depending on your chosen option the course can take from 5 weeks (full-time Monday to Friday) to 9 months (part-time delivered over 11 weekends).