Sport Massage Therapy

Introduction - What is sports massage therapy?

Sport’s massage therapy is designed to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during exercise. When minor injuries occur, due to overexertion, massage can help heal the soft tissue and stop unwanted pains and strains getting in the way of performance. A skilled therapist will combine stretching, compression, friction, toning and trigger point response techniques to help their client achieve optimum performance and limit post event injuries. Athletes

benefit from maintenance massage, event massage and rehabilitation.

Who is this course aimed at?

Sports therapy is fast emerging as a graduate profession and from July 2016, only graduates from an accredited university will qualify for membership to The Society of Sports Therapists. Many courses will require you to have a level 3 in massage although some places offer 15 day courses for beginners who have no massage qualifications.   Many students signing up for this diploma will have a background as an athlete or professional sport, however this is not necessary. Experience in coaching or fitness training is highly recommended as it provides therapists with an insight into sporting disciplines. Personal qualities such as the ability to motivate and having a positive attitude are also important.

Diploma in Sport Massage Therapy -Course Content

The course content will include:-

Clinical Issues- Safe treatment

Sports Massage Regulation

Professionalism and Ethics

Professional Development and Communication skills

Anatomy and physiology of the major body systems

In depth knowledge of the musculoskeletal system

Sports Massage Techniques

Neuromuscular Techniques- trigger points, muscle energy and positional release techniques

Client Assessment

Soft tissue damage and repair injury occurrence and treatment

Post care advice supporting clients return to function

What kind of Sports Massage Therapy Courses are available?

15 day beginners course for those who have no existing massage qualifications.

10 day courses for people with massage experience, typically running over 5 weekends.

What happens after I graduate the course?

Once you have graduated from the course you will be able to practice as a sport massage therapist. This could be as a standalone career or used as part of a personal trainers service.