Sports Massage Therapy

The Active IQ Level 3 Diploma and Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy qualification provides learners in Plymouth with the knowledge and skills needed to be able to provide sports massage therapy to a range of clients who have dysfunctional tissue, without acute/post-acute injuries or underlying pathological conditions.This course is an excellent addition to already qualified personal trainers and Beauty/Massage therapists.

2 days per week for 12 weeks, 09.30-16.30. Courses run in line with the school academic year and we therefore have breaks for half-terms, Easter, Christmas and the Summer holidays.

Type: Blended learning – Classroom and massage based 2 days a week and home study (recommended 10 hours a week)

Anatomy and physiology for sports massage

Knowledge and an understanding of the human body and how it functions is the starting point of sports massage theory. The more we understand about how the body functions, what may interrupt this functioning (such as trauma and injury), and what influence increased activity has on the systems that combine to make it function, the more the sports massage practitioner can use their skills and knowledge to advise their clients.

Principles of health and fitness

Developing your knowledge and understanding of the principles of health and fitness is an important aspect of being a sports massage therapist. This includes the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, understanding the short and long-term effects of exercise on the body, knowing the components of fitness and principles of training. You will also learn the key fundamentals of healthy eating, hydration and professional boundaries when offering nutritional advice.

Understand the principles of soft tissue dysfunction

Here you will develop your knowledge and understanding of soft tissue injury and dysfunction. This will include teaching you to differentiate between injury and dysfunction, learning the different types of soft tissue injuries, common causes and signs and symptoms of each. You will also learn the process of soft tissue repair, the factors that may influence the repair process and the importance of the inflammatory process.

Professional practice in sports massage

In this unit you will develop the knowledge and understanding related to professional practice in sports massage. This includes current legislation, the use of chaperones, informed consent, scope of practice, contra-indications, referral and record keeping. You will also discuss expected standards of professionalism, the purpose of regulation, insurance requirements and the importance of continual professional development.