Level 3 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy

This course is designed for individuals aspiring to become proficient sports massage therapists. It builds upon foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and massage techniques, focusing specifically on addressing the needs of athletes and active individuals. You will learn advanced massage techniques, injury assessment and management, and the application of sports massage within a rehabilitative context. The course typically includes both theoretical learning and practical hands-on training, allowing students to develop the skills necessary to provide effective sports massage treatments. Upon completion of the course, you may pursue opportunities to work in sports clinics, fitness centres, or as part of sports teams, helping athletes achieve peak performance and recover from injuries.

During the course practical assessment you will deliver a pre-event, post-event and maintenance sports massage. Within the maintenance massage you will also conduct a full consultation and postural assessment.

Course Content

• Unit 1 - Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage

This unit focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of the human body's structure and function relevant to sports massage therapy. It covers topics such as skeletal anatomy, muscular systems, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as the nervous system. Learn how these systems interact and how they relate to sports massage techniques and treatments.

• Unit 2 – Principles of Health and Fitness

This unit explores the fundamental principles of health and fitness and their significance in the context of sports massage therapy. Learn about factors influencing health and fitness, including nutrition, exercise physiology, lifestyle choices, and the importance of a balanced approach to maintaining overall well-being.

• Unit 3 – Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction and Injury 

This unit delves into the principles underlying soft tissue dysfunction and injury, which are common concerns in sports massage therapy. You will study the causes and effects of soft tissue injuries, common types of injuries encountered in sports activities, and the body's healing processes. Also learn how to assess and identify soft tissue dysfunction to inform their treatment approaches.

• Unit 4 – Understand Professional Practice in Sports Massage Treatments

Unit 4 focuses on the professional aspects of providing sports massage treatments. Learn about professional ethics, codes of conduct, and legal considerations relevant to sports massage practice. Develop essential skills in communication, client assessment, treatment planning, and record-keeping to ensure safe and effective delivery of sports massage services.

• Unit 5 – Understand and Provide Different Sports Massage Treatments

This unit covers various sports massage techniques and treatments aimed at addressing specific needs and goals of athletes and sports enthusiasts. Explore a range of massage modalities, such as effleurage, petrissage, friction, and stretching techniques. They learn how to adapt these techniques to different client requirements, conditions, and stages of injury or recovery, promoting optimal performance and well-being.