Advanced sports massage course

Students will learn how to understand the structural organisation of the human body, in relation to sports massage application; these areas include:-

• Human cells and tissues
• The structure and function of the Skin
• The structure and function of the Skeletal system, including joints and categories of joints, ligaments and tendons
• The structure and function of the Muscular System and the location and function of relevant muscles in the body
• The structure and function of the Nervous System
• The structure and function of the Endocrine System
• The structure and function of the Cardio-vascular system
• The structure and function of the Lymphatic System
• The structure and function of the Respiratory system
• The structure and function of the Digestive System
• The structure and function of the Urinary System

This unit will be assessed by an externally set multiple choice question paper (25 questions) on exam day.

• The benefits of an active healthy lifestyle
• The effects of exercise on the body
• The components of fitness
• The principles of training
• Nutrition – the role of micro/macro nutrients, hydration and healthy eating and how this relates to growth, repair and injury.

This unit will be set as a combination of classroom lectures and home assignment work

• Sports Massage Legislation
• Scope of practice in the sports massage industry, including awareness and understanding of caution, contra-indications and interface with other professionals and therapists.
• Professional Standards and regulations, pertinent to the industry
• Legal obligations, legislation and client record keeping

This unit will be set as a combination of classroom lectures and home assignment work

*Soft tissue is an anatomical term to categorise the tissues that connect, support, or surround other structures and organs of the body, other than bone. This includes tendons, ligaments and muscle fascia, amongst other tissue and is relevant therefore to the sports massage industry. Learners will therefore understand –

• Soft Tissue Dysfunction and the process of repair of this tissue, including causes and types of injury and damage.

This unit will be set as a combination of classroom lectures and home assignment work

Learners will gain the knowledge, theory and skills to understand and apply –

• The history, origins and development of sports massage
• Sports massage techniques* and tools and apply them as sports massage treatments
• Equipment and its adaptation/modification in relation to different environments and events.
• Identifying contra-indications and contra-actions before, during and after massage treatment
• Assessing and screening clients for sports massage treatments
• Consultation and client assessment recording methods
• Devising a suitable massage strategy for each client and their specific needs/requirements and carrying out an effective and safe treatment.
• Develop and ensure good posture whilst working and making effective use of massage equipment, including massage couch, oils and massage mediums.
• Working to good professional standards of practice, ensuring that hygiene and sterilisation is observed at all times.
• Monitoring client communication and feedback.
• Evaluating the outcomes and effectiveness of the massage strategy and treatment in every case.
• Post massage analysis and aftercare advice and guidance.

Techniques will include :

• Effleurage
• Petrissage
• Friction
• Tapotement
• Vibration
• Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT)
• Pre/Post/Inter-Event Massage
• Other specific sports massage techniques

• Understanding the Principles and Application of Cross Fibre Frictions
• An understanding and working in depth with the Psoas muscle

• Revisit Postural Assessment
• Learn how to undertake specialised function and mobility tests
• Common injuries
• Professional methods of note-taking and case histories
• Remedial Exercise Advice
• Trunk/Core Stability

• Principle and application of technique
• Active and Passive techniques
• Weight-bearing
• Clinical usage
• Contra-indications

• Principle and application of technique
• Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) methods
• Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) methods
• Contra-indications

• Business Practice
• Working outside and at major sporting events

• Understanding of the genesis of trigger points
• Pain and referred pain
• The impact on muscle function
• Deactivation methods

• Myo-fascial release techniques
• Understanding application and impact

• Working with muscles in spasm
• Releasing chronically congested fascial tissue