Name: Advanced sports massage course
Price: 2499 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (196 reviews)

ITEC/BTEC Level 3 – 5 Diploma in Clinical Sports & Remedial Massage – Spa Conversion Course

Qualification Number (QN): 603/4501/9

Advance your teams expertise with the BTEC Level 5 flexible diploma programme. Aimed at existing spa therapists who wish to upskill their massage and expertise at clinical level, spas will be empowered to offer advanced sports, remedial and clinical massage to spa guests.

Course Overview

The School of Natural Therapies offer this unique clinical sport and remedial massage training with our popular two-step programme, which utilises spa therapists existing knowledge and massage skills, in order to upskill them to the level required to achieve a qualification which is equivalent to a university under-graduate level of education.

This customised qualification is highly sought by industry professionals, in-house gyms and sports clubs because of the high level of robust clinical skills and theoretical knowledge taught; clinical therapists are therefore able to effectively assess and treat injuries to an advanced skill level with effectiveness and results.

On successful completion of both elements, students will be awarded the following certificates:

An ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage – students will achieve this qualification within the first 3 months of the full programme.
A BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Clinical Sport, Remedial Massage & Soft Tissue Therapy
A certificate from the of School of Natural Therapies (SNT) which will state – ‘Level 5 Clinical and Remedial Sports Massage Diploma’
Membership of the ISRM (Association for Soft Tissue Therapists)

The full programme is made up of theoretical and practical skills, underpinned by set detailed case studies and assignments. Its is taught by two experienced professionals who operate their own well established clinics during weekdays and have a passion to pass on their knowledge, skills and industry advice.

We can produce a bespoke programme to suit the working environment of the spa on agreed day, dates and time spans.

For some of the theoretical elements of the syllabus (such as A&P) we can usually offer live online zoom sessions at agreed set times, allowing spas even more flexibility with busy spa times and days – often in the past we have delivered these live online sessions during early evenings from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

‘This training provided invaluable insights, tools and techniques to support guests during their treatment or recovery journey. Our team is now equipped to deliver therapy to the highest and safest standards. It was a well designed program that offered the perfect approach our team to confidently support guests‘.

Marion Kapellas, Spa Director, The Connaught (Aman Spa)

Attendance Type

Blended Learning

Qualification

Level 3 and Level 5 Diploma

Location

Your site or Battersea, London

Duration

9-10 months part-time course

Accredited by

Entry Requirements

We ask that spa therapists put forward for this programme are established within the spa team and are in possession of good written and spoken English language skills.

Therapists must hold a current Level 3 qualification in beauty or massage, that is UK regulated.

Examples of awarding bodies that are acceptable are: ITEC/VTCT, CIDESCO, CIBTAC, etc.

It is also useful but not essential to have some knowledge of experience of movement disciplines, such as exercise (eg PT) sport or dance.

Course Structure

The FULL Level 3/Level 5 course structure is as follows:

ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy – which takes place over 3 months, part-time – plus an additional ITEC exam day (date to be agreed on discussions)
For the Level 5 Bridging Programme a further period of 12 days must be completed. We usually suggest the dates in blocks of two days over a 6 month period, to allow for course work to be completed.
The final Level 5 exam consists of a one hour practical assessment.
A Portfolio of case studies is also required – full details will be provided on application.

The advantages of studying a 2-step programme such as this are:

It allows therapists (or the spa) to obtain insurance to practice, once qualified in sports massage at Level 3, whilst therapists are working towards the Level 5 programme.
It allows the spa to establish itself as a provider of sports massage earlier whilst spa therapists are simultaneously working towards the development of their level 5 functional skills.

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

Assessment

ITEC Level 3 Programme

3 assignments, plus 3 case studies are required as part of the course. On exam day there is a 50 MCQ theory paper and a 1 hour practical exam.

BTEC Level 5 Program

- Final practical assessment on the scheduled exam day.
- Three other practical assessments are also carried out during the course
- Three theory/research written assignment papers need to be submitted prior to certification.
- Three case study reports also need to be submitted prior to certification.
- Three internal muscle tests are also carried out during the course

Assessment and exam dates are agreed in advance on application and in agreement with the spa team/manager.

We do factor in plenty of time to revisit and practice all techniques learned on the L5 programme, in order for students to be able to consolidate these techniques into a cohesive treatment programme, and for their case study work.

Tutors

Latest Reviews

4.8

★★★★★

(196 Reviews)

Read our verified course reviews, submitted by real students, and explore all our testimonials on Google Reviews.

Tom McCay

I just recently finished the level 5 BTEC course and the course was fantastic. Amazing tutors both Joseph and Trevor have a incredible amount of knowledge and make it very easy and palatable to learn, both are incredibly patient and always happy to answer any questions or help if you are stuck. I have taken away and learned so much from this course and would recommend in a heart beat to anyone who is considering doing any course with them. I have already booked in another course with them and will be doing plenty more.

Alexandra Proctor

After completing my ITEC level 3 in Sports massage I then spent 8 years working privately and working at a rugby club. I was looking for a course that would further my knowledge and make me feel more confident working with sports therapists and physios. I contemplated going back to uni and doing 3 years of Sports Therapy but eventually settled on doing the level 5 and it was the best decision I ever made. The course was extremely flexible, meaning I was able to continue working whilst studying and the course itself gave me such a boost and now I feel my manual therapy skills are a real asset to my place of work. The course tutors pitched it perfectly for all of us no matter how much experience and couldn’t do enough to help us. Having tutors from different backgrounds gave me the opportunity to see things from different perspectives and gave me the clinical reasoning skills to make better decisions and do more for my clients. I would recommend this course to anyone who would like to further their knowledge and give their career a boost. Since the course I now feel the world is my oyster in terms of career progression and further study and am now thinking of just topping up with 1 year to get my sports therapy degree. Thank you so much to Joseph and the team!

Martin S Petkov

I’ve done my L3 in Sports Massage and L5 in Clinical Sports and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy with the School of Natural Therapies and I’ve been delighted by the service and care I’ve received. The teaching is thorough, the practical work is taken to a standard well beyond what is required in the exam. I’ve found Trevor’s teaching style very engaging – he’s able to bring aliveness into otherwise dry theory like Anatomy and Physiology. Joseph has been an inspirational guide, teacher and mentor. His knowledge and deep passion for the profession shine through every session and were instrumental in giving me inspiration to transition out of a corporate desk job to being a soft tissue therapist.

Patsy Jawo

I did the ITEC Level 3 & BTEC Level 5 courses. The tutors were all absolutely brilliant as was all course contents. Even when I had not finished the course and doing case studies clients often asked where I was studying and it was my pleasure to say SNT. It was re-iterated to us throughout the course that the idea was to make us great therapists and not just students who made it through or passed an exam, what great focus. The standards were always high and all the tutors supported us in all the right ways including trusting that their teaching and our ability as students to learn would make us great therapists. In particular Joseph and Trevor I cannot thank you enough and I will always be grateful that I made the right choice in choosing to learn massage therapy at SNT. So I now just need Joseph & all at SNT to make sure they run all the CPD courses I wish to attend going forwards and we’re sorted. SNT rocks and I am beyond grateful to be an alumni. I am inspired to be the best therapist I can be and I have SNT to thank for that. I had a such fabulous experience at SNT that I am actually going to miss the tutors!

I would like to thank the School of Natural Therapies for the excellent BTEC L5 program in Sport and Remedial Massage. The program covers ALL essential theoretical knowledge required by professional massage therapist for successful practice. The academic and support staff is very friendly and helpful and ready to clear any potential doubts that students may have. The lecture is scheduled over the weekend which allows for combining work and study. Furthermore the first certificate ITEC L3 will be achieved in first 4 month allowing you to start work and practice. I highly recommend The School of Natural Therapies to anyone who would like to study massage therapy as reliable and respectful institution which will meet you expectations.

Tilly Seargeant

Had a great experience at SNT where I completed my Level 3 ITEC and Level 5 Soft tissue therapy qualifications. Felt supported throughout, incredibly knowledgeable tutors who wanted me to progress with my skills and understanding, rather than just pass an exam. I went away with a huge amount of new skills, knowledge and confidence in my abilities. Thank you!

Giorgos Marcoulis

I enroled with School for natural therapies for the ITEC level 3 & BTEC level 5 Sports massage course and i am so glad i did!! The tutors are amazing, professional but also friendly, approachable and helpful with a huge amount of knowledge and great experience (as they are massage therapist themselves) setting the level of the education provided in a very high level! Totally recommended to anyone that really wants to learn how to be a professional and knowledgeable sports massage therapist!

Dane Ashlin

What an amazing experience it was completing my level 3 sports massage and then rolling onto level 5. All teachers were very helpful and I have gained knowledge that will stick with me throughout my career as a therapist. Look no further then School of Natural Therapies. Joseph and Trevor thank you guys and all the best.

Andy Banks

I have used The School of Natural Therapies for my Level 3 and Level 5 Sports Massage qualifications and my Pregnancy and Post Natal Massage qualification. I found that the information is provided by the tutors to be comprehensive and easy to digest. Handouts were provided and easy to use and follow. I studied during the pandemic, so the adjustments were made for zoom classes for the information, and then well catered in-class days for the practical work. I think that this was managed excellently and I really enjoyed studying here. Joseph and Trevor were my main tutors and obviously have a wealth of knowledge and experience which made it easy to learn from. They were approachable and were happy to explain things multiple times to ensure that the whole class understood. The exams were well prepared for, so it was not a daunting task but just another day at the office. I found that my time studying was fun and I was always excited when the lessons were to come around. For sure I will study there again as the environment was perfect for me to learn.

Cristiano Monopoli

I have taken quite a few courses with SNT, from Holistic Massage and CPD to my last one in Level 3 Sports Massage and I can definitely say it was worth it. As a massage therapist I have found the lessons learned here very helpful in my working environment. The teachers are great. They are very knowledgeable and professional and are able to in still and pass on their passion to the students in their classes, that's why I decided to continue my learning journey by enroling in a Level 5 Sports Massage.

Davide Pintus

I did the bridge program Diploma level 3 and BTEC level 5. I had the most incredible tutors : Trevor and Joseph which they been amazing it was perfect professional guide to learn and improve my skills and knowledge. I felt very comfortable all the time during the year and it was a really pleasant Deep learning. I will get back to this school again for more courses and CPD. Highly recommended. Davide Pintus

9 August 2025

FAQs

If you have any questions about this course, please do not hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Clinical Sports & Remedial Massage (Including ITEC Level 3 Diploma)

Qualification Number (QN): 603/4501/9

Advance your expertise with the BTEC Level 5 Diploma, focusing on sports injuries and remedial care. This 10 month course is perfect for professionals.

ITEC/BTEC Level 3 – 5 Diploma in Clinical Sports & Remedial Massage – Spa Conversion Course

Accredited Qualification

ISRM Membership

Two-Step Programme

Flexible delivery to suit spas

ITEC/BTEC Level 3 – 5 Diploma in Clinical Sports & Remedial Massage – Spa Conversion Course