Course Content

This course will progress the Sports massage therapist’s understanding from the treatment of generic sports injuries to being able to pinpoint underlying cause, effectively treat and design rehabilitation programs, to address the most complex Myoskeletal and neurological dysfunctions. Active, Passive, Resisted and Neurological tests will evaluate the nature, severity, area of injury and the type of tissue involved. Advanced techniques are then used to release myofascial restrictions and Neuro-Muscular trigger points, treat any disorganised collagen, restore normal resting tone and re-establish joint function and centration. In Myoskeletal Alignment, soft tissue manoeuvres have been developed to release osseous fixations, relieve protective spasm and improve nerve gliding through all the body’s synovial joints.

The advanced techniques used in Sports Massage include:

• Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
• Soft Tissue Release (STR)
• Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT)
• Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
• Positional release and strain/counter strain
• Myofascial Massage
• Orthopedic Massage Joint capsule release techniques
• Myoskeletal Joint Mobilising Techniques

Training will focus on precise testing, treatment and rehabilitation exercises for:

• Sprains – Anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, posterior talofibular ligament, medial/lateral collateral ligament, Syndesmosis injury (high ankle injury), anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, Acromioclavicular and Sternoclavicular.
• Strains – Peroneal tendon, Gastrocnemius/Soleus strain, Achilles tendinitis, Adductor, Quadriceps and Hamstring, Rotator cuff tears, Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis.
• Neurological injuries/soft tissue dysfunction – Nerve entrapment• Morton’s neuroma • Common peroneal nerve injury, Sciatica, nerve root v nerve trunk compression and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Fractures and Joint dysfunctions – Stress fractures, Medial tibial stress syndrome, Patello-femoral pain syndrome (chondromalacia patellae) and Patella dislocation, Glenoid labrum tear, Metacarpal fractures, Mallet finger, and Facet syndrome, Glenoid labrum tear, Subacromial bursitis and Impingement syndrome.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries and Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen shoulder) Shoulder impingement syndrome, AC joint separation
• Soft tissue dysfunctions – Plantar fasciitis, Compartment syndrome, Bursitis, Ilio-tibial band syndrome, Piriformis syndrome, Trochanteric bursitis, De Quervain’s, Dupuytren’s contracture and Torticollis
• Postural dysfunctions – Pes planus, Pes cavus, Hallux valgus, Hammer toe, Hallux rigidus, Tibial rotation, Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Lordosis and Ankylosing spondylitis

Unique to this course:

• James Waslaski’s approach to the treatment of Sprains and Strains, and differentiating between Tendonitis, Tendonosis and simple tendon pain.
• Erik Daltons approach to Myoskeletal alignment and joint function.
• Concise information on Active, Passive and Resisted testing. What these tests tell the therapist about the clients injury and what constitutes a positive test for each sports injury.
• Neurological testing newly developed nerve mobilisation techniques.
• Recognizing specific patterns of muscle imbalance.
• Effective rehabilitation – strengthening exercises using resistance bands on weak muscles and stretching of overused tense muscles using the Mattes Method of Active Isolated Stretching.
• HCD superior quality presentation
  • Full Colour Photographic Presentations.
  • Video Presentations.
  • 3D Graphics.

This treatment has proven to be very successful in the rehabilitation of both recent and long standing, chronic injuries. It is also of great benefit to non-sports people, increasingly referred to as ‘occupational athletes’ who develop restricted range of motion and pain from repetitive movements, poor posture and sedentary lifestyles.

Training also includes a revision of the use of Sports Massage in pre and post event situations.

Examinations and Certification

Prerequisite: Level 4 Sports Massage or equivalent

Examination: Diploma awarded by iTEC

iUSP158 Conduct Complex Assessment for Sports Massage

• Treatment evidence: 5 treatment evidence forms covering sports specific postures and gaits and biomechanical assessments
• Assignment: Research and critically evaluate complex assessment techniques

iUSP161 – Provide Complex Massage Techniques for Sports Massage

• Practical exam: 1 hour
• Treatment evidence: 5 treatment evidence forms covering Complex Sports Massage Techniques and treatment strategies.
• Assignment: Critically appraise research undertaken on the use of Sports Massage & draw conclusions on support for the use of Sports Massage

Course Fees

Course Fee: € 2,155
Exam Fee: €145

Total cost: € 2,300

• Deposit of €600 – to secure your place on the course *Pay Deposit Now
• 1st Instalment of €570 – due on the first day of the course
• 2nd Instalment of €570 – due in Jan ’25
• 3rd Instalment of €560 – due in Mar ’25

Course Syllabus

Definition and detailed descriptions of techniques used in Sports Massage

Techniques for

• Preventative / conditioning massage
• Treatment of complex injuries
• Corrective massage

Understanding the appropriate type of massage movement to use in relation to the client’s condition

• Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
• Myofascial Massage
• Soft Tissue Release (STR)
• Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT)
• Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
• Orthopedic Massage
• Myoskeletal techniques

Clinical reasoning and assessment

• Body alignment, which muscles are indicated when misalignment is present
• Muscle balance
• Gait assessment
• Range of motion
• Assessment of end feel
• Functional Movement Screening

Palpation and physical assessment

• Active, Passive and Resisted testing
• Degree of swelling
• Variation in tissue temperatures
• Muscle tone and bulk
• Palpation of taught bands and Neuro-Muscular Trigger points
• Adhesions
• Previous injuries to the area
• Signs and symptoms of inflammation

Rehabilitation exercises

• Effects and benefits of stretching
• Advantages of Active Isolated Stretching
• Restoring muscle balance
• Use of resistance bands for strengthen training

Thermotherapy and Cryotherapy

• Effects and benefits
• Methods of application
• Contraindications
• Contrast bathing

Revision of the Skeletal System

• Structure and function of joints
• Bony landmarks
• Range of motion

Revision of the Muscular System

• Origin, insertion and action of the superficial and deep muscles of the body
• Muscle fibre types
• Sliding filament theory

Sports injuries

Care of the Client:

• Record Keeping
• Taking a case history
• Monitoring treatment outcomes
• Home care

Care of the Therapist:

• Postural awareness and appropriate use if body mechanics
• Joint alignment
• Self treatment and stretching
• Diet and nutrition

Contra indication to Sports Massage

• Conditions that restrict treatment either locally or totally
• Conditions requiring medical permission

Course Requirements

Each Student Requires

• 1 Pillow
• 1 Pillow Case
• 1 Towels
• Shorts
• A uniform is required for the practical examination:
  • Black polo shirt
  • Black tracksuit bottoms
  • Black footwear

Recommended Books & Apps

• Myoskeletal & Sports Therapy – By Aubrey Gowing
• Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques – By Erik Dalton
• Apps – 3d4medical essential anatomy 5 or  3d4medical complete anatomy

Course Support

Study is supported with a fully printed course manual and through an online Learning Portal with documents and dozens of demonstration videos, a sample of which you can see here.