Course Content

• iUSP 160 Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage
• iUSP 174 Principles of Health and Fitness
• iUSP 150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
• iUSP 181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
• iUSP 178 Sports Massage Treatments

The advanced techniques used in Sports Massage include:

• Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
• Soft Tissue Release (STR)
• Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
• Myofascial Massage

Training will focus on treatment and exercises for the major muscles of the:

• Legs
• Thigh
• Back
• Shoulder
• Forearm

Unique to this course:

• A ‘pain free’ approach to deep tissue sports massage
• Recognizing common 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 treatment of general muscle imbalance. 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.

Examinations and Certification

Diploma awarded by ITEC

Pre-requisite: None

Examination:

iUSP 160 Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage
30 minutes, 25 Multiple Choice Questions
iUSP 174 Principles of Health and Fitness
Assignment: explain the principles and components of an active, healthy lifestyle
iUSP 150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
Assignment: explain the significance of maintaining a professional practice in Sports Massage
iUSP 181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
Assignment: Explain the principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
iUSP 178 Sports Massage Treatments
Treatment evidence – 9 Treatments to include:
Consultation including medical history, treatment details, including pre-event, post-event & maintenance, after/home-care advice, candidates and client signature and treatment date.

Practical exam: 1 hour

Course Fees

Course Fee: €1,335 + Exam Fee: €115

Total cost: €1450

Standard Payment Plan:

• Deposit of €350 – to secure your place on the course
• 1st Instalment of €550 – due on the first day of the course
• 2nd Instalment of €550 – due in May

Pay in Full Discount: Pay the balance (after deposit) in full on or before the first day of your course to avail of a €100 discount.

Course Syllabus

Anatomy and Physiology:

• The Cell and tissue types
• Integumentary system, the skin and nails
• Directional terminology
• Planes of dissection
• Joint mobility and range of movement
• Skeletal system – location, structure and function including bony prominences for muscle attachments
• Muscular system – muscle properties, muscle function, muscle tone, muscle fatigue
• Study of muscles (myology) – Including origin, insertion and action of the muscles that move the body
• Cardiovascular system – systemic and pulmonary circulation
• Lymphatic system – structure and functions of the lymphatic system
• Digestive system – location, structure and function of organs and glands of the gastro-intestinal tract
• Nervous system – structure and function of nerves, C.N.S and peripheral nervous system
• Endocrine and Reproductive Systems – location , structure and function of the endrocrine glands and reproductive cycle
• Respiratory system – internal and external respiration
• Urinary system – components i.e. kidney, ureter and bladder
• Pathologies associated with each system

Sports Massage:

• Pre-event massage (10 minute full body treatment)
• Between event massage
• Post-event massage
• Preventative / conditioning massage
• Basic corrective massage
• Sequence of strokes (Full body pre, post and conditioning massage)
• Cautions, Contra-indications and Endangerment sites to consider when applying massage techniques.
• Nutrition – understanding the effects of exercise and stress on the client’s nutritional status
• Signs and symptoms of inflammation:
  • Degree of swelling
  • Variation in tissue temperatures
  • Muscle tone and bulk
  • Adhesions
• Record Keeping
  • Taking a case history
  • Monitoring treatment outcomes
  • Home care
• Effects and benefits of stretching
  • Advantages of Active Isolated Stretching
  • Restoring muscle balance
• Effects and benefits of Sports Massage
  • Methods of application
  • Contraindications
  • Palpation and physical assessment
  • Care of the therapist – posture, safe application of techniques, body mechanics
  • Care of the Client – Home care and rehabilitation exercises
  • Contra indications to Sports Massage

Course Requirements

Each Student Requires

• 2 Pillows
• 2 Pillow Cases
• 2 Towels
• Shorts
• A uniform is required for the practical examination:
  • Black polo shirt
  • Black tracksuit bottoms
  • Black footwear

Recommended Books

• An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology (new edition) By Louise Tucker
• The Concise Book of Muscles – By Chris Jarmey

Course Support

Our detailed, in-person practical class sessions are supported with a full course manual, student handbook and access to our comprehensive online Learning Platform. This provides students with over 40 videos lectures, multiple choice quizzes and practical instructional videos that can be accessed 24/7 to achieve mastery. You can see a sample of one of these videos here.