Sports Injury and Soft Tissue Massage Therapy

Course details

The Sports Injury and Soft Tissue Massage Therapy course is intended for those who wish to train to work with sports massage and injuries. On completion of this course, learners will have acquired the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of sports massage and the treatment of injuries.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may practice as qualified therapists and may find employment in:

• Sports Injuries Clinics
• Health & Wellbeing Centres
• Hotels
• Leisure Centres
• Remedial Massage Clinics

Core Elements

Learners are prepared for the following qualifications:

• ITEC Certificate in Sports Massage (QQI Level 5)
• ITEC Certificate in Sports Massage (QQI Level 6)
• First Aid

The main aim of the ITEC qualifications in Sports Massage is to enable learners to provide treatments for sports injuries and help improve athletes’ performance through pre-and post-event massage.

Other aims include:

• to qualify learners as Sports Massage Therapists
• to provide opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in employment as an Sports Massage Therapist
• to provide opportunities for learners to focus on the development of key skills in a therapy context such as communicating with clients, working with others and problem solving
• to sustain the interest of learners wanting to work in the Sports and Active Leisure industry
• to encourage knowledge and understanding for the Sports and Active Leisure industry.

Certificate in Sports Massage (QQI Level 5)

This qualification is for those who want to work in leisure centres and with sports clubs and competitive athletes and teams. It covers all aspect of sports massage to enable the therapist to understand the effect and benefits of massage to assist in dealing with injury and training requirements.

Certificate in Sports Massage (QQI Level 6)

The purpose of this specialist qualification is to enrich learners’ understanding of advanced anatomical, physiological and pathological principles relevant to the application of Sports Massage. It will provide learners with advanced palpation skills and those needed to analyse posture and range of movement. It will also provide learners with a range of advanced skills and massage techniques to prevent and manage injury in Sport and Active Leisure. Learners will learn to critically evaluate massage strategies and methods to inform on future treatments. It also aims to provide a stepping stone for learners towards a degree qualification.

Course Content

• Advanced Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology related to Sports Massage
• Sports Massage Techniques
• Principles of Training and Rehabilitation
• Principles of Nutrition and Hydration
• Injury Prevention and Management
• Treatment of Injuries to include Pre and Post event treatment
• First Aid

Support Elements

• Dry-needling
• Kinseo Taping
• Study Skills
• Career Advice and CV Preparation

Assessment and Certification

• This course is certified by the International Therapy Examination Council – ITEC
• Examinations take place in April and May.
• Evidence of Treatments (case studies) is required for ITEC qualifications.
• ITEC apply a rigid set of standards governing attendance, learning and examinations.

Graduates may join professional associations and obtain the requisite insurance cover for

professional practice. They can also become overseas members of ITEC.