Sports & Orthopaedic Massage Course Level 4

Course details

Holistic College Dublin offers the most comprehensive, cutting edge sports massage program in Ireland. This course teaches a multidisciplinary, pain free, approach to deep tissue body work and the treatment of sports injuries. We are very proud to be the first college in Ireland to offer a combined Sports and Orthopaedic Massage training program. Our course exceeds the requirements of our awarding body, I.T.E.C. and introduces the concepts, special tests and techniques used in Orthopaedic Massage practice.

This exciting new qualification will include 50 hours of in situ practice on a variety of sports people at training sessions and at national and international competitions.

This course will progress the massage therapist’s understanding from general relaxation massage to being able to pinpoint and release restrictions in a variety of soft tissues. Active, Passive and Resisted 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 joint mobilization to re-establish joint mobility.

Course Syllabus:

• Definition and detailed descriptions of techniques used in Sports Massage
• Preparation and equipment for Sports Massage
• Techniques for
  • Pre-event massage (10 minute full body treatment)
  • Between event massage
  • Post-event massage
  • Preventative / conditioning massage
  • Treatment of injuries / corrective massage
• Understanding the appropriate type of massage movement to use in relation to the client’s condition
• Effleurage, Petrissage, Percussion, Frictions and Vibrations
• Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
• Myofascial Massage
• Soft Tissue Release (STR)
• Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT)
• Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
• Body alignment, which muscles are indicated when misalignment is present
• Muscle balance
• Gait assessment
• Range of motion
• 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
• Effects and benefits of stretching
• Advantages of Active Isolated Stretching
• Restoring muscle balance
• Use of resistance bands for strengthen training
• Effects and benefits
• Methods of application
• Contraindications
• Contrast bathing
• Structure and function of joints
• Bony landmarks
• Range of motion
• Origin, insertion and action of the superficial and deep muscles of the body
• Muscle fibre types
• Sliding filament theory
• Energy systems – Aerobic, Anaerobic and Creatine phosphate system
• Postural assessment
• Record Keeping
• Taking a case history
• Monitoring treatment outcomes
• Home care
• Postural awareness and appropriate use if body mechanics
• Joint alignment
• Self treatment and stretching
• Diet and nutrition
• Conditions that restrict treatment either locally or totally
• Conditions requiring medical permission
• Palpation and physical assessment
• Rehabilitation exercises
• Thermotherapy and Cryotherapy
• Skeletal System
• Muscular System
• Common Sports injuries
• Care of the Client:
• Care of the Therapist:
• Contra indication to Sports Massage