Level 4 diploma in sports massage therapy

The VTCT Level Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is focused towards those seeking to gain employment as a sports massage therapist providing sports massage to prevent and manage injury.

Through this qualification you will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to apply sports massage methods competently to recent non-acute injury and pre-existing conditions. This will include a range of massage techniques additional to those acquired at Level 3, which include: connective tissue, soft tissue release, corrective frictions, trigger points and muscle energy techniques. You will develop your subjective and objective assessment skills to include clinical reasoning and the use of a wide range of special and functional muscle test. You will be able to give advice on treatment modalities used to support soft tissue repair at each stage of injury. In addition, you will explore a wide range of pathophysiology and acquire a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology through the practical application of the newly acquired objective tests.

Content:

·       Conducting subjective and objective assessment

The aim of this unit is to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to analyse information gathered from subjective and objective client assessments. You

will also develop detailed knowledge of the bony and soft structures of the major joints of the body, factors that may predispose clients to injury, factors that may influence

clients ability to recover from injury, postural deviations, ageing and the pathophysiology of common muscle and tendon injuries. You will be taught a variety of objective testing methods, to include: range of movement (active, passive and resisted), postural analysis and a range of functional and special tests. This will include interpretation of the findings and ability to evaluate each method critically. Ultimately, from the information gathered, you will be able to devise appropriate treatment plans supported with rationale for choices.

·       Provide sports massage techniques to prevent and manage injury.

The aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to apply, adapt and evaluate sports massage methods for maintenance and

corrective purposes. You will be able to work on recent non-acute injuries and pre-existing conditions (with the guidance of healthcare professionals). You will build on

massage skills learnt at level 3 and will be introduced to a range of advanced soft tissue techniques. You will develop understanding of the protocols to use for each soft tissue

technique and be able to evaluate the effects critically. In addition you will be able to give appropriate aftercare advice.

·       Treatment modalities to support soft tissue repair.

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and understanding to support soft tissue repair during the acute, sub-acute and chronic stages of injury. This will include the selection of the most appropriate treatment modality and the protocols to use. In addition, you will explore the physiological and neurological effects/benefits of ice

and heat during the various stages of soft tissue repair, methods available, possible contra-indications, adverse reactions and actions to take in this event.

Prerequisites: You must have completed the Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy or equivalent to undertake this qualification. This includes bridging courses from complementary therapy massage/Swedish massage courses.