Diploma in Sports Massage

Aims and Objectives

The main aim of the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage is to enable learners to gain the necessary practical and theoretical skills in order to provide sports massage therapy treatments to the general public and to gain employment in the sports industry.

The main skills the learner will perform are: Consultation methods – to include obtaining informed consent prior to assessments and application of the massage where necessary, carrying out accurate client assessments, obtaining information on the possible cautions and contra-indications to massage before commencing any treatments, adapting the massage routine to meet the specific needs of the client Applying sports massage treatments – to include preparing a safe and hygienic working environment, performing pre-event, inter/intra-event and post-event massage techniques, maintenance, selecting massage mediums, evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment and giving aftercare advice

Content

This qualification is for learners who want to work within the sports industry. The qualification consists of 5 mandatory units with a total of 225 hours of Guided Learning (GL) to achieve the full qualification.

The main skills the learner will perform are:

• Consultation methods–to include obtaining informed consent prior to assessments and application of the massage where necessary, carrying out accurate client assessments, obtaining information on the possible cautions and contra-indications to massage before commencing any treatments, adapting the massage routine to meet the specific needs of the client

• Applying sports massage treatments–to include preparing a safe and hygienic working environment, performing pre-event, inter/intra-event and post-event massage techniques, maintenance, selecting massage mediums, evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment and giving aftercare advice

  The learner will also develop knowledge about client care and communication, health, safety and hygiene, relevant legislation and professional standards which are essential to work and be successful in the industry.

  This qualification also provides:

• The related knowledge and understanding required to perform the sports massage therapy listed above effectively, in particular knowledge of anatomy and physiology for sports massage, understanding the principles of soft tissue dysfunction, professional practice in sports massage and the principles of health and fitness that may influence the treatment
• Opportunities for learners to focus on the development of their wider skills in a sports massage setting, such as communicating with clients, working with others and problem solving
• Opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills, techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in employment as a sports massage therapist

Opportunities for progression

Once learners have achieved the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage they may progress on to other VTCT (ITEC) or equivalent qualifications at level 3 and 4 for example:

• Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage
• Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Gym-based Exercise)
• Level 3 Diploma in Pilates Teaching
• Level 3 Diploma in Yoga Teaching

Opportunities for employment

There are opportunities for a sports massage therapist to find employment in a variety of areas:

• Gym
• Health club
• Spa
• Cruise ships
• Hotels or resorts
• Own sports massage clinic
• Sporting events

Qualification Structure

To be awarded the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage, learners must achieve all mandatory units.

The minimum GLH required to achieve this qualification is 370 The minimum TQT required to achieve this qualification is 225

Assessment

All treatment evidence, internal assessments, assignments and underpinning knowledge must be completed prior to the final practical examination.

The final external practical examination will be carried out by the external examiner at the end of the period of learning. The external examiner will also verify a sample of the treatment evidence, internal assessment and assignments.