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Sports Massage Course

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. Our training program far exceeds the requirements of our awarding body, I.T.E.C., both in content and contact hours.

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 re-establish joint mobility.

The advanced techniques used in Sports Massage include:

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
Soft Tissue Release (STR)
Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT)
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Myofascial Massage
An introduction to Orthopedic Massage techniques

Training will focus on precise testing, treatment and rehabilitation exercises for:

Legs – Shin Splints, Plantar Fasciitis, Compartment Syndrome and Calcaneal Bursitis
Thigh – I.T. Band Syndrome (Runner’s Knee), Chondromalacia Patella, Adductor and Hamstring Strains
Back – Chronic back ache (Lumbago)
Shoulder – Rotator Cuff Injuries and Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)
Neck – Torticollis & Whiplash
Forearm – Medial Epicondylitis, Lateral Epicondylitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Unique to this course:

James Waslaski’s approach to the treatment of Sprains and Strains, and differentiating between Tendonitis, Tendonosis and simple tendon pain.
Concise information on Active, Passive and Resisted testing. What these tests tell the therapist about the clients injury and what constitutes a positive test for each condition.
Recognising 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

This treatment has proven to be very successful in the rehabilitation of both recent and long standing, chronic injuries. 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.

Training also includes the use of Sports Massage in pre and post event situations, injury prevention, corrective and conditioning treatments.

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)
Postural assessment
- Body alignment, which muscles are indicated when misalignment is present
- Muscle balance
- Gait assessment
- Range of motion
Palpation and physical assessment
- 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
Rehabilitation exercises
- Effects and benefits of stretching
- Advantages of Active Isolated Stretching
- Restoring muscle balance
- Use of resistance bands for strengthen training
Thermotherapy and Cryotherapy
- Effects and benefits
- Methods of application
- Contraindications
- Contrast bathing
Skeletal System
- Structure and function of joints
- Bony landmarks
- Range of motion
Muscular System
- 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
Common Sports injuries
Care of the Client:
- Record Keeping
- Taking a case history
- Monitoring treatment outcomes
- Home care
Care of the Therapist:
- Postural awareness and appropriate use if body mechanics
- Joint alignment
- Self treatment and stretching
- Diet and nutrition
Contra indication to Sports Massage
- Conditions that restrict treatment either locally or totally
- Conditions requiring medical permission

Examinations and Certification

Diploma awarded by ITEC

Pre-requisite

Diploma in Holistic Massage or equivalent

Cost of Course

Course Fee: €1650
Exam Fee: €110

Examination

a) Practical examination
b) Theory examination: 1 hour
50 multiple choice questions
c) Continuous Assessment
Case Studies, 5 clients treated 3 times each (A total of 15 treatments)