iUSP 160 Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage
iUSP 174 Principles of Health and Fitness
iUSP 150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
iUSP 181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
iUSP 178 Sports Massage Treatments
Holistic College Dublin offers the most comprehensive, cutting edge sports massage programs in Ireland. This foundation course requires no prior training. The course teaches Pre-event and Post-event sports massage, and a conditioning Myofascial, pain free, approach to deep tissue body work. Our training program exceeds the requirements of our awarding body, I.T.E.C. and introduces some of the concepts and techniques now placed at level 4.
This course will develop the massage therapist’s understanding from general relaxation massage to being able to pinpoint and release restrictions in a variety of soft tissues. Advanced techniques are then used to release myofascial restrictions, restore normal resting tone and re-establish joint mobility.
This course is fully supported by our unique custom-built online learning platform with lectures, pop quizes and document downloads available for review 24/7.
South Dublin: Saturday 18th March 2023
Venue: Clogher road Sports Center, Clogher road, Dublin 12
North Dublin: Thursday 16th March 2023
Venue: 14 Main Street, Swords, County Dublin
Course Fee: €1,335 + Exam Fee: €115
Total cost: €1450
Standard Payment Plan:
- Deposit of €350
- 1st Instalment of €550
- 2nd Instalment of €550
|
- to secure your place on the course Pay Deposit Now
- due on the first day of the course
- due in May |
Pay in Full Discount: Pay the balance (after deposit) in full on or before the first day of your course to avail of a €100 discount.
The advanced techniques used in Sports Massage include:
- Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
- Soft Tissue Release (STR)
- Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
- Myofascial Massage
Training will focus on treatment and exercises for the major muscles of the:
- Legs
- Thigh
- Back
- Shoulder
- Forearm
Unique to this course:
- A 'pain free' approach to deep tissue sports massage
- Recognizing 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
- HCD superior quality presentation
- Full Colour Photographic Presentations
- Video Presentations
- 3D Graphics

This treatment has proven to be very successful in the treatment of general muscle imbalance. 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.
Course Syllabus:
Anatomy and Physiology:
- The Cell and tissue types
- Integumentary system, the skin and nails
- Directional terminology
- Planes of dissection
- Joint mobility and range of movement
- Skeletal system - location, structure and function including bony prominences for muscle attachments
- Muscular system - muscle properties, muscle function, muscle tone, muscle fatigue
- Study of muscles (myology) - Including origin, insertion and action of the muscles that move the body
- Cardiovascular system - systemic and pulmonary circulation
- Lymphatic system - structure and functions of the lymphatic system
- Digestive system - location, structure and function of organs and glands of the gastro-intestinal tract
- Nervous system - structure and function of nerves, C.N.S and peripheral nervous system
- Endocrine and Reproductive Systems - location , structure and function of the endrocrine glands and reproductive cycle
- Respiratory system - internal and external respiration
- Urinary system - components i.e. kidney, ureter and bladder
- Pathologies associated with each system
Sports Massage:
- Pre-event massage (10 minute full body treatment)
- Between event massage
- Post-event massage
- Preventative / conditioning massage
- Basic corrective massage
- Sequence of strokes (Full body pre, post and conditioning massage)
- Cautions, Contra-indications and Endangerment sites to consider when applying massage techniques.
- Nutrition – understanding the effects of exercise and stress on the client’s nutritional status
- Signs and symptoms of inflammation:
- Degree of swelling
- Variation in tissue temperatures
- Muscle tone and bulk
- Adhesions
- Record Keeping
- Taking a case history
- Monitoring treatment outcomes
- Home care
- Effects and benefits of stretching
- Advantages of Active Isolated Stretching
- Restoring muscle balance
- Effects and benefits of Sports Massage
- Methods of application
- Contraindications
- Palpation and physical assessment
- Care of the therapist – posture, safe application of techniques, body mechanics
- Care of the Client - Home care and rehabilitation exercises
- Contra indications to Sports Massage
Examinations and Certification

Pre-requisite
None
Cost of Course
Course Fee: €1335
Exam Fee: €115
Examination:
iUSP 160 Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage
30 minutes, 25 Multiple Choice Questions
iUSP 174 Principles of Health and Fitness
Assignment: explain the principles and components of an active, healthy lifestyle
iUSP 150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
Assignment: explain the significance of maintaining a professional practice in Sports Massage
iUSP 181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
Assignment: Explain the principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
iUSP 178 Sports Massage Treatments
Treatment evidence - 9 Treatments to include:
Consultation including medical history, treatment details, including pre-event, post-event & maintenance, after/home-care advice, candidates and client signature and treatment date.
Practical exam: 1 hour
Each Student Requires
- 2 Pillows
- 2 Pillow Cases
- 2 Towels
- Shorts
- A uniform is required for the practical examination:
- Black polo shirt
- Black tracksuit bottoms
- Black footwear
Recommended Books
- An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology (new edition) By Louise Tucker
- The Concise Book of Muscles – By Chris Jarmey
Times & Dates for North Dublin
Starting Date: Thursday 16th March 2023 - Completion Date: Thursday 27th July 2023
Times: Thursday evenings 7pm - 10pm
Times & Dates for South Dublin
Starting Date: Saturday 18th March - Completion Date: Saturday 22nd July 2023
Times: Approximately two Saturdays per month, from 10am-5pm