1: Anatomy & Physiology for Sports Massage
Cells, tissues, skin, and connective tissue fundamentals
Skeletal system: joints, joint actions, posture and movement patterns
Muscular system: muscle structure, function, and types of contraction
Circulatory and lymphatic systems: circulation, swelling, recovery support
Nervous system basics: pain perception, reflexes, muscle tone and relaxation
2: Principles of Health & Fitness (Sports Context)
Components of fitness: strength, endurance, flexibility, mobility, coordination
Warm-up and cool-down principles
Recovery, rest, and basic injury prevention concepts
Understanding training effects and overtraining
Lifestyle factors: hydration, sleep, stress management, and basic nutrition awareness
3: Professional Practice in Sports Massage
Client consultation, informed consent, screening, and contraindications
Treatment planning, record keeping, confidentiality, and professional ethics
Hygiene, infection prevention, health & safety procedures
Therapist self-care, posture, and injury prevention
Professional communication and client management in spa, fitness, and wellness settings
4: Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
Common causes of dysfunction: overuse, overload, poor posture, imbalance, repetitive strain
Soft tissue changes: tightness, adhesions, trigger points, DOMS
Recognition of red flags and referral boundaries
Adapting, postponing, or stopping treatment when required
5: Sports Massage Treatments
Treatment environment setup and professional presentation
Therapist posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics
Assessment basics: observation, palpation, and range of motion screening
Core sports massage techniques:
Effleurage
Petrissage
Frictions
Compression
Stretching and mobilising techniques
Full-body sports massage routines
Region-specific treatments: back, neck & shoulders, upper limbs, lower limbs
Pre-event and post-event massage principles
Aftercare advice, home-care recommendations, and follow-up planning
6: Advanced & Supportive Sports Massage Techniques
Stretching and mobility techniques (including PNF stretching)
Neuromuscular techniques (Trigger Point Therapy, Counterstrain)
Cupping Therapy for sports recovery and circulation support
Kinesiology Taping (Sports Taping): application principles and support techniques
Gua Sha / muscle scraping techniques for soft tissue release
7: Injury Prevention, Recovery & Performance Support
Injury prevention strategies for active clients
Recovery-focused treatment planning
Supporting performance and training goals through massage
Working within professional boundaries and referral guidelines
8: Case Studies & Practical Application
Supervised practical treatments
Case study development and documentation
Client progress evaluation and reflective practice
Integration of theory into real-world sports massage scenarios
ASSESSMENT
