Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy

About this course

This Active IQ qualification will provide you with the combination of skills and knowledge to be recognised as a qualified sports massage therapist. The qualification is suitable for those who wish to pursue or further a career in sports massage, providing sports massage therapy to a wide range of clients, including sports performers, athletes and individuals suffering from day-to-day issues such as repetitive strain injury, sprains, tension and fatigue.

The qualification is recognised by the Complementary & Natural Care Council (CNHC) and the General Council for Massage Therapies (GCMT).

The qualification has been designed for:

• individuals who wish to work and/or seek employment as a sports massage therapist

• individuals considering a career in active leisure

• individuals already working in the active leisure sector wishing to enhance their career progression opportunities.

Successful achievement of this qualification will give individuals a licence to practice as a sports massage therapist and enables successful learners to access the massage register regulated by the CHNC. Learners who achieve this qualification will have confirmed their competence in this occupational role. This accredited achievement is valued and recognised by employers and can assist learners to increase/enhance their career opportunities, progression and earning potential.

While there are no specific entry requirements, an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) is involved and learners should have basic skills in communication pitched at Level 3. Performing sports massage is a physical activity and learners will need to be fit enough to carry this out.

What you'll study

• Anatomy and physiology required to be able to apply sports massage

• How to carry out a range of assessments

• How to collect information relating to the client's current condition and status (including the identification of conditions that would be inappropriate for treatment by someone at this level of qualification)

• How to distinguish between acute injury and soft tissue dysfunction

• How to recognise when to defer treatment or when to refer to a more qualified massage or healthcare professional

• How to select appropriate massage techniques for a range of clients

• How to apply sports massage techniques safely and effectively, understanding the potential effects