Orthopaedic Sports Massage / Neuromuscular Therapy
National Diploma in Orthopaedic Sports Massage & Remedial Therapy (including Neuromuscular Massage Therapy)

Location:

Kildare

Duration:

3 Months

Accreditation:

NSC, Focus Awards, Sports Therapy Ireland
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ABOUT THIS COURSE

The National Diploma in Orthopaedic Sports Massage & Remedial Therapy (including Neuromuscular Massage Therapy) has been designed to provide learners with the requisite knowledge, understanding and skills to work with both non-pathological (non-injured) and injured muscle tissue. This Level 6 advanced course of study builds developing further knowledge and understanding of the theories underpinning the practice of advanced sports massage and remedial therapy, including classification of sports injuries, conducting subjective and objective assessments and stages of healing. In addition, you will develop the understanding, skills and techniques to plan, prepare for and apply a range of sports massage methods to both athletic and non-athletic clients with musculoskeletal issues.

This qualification is accredited by Focus Awards UK and regulated by OFQUAL UK, comparable to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Ireland. On successful completion of this qualification, you will be equipped to work in an unsupervised capacity as an advanced sports massage and remedial therapist throughout the sport and active leisure industry.

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Course Information

Find all the information you need on this course. For questions, please contact us at info@nsc.ie .

See Course Dates & Options
Performing Subjective and Objective Assessment
  • Understand the Different Types of Assessments for Sports Massage Treatments.
  • Active, Passive and Resisted Testing, Patterns of Muscle Imbalance.
  • Understand the Influences and Effects of Client Information on Treatment Planning.
  • Understand the Purpose of Tests involved in an Objective Assessment.
  • Foot and Ankle Injuries, Lower Leg Injuries, Knee Joint and Knee Ligament Injuries.
  • Shoulder, Arm, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Injuries.
  • Back Pain, Spinal Injuries, Neck and Shoulder Injuries.
  • Acute Vs Chronic Injuries, Repetitive Strain Injuries and Overuse Injuries.
  • Differentiating between Muscle, Tendon, Ligament and Joint Injuries.
  • Be able to Perform Subjective and Objective Assessments and Devise Treatment Plans.
Understand and Provide Sports Massage Techniques
  • Provide Sports Massage Techniques to Prevent and Manage Injury.
  • Understand the Anatomy and Physiology of the Major Joints of the Body.
  • Understand the Effects of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology on Human Function.
  • Be able to Apply Soft Tissue Techniques in Sports Massage Treatments.
  • Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Techniques used in Sports Massage Therapy.
  • Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
  • Soft Tissue Release (STR)
  • Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
  • Neuromuscular Technique (NMT)
  • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
  • Positional Release - Strain/Counter Strain
  • Corrective Frictions
Understand Treatment to Support Injury Rehabilitation
  • Understand Treatments to Support Injury Rehabilitation.
  • Strengthening Exercises and Stretching for Injury Rehabilitation.
  • Understand the use of Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy during Injury Rehabilitation.
Additional Course Subject Matter
  • Thermotherapy & 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

This course has approx. 180 practical contact hours, 100 online study hours, 100 recorded practice hours and 50 course assignment hours. Contact Days are 10am to 4pm).

Some theory, research and assignments are completed outside of practical training days via recorded online lectures and video tutorials. All practical training days occur at our college location in Kildare.

Weekend Course Dates (Bi-Weekly Weekends)

Day 1: January 9th Day 6: February 7th
Day 2: January 10th Day 7: February 20th
Day 3: January 23rd Day 8: February 21st
Day 4: January 24th Day 9: March 6th
Day 5: February 6th Day 10: March 7th

If you are a Post-Leaving Cert or Third Level College we can offer bespoke programmes for your students throughout the year.  Please contact NSC Administration - info@nsc.ie / 085 800 1221.

Course Fee Option 1: Early Bird Tuition Fee = €1,995 (€200 discount).

Deposit = €195 (refundable up until December 1st, 2026). 

Final Tuition Payment of €1,800 paid before January 1st 2027.

International Learner Registration and Assessment Fee of €100 is due on week 4 of the course.

Course Fee Option 2: Standard Tuition Fee = €2,195.

Deposit = €195 (refundable up until December 1st, 2026). 

4 Payments of €500 due January 1st to April 1st 2027

International Learner Registration and Assessment Fee of €100 is due on week 4 of the course.

Eligibility

The National Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is open to applicants who have a keen interest in working with athletes and the general public, performing sports massage treatments. This primary programme of education is suitable for individuals with or without any prior qualifications. The content is delivered to facilitate adult learners of mixed ability. Course learners must be computer literate and have access to a computer with broadband availability. Course notes, power-points, video tutorials, e-books and assignments are only available online. Completed assignments are also required to be uploaded online. This course is taught in English, all students must be fluent in spoken and written English.

  • Course tuition fee includes access to our online classroom, course notes, online teaching materials, e-books and the access to equipment and materials for practical sessions (massage beds, towels, oils, taping and strapping materials). 
  • Course tuition fees and external registration/examination fees must be paid in full prior to final assessments and grading of assignments.

Major Awards

  • National Diploma in Orthopaedic Sports Massage & Remedial Therapy (NSC/Sports Therapy Ireland)
  • UKL4/IRL6 Certificate in Massage Therapy for Sports (Focus Awards - RQF/OFQUAL Registered Awarding Body)

The Focus Awards qualification is comparable to Levels 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Ireland and has international recognition.  NSC/Focus Awards qualifications allow graduates to obtain professional indemnity insurance to practice in Ireland, the UK and across Europe.  The National Diploma in Orthopaedic Sports Massage & Remedial Therapy consists of 3 modules, taught part-time through blended learning and completed over a 3 month period.  This is a blended learning programme which involves online lectures, video tutorials and written assignments, coupled with practical in-person sessions.

Course Options

5 SPOTS LEFT
Kildare

WEEKEND COURSE - JANUARY 2027

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Why Study with us?

The National Sports College is one of Ireland’s leading providers of professional qualifications in fitness, coaching, and massage therapy. Known for our high-quality, practical training and industry-recognised certifications.

Experience

Established in 2000, NSC has over 25 years of experience delivering fitness courses, earning a reputation as industry leaders committed to excellence in education within the sports, fitness and massage therapy industry.

Accreditation

Our courses are internationally accredited by Focus Awards and recognised by OFQUAL. They are also aligned with the NFQ and EQF Frameworks. Additionally, our programs are proudly endorsed by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), Sports Therapy Ireland, and Coaching Ireland.

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Support

We are dedicated to providing ongoing support throughout your journy. Our tutors are always available to answer questions, clarify concepts, and offer guidance. We provide expert advice to help you succeed.

LEARN ABOUT OUR COLLEGE$
What our students say

Don’t just take our word! Hear what our students have to say about our courses!

I honestly didn’t think I’d ever go back to studying, but it was actually very manageable. George and Allison know their stuff inside out. Now I'm working part-time in a local gym and starting to build my own client base. The confidence it gave me was great.

Emma K.

Previous Gym Instructor Student

Took the Strength & Conditioning course after qualifying as a PT, and it was a serious step up. Covered way more detail than I expected, especially around periodisation and coaching. Was able to apply it straight away with the lads I train.

Collin Byrne

Previous Strength & Conditioning Student

I already had a sports science degree but needed a specific massage qualification to get insured and start seeing clients properly. The course was exactly what I needed. Honestly, it filled gaps I didn’t realise were missing from my degree. Delighted I did it.

James D.

Previous Sports Massage Student
Meet the Head Instructor
George Martin, BSc. PGDip. MSc. MTEd.

Founder, Academic Director & Lecturer

Call at 085 800 1221 or email info@nsc.ie.

George Martin oversees all academic qualifications offered through the National Sports College.  He also lectures in Anatomy & Physiology, Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning, Personal Training, Gym Instruction, Exercise to Music, Sports Massage and Business Management.  George has over 25 years experience in the sport/health fitness industry as an instructor, coach, tutor, therapist and manager.

Education:

  • BSc. (Hons) in Sport Science (QQI Level 8)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Training & Education (QQI Level 9)
  • MSc. in Strength & Conditioning (QQI Level 9)
  • Master of Arts in Training & Education (QQI Level 9)
  • International Certificate in Exercise & Health Studies
  • National Qualification in Sport & Remedial Massage Therapy
  • Certified Tutor Coach (Coaching Ireland)
  • Train the Trainer Certified (QQI Level 6)
  • Certificate in Management Processes (QQI Level 6)
  • Certificate in Information Technology & Computer Studies
  • Registered Sport & Active Leisure Assessor

Frequently Asked Fitness Course Questions

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Is this qualification accredited?

Yes. This course is accredited by Focus Awards (who are regulated by OFQUAL). This course is also endorsed by CIMSPA and Coaching Ireland. Lastly, it is recognised by QQI (Quality Qualifications Ireland) and comparable to Level on the National Framework of Qualifications (Ireland).

Is this qualification accepted internationally?

Yes. Due to it’s high accreditation, this qualification can be used internationally.

Can I pay by instalments?

Yes. We offer multiple payment options.

Can I get a grant for course fees?

Yes. Some participants on our courses can avail of government grants when applying for our courses. We can assist in this process.

How will I be assessed?

Students are assessed with practical work along with a written exam.

What do I have to do outside class times?

Work outside class consists of studying and completing course assignments.

What is the success rate?

The vast majority of our students pass all examinations first time with few needing to repeat the exam.

What age group participates in this course?

The age range of members on our courses ranges from 18 to 55 years old. Anyone can do it!

Will I need to get insurance?

We strongly recommend all students hold a professional indemnity insurance policy. This covers them against legal action taken by a client as a result of an injury which was caused by following the student’s professional advice.