Location:
Kildare
Duration:
Accreditation:
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Level 5 Sports Massage Therapy and Level 6 Orthopaedic Sports Massage & Remedial Therapy (including Neuromuscular Massage Therapy)
MASSAGE DUAL BUNDLE
If you wish to participate in both of our sports massage programmes, an additional discount is applied to your course fees once both courses are applied for at the same time.
€3,495 is our dual course early bird option which must be paid in full prior to the course start date. You are saving €95 by paying for both courses together via early bird when compared to paying each course separately via early bird.
Course Information
Find all the information you need on this course. For questions, please contact us at info@nsc.ie .
See Course Dates & Options
Anatomy & Physiology for Sports Massage
- Understand the Structure and Functions of the Skin and Nervous System.
- Understand the Structure and Functions of the Skeletal System and Joints.
- Understand the Structure and Functions of the Muscular System.
- Understand the Structure and Functions of the Endocrine and Lymphatic systems.
- Understand the Structure and Functions of the Cardio-Respiratory System.
- Understand the Structure and Functions of the Digestive and Urinary Systems.
- Understand the Effects of Sports Massage on the Body Systems
Principles of Health & Fitness
- Understand the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Understand the effects of exercise on the body.
- Know the components of fitness and principles of training.
- Understand the importance of healthy eating.
Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction and Injury
- Understand Soft Tissue Dysfunction.
- Signs and Symptoms of Inflammation - Degree of Swelling, Tissue Temperature.
- Understand the Process of Repair of Soft Tissue.
- Cautions, Contraindications and Endangerment Sites while Applying Sports Massage.
Professional Practice in Sports Massage
- Understand Legislation and Scope of Practice regarding Sports Massage Practice.
- Understand the Standards relevant to the Sports Massage Profession.
- Understand the Principles of Professional Practice in Sports Massage.
- Palpation and Physical Assessment.
- Care of the Therapist (Posture, Safe Techniques and Body Mechanics).
- Understand how to Produce, Maintain and Store Client Records.
- Taking a Case History, Monitoring Treatment Outcomes, Home Care.
Providing Different Sports Massage Treatments
- Understand Massage and Different Treatment Therapies.
- Pre-Event Massage, Post-Event Massage, Preventative/Conditioning Massage.
- Sequence of Strokes (Full Body, Pre/Post Event).
- Understand the Environment and Resources required for Sports Massage Treatments.
- Understand how to Assess and Screen Clients for Sports Massage Treatments.
- Be able to Carry Out Client Assessments and Devise Treatment Plans.
- Stretching and Restoring Muscle Balance.
- Understand and be able to Evaluate Sports Massage Treatments
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
Major Awards
- National Diploma in Sports Massage (NSC/Sports Therapy Ireland)
- UKL3/IRL5 Diploma in Massage Therapy for Sports (Focus Awards - RQF/OFQUAL Registered Awarding Body)
- 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 Level 5 (Sports Massage) and Level 6 (Orthopaedic Sports Massage) 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.
Email info@nsc.ie for our 2025 Course Prospectus.
Course Options
Kildare
WEEKEND COURSE - SEPTEMBER 2026
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.