ABOUT THIS COURSE
The National Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy has been designed to provide learners with the requisite knowledge, understanding and skills to work with non-pathological (non-injured) muscle tissue. This course of study will develop your knowledge and understanding of the theory underpinning the practice of sports massage therapy, including Anatomy & Physiology, Principles of Health & Fitness and Soft Tissue Dysfunction. 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.
The Level 6 advanced course of study builds on the NSC Level 5 Sports Massage qualification, 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. You will also learn additional muscular and bodywork techniques not offered on other programmes, such as Sports Taping and Strapping, Sports Kinesiology Taping and Sports Dry Cupping.
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.
- Understand the process of repair of soft tissue.
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.
- Understand how to produce, maintain and store client records
PROVIDING DIFFERENT SPORTS MASSAGE TREATMENTS
- Understand massage and different treatment therapies.
- 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.
- Understand and be able to evaluate sports massage treatments.
PERFORMING SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT
- Understand the different types of assessments for sports massage treatments.
- Understand the influences and effects of client information on treatment planning.
- Understand the purpose of tests involved in an objective assessment.
- 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.
- Soft tissue release, corrective frictions, trigger points and muscle energy techniques.
UNDERSTAND TREATMENT TO SUPPORT INJURY REHABILITATION
- Understand treatments to support injury rehabilitation.
- Understand the use of cryotherapy and thermotherapy during injury rehabilitation.
Taping & Dry Cupping CPD Awards
Sports Taping & Strapping Course
- Participants will acquire the knowledge regarding the various taping and strapping materials available and gain the practical ability to apply safe, effective taping and strapping to joints and muscles. Areas covered include:
- Pre, application and post application considerations
- Functional Ankle taping * Plantar Fascia taping * Achilles & Patellar Tendon off-load
- McConnell’s Taping for Patella-Femoral (Anterior Knee) pain
- Lateral Collateral and Medial Collateral taping for the knee
- Shoulder instability and A/C Joint Strapping
- Lateral Collateral and Medial Collateral taping for the elbow
- Wrist, Thumb and Finger Strapping
Sports Kinesiology Course
- Physiotherapists, sports therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and sports massage therapists have embraced the Kinesiology Taping Method as an effective aid in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Areas Covered Include:
- Functions and Effects of Kinesiology Taping
- Differences between traditional Athletic Taping and Kinesiology Taping
- Muscle Technique * Ligament (Tissue Lift) Technique
- Lymphatic Technique * Fascia Technique * Correctional Technique
Sports Dry Cupping
Cupping therapy is a form of therapy where suction cups are placed around various parts of the body. The main principle behind cupping is that the suction created encourages blood and lymph flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical ailments.
Areas covered include:
Various Types and Benefits of Sports Dry Cupping * Sports Dry Cupping Strokes
Reading the body’s response to cupping * Contra-indications
Improving recovery time for the athlete * Manual vs Mechanical Cupping
Course Start Date: September 1st 2024 – 2 Courses are Available
Theory/online modules are released on September 1st, 2024, followed by practical sessions starting October 12th, 2024. Practical contact days are:
Weekday Course Option:
Thursdays - 9:30am to 4:30pm. Dates: October 10 & 24, November 7 & 21, December 5, December 12th, January 16th & 30th, February 13th & 27th, March 13th & 27th.
Weekend Course Option:
Saturdays - 9:30am to 4:30pm. Dates: October 12 & 26, November 9 & 23, December 7, December 14th, January 11th & 25th, February 8th & 22nd, March 8th & 29th.
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.
Learners are required to complete 50 recorded practice hours including 10 recorded case studies as part of their self-directed learning. This clinical practice ensures that course learners meet strict accreditation requirements.
Limited Places Available
The National Diploma in Orthopaedic Sports Massage & Injury Management runs twice a year (June & December) from our college location in Kildare. Weekday and weekend course options are available. Our next course start date is December 1st, 2024. Student places are limited. Early registration is advisable.
Course tuition fee includes access to our online classroom, course notes, online teaching materials, e-books and the supply of equipment and materials for practical sessions (massage beds, towels, oils, taping and strapping materials).
International Learner Registration, Assessment and Certification Fee: €100.
Eligibility
The National Diploma in Orthopaedic Sports Massage & Injury Management is open to applicants who hold a UK Level 3 (OFQUAL) or Irish Level 5 (NFQ) Sports Massage qualification which must have been obtained within the previous 5 years. Level 3 RQF/OFQUAL sports massage qualifications issued through Focus Awards, City & Guilds, ITEC and VTCT are accepted. Please contact NSC if you have any questions regarding your current sports massage qualification. Course 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.
Major Awards
- National Diploma in Sports Massage (NSC)
- UKL3/IRL5 Diploma in Massage Therapy for Sports (Focus Awards - RQF/OFQUAL Registered Awarding Body)
- National Diploma in Orthopaedic Sports Massage & Injury Management (NSC)
- UKL4/IRL6 Certificate in Massage Therapy for Sports (Focus Awards - RQF/OFQUAL Registered Awarding Body)
Minor Awards
- CPD Award in Sports Taping & Strapping (NSC)
- CPD Award in Sports Kinesiology Taping (NSC)
- CPD Award in Sports Dry Cupping (NSC)
The Focus Awards qualification is comparable to Level 5 (Sports Massage) and Level 6 (Orthopaedic Sports Massage & Injury Management) 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 and Injury Management consists of 6 modules, taught part-time through blended learning and completed over a 4 month period (December 2024 to March 2025). This is a blended learning programme which involves online lectures, video tutorials and written assignments, coupled with practical in-person sessions.
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Meet Your Instructor
George Martin, BSc. PGDip. MSc. MTEd.
Founder, Academic Director & Lecturer
Call at 085 800 1221 or email [email protected].
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
See what our students say!
Recently finished a course at NSC and was super impressed by how thorough it was. George and Allison were amazing and there to answer questions and give practical advice that really helped me out. They really know their stuff and are always ready to help!
Sarah D.
I had a fantastic experience at NSC. The course was top-notch, but what really stood out was the support I received outside the classroom. George and Allison were always there to help with any questions I had about notes and exams. Their willingness to provide extra assistance made a huge difference, helping me understand the material better and feel more prepared for exams.
Eamonn O'C.
My time at the National Sports College was great. The course quality was excellent. What I appreciated most was the support from George and Allison outside of class. They were always available to answer questions about the notes and exams. Their dedication made the learning experience smooth and stress-free. For anyone looking for a course with exceptional support, I highly recommend NSC. They truly care about their students' success.
Collin Byrne
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a qualification to participate on this course?
No. This course does not require previous certification.
What will I be qualified to do when I complete the course?
On successful completion you will be able to treat and relive pain, injury and dysfunction in muscle and soft tissue.
Will I be able to work with sports teams?
Many graduates go on to work with a variety of sporting teams.
Is this qualification accredited?
Yes. This qualification is accredited by Ireland’s Nationally accredited body, Focus Awards.
Is this qualification accepted internationally?
Yes. This qualification can be used internationally.
Will I be able to get a job in a fitness centre or health club?
Yes. Gym Instructors commonly work in such places
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.
Where is this course available?
We currently offer this course in Dublin & Kildare.
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 exam 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.