A sports massage is a manual systematic manipulation of the soft tissue of the body to decrease injury potential as well as enhance training. Sports massage works because it works deeply on realigning muscle fibres so ensuring better functioning as well as increasing nutrients and oxygen to the muscle. The benefits are increased range of motion, decreased lactic acid build up, lower injury potential, increased circulation and boosted cellular metabolism, to name but a few.
There are main differences in some technical aspects and aims of a normal massage versus sports therapy. A normal massage is more superficial as compared to the deep stimulation of a sports massage. The aim of a normal massage is to alleviate general stress to increase circulation and relaxation, working along the muscle surface to relax the body. Whereas a sports massage is more specific, working deeper on muscle fibres with a specific athletic enhancement goal.
To become a sports masseuse you should sign up for our online sports massage course.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage does not have a prescribed technique. It depends on the training that your client is doing as well as the nature of the injury or condition. It borrows from techniques that are used in other disciplines such as physiotherapy and osteopathy.
Techniques include the following:
- Soft tissue release: locking and stretching the tissues and the clients’ muscles
- Neuromuscular technique: concentrating on trigger points in the nervous system to get rid of pain and tension
- Positional release: utilised to relax hyperactive muscles
- Fascial release: deep, slow kneading used to release the connective tissues around the muscles
What are the Benefits of Doing the Sports Massage Course?
Perhaps one of the main benefits of doing our sports massage course and becoming a sports massage therapist is the amount of flexibility that you have. For the most part, when you’ve started up your own business, you will be able to determine your own hours.
This is similar to many personal training career options, where you can either work contracted hours or on a freelance basis.
With freelancing, you’ll have the freedom to schedule in your appointments whenever is most convenient for you, as the role lacks the commitment of a typical 9 to 5.
What does the Online Sports Massage Course Include?
The sports massage course covers the following material:
- Introduction to sports massage
- Anatomical and physiological functioning of body systems
- Massage techniques and movements
- Abnormal functioning in a body system within massage
- Therapeutic massage treatment
- Massage Techniques and Tools
- Considerations for professional practice
Opportunities That Can Be Explored with a Sports Massage Certification
While most sports massage therapists are self-employed, typical full-time employers include:
- Health and fitness clubs
- Private health clinics
- Sports injury clinics
- Sports and leisure centres
- Professional or amateur sports teams and clubs
- Hotels, resorts and spas
- Further and higher education
- Research
- Sports science support
How to Register for the Online Sports Massage Course?
If you want to register for the online sports massage course fill in the registration form to the right of this page.