Level 4 Sports Massage

Description

Prerequisite- Level 3 Sports Massage Diploma.

Duration: 8 Weeks, 1 day per week.

Time: 10.30am - 3.30pm 

Home study / practice required 

The VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is focused towards those seeking to gain employment as a sports massage therapist providing sports massage to prevent and manage injury.

Through this qualification you will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to apply sports massage methods competently to recent non-acute injury and pre-exisiting conditions.

This will include a range of massage techniques additional to those acquired at Level 3, which include:

connective tissue,

soft tissue release,

corrective frictions,

trigger points

and muscle energy techniques.

You will develop your subjective and objective assessment skills to include clinical reasoning and the use of a wide range of special and functional muscle test. You will be able to give advice on treatment modalities used to support soft tissue repair at each stage of injury. In addition you will explore a wide range of pathophysiology and acquire a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology through the practical application of the newly acquired objective tests.

Units which are covered,

Conducting subjective and objective assessment

The aim of this unit is to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to analyse information gathered from subjective and objective client assessments. You will also develop detailed knowledge of the bony and soft structures of the major joints of the body, factors that may predispose clients to injury, factors that may influence clients ability to recover from injury, postural deviations, ageing and the pathophysiology of common muscle and tendon injuries.

You will be taught a variety of objective testing methods to include:

range of movement (active, passive and resisted), postural analysis and a range of functional and special tests. This will include interpretation of the findings and ability to evaluate each method critically. Ultimately, from the information gathered, you will be able to devise appropriate treatment plans supported with rationale for choices.

Provide sports massage techniques to prevent and manage Injury

The aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to apply, adapt and evaluate sports massage methods for maintenance and corrective purposes. You will be able to work on recent non-acute injuries and pre-existing conditions (with the guidance of healthcare professionals). You will build on massage skills learnt at level 3 and will be introduced to a range of advanced soft tissue techniques.

You will develop understanding of the protocols to use for each soft tissue technique and be able to evaluate the effects critically. In addition you will be able to give appropriate aftercare advice.

Treatment modalities to support soft tissue repair

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and understanding to support soft tissue repair during the acute, sub-acute and chronic stages of injury. This will include the selection of the most appropriate treatment modality and the protocols to use. In addition you will explore the physiological and neurological effects/benefits of ice and heat during the various stages of soft tissue repair, methods available, possible contra-indications, adverse reactions and actions to take in this event.