Course Details

• Overview

  Holistic College Dublin offers the most comprehensive, cutting edge sports massage program in Ireland. This course teaches a multidisciplinary, pain free, approach to deep tissue body work and the treatment of sports injuries. We are very proud to be the first college in Ireland to offer a combined Sports and Orthopaedic Massage training program. Our course exceeds the requirements of our awarding body, I.T.E.C. and introduces the concepts, special tests and techniques used in Orthopaedic Massage practice.

  This exciting qualification will progress the massage therapist’s understanding from general relaxation massage to being able to pinpoint and release restrictions in a variety of soft tissues. Active, Passive and Resisted tests will evaluate the nature, severity, area of injury and the type of tissue involved. Advanced techniques are then used to release myofascial restrictions and Neuro-Muscular trigger points, treat any disorganised collagen, restore normal resting tone and joint mobilization to re-establish joint mobility.

  The iTEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage, delivered by HCD, is regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual are the UK Office reporting directly to the UK Parliament for qualifications and regulation. Each iTEC/VTCT qualification bears a QAN number, which provides assurance of validity and authenticity and that it is on the RQF – Regulated Qualifications Framework. The UK regulatory framework articulates with the EQF – European Qualifications Framework for recognition of qualifications by international employers, governments and professional associations.

  Always check that your chosen course leads to a recognised qualification from a regulated awarding body, aligned to a national framework and/or European Qualifications framework

  *The iTEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage, delivered by HCD is regulated by Ofqual with a learning credit value of 19.

• Content

  The advanced techniques used in Sports Massage include:

  • Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
  • Soft Tissue Release (STR)
  • Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT)
  • Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
  • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
  • Positional release and strain/counter strain
  • Myofascial Massage
  • An introduction to Orthopaedic Massage techniques

  Training will focus on precise testing, treatment and rehabilitation exercises for:

  • Legs – Shin Splints, Plantar Fasciitis, Compartment Syndrome and Calcaneal Bursitis
  • Thigh – I.T. Band Syndrome (Runner’s Knee), Chondromalacia Patella, Adductor and Hamstring Strains
  • Back – Chronic back ache (Lumbago)
  • Shoulder – Rotator Cuff Injuries and Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)
  • Neck – Torticollis & Whiplash
  • Forearm – Medial Epicondylitis, Lateral Epicondylitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  Unique to this course:

  • Cutting edge treatment of Sprains and Strains, and differentiating between Tendonitis, Tendonosis and simple tendon pain.
  • Concise information on Active, Passive and Resisted testing. What these tests tell the therapist about the clients injury and what constitutes a positive test for each sports injury.
  • Recognising common patterns of muscle imbalance
  • Effective rehabilitation – strengthening exercises using resistance bands on weak muscles and stretching of overused tense muscles using the Mattes Method of Active Isolated
  • Stretching
  • HCD superior quality presentation
  • Full Colour Photographic Presentations
  • Video Presentations
  • 3D Graphics

  

  This treatment has proven to be very successful in the rehabilitation of both recent and long standing, chronic injuries. It is also of great benefit to non-sports people, increasingly referred to as ‘occupational athletes’ who develop restricted range of motion and pain from repetitive movements, poor posture and sedentary lifestyles.

  Training also includes the use of Sports Massage in pre and post event situations, injury prevention, corrective and conditioning treatments.

  Examinations and Certification

   

  

  Certificate awarded by iTEC

  Examination

  iUSP 151 – Conducting Subjective and Objective Assessment

  • Treatment evidence
  • 5 treatment evidence forms covering analysis of posture, range of movement, muscle testing, functional testing and Orthopaedic testing

  iUSP 193 – Treatment Modalities to Support Soft Tissue Repair

  • Assignment – Research and Critically Evaluate a Variety of Modalities to Support Soft Tissue Repair

  iUSP 157 – Sports Massage Techniques to Prevent and Manage Injury

  a) Treatment evidence – Evidence of 5 treatments
  b) Practical exam: 1 hour

  Holistic College Dublin results in level 4 Sports Massage exams

  The diploma issued by ITEC lists the student’s overall grade in terms of a pass, credit or distinction. An average of the theory and practical marks is combined to obtain the final grade.

  A pass grade is between 60% – 74%, A merit is between 75% – 89% and a distinction is between 90% – 100%.

  Percentage of our students achieving each grade to date in 2025

  • Fail: 0%
  • Pass: 0%
  • Merit: 50%
  • Distinction: 50%

• Fees

  Course Fee: €2300

  Exam Fee: €150

  Payment Plan:

  • Deposit of €600 – to secure your place on the course *Pay Deposit Now
  • 1st Instalment of €465 – due on the first day of the course
  • 2nd Instalment of €465 – due in Oct
  • 3rd Instalment of €465 – due in Nov
  • 4th Instalment of €455 – due in January 2027

   

• Syllabus

  • Definition and detailed descriptions of techniques used in Sports Massage
  • Preparation and equipment for Sports Massage
  • Techniques for
    • Preventative / conditioning massage
    • Treatment of injuries / corrective massage
  • Understanding the appropriate type of massage movement to use in relation to the client’s condition
    • Effleurage, Petrissage, Percussion, Frictions and Vibrations
    • Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
    • Myofascial Massage
    • Soft Tissue Release (STR)
    • Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT)
    • Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
    • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
  • Postural assessment
    • Body alignment, which muscles are indicated when misalignment is present
    • Muscle balance
    • Gait assessment
    • Range of motion
  • Palpation and physical assessment
    • Active, Passive and Resisted testing
    • Degree of swelling
    • Variation in tissue temperatures
    • Muscle tone and bulk
    • Palpation of taught bands and Neuro-Muscular Trigger points
    • Adhesions
    • Previous injuries to the area
    • Signs and symptoms of inflammation
  • Rehabilitation exercises
    • Effects and benefits of stretching
    • Advantages of Active Isolated Stretching
    • Restoring muscle balance
    • Use of resistance bands for strengthen training
  • Thermotherapy and 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

• Requirements

  Pre-requisite: Diploma in Holistic Massage or Sports Massage or equivalent

  Each Student Requires

  • 2 Pillows
  • 2 Pillow Cases
  • 2 Towels
  • Shorts
  • A uniform is required for the practical examination:
    • Black polo shirt
    • Black tracksuit bottoms
    • Black footwear

  Recomended Books & Apps

  • The Concise Book of Muscles – By Chris Jarmey
  • Apps – 3d4medical essential anatomy 5 or  3d4medical complete anatomy

• Support

  Our detailed, in-person practical class sessions are supported with a full course manual, student handbook and access to our comprehensive online Learning Platform. This provides students with over 60 videos lectures, multiple choice quizzes and practical instructional videos that can be accessed 24/7 to achieve mastery. You can see a sample of one of these videos here.