Course Details

• Overview

  iTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Train with Ireland’s Leaders in Professional Bodywork

  Why Choose Holistic College Dublin? At Holistic College Dublin, we deliver one of Ireland’s most advanced Sports Massage training programs—open to complete beginners and designed to take you from zero experience to confident, client-ready therapist.

  What You’ll Learn

  • • Pre-Event & Post-Event Massage Techniques

  • A conditioning, pain-free approach to deep tissue work
  • Myofascial release to restore muscle function & eliminate adhesion (muscle knots)
  • Includes key concepts from Level 4 training, giving you an edge

  What You’ll Gain

  • A professionally recognised qualification
  • Practical skills you can use immediately in clinical, at sports events, or wellness settings
  • A clear path to career progression or further study

  A regulated qualification & Recognised Awarded by iTEC and regulated by Ofqual (UK), this diploma is:

  • On the RQF and aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
  • Recognised by employers, insurers & associations internationally
  • Our diploma is accredited by iTEC and regulated by Ofqual (UK), with a total learning credit value of 37.

  Flexible Learning That Fits Your Life

  • Evening & weekend classes in Dublin
  • Access to our custom-built online learning platform
  • 24/7 video lectures, quizzes & downloadable notes

  Start Your Massage Career With Confidence Whether you’re starting fresh or upskilling, this course gives you the tools, support, and recognition you need to succeed in a fulfilling, hands-on career.

  Locations: South & North Dublin
  Start Dates: September 2026

  The iTEC Level 3 Diploma 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

• Content

  Turn Your Passion for Helping Others into a Rewarding Career in Sports Massage
  If you’re looking for a career that’s both meaningful and practical—one where you can help people reach their goals, recover from sport, and perform at their best—Sports Massage Therapy could be your perfect path.

  Our iTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is the ideal starting point. Whether you’re changing careers or starting fresh, this comprehensive foundation course requires no prior experience and will equip you with highly effective, hands-on skills you can take anywhere.
  At HCD, we don’t just teach massage—we train professional, confident therapists. Our internationally recognised qualification is delivered to the highest standards, backed by real-world expertise and a commitment to professional excellence.

  • iUSP 160 Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage
  • iUSP 174 Principles of Health and Fitness
  • iUSP 150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
  • iUSP 181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
  • iUSP 178 Sports Massage Treatments

  The advanced techniques used in Sports Massage include:

  • Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
  • Cross Fiber Friction
  • Myofascial Massage
  • Soft Tissue Release (STR)

  Training will focus on treatment and exercises for the major muscles of the:

  • Legs
  • Thigh
  • Back
  • Shoulder
  • Forearm

  Unique to this course:

  • A ‘pain free’ approach to deep tissue sports massage
  • Recognizing 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 treatment of general muscle imbalance. 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.

  Examinations and Certification

  
  Diploma awarded by iTEC

  Pre-requisite: None

  Examination:

  iUSP 160 Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage
  55 minutes, 50 Multiple Choice Questions
  iUSP 174 Principles of Health and Fitness
  Assignment: explain the principles and components of an active, healthy lifestyle
  iUSP 150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
  Assignment: explain the significance of maintaining a professional practice in Sports Massage
  iUSP 181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
  Assignment: Explain the principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
  iUSP 178 Sports Massage Treatments
  Treatment evidence – 10 logged hours and 25 Case Studies, to include:
  Consultation including medical history, treatment details, including pre-event, post-event & maintenance, after/home-care advice, candidates and client signature and treatment date.

  Practical exam: 1 hour

• Fees

  Course Fee: €1,500 + Exam Fee: €150

  Total cost: €1650

  Standard Payment Plan:

  • Deposit of €400 – to secure your place on the course
  • 1st Instalment of €625 – due on the first day of the course
  • 2nd Instalment of €625 – due two months after the First day of the course

  Pay in Full Discount: Pay the balance (after deposit) in full on or before the first day of your course to avail of a €100 discount.

  *Add the Diploma in Holistic Massage for Dual Holistic & Sports Massage Qualifications

• Syllabus

  Anatomy and Physiology:

  • The Cell and tissue types
  • Integumentary system, the skin and nails
  • Directional terminology
  • Planes of dissection
  • Joint mobility and range of movement
  • Skeletal system – location, structure and function including bony prominences for muscle attachments
  • Muscular system – muscle properties, muscle function, muscle tone, muscle fatigue
  • Study of muscles (myology) – Including origin, insertion and action of the muscles that move the body
  • Cardiovascular system – systemic and pulmonary circulation
  • Lymphatic system – structure and functions of the lymphatic system
  • Digestive system – location, structure and function of organs and glands of the gastro-intestinal tract
  • Nervous system – structure and function of nerves, C.N.S and peripheral nervous system
  • Endocrine and Reproductive Systems – location , structure and function of the endrocrine glands and reproductive cycle
  • Respiratory system – internal and external respiration
  • Urinary system – components i.e. kidney, ureter and bladder
  • Pathologies associated with each system

  Sports Massage:

  • Pre-event massage (10 minute full body treatment)
  • Between event massage
  • Post-event massage
  • Preventative / conditioning massage
  • Basic corrective massage
  • Sequence of strokes (Full body pre, post and conditioning massage)
  • Cautions, Contra-indications and Endangerment sites to consider when applying massage techniques.
  • Nutrition – understanding the effects of exercise and stress on the client’s nutritional status
  • Signs and symptoms of inflammation:
    • Degree of swelling
    • Variation in tissue temperatures
    • Muscle tone and bulk
    • Adhesions
  • Record Keeping
    • Taking a case history
    • Monitoring treatment outcomes
    • Home care
  • Effects and benefits of stretching
    • Advantages of Active Isolated Stretching
    • Restoring muscle balance
  • Effects and benefits of Sports Massage
    • Methods of application
    • Contraindications
    • Palpation and physical assessment
    • Care of the therapist – posture, safe application of techniques, body mechanics
    • Care of the Client – Home care and rehabilitation exercises
    • Contra indications to Sports Massage

• Requirements

  Each Student Requires

  • 2 Pillows
  • 2 Pillow Cases
  • 2 Towels
  • A pair shorts
  • A uniform is required for the practical examination:
    • Black tunic
    • Black trousers
    • Black footwear
  • (For class, we recommend comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movements, e.g. Tracksuit or leggins & T-shirt or polo top

  Recommended Books

  • An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology (new edition) By Louise Tucker

• 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 40 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.