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If you're considering becoming a sports massage therapist then this page will provide you will all the necessary information you need, including what the role entails, which qualifications you'll need and what you can actually do with those qualifications. Sports massage therapists, or 'SMT's' as they're sometimes called, are in demand due to their ability to help relieve aches, pains or muscular tension. Sports massage is a form of soft tissue therapy that involves the manipulation of the body (skin, fascia, muscles, tendons and ligaments) in order to improve recovery, reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of injury, and restore normal tissue function. Dysfunction of soft tissue can be caused by everyday life, sport and recreational-related activity. Combining a sports massage course with other fitness qualifications enables you to expand your knowledge and skills in the recovery, treatment and rehabilitation process whilst increasing your earning potential. The Role of a Sports Massage Therapist (SMT) The role of an SMT is varied so will largely depend on where you are working, your qualifications, client base, and what specialist skills you possess. Generally speaking, you will be working with clients to either help them alleviate symptoms such as aches, pain, inflammation, and tension, or as part of a maintenance approach to preventing these from occurring in the first place. You'll treat people of all ages and backgrounds using a variety of techniques. These may not always involve much massage, however, an ability to be flexible and adaptive to the individual needs and goals of clients is a must. Although sports massage is most often associated with rehabilitation, it also focuses just as equally on injury prevention and performance strategies. In this context, sports massage is used to maintain optimum tissue function and this approach is often referred to as 'prehab' or 'prehabilitation' - improving range of motion, efficiency, and function before injury. In addition to treating the physical effects of soft tissue dysfunction, it is also highly likely you'll find yourself dealing with a client emotional state too. Pain or injury can affect a persons mood. Clients you work with may already be suffering from low self-esteem, confidence issues, anxiety or depression, therefore, being able to provide a person-centred level of care and support is essential. Sports massage therapists use a variety of techniques, including pressure and friction so the body can start the natural healing process. Sports Massage Training and Qualifications SMT's can complete their qualification with a training provider like TheraGym, or in an academic setting like a university. The academic route is completed in the context of a degree and over 3-4 years. These qualifications will normally place greater emphasis on advanced anatomy, various treatment modalities, rehabilitation, biomechanics, physiology, pathology, and research methods. Degree-level therapy-related qualifications are typically aimed at those wanting to work in a clinical setting and elite sports, and as such, will have a much larger scope and title (e.g. physiotherapy, sports therapy). Outside of a physiotherapy or sports therapy degree, the three most widely recognised sports massage qualifications are: Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy Level 3 Diploma in Performance Massage Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy The Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, recently superseded by the Level 3 Diploma in Performance Massage, is the entry-level qualification to qualify as a sports massage therapist. This level 3 programme covers a range of mandatory units relating to sports massage/soft tissue therapy including: anatomy and physiology, lifestyle management and health awareness, professional practice, principles of soft tissue dysfunction, assessing clients and treatment planning, applying sports massage, and providing post-treatment care/advice. The Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy is a progression from the Level 3 qualification, and as such, is a requirement on entry that students already hold the Level 3 Diploma. The Level 4 programme covers a broader and deeper level of advanced content including: advanced sports massage therapy techniques, common injuries and treatment modalities, clinical assessment techniques, biomechanical and postural dysfunction and special tests for musculoskeletal injury. It is important to note that after completing these qualifications, students are only qualified to work with those that have already had their injury or condition diagnosed by a physiotherapist. It is considered beyond the scope and professional practice of an SMT to attempt or to diagnose any injury or condition themselves. Sports Massage Opportunities Long gone are the days where sports massage was a treatment reserved for athletes and the physically active. The appeal for sports massage reaches far beyond the exercise, fitness or sporting sectors. Those with sedentary roles or occupations involving repetitive movements (e.g. office workers, delivery drivers etc) can hugely benefit from sports massage. Some of the common places where therapists are able to secure work (on a self-employed or employed basis) include: Gyms & Health clubs Sports clubs Physiotherapy clinics Sporting events Client's home Pay and Expected Earnings SMT's can typically expect to earn between £18,000-£26,000 per annum depending on the number of hours they work, client-base, level of qualification, and location. It is important to note that is usually takes a little time to build your client-base to earn this salary range whilst you're establishing your business and clients. Most SMT's start with an initial appointment of 45-60 minutes, and future appointments lasting between 30-45 minutes and will charge £25-£50 per session, however, this is subject to the factors outlined above and personal preference. For more information, or to speak to us about enrolling onto one of our courses, contact us on 0121 517 1730 or email info@theragym.co.uk .

Sports massage is one of the most prominent and widely used forms of hands-on manual therapy. Typically, it involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues to: reduce pain and inflammation relieve tension correct dysfunction promote recovery improve performance release endorphins restore normal tissue function Despite its name, sports massage isn’t solely reserved for those participating in physical activity or sport. Yes, they can benefit from it, but so can anyone with aches, pains, tension, or recurring injuries. This means that if you’re looking to become a sports massage therapist, your potential client base is already there and it’s substantial, at the very least. So where do you start if you’re looking to kickstart a career or generate a second income with sports massage? That’s easy… with our CIMSPA approved and internationally recognised sports massage courses. Whether your intention is to get involved with mass-participation events like Tough Mudder, endurance events like marathons, or treating gym enthusiasts, office workers or those with manual occupations, you need the right qualification to get you started. Your start point is the Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy. This course will teach you all the fundamental knowledge and skills you need to assess, treat, advise your clients whilst evaluating the effectiveness of your treatment and interventions. From here there’s the opportunity to advance your knowledge with the Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy. Once your qualified, a variety of sports massage opportunities open up, including operating your own clinic. With this comes the ability to work independently or as part of a wider multidisciplinary team and with a variety of clients from a range of ages and backgrounds. To help you find your feet once you’ve completed your sports massage therapy qualification, we are proud to offer coaching and mentoring for newly qualified therapists to help them get the results and opportunities they deserve. Sports massage therapy also provides a fantastic opportunity for those who already have fitness qualifications by adding additional strings to your professional bow, thus increasing services to clients and overall earning potential. For more information or to speak to us about enrolling onto one of our courses, contact us on 0121 517 1730 or email info@theragym.co.uk .

With time being a valuable currency for modern busy people, our dynamic approach to gaining new or up-skilling existing qualifications benefits our students by reducing both the cost and hassle of enrolling onto our health and fitness courses. We have helped thousands of learners fit their studies around their lifestyle, whether you prefer a structured approach to learning, or a more flexible option. Our Study Options Online As an online student you will complete all of your course via our learning platform. If your course has a practical assessment, you can either complete this as a video recording and submit this for marking or attend one of our in-person assessments. This study method enables you to complete the course fully online, at any time, from anywhere, at your own pace with full access to tutor support if you need it. Online learning can also be a very cost-effective way to achieve your qualifications. Blended Learning Blended learning enables you to study independently in your own time, at your own pace, from anywhere, while setting your own goals to progress. Total flexibility and you’ll have full access to tutor support if you need it. This delivery method is ideal if you prefer a combination of online and in-person interaction, but still want the convenience and flexibility that online learning provides. With blended learning you get the best of both worlds, it can also be a very cost-effective way to achieve your qualifications. You can start learning straight away and attend our workshops at the most convenient TheraGym venue for you. If you have chosen this option you will have the benefit of online and face-to-face learning. You complete the theory work online and attend as many workshops as you like. Depending on the course you enrol on, it may involve 3 structured workshops with each focusing on a specific practical element of the course. It is recommended that you attend the workshops in sequential order. Once you have completed all the workshops you are eligible attempt your practical assessment. Fast Track Get qualified quickly without compromising on quality. This study method is the ultimate one-to-one learning experience that provides students with a highly personalised and focused approach combining online and face-to-face learning that is tailored to you from enrolment to qualification. Your personal mentor will coach and support you throughout each stage of your course. Once you've enrolled, you'll be assigned a personal mentor and are able to communicate with them directly and receive unlimited phone, email and pre-arranged video support. Depending on your course, you will receive up to 3 one-to-one contact days to use as you choose. The contents and arrangements for contact days are agreed between you and your personal mentor and can be online or in person. Contact days can be completed at one of our dedicated centres or your preferred location. For courses that entail a practical assessment, this can be completed within the contact days. For more information or to speak to us about our study options or enrolling onto one of our courses, contact us on 0121 517 1730 or email info@theragym.co.uk.

E-learning is a convenient, flexible, and self-paced approach to learning which utilises advances in education and training to ensure you get the most out of your course. Most e-learning courses are delivered through a web platform and often includes: Training manuals Digital course resources and materials Narrated lecture slides Podcasts Videos In a world that moves at frightening speeds, the conventional approach to learning (books, worksheets and lengthy assignments) no longer agrees with a lot of student’s lifestyle or commitments. Society has changed significantly over the past decade and has become addicted to ‘On Demand’ information, advice, and support – so why should learning be any different. E-learning provides exactly this and includes the following benefits: Learn when and where you want Work at your own pace Learn around your current commitments Reduced course and travel associated costs Instant feedback on progress Repeat or work when required with little-to-no time and cost implications Access support via text, phone, email or via Zoom Visually engaging illustrations and media to maximise your understanding With e-learning fast becoming the ‘go to’ method of education and training, a high-quality course delivered this way should provide you with information via a range of mediums and not rely on one technique. People process information differently and as such, it is good practice to impart information and content to students using a variety of methods that accommodate all three learning styles. It is most likely you are a blend of all three learning styles and if you are currently looking for a qualification in health and fitness, you should ensure that the training provider you choose can cater for your learning needs before you enrol. For more information or to speak to us about enrolling onto one of our courses, contact us on 0121 517 1730 or email info@theragym.co.uk.

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