Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
Course Overview
The Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to plan, deliver, and evaluate safe and effective sports massage treatments. The course covers essential areas including anatomy and physiology, principles of health and fitness, professional practice, soft tissue dysfunction, and the fundamentals of massage treatments. Learners will also gain practical expertise in client assessment, screening, and the application of a range of sports massage techniques for pre-, post- and inter-event, as well as maintenance and restorative purposes. The scope of practice at this level focuses on addressing soft tissue dysfunction but excludes acute injuries or pre-existing medical conditions.
A key feature of this qualification is its emphasis on practical experience. Through SCB Training Academy, learners have the opportunity to practise their skills in real-world environments, working with both the general public and professional athletes. Placement opportunities include shadowing experienced practitioners at the academy's private clinic and gaining valuable hands-on experience within the medical and sports science departments at Barnsley Football Club. On successful completion, learners can progress to further specialist training such as the Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage, or diversify into complementary therapies and personal training.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for anyone looking to begin a career in sports massage therapy or to expand their existing knowledge within the health, fitness, and wellbeing industry. It is suitable for complete beginners as there are no entry requirements, as well as fitness professionals, coaches, or therapists who wish to add sports massage to their skillset.
It is also well-suited to individuals with a keen interest in anatomy, physiology, and sports performance, who are motivated to work with both the general public and athletes. Whether you are aiming to set up your own practice, support sports teams, or progress to higher-level qualifications, this course provides the foundations needed to deliver safe, effective, and professional sports massage treatments.
Course Content
The Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy provides a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare learners for safe and effective practice. The qualification is made up of the following mandatory units:
- Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage: understanding the structure and function of the body, including the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, lymphatic and nervous systems.
- Principles of Health and Fitness: exploring the relationship between physical activity, health and wellbeing.
- Professional Practice in Sports Massage: developing the skills and behaviours required to work effectively and ethically as a therapist.
- Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction: learning about common causes of soft tissue injury and dysfunction.
- Sports Massage Treatments: building practical competence in assessing clients, formulating treatment strategies, and applying a range of massage techniques.
Assessment Type
Learners will be assessed through a combination of theory and practical elements to ensure both knowledge and skills are developed. Assessment methods include multiple-choice theory papers, written workbooks and worksheets, as well as three observed treatment sessions where learners will demonstrate their ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate sports massage treatments in a real-world setting.
Career Progression
This qualification provides progression on to further specialist training in sports massage and routes into fitness instructing. Learners are also able to progress on to the following courses:
- Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage
- Cupping Therapy
- Hot Stone Massage
- IASTM (Graston)
- Personal Training
Course Price: £1500
Course Dates & Times
There are currently no dates available for this course.
Please contact SCB Training on 07713 285 564 for more information on upcoming courses or to discuss your training requirements.
