Soft Tissue Assessment & Advanced Techniques
for the Treatment of Injury

 

The Sports Therapy UK Level 4 Sports Massage Course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work with a wide range of people from recreational to the elite athlete using comprehensive assessment and advanced treatment techniques to treat and rehabilitate a wide range of conditions. The course is validated by Independent Professional Therapists International for Professional Indemnity insurance.
 

> Recognition and Awards

 
Upon successful completion of all elements of our Level 4 sports massage course, you will receive:
 

• A VTCT Level 4 Sports Massage Award

 
A VTCT award is a regulated qualification on Ofqual’s national framework (and equivalent to BTEC Level 5). We can guarantee the regulated status of our qualifications and the significant currency that these carry across Europe. We would encourage you to check the status of any course you wish to enrol on as some providers claim level 5 for courses that are just endorsed, not regulated. Our course covers a breadth of training that incorporates all of the VTCT criteria and thereby leads to the 2 awards listed above.

 

• Upon successfully completing the VTCT award you will be eiligble to apply for membership to The Sports Therapy Association.
• The course is also endorsed by the Register for Exercise Professionals (REPS).

 

 

> Flexible Award Programme

 
We are the only private training organisation in the UK offering separate level 3, 4 and 5 sports massage courses. Our unique Flexible Award Programme allows you to progress with your training at your own pace, embarking on each level when it suits you and whilst developing your professional practice, plus the opportunity to progress still further with our Higher Diploma in Sports Therapy Award.

 

If you study with Sports Therapy UK through each course there are options to advance to the next level whilst still completing the one you are on if you wish to and you will also be eligible for our early-booking discount between Levels 3 and 4, plus our Loyalty Discount on all Level 5/CPD modular courses. - see below under course fees.

 

> Entry Requirements

 
You must have completed a Level 3 VTCT (or equivalent - see below) qualification in soft tissue massage, be physically able to do the work, have good communication skills and be at least 18 years old. Ideally you will have strong skills and experience in functional anatomy, palpation, joint movements and muscle actions before enrolling on this course. You must also be regularly treating clients.
 
If you are enrolled on our level 3 sports massage course, you must have successfully completed all parts of the practical training before being eligible to commence level 4.

Please note that we adopt the same criteria for Level 3 qualifications as The Sports Therapy Association and therefore we do not accept qualifications issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, Distance Learning Academy, Open Study College, BSY Group, NCFE or ABC awards and Active Health Awards. The STA do not recognise Level 6 Diplomas or Master Diplomas that do not appear on a qualifications framework for any membership category. Membership levels for the Sports Therapy Association are based on the industry agreed National Occupational Standards (NOS)

> Course Dates & Location

 

HERTFORDSHIRE - BeActive Clinic, Hertford

  

see Course Calendar for all Modular dates

   

> Course Fees, Interim Payments and Other Costs

 
To secure your place on the course the course fees may be paid as set out below. You must hold a recognised current level 3 sports massage qualification to enrol at Level 4.

Due to our reduced costs for delivering the practical training on weekdays instead of weekends we are able to offer a reduction in course fees for this option. This will automtically be adjusted when you select your course dates. Exam fees are included, although possible retakes will be charged at the time of sitting.

 

 

Interest Free interim payment scheme available below:

 

3 Modules (first two each of 4 weekdays, plus a final module of 3 days including an assessment day)

1.  In Full - £1475

2.  By deposit of £355 plus payment of £1120 before the start of the course

3.  By deposit of £355, plus four monthly interim payments of £280.

All prices quoted include V.A.T. at the current rate

5 Weekends

1.  In Full - £1595

2.  By deposit of £355 plus payment of £1240 before the start of the course

3.  By deposit of £355, plus four monthly interim payments of £310.

All prices quoted include V.A.T. at the current rate

 

As part of our Flexible Award Programme you will also be eligible for an early booking discount of £105 if you enrol on Level 4 within two months of the final day of your Level 3 practical training and providing the Level 4 practical training starts within 6 months. lf you are eligible for the a fee reduction please select Sports Massage Diploma Course - Level 4 Flexible Award Programme, when booking online.

Please note that your deposit is non-refundable. If you start your practical training and then withdraw from the course you will still be liable for the full course fee. 

 

Finally, Once you have completed your Level 4 training you will be eligible for our Loyalty Discount of 25% off all Level 5/CPD modular courses.

 

 

> Course Syllabus

 

• The science and practise of manual therapy
• Advanced functional anatomy & physiology
• Assessment of posture, joints, muscle imbalances and other conditions
• Soft tissue trauma, assessment and how massage may help
• Principles of injury management and rehabilitation from Injury
• Active, assisted and advanced stretching techniques
• Assessment of soft tissues and application of advanced techniques
• Working practise and developing your business
• Psychology and sports injuries
• Legal and ethical aspects of professional practice

 

Here is a table showing the VTCT Units, titles and credit values which combine to form the VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy.

 

VTCT Code	Ofqual unit reference	Unit title	Credit Value	GLH	Level
USP46	D/506/7501	Conducting subjective and objective assessment	7	50	4
USP47	H/506/7502	Provide sports massage techniques to prevent and mange injury	3	58	4
USP48	K/506/7503	Treatment modalities to support soft tissue repair	3	20	4

 

> Course Benefits

 

• Home study - including learning resources and study guide
• Practical training comprises 10 days - over either 5 weekends, or 3 modules (see above) with expert tutors and practitioners
• Video demonstrations of skills for added support
• Academic support by phone, email, and post
• Canvas online management learner system, plus phone app, and group contact
• Online library of Learning Resources
• Work log and field experience - including attending a choice of sporting competitions organised by Sports Therapy UK
• VTCT Lifetime Membership
• VTCT Level 4 Sports Massage Award
• Eligible to join The Sports Therapy Association
• Option to progress from Level 3 - see Flexible Award Programme

Course instructions and core text books will be provided so that you may plan and implement a system of study at a pace to suit you. A portfolio of evidence must be kept to show all your achievements.

 

 

 

> Practical Training

 
Number attending each course: up to 12 students

The course comprises 75 contact hours over 5 weekends or 3 weekday modules comprising two lasting 4 days each, plus a final module of 3 days including an assessment day and may be continued immediately after your level 3 sports massage course – click here for upcoming course dates. The practical training is conducted in a relaxed atmosphere from 9.00am to 5.00pm each day and covers the following topics:
 

• Manual therapy dimensions and loads of moding
• Assessment of posture, pelvic alignment, the spine and further musculoskeletal imbalances
• Trauma, healing and the assessment of soft tissues
• Neurological stretch reflexes and the effects of manual therapy
• The science and application of PNF (Post Isometric Relaxation)
• Soft tissue adaptation and the effects of immobilisation
• Principles of injury management and rehabilitation from injury
• Connective tissue massage and myofascial release
• Soft Tissue Release
• Fluid dynamics: active muscle pump and lymph drainage
• Working practise and developing your business: legal and ethical aspects of professional practice

 
Your skills will be reviewed throughout your practical training to help you towards the final assessment and an oral exam. A personal course handbook will show details of this and all practical assignments as they are completed. You will be required to practice your sports massage skills and to record your findings on treatments carried out.

For Level 3 Certificate course dates that is a pre-requisite for starting our Level 4 Diploma (see Flexible Award Programme below), please go to Certificate Course. To see all Course Dates please click on calendar icon on right.

 

> Assignments & Examinations

 
Practical
 
You will be required to take a practical assessment and an oral exam lasting approximately 60 minutes in total. These will take place on the last day of practical training and are usually held at our training venue BeActive Clinic in Hertford.
 
Learner Evidence Record
 
You will also be required to complete a Learner Evidence Record (LER) comprising various written tasks to demonstrate your Level 4 knowledge and understanding. Full instruction will be provided on how to complete these assignments. 

 

Course Completion
 
All course assignments must be completed within 8 months of the final day of your practical training. This will allow you to structure your home study and practise alongside other commitments you may have, to successfully achieve your award. 

 
NEXT EXAMS
 

Please go to Exams on our Course Dates webpage for dates and application dates.

 

 

 

> Loyalty & Other Discounts

 
Once enrolled as a student of our level 4 sports massage course, you will be entitled to a discount of 25% as part of our Customer Loyalty Scheme when progressing on to any of our CPD or level 5 modules.

Please contact us for discount terms for booking more than one person. Note: you may use only one available discount for each course.

 

> Ready to Enrol?

 
Please complete the online booking form to book your place on your chosen course dates. You will receive a confirmation of booking and we will then be in touch by phone or email to organise the next steps.

If you have any questions, email us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us 01438 718755.