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.
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. For information regarding progression between levels and available discounts, please see Flexible Award Programme below.
> VTCT Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention
You will also be enrolled upon the above course which is a knowledge-based qualification aimed at sports massage therapists who need to understand the COVID-19 infection prevention methods required in the working environment in order to maintain high levels of health and safety in the provision of their services to clients.
> 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, and will be eligible for our Loyalty Discount - see below for full details and eligibility.
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 - £1731 |
| 2. By deposit of £355 plus payment of £1376 before the start of the course |
| 3. By deposit of £355, plus four monthly interim payments of £344. |
| All prices quoted include V.A.T. at the current rate |
|
5 Weekends |
| 1. In Full - £1863 |
| 2. By deposit of £355 plus payment of £1508 before the start of the course |
| 3. By deposit of £355, plus four monthly interim payments of £377. |
| All prices quoted include V.A.T. at the current rate |
> Flexible Award Programme
If you completed your VTCT Level 3 Practical Training with Sports Therapy UK within the last 2 years you are eligible for our Loyalty Discount of 12.5%. To apply, please select the fees including Loyalty Discount and attach a copy of your VTCT Level 3 Diploma.
To take advantage of this offer you will be required to:
- Commence any available scheduled Level 4 course within 2 years of the final day of your Level 3 practical training.
- The saving will be deducted from the balance of your course fees after paying your course deposit.
- If, for any reason you apply to defer your Level 4 practical training after enrolling on a course, your discount will be revoked.
Please note this discount is not available with our First Aid course which is already offered at a highly competitive rate.
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 - £1515 |
| 2. By deposit of £355 plus payment of £1160 before the start of the course |
| 3. By deposit of £355, plus four monthly interim payments of £290. |
| All prices quoted include V.A.T. at the current rate |
|
5 Weekends |
| 1. In Full - £1630 |
| 2. By deposit of £355 plus payment of £1275 before the start of the course |
| 3. By deposit of £355, plus four monthly interim payments of £319. |
| All prices quoted include V.A.T. at the current rate |
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.
> Loyalty Discount
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.
Please note this discount is not available with our First Aid course which is already offered at a highly competitive rate.
Book Level 4 Online Book Level 4 with Loyalty Discount
> 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 |
| IP2A4 | 603/6161/X |
Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention (COVID-19) |
4 | 2 |
> 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.
Book Level 4 Online Book Level 4 with Loyalty Discount
> 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.
> COVID Infection Prevention Theory Examination
You will also be required to sit a 30 minute on-line multiple choice exam based on 6 home study lessons for the Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention (COVID-19) course which is a co-requisite course to the Level 3 Sports Massage VTCT qualification.
NEXT EXAMS
Please go to Exams on our Course Dates webpage for dates and application dates.
Book Level 4 Online Book Level 4 with Loyalty Discount
> Supported Self Study Day
> 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.
