Purpose

ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy

(QAN 501/0942/X)
Aims and Objectives
The main aim of the ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy is to enable Learners to gain the
necessary practical skills and knowledge to provide Sports Massage Therapy to the general public, gain
employment within the sport and fitness industry and to enrich practitioners understanding of advanced
anatomical, physiological and pathological principles relevant to the application of Sports Massage. This
qualification is suitable for Learners aged 18 and over and is designed to provide occupational
competence at Level 4. It also provides a sound platform into further learning at Level 5
Content
This qualification is for Learners who want to work in the Sport and Fitness Industry either in a sports club,
gym or health club setting and is comprised of 2 core units which are mandatory
The main skills you will learn to perform are:

Consultation methods to include obtaining informed consent prior to assessments and

application of the massage where necessary, carrying out accurate client assessments, obtaining
information on the possible cautions and contraindications to massage before commencing any
treatments, recognising clients presenting with pre-existing conditions and problems and adapting
the massage routine to meet the specific needs of the client

Health, safety and hygiene contextualised to the environment you will be working in

Applying massage methods to prevent and manage injury to include analysing posture and
range of movement, applying advanced palpation skills, using a range of advanced massage
techniques to prevent and manage injury and critically evaluating massage strategies and
methods to inform on future treatments

You will also learn about client care and communication which is essential to work and be successful in
the Industry
It also provides:

the related knowledge and understanding required to perform the Sports Massage Therapy listed
above effectively, in particular advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathologies of
the body that may influence the massage methods used to prevent and manage injury

opportunities for Learners to focus on the development of their wider skills in a Sports Massage
setting such as communicating with clients, working with others and problem solving

opportunities for Learners to develop a range of skills, techniques, personal qualities and attitudes
essential for successful performance in employment as a Sports Massage Therapist

The ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy is a vocational qualification recognised by Ofqual
within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

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Recommended Prior Learning

It is recommended that Learners have achieved a level of education equivalent to a Level 3 qualification in
Sports Massage or Level 3 Body Massage prior to commencing the ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports
Massage Therapy; however, exemptions may be made for adult returners with experience of the
workplace
Opportunities for Employment
There are opportunities for a Sports Massage Therapist to find employment in a variety of areas:

Sports club

Gym

Health club

Own sports clinic

The ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy includes the specialised skills and knowledge
required to provide Sports Therapy Massage
Please see letter of support from the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS)
Opportunities for Progression
Once Learners have achieved the ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy they may progress
on to other ITEC or equivalent qualifications at Level 5 for example:

Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy

Sport Science, Physiotherapy

For further information on qualifications suitable for progression please go to www.itecworld.co.uk

Professional Body Recognition
The Qualification was developed collaboratively with Skills for Health (SfH) the Sector Skills Council
responsible for standards in healthcare
The qualification is recognised for membership by:

Complementary Therapists Association (CThA)

Sports Massage Association (SMA)

For further details regarding content please see the qualification rationale/specification here

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