How do I become a sports massage therapist UK?
There are two main ways to qualify as a Sports Massage Therapist; a 3-year degree course with an academic approach or a Sports Massage diploma . A Level 4 Sports Massage Diploma is widely recognised and gives you all the skills and knowledge you’ll need for a long standing career. A sports massage therapist is a professional who uses massage techniques to treat and care for athletes who are suffering injuries or pain.You could take a course at college that will give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role. Relevant courses include: Level 3 Diploma in Massage. Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy.One of the highest-paying services is sports massage. The average salary for sports massage therapists is around $66,138, but many make over $100,000 annually.Do I Need a Licence to Massage in the UK? Individuals legally need a licence to practise massage in a specified location (e. They must obtain a Massage and Special Treatments Licence from their Local Authority.
How much do sports massage therapists make in London?
If we look at the sports massage therapist salary statistics in united kingdom as of june 18, 2025, the represented employee makes £46,751; to be more precise pay rate is £3,896 per month, £899 per week, or £23. Guide to sports massage london prices in 2024, the typical costs you can expect for a single sports massage session are: cheap: £30 plus for an hour-long session. Average: £60 to £100 for an hour-long session. Luxury: up to £200 for an hour-long session.Go for a sports massage if you need targeted muscle work and recovery. Choose Thai massage if you want full-body relaxation, deep stretching, and better mobility.However, you will likely have a set number of hours, you’ll get a regular income and you will also benefit from other statutory benefits like a workplace pension, holidays and sick pay. Most sports massage therapists working in an ’employed’ capacity are paid somewhere between £22,000-£40,000 per annum.Massage can provide a window of opportunity for clients to take responsibility for their own health improvements. A sports therapist uses their knowledge and skills to treat injuries, advise on injury prevention and support with rehabilitation.
What is the highest qualification for sports massage?
Level 5 is the highest qualification available in sports and remedial soft tissue therapy, and is the Level that we offer at NLSSM! This level is aimed at experienced practitioners who want to specialize in more complex injury management, advanced rehabilitation techniques, and therapeutic modalities. This ITEC Sports Therapy Massage course provides the highest levels of training in the UK for Sports Therapy Massage. The course is designed to provide qualified practitioners to advance their skills by further their knowledge and understanding on Sports Massage.The Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (ITEC) course provides the highest level of training in sports massage. It is designed for experienced practitioners including osteopaths, physiotherapists and sports massage therapists who have already achieved the Level 4 Diploma in Sports Massage qualification.Level 3 is the standard required to work as a qualified Sports Massage Therapist, the Level 4 is equivalent to a school GCSE level or university standard entry-level. Level 5 is the equivalent of a university undergraduate and it includes clinical skills for advanced training.A Level 4 Sports Massage course teaches more advanced skills and techniques than a Level 3 course, meaning that therapists can perform treatments such as soft tissue release, muscle energy techniques, trigger points, and more, which help to provide quicker results than Level 3 techniques.
What is level 4 sports massage?
The Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage (ITEC) course is designed for qualified sports massage therapists who have already achieved the Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage qualification and are keen to expand their client base to clientele including recreational athletes and fitness enthusiasts and team club players. For most athletes, weekly or bi-weekly sports massages are ideal, while those in intense training might benefit from even more frequent sessions. Prioritising these massages can really help enhance your performance and recovery!Deep Tissue Massage This therapy is recommended for athletes because they experience stiff muscles and potentially consistent pain as a result of heavy physical activity and training. This type of massage technique is more intense than other methods but will apply deeper pressure on the affected areas.There are two main ways to qualify as a Sports Massage Therapist; a 3-year degree course with an academic approach or a Sports Massage diploma . A Level 4 Sports Massage Diploma is widely recognised and gives you all the skills and knowledge you’ll need for a long standing career.While a regular massage typically aims to relax the entire body and provide general stress relief, a sports massage specifically targets the muscle groups that are frequently engaged in your chosen sport or physical activity.
How long does it take to get a level 3 sports massage course?
The Intensive sports massage course is conducted over 5 consecutive days for Part I, followed by Part II around 10 weeks later, allowing time to practice and further learning before completing the remainder of the course syllabus, revision, and assessments over the final 3 days. Sports massage techniques are suitable for both sports people and non-athletes alike and can help with injuries, chronic pain, muscle aches and restricted range of motion in all of us!Regularly addressing muscle stiffness and joint mobility ensures that these benefits are cumulative. Infrequent longer sessions may provide temporary relief, but regular 60-minute massages contribute to sustained improvements in flexibility and movement.Unlike regular massages that aim for overall relaxation, sports massages are more targeted. They involve techniques such as deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, stretching, compression, toning, and myofascial release.How long should a sports massage take? The length of time that you will reap the benefits of a sports massage can vary depending on the type and intensity of massage you receive. A general rule of thumb is that a single session should last at least 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How hard is a sports massage?
The level of discomfort experienced during a sports massage can vary significantly depending on individual pain thresholds and the specific techniques used. Some individuals report feeling mild discomfort, especially when the therapist works on particularly tight or injured muscles. In summary, a sports massage differs from a normal massage in its focus, techniques, and intention. It is geared towards athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities, aiming to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and promote faster recovery.While sports massage offers numerous advantages, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as temporary discomfort, suitability for certain medical conditions, and financial considerations.A sports massage has enormous health and therapeutic benefits. Sports massages have the added bonus that they incorporate the therapeutic elements that other forms of massage are celebrated for. It helps with injury prevention and recovery, but also with the wellbeing of the athlete.The most profitable massage treatments are those in high demand with added value for clients, such as deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy, and prenatal massage. These specialized massage sessions often attract clients willing to pay premium prices for stress reduction, pain management, and relaxation benefits.