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USP95M Sports massage treatments

Unit reference number: F/507/5638

Level: 3

Guided Learning (GL) hours: 70

Overview

This unit provides the knowledge, understanding and skills required to prepare, apply and evaluate sports massage treatments. Learners will develop their knowledge of the history and development of sports massage and how this can be used to complement other therapies and treatment. Learners will also develop their understanding of the fundamental of sports massage and how different methods can be used for different purposes e.g. pre event, post event, inter event and general maintenance. Learners will develop the skills to prepare and apply sports massage, to reassess clients and provide appropriate aftercare advice. They will also develop the skills to evaluate treatments and reflect on their practice.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, learners will: LO1 Know the history and development of sports massage

LO2 Know the fundamentals of sports massage treatments

LO3 Know the outcome measures used for sports massage treatments

LO4 Be able to prepare for sports massage treatments

LO5 Be able to apply sports massage treatments

LO6 Be able to carry out post massage treatment protocols

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Assessment requirements

Learners must complete all four assessment requirements related to this unit: 1. Treatment portfolio 2. Graded practical assessment 3. External examination 4. Graded synoptic assessment

1. Treatment portfolio Learners must produce a treatment portfolio that includes evidence of practical treatments carried out with proficiency. At a minimum the treatment portfolio for this unit must include, client consultation and treatment records covering all the following:

Covered all contexts of sports massage (with evidence of observation) - Pre-event

- Post-event

- Maintenance

Covered all environments - Clinical

- Non-clinical

- Different types of event

Used all sports massage techniques - Effleurage

- Pétrissage

- Frictions

- Tapotement

- Compressions

- Vibrations

- Passive stretching

Used all equipment - Plinth

- Supports

- Towels or blankets

- Mediums

Completed all reassessments – of treatments Evidence from the graded practical assessments must also be presented in the treatment portfolio. The treatment portfolio must be completed prior to learners undertaking the practical skills test. Whilst treatment portfolios will not be graded, they may be sampled by the VTCT External Quality Assurer (EQA).

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2. Graded practical assessment Learners must carry out a complete sports massage which will be observed, marked and graded by centre assessors. The grade achieved in the graded practical assessment will be the grade awarded for the unit. The graded practical assessment must take place in a real or realistic working environment on a real or realistic client. At a minimum the graded practical assessment for this unit must cover:

Treatment to include - Preparation of self, environment and client for treatment

- A sports massage treatment

- Reassessment of the client

- Evaluation of treatment

Equipment and products to include - Plinth

- Towels and/or blankets

- Massage medium

- Support rolls Recorded professional discussion can also be used as an assessment method attached to the graded practical assessment and is particularly useful for gathering evidence for criteria related to evaluation and reflection. Professional discussions should be planned and recorded.

3. External examination Whilst LO1, LO2 and LO3 may be naturally assessed in the graded practical assessment, they will be tested by an external examination at the end of the period of learning. External examinations will test knowledge and understanding from across the whole vocational area (mandatory units). Learners should use the unit content section of this unit to aid revision since exam questions will test the full breadth of this content. External examinations will be set and marked by VTCT and will contribute to the overall qualification grade.

4. Graded synoptic assessment In the last term or final third of their qualification, learners will be required to undertake a graded synoptic assessment. This will require learners to carry out a range of treatments/services from across the whole vocational area (mandatory units). Assessment coverage will vary year on year, although all treatments/services will be covered over time. VTCT will set a brief for centres which will detail the treatments/services to be covered in the graded synoptic assessment. Grading descriptors for the synoptic assessment will also be provided by VTCT. The graded synoptic assessment will be marked and graded by centre staff and externally verified by VTCT. The graded synoptic assessment will contribute to the overall qualification grade.

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Unit content

LO1 Know the history and development of sports massage

Learners must know the history and development of massage:

The history and origins of massage - From ancient times to the modern day

- Ancient Egypt, China, India, Ancient Greece, Rome, Persia, Europe and the Americas

The development of sports massage - Role alongside other professionals

- Progression into sports therapy

- Development to present day, i.e. attendance at Olympics 2012 as part of the medical team

How sports massage can complement other therapies and treatments - Acupuncture

- Alexander technique

- Aromatherapy

- Shiatsu

- Reiki

- Remedial massage

- Kinesiology

- Herbalism

- Hypnotherapy

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LO2 Know the fundamentals of sports massage treatments

Learners must know the contexts in which sports massage is applied:

Different settings - Non clinical settings

- Clinical settings

- At sporting events

- Within a salon/clinic environment

Treatment objectives - Pre event – warm-up, stimulation, relaxation

- Inter/intra event – recovery, injury prevention

- Post event – cool down, relaxation, recovery

- Maintenance – posture, alignment, dysfunctional tissue, reduce tension Learners must know the requirements of a suitable environment for sports massage:

Requirements for both clinical and non-clinical environments

Adaptations that may need to be made in non-clinical environments - To maintain health and safety

- To apply treatment safely and effectively

- To meet client needs

- To work professionally

Environment requirements - Safe

- Provide privacy and comfort

- Preserve dignity

- Be hygienic

- Promote the atmosphere appropriate for the treatment, e.g. stimulation or relaxation

Consideration given to - Space

- Temperature

- Ventilation

- Light

- Noise levels Learners must know the types of equipment that may be used for sports massage:

Plinth

Bench

Chair

Props – mats and blankets, towels, supports, e.g. knees/ankles

Mediums, e.g. products

Non-clinical environments

Additional considerations may be needed in non-clinical environments, e.g. space blankets, cleansing products

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Learners must know the signs and symptoms of possible contra-actions:

Skin irritation – itchiness, redness, or swelling may occur due to intolerance or allergy to products used or techniques applied

Effects that may occur following the sports massage may include - Aching/tenderness

- Possible bruising

- Headache

- Dizziness

- Nausea

- Flu-like symptoms

- Changed sleep patterns/fatigue

- Thirst

- Heightened emotions

- Increased urination

- Increased defecation Learners must know how to respond to contra-actions and the advice to offer:

Immediate response to contra-actions include: - Stop treatment

- Adapt pressure

- Adapt technique

- Remove medium

- Administer first aid

- Signpost for referral to other health professional

Post treatment advice for contra-actions to include - Encourage rest

- Relaxation

- Hydration

- Signpost for referral to other health professional

Learners must know the effects and method of application for a range of sports massage techniques:

Massage techniques - Effleurage

- Pétrissage

- Frictions

- Tapotement

- Compressions

- Vibrations

- Passive stretching

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Effects of each technique – specific to technique, and may include - Relaxation

- Stimulation

- Blood flow

- Extensibility

- Heat

- Lymph drainage

- Breakdown of adhesions

- Mobility of soft tissue

- Pain reduction

Methods and application of each technique, to include - When to use the technique

- Different application of the technique

- Order of technique

- Contour of hands

- Depth of pressure

- Direction

- Speed

- Rhythm

- Use of different digits

- Different effects through variations of application

- Necessity to reinforce hand or digits

- Safety considerations

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LO3 Know the outcome measures used for sports massage treatments

Learners must know the different outcome measures used to reassess the client following treatment:

The type of information that can be gathered by each method

The advantages and disadvantages of each outcome measure - Subjective feedback

- Reassessment of posture

- Changes in movement patterns

- Changes in palpation (skin feel, drag, hot, cold)

- Changes in active and/or passive range of movement

- Use of both verbal and non-verbal feedback Learners must know the importance of providing opportunities for client feedback:

To check client understanding

To promote client’s empowerment

To establish immediate feelings and impressions

To evaluate client satisfaction

To provide advice and support to client to improve their understanding Learners must know the importance of self evaluation and reflective practice:

Identify own strengths – skills, knowledge, client care

Identify areas for improvement

Inform professional development and training (CPD)

Improve professional practice

Improve compliance with legislation and codes of practice

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LO4 Be able to prepare for sports massage treatments

Prepare the treatment area, equipment and self for application of sports massage:

Prepare environment - Clinic/salon

- Non-clinical environments for events – pitch side or changing rooms

Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, give consideration to - Privacy

- Hygiene

- Atmosphere

- Temperature

- Noise level

- Ventilation

- Lighting

- Dignity and comfort of the client

Check equipment - Couch height and position

- Couch stability

- Power supply

- Check for any faults

Ensure all resources are to hand - Mediums

- Towels

- Bolsters

- Supports

- Documentation

- Washing facilities – if at an event

Prepare self for treatment, considering hygiene, uniform and psychological state Obtain the client’s informed consent prior to the treatment:

Explain treatment – purpose, benefits, risks

Respond to client questions

Agree treatment

Sign informed consent record Prepare the client and position them in readiness for sports massage:

Consider the degree of exposure to maintain the dignity and modesty of client and if appropriate

Cleanse the treatment area in preparation for treatment (if necessary)

Apply massage medium (if applicable)

Position the client to ensure the relaxation, comfort and dignity of the client and for effective application of massage techniques

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Massage positions - Supine

- Side lying

- Sitting

- Standing

Use appropriate supports for head, legs and arms

Only expose area to be treated

Carry out visual/verbal checks to maintain client comfort and relaxation throughout treatment

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LO5 Be able to apply sports massage treatments

Carry out massage techniques safely and effectively:

Appropriate techniques to meet the needs and presentation of the client

Demonstrate correct alignment of practitioner’s joints

Working stance and posture

Appropriate use of body weight to minimise risk of injury to self and maximise effectiveness of techniques

Adapt own posture and position as appropriate, with consideration to - The body area being massaged

- The requirements for different massage techniques

- Client positioning

- Minimising the risk of repetitive strain injury

- Ensuring safe manual handling

Correct application of techniques, with consideration to - Contour of hands

- Position of hands

- Depth of pressure

- Direction

- Speed

- Rhythm

- Use of different digits

- Adaptation of techniques to meet client’s needs

Professional standards - Comply with health and safety legislation and the code of ethics and practice

of professional associations

- Present a professional appearance and manner

- Appropriate hygiene practice

- Maintain a high level of client care

- Ensure confidentiality and work within boundaries and limitations of role

- Work efficiently and adhere to agreed timescales Monitor the client throughout the treatment:

Maintain interaction with the client throughout the treatment - Use communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) to build trust and rapport

with the client

- Explain massage treatment/techniques and encourage client feedback

Use visual and oral feedback to monitor the effects of the sports massage with awareness to

- Visual changes, e.g. skin colour

- Verbal and non-verbal feedback from the client, e.g. tensing, verbal expressions

Respond to any adverse reactions by adapting massage strategy appropriately

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Remove massage medium, where appropriate - Consider whether massage medium needs to be removed with regard to

effectiveness of technique, client request, adverse reaction or sporting requirement

- Consider the consequences of not removing the medium

- Provide the client with appropriate materials to remove the product, e.g. wipes, cleansing agents, mitts or couch roll

- Assist with the removal of medium if required

Note deviations from planned treatment and actual sports massage in records detailing any adverse reactions

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LO6 Be able to carry out post massage treatment protocols

Conduct post massage assessments with the client:

Carry out reassessment of baseline measurements to assess effectiveness of treatment. These could include

- Movement patterns

- Pain rating

- Range of movement

- Postural changes Obtain feedback from the client:

Gather feedback from the client

Establish client satisfaction

Establish immediate feelings and response to treatment

Check client understanding

Provide information to improve client understanding

Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the massage treatment:

Evaluation of treatment, with consideration to - Reassessment outcomes

- Client feedback

- Achievement of aims and objectives

- Areas and opportunities for improvement

- Verbal and non-verbal input

Self evaluation and reflection - Application of skills and techniques

- Identify own strengths

- Identify areas for improvement

- With consideration to professional requirements and health and safety compliance

Use the information gathered to inform future treatment plans Provide aftercare advice to the client:

Provide individual advice to client following treatment to promote a healthy lifestyle and extend treatment effects, e.g. rest, hydration, healthy eating, stretching. Also inform the client of possible adverse reactions to the treatment and to advise of actions should they occur, e.g. erythema, pain, stiffness, tiredness, light-headedness, bruising

Record information to meet professional standards:

Complete consultation and treatment records in an industry accepted format to comply with legislation

Information to record includes - SOAP details

- Outcomes

- Changes to plan

- Cautions and contraindications

- Referrals and aftercare advice

The form should be completed within 24 hours of massage

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Information should be accurate, clear and legible, in a logical sequence and written in permanent ink

Any corrections must be struck through and initialled (correction fluid cannot be used)

Judgemental statements cannot be included

The therapist must initial each page

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Employability skills to be demonstrated throughout the graded practical assessment and synoptic assessment

Professionalism:

Adherence and respect to industry codes of ethical practice, e.g. Skills for health, health and safety and safeguarding legislation, professional associations, equality, diversity and inclusion legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

Communication:

Use of appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication to meet client’s needs

Adapt and tailor communication approach for different clients: - New and existing clients

- Special populations (older adults, ante- or post-natal women, disabled people)

- Clients with other needs, e.g. speakers of other languages, deaf or partiallly hearing, blind or partially sighted

Communication – speaking manner and tone of voice, being supportive, empathic, non-judgemental, respectful, sensitive to client, use open questioning and active listening to gather feedback, be aware of body language, eye contact, gestures, posture, space and proximity. Sensitivity to clients with different communication styles

Customer service:

Principles of customer service – quality, keeping promises, managing customer expectations, customer satisfaction, speed of service, follow organisation procedures for meeting and greeting and inducting clients to equipment. Industry code of conduct to inform all client working practices

Examples of good practice in customer service – effective working relationships with diverse range of clients, positive presentation of self and organisation to clients, meeting and exceeding customer needs and expectations, adding a personal touch, providing personal attention, knowing client names, using polite language, making extra efforts to demonstrate willingness to please the customer, treating the customer as an individual

Dealing quickly and effectively with a complaint. Acknowledge complaint immediately (HEAT – Hear, Empathise, Apologise, Take action), handle complaints (privately, positively, confidently, professionally, promptly, confidentially, empathetically, with trust and respect, to client’s satisfaction), follow agreed procedures to check complaint has been dealt with

The importance of customer service to a business – professional image, reputation of instructor, organisation and industry sector, exercise adherence, customer retention, customer satisfaction, customer relationships and repeat business, including word of mouth recommendations and referrals

Commercial awareness:

Opportunities to promote other services to meet clients’ needs, e.g. personal training, group exercise, swimming, weight management groups, stress management, relaxation

Other activities, e.g. social events, specialist talks

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Skin cancer awareness

Please note this information will not be assessed for the achievement of this unit. Public awareness of skin cancer has never been higher, and yet skin cancer remains the

fastest growing cancer in the UK, especially amongst young people. The chances of a

positive outcome can be dramatically increased with early identification and diagnosis.

Professionals in hair, beauty, sports massage and health and wellbeing industries work

closely with clients and in many cases have sight of areas of skin which may not be easily

visible to the client. An informed awareness of the signs, symptoms and changes of

appearance to be aware of when checking for early signs of cancer is a crucial tool for the

conscientious practitioner in order to provide the most thorough service and in some cases,

possibly lifesaving information signposting.

Signs to look for when checking moles include utilising the ABCDE guide:

A - Asymmetry – the two halves of the area/mole may differ in their shape and not match.

B - Border – the edges of the mole area may be irregular or blurred and sometimes show

notches or look ‘ragged’.

C - Colour – this may be uneven and patchy. Different shades of black, brown and pink may

be seen.

D - Diameter – most but not all melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. If any mole gets

bigger or changes see your doctor.

E - Elevation/evolving – elevation means the mole is raised above the surface and has an

uneven surface. Looks different from the rest or changing in size, shape or colour. Anyone

can get a suspicious mole or patch of skin checked out for free by the NHS by visiting their

doctor, who may then refer to a dermatologist (an expert in diagnosing skin cancer).

If you require any additional NHS information please refer to https://www.nhs.uk/be-clear-on-

cancer/symptoms/skin-cancer

If your learners are interested in learning more about skin cancer awareness alongside this

qualification, VTCT runs the following qualification: VTCT Level 2 Award in Skin Cancer

Awareness for Non-Healthcare Professionals.

This qualification has been specifically designed for those working in the sports massage,

health and wellbeing, beauty, hairdressing and barbering sectors. It will enable learners to

identify any changes to their client’s skin and to highlight those changes to the client using

appropriate language and communication skills. It will enable the learner to raise awareness

of skin cancer and signpost their clients to public information about skin cancer.

This qualification will enable hair, beauty and wellbeing professionals to gain the appropriate

knowledge and communication skills required to provide non-diagnostic, professional advice

and information to clients in a discrete, empathetic and confidential manner.

For more information please refer to the Record of Assessment book:

https://qualifications.vtct.org.uk/finder/qualfinder/1Record%20of%20Assessment%20Book/A

G20529.pdf

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Assessment criteria

Assessment criteria will be applied to the graded practical assessment. In order to pass this unit, learners must at a minimum achieve all pass criteria. The pass criteria relate to the proficient demonstration of skills and knowledge. All criteria within a given grade must be achieved to be awarded that grade.

Learning outcome

The learner must:

Pass

The learner can:

Merit

To achieve a merit grade, in addition to achievement of the pass criteria, the learner can:

Distinction

To achieve a distinction grade, in addition to achievement of the pass and merit criteria, the learner can:

LO4 Be able to prepare for sports massage treatments

P1 Prepare the treatment area, equipment and self for application of sports massage

M1 Ensure optimum client comfort and protection of the client’s modesty throughout treatment

M2 Adapt and tailor interpersonal communication to suit the client’s needs

M3 Adapt and tailor posture and massage techniques in response to client needs

D1 Justify the sports massage techniques used throughout the treatment

D2 Evaluate the effectiveness of the sports massage treatment and make recommendations for improvement

P2 Obtain the client’s informed consent prior to the treatment

P3 Prepare the client and position them in readiness for sports massage

LO5 Be able to apply sports massage treatments

P4 Carry out massage techniques safely and effectively

P5 Monitor the client throughout the treatment

LO6 Be able to carry out post massage treatment protocols

P6 Conduct post massage assessments with the client

P7 Obtain feedback from the client

P8 Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the massage treatment

P9 Provide aftercare advice to the client

P10 Record information to meet professional standards

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Assessment Guidance

Assessors must use the amplified assessment guidance in this section to judge whether assessment criteria have been achieved in the graded practical assessment.

P1 Prepare the treatment area, equipment and self for application of sports massage

Learners must demonstrate that they have prepared the treatment area, equipment and self appropriately. Learners must set up the couch and workstation correctly and ensure all the required products for the treatment are to hand in advance of providing the treatment. Learners must present themselves professionally, wearing uniform (where appropriate).

Learners must ensure appropriate hygiene precautions are taken and ensure all preparation of the environment, equipment and self complies with health and safety legislation.

P2 Obtain the client’s informed consent prior to the treatment

Learners must explain the treatment to the client and obtain their informed consent prior to carrying out any treatment. Learners must explain the purpose, benefits and any risks of the treatment; they should respond to client questions and record all questions and responses as part of the informed consent process.

An informed consent record must be signed by both the client and therapist. This record should be maintained as part of the client’s records.

P3 Prepare the client and position them in readiness for sports massage

Learners must prepare the client and position them appropriately in readiness for the treatment. Learners must position the client for effective application of massage techniques. Supports and covers must be used to ensure client comfort and dignity and promote relaxation. Learners must only expose the area to be treated.

P4 Carry out massage techniques safely and effectively

Learners must demonstrate that they can carry out massage techniques safely and effectively. Learners must correctly apply massage techniques using a suitable applicator (digit/hand/elbow) that is appropriate for the body part being treated. Learners must adapt the application of techniques as necessary to achieve treatment objectives.

Learners must also adapt their posture, stance and weight distribution (as required) to ensure correct application of massage techniques, to avoid repetitive strain injury and ensure safe manual handling.

Learners must comply with health and safety legislation, code of ethics and practice of relevant professional associations. Learners must demonstrate appropriate client care and ensure they work within the boundaries and limitations of their role.

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P5 Monitor the client throughout the treatment

Learners must demonstrate that they can monitor the client throughout the treatment.

Learners must use effective communication skills throughout the treatment to develop a rapport with the client to encourage trust. Learners must check they are applying the correct pressure periodically but should not do this excessively. Learners should adapt in response to client feedback, both visual and verbal.

Learners must observe the visual effects of the treatment, e.g. changes to skin colour and respond appropriately, for example, if the requirement to remove the massage medium presents, they must provide products and help to remove the massage medium.

The effects of the massage and any response/changes due to adverse reactions or client feedback should be noted and recorded at the end of the treatment, as part of the client’s records.

P6 Conduct post massage assessments with the client

Learners must carry out post massage assessments with the client. Learners must accurately reassess baseline markers to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Measures used could include movement patterns, pain rating, range of movement, postural changes.

All information should be recorded as part of the client’s records.

P7 Obtain feedback from client

Learners must obtain detailed feedback from the client in a written and/or verbal format to establish the client’s immediate feelings, impressions and satisfaction with the treatment.

Learners should acknowledge feedback positively and use this to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

P8 Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the massage treatment

Learners must evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Learners must consider the reassessment outcomes, client feedback and their own evaluation of self. Learners must evaluate the extent to which the treatment achieved its aims and objectives and met client needs. Learners must identify strengths and areas to develop and the information should be used to prepare future treatment plans and inform own professional training and development needs.

P9 Provide aftercare advice to the client

Learners must demonstrate that they can provide appropriate aftercare advice to the client. Examples of aftercare could be the requirement for – rest, hydration, healthy eating, stretching and / or other information to extend and maximise the treatment effects.

Learners must also inform the client of possible adverse reactions to the treatment and advise them of the appropriate actions to take, should they occur. Adverse reactions may include: erythema, pain, stiffness, tiredness, light-headedness, bruising.

Learners must provide an opportunity for the client to ask questions and answer these fully.

Records of information provided should be maintained as part of the client records.

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P10 Record information to meet professional standards

Learners must demonstrate that they can complete all client records to an industry-accepted standard. Information recorded should include – SOAP details, outcomes, changes to plan (due to effects and responses to treatment) cautions and contra-indications, referrals and aftercare advice.

Learner must complete the form accurately and use an appropriate format. All information should be presented clearly and legibly, in a logical sequence. Permanent ink should be used and any corrections should be crossed out and initialled. Learners should initial all pages of the records. Client confidentiality and data protection requirements should inform record keeping and storage.

M1 Ensure optimum client comfort and protection of the client’s modesty throughout the treatment

Learners must demonstrate that they ensure optimum client comfort throughout the treatment. Learners must check client comfort at regular intervals and respond to the information they receive, for example, by placing or moving supports, pillows or face cradles correctly.

Learners should demonstrate that they have taken action to protect the client’s modesty during the treatment by repositioning towels appropriately after working on an area or whilst turning the client.

M2 Adapt and tailor interpersonal communication to suit the client’s needs

Learners must demonstrate that they have tailored their style of communication to meet and respond to the needs of the client. For example, if the client indicates that he/she would like to chat and engage in conversation, the learner will engage in unobtrusive friendly conversation with the client. If the client is more reticent and indicates that he/she does not wish to engage in conversation, the learner should respect the client’s wishes and communicate in a discreet manner. Learners must demonstrate throughout the treatment that all communication with the client is ethical, respectful, unobtrusive and inoffensive.

M3 Adapt and tailor posture and massage techniques in response to client needs

Learners must select the correct massage techniques throughout the treatment, including the most suitable massage medium to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment. The order of techniques used must be logical and appropriate and they must be applied at the correct depth, direction and speed to achieve the desired effects. The client’s position must be appropriate to maintain their comfort but also for maximal effectiveness of technique application.

Learner’s must also ensure that their own posture remains correct throughout the treatment, with correct use of body weight to influence a suitable depth of pressure and correct alignment of joints to minimise personal injury; the use of ‘no hands’ massage may be used, as required.

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D1 Justify the sports massage techniques used throughout the treatment

Learners must be able to justify the massage techniques used during the treatment. This may include any modifications to the original plan, their selection of massage medium, the sequence in which the techniques were used, the depth, direction and speed of application, the client position and use of supports and any adaptations to technique or method that were made.

D2 Evaluate the effectiveness of the sports massage treatment and make recommendations for improvement

Learners must demonstrate that they have reflected on all aspects of the treatment, including their own massage skills, communication and client care skills, and their ability to respond and adapt to meet client needs. Learners must also give consideration to professional standards that inform professional practice. Learners should use this information to create an action plan to develop their skills and improve their professional practice.

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Resources

The special resources required for this unit are access to a real or realistic working environment which supports the provision of sports massage treatments. Best practice should be encouraged by giving the learners the opportunity to work on real client and in real environments, e.g. events or clinics. Where this is not possible and creates a barrier to assessment, learners may carry out treatments on peers (realistic client) in simulated non-clinical environments (realistic environments). Recommended text books:

Findlay, S. (2010) Sports Massage. Human Kinetics

Fritz, S. (2013) Sport and Exercise Massage Comprehensive Care in Athletics, Fitness and Rehabilitation. 2nd edition. Mosby (Elsevier)

Norris, C (2011) The Complete Guide to Sports Injuries. UK. A&C Black/Bloomsbury Publishing

Paine, T (2000) The Complete Guide to Sports Massage. 2nd edition. UK. A&C Black/Bloomsbury Publishing

Ward, K (2004) Hands on Sports Therapy. UK. Thomson Learning NB: This list is not exhaustive. There are many other valuable text books. Recommended websites:

The SMA Code of Ethics and Conduct – www.thesma.org

Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage – www.theisrm.com/terms.php

Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) – www.cnhc.org.uk

Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) – www.fht.org.uk

The council for soft tissue therapies – www.gcmt.org.uk

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – www.nice.org.uk

The American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) – www.acsm.org

The Department of health – www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health

The British Association of Sport and Exercise Science – www.bases.org.uk

Delivery guidance

Teachers are encouraged to use innovative, practical and engaging delivery methods to enhance the learning experience. Learners may benefit from the use of:

Interactive information and technology systems and software so they can actively learn about concepts and theories relating to sports massage treatments

Meaningful employer engagement so they can relate what is being learned to the real world of work

Attendance at sporting events so they can practice their skills in a real and supervised environment

Interactive games and quizzes and the use of flash cards to recall information relating to sports massage techniques

Practical workshops where they can provide and receive massage treatments under the supervision of the teacher

Discussion groups where they can explore the benefits of different massage techniques

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Links with other units

This unit is closely linked with the following units:

USP92M Anatomy and physiology for sports massage

Learners will be required to apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology when studying sports massage treatments. Learners must have a sound working knowledge of the structure of anatomical bony landmarks and relate these to insertions and origins of muscles to understand what parts are being mobilised during massage. Learners will also need to apply their understanding of how the body systems are affected by the application of massage. The content of the anatomy and physiology for sports massage unit should be delivered before the delivery of the sports massage treatments unit.

USP93M Professional practice in sports massage

Learners will be required to apply their knowledge of professional practice when providing sports massage treatments. Professional practice underpins the application of treatments. Learners will be expected to work at all times ensuring that they meet the expected standards of the profession in relation to ethics, conduct and performance. The content of the professional practice in sports massage unit should be delivered before the delivery of the sports massage treatments unit.

USP94M Assessment for sports massage

Learners will be required to apply their knowledge of assessment for sports massage when conducting sports massage treatments. The assessment for sports massage unit and sports massage unit are closely entwined; the information gathered in the assessment will dictate the actual content and structure of the sports massage treatment and/or on-going treatment plans. The content of the assessment for sports massage unit should be delivered before, or integrated with the delivery of the sports massage treatments unit.

USP96M Understand the principles of soft tissue dysfunction

Learners will be required to apply their knowledge of soft tissue dysfunction when studying sports massage treatments. Knowledge of the principles of injury and dysfunction are fundamental to the sport massage process. Throughout the sports massage treatment learners are expected to recognise dysfunction within the tissue to be able to treat appropriately. Learners must also know when a condition is outside their scope of practice and signpost and refer to other professionals. The content of the assessment for soft tissue dysfunction unit should be delivered before the delivery of the sports massage treatments unit.

USP97M Health and lifestyle

Learners will be required to apply their knowledge of health and lifestyle when studying sports massage treatments. Learners are required to provide health and lifestyle advice following the treatment as post treatment advice. Knowledge of health and lifestyle will ensure learners can tailor the advice to meet the client’s specific needs and/or when they may need to signpost and refer a client to another practitioner. The content of the health and lifestyle unit may be delivered before, after or integrated with the delivery of the sports massage treatments unit.

Graded synoptic assessment

At the end of the qualification there will be a graded synoptic assessment. This will assess the learner’s ability to identify and effectively use in an integrated way, an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories, and knowledge from across the whole vocational area. It is therefore necessary and important that units are delivered and assessed together and synoptically to suitably prepare learners for their final graded assessment.

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Version Details of amendments Date

v7 Skin cancer information page added

13/06/17