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Lvl 3 Sports Massage Therapy
Achieving your Level 3 Sports Massage qualification means you’ve mastered the professional skills and knowledge needed to assess, treat, and support clients through injury prevention and recovery.
This nationally recognised qualification demonstrates your ability to apply advanced massage techniques to improve performance, reduce pain, and enhance mobility for athletes and active individuals.
It marks a major milestone in your professional development, showing that you have the confidence, competence, and practical experience to work safely and effectively as a qualified Sports Massage Therapist within the health, fitness, and wellness industry.
Accredited by Focus Awards | Minimum Age: 16
Become a confident, fully qualified Sports Massage Therapist and start working with real clients in gyms, clinics, sports teams, wellness centres, or as your own boss.
This Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy (accredited by Focus Awards) gives you the knowledge, practical skills and professional standards you need to work safely, effectively and gain professional insurance in the UK.
Study with the National Wellness Academy and learn how to reduce pain, improve performance and support real people in their recovery journey.
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for you if:
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You’re passionate about fitness, health and wellbeing
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You want to work with athletes, gym-goers, or active clients
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You’re already in the fitness industry (PT, coach, instructor) and want to add a high-value skill
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You’d love a career that is hands-on, practical and people-focused
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You want a recognised, insurable Level 3 qualification
No previous massage experience is required. We start with the foundations and build you up step-by-step.
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What You’ll Learn
On this Level 3 Diploma, you will learn how to:
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Understand the anatomy and physiology of the body relevant to sports massage
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Identify soft tissue dysfunctions and common injuries
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Use professional sports massage techniques safely:
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Effleurage
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Petrissage
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Frictions
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Compressions
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Tapotement
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Basic muscle energy techniques (MET)
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Soft tissue release (STR)
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Stretching techniques
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Carry out full client consultations, assessments and treatment planning
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Deliver pre-event, post-event and maintenance sports massage
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Give clear aftercare and homecare advice
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Work in line with industry standards, health & safety, and GDPR
By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident treating clients and building your own sports massage practice.
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Course Structure & Delivery
This is a blended learning programme, combining online theory with in-person practical training.
You’ll receive:
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Online theory modules (study at home, at your own pace)
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In-person practical training days (hands-on skills with live models)
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Tutor support and feedback throughout
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Access to our student community for support, questions and practice swaps
You will cover:
1. Anatomy & Physiology for Sports Massage
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Bones, joints, muscles and movement
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Nervous, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
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Posture and postural deviations
2. Principles of Health and Fitness
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Benefits of exercise and conditioning
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Basic nutrition and hydration
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Lifestyle factors affecting recovery
3. Soft Tissue Dysfunction
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Overuse injuries, trauma and chronic conditions
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Adhesions, scar tissue, trigger points and referred pain
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Contraindications and when not to treat
4. Professional Practice & Client Care
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Professional conduct and communication
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Consultation, record keeping & GDPR
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Insurance, scope of practice and referral
5. Practical Sports Massage Techniques
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Body mechanics and safe working posture
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Full-body sports massage routines for upper & lower body
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Pre-event, post-event and maintenance treatments
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Adapting treatments for different clients and sports
Assessment & Qualification
To achieve your Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, you will complete:
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Multiple-choice or short-answer theory tests
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Written assignments and workbooks
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Practical observations with live clients
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A treatment logbook and case studies
Once you’ve successfully passed all elements, you will be awarded the:
Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
This qualification is recognised by UK insurance providers and professional bodies, allowing you to gain public liability and professional indemnity insurance and start working with paying clients.
What’s Included
When you enrol, you’ll receive:
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Full access to online theory modules
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Printable workbooks and study guides
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Consultation forms and client record templates
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In-person practical training with experienced tutors
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Use of oils, towels and equipment during training
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Ongoing tutor support during your studies
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A recognised Level 3 Diploma certificate upon completion
You’ll just need to bring yourself, comfortable clothing and a willingness to learn.
Progression Opportunities
After completing your Level 3 Diploma, you can:
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Work as a Sports Massage Therapist in:
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Gyms
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Sports clubs
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Clinics
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Wellness centres
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Or as a self-employed therapist
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Progress on to Level 4 Sports Massage and advanced techniques
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Combine sports massage with personal training, coaching or other therapies
Entry Requirements
To enrol on this course, you must:
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Be at least 16 years old
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Have a good understanding of written and spoken English
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Have an interest in health, fitness or massage (no prior qualification required)
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If you’re unsure whether this is the right level for you, we can help you decide.
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Fees & Upcoming Dates
Course Fee: £1550
Location: 21-22 Burns Street
Upcoming Course Dates:
March 2nd 2025
Sept 7th 2025
Payment plans are available – please contact us for details.
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