SX4050 - Sports Massage (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Sports Massage | ||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Certificate (04) | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
The module is intended to develop theoretical knowledge and practical competency in soft tissue therapy techniques.
The theoretical principles of soft tissue therapies are covered, including the proposed effects of the techniques, contraindications for the treatments and necessary precautions to be considered. Understanding of these will enable you to make an informed decision as to whether they are warranted treatment modalities within a clinical situation and, therefore, emphasis is placed on the development of clinical reasoning. Critical analysis of the proposed mechanisms will also be alluded to.
Practical competencies covered include the application of sports massage, active and passive stretching, muscle energy techniques, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and thermal modalities. These are underpinned by assessment of pre and post clinical indicators of treatment effectiveness including clearing tests, subjective responses and objective measures such as joint range of motion and/or muscle length tests, which will feed into provision of patient-specific homecare advice to support recovery and well-being.
The phases of tissue healing are also covered theoretically so to introduce the physiological responses of soft tissue after trauma and in doing so recognition of professional competency will be discussed.
Other important health care components are addressed within the module including; hygiene control, communication, gaining informed consent, conducting a subjective history, note taking and application of data protection principles. An introduction to professional and equitable practice, safeguarding, patient-centred care and cultural sensitivity across populations (including how to make reasonable adjustments) is also referred to.
Prior learning requirements
N/A
Available for Study Abroad? No
Syllabus
Theoretical topics covered within the module will include the proposed benefits and mechanisms of soft tissue therapy techniques, as well as their application in relation to the phases of tissue healing. Students will also be made aware of the contraindications / precautions for applying the techniques (LO2).
Practical skills taught will include the application of sports massage and administration of muscle energy techniques and thermal modalities. Assessment of clinical indicators to determine the effectiveness of treatments will be covered so that clinical reasoning and reflective practice can be introduced (LO1).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The students will be taught using a variety of teaching methods including; lectures, practical sessions, online videos, role playing and on-line quizzes.
The lectures will cover the theoretical underpinning of concepts. This underpinning will then be applied and discussed in the practical sessions.
The practical sessions will consist of demonstration, followed by role play practice of the communication and hands-on skills. Reflective practice will be consistently done within the practical elements of the module via the teaching staff, as well as via the patient and their responses to the treatments. This will refine clinical reasoning skills and build the confidence needed to be autonomous, evidence-based clinicians.
The University’s virtual learning platform will be used extensively to provide the students with appropriate learning materials, as well as learning checks and video resources to enhance students learning and engagement.
Learning outcomes
LO1: Demonstrate an appropriate, relevant and ethical soft tissue therapy treatment.
LO2: Demonstrate theoretical understanding of the appropriateness, and proposed benefits of, soft tissue therapy treatment techniques in relation to the fundamentals of tissue healing.