The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
This course is open to all practitioners holding an ITEC Sports Therapy Diploma (Level 3), or an equivalent or higher qualification.
It is a fast-track intensive course, delivered via hybrid learning, combining online and practical classes.
This course is a prerequisite for the ITEC Sports Level 5 qualification.
It is ELCAS-approved, and those eligible can apply through the ELCAS scheme using provider number 11265.
Students must hold an OFQUAL-accredited (or equivalent) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage – or an equivalent or higher qualification.
If you are unsure, please email us a copy of your qualifications, and we will advise whether they are accepted for this course.
The course involves written and computer-based work; therefore, students are expected to have access to a PC or laptop.
The recommended level of English for overseas students is IELTS Level 6–7 or equivalent, although this is not a strict requirement.
Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be equipped to apply advanced sports massage assessment and treatment techniques within your existing practice.
Our Level 4 VTCT (ITEC) Sports Massage courses are approved by one of the following accrediting or insuring bodies:
This VTCT (ITEC) Sports Massage course (Level 4) covers all syllabus criteria required by ITEC and VTCT. Training is structured to maximise learning during online theory sessions and practical skills are developed in person through our massage classes where techniques are taught through demonstration, practice and repetition.
iUSP151: Conducting Subjective and Objective Assessment
iUSP157: Provide Sports Massage Techniques to Prevent and Manage Injury
iUSP193 Treatment Modalities to Support Soft Tissue Repair
This is a home assignment. Guidelines and templates are provided to assist you in completing it.
Topics covered on this course include:
Regional anatomy and assessment
Posture evaluation – how and what to observe during postural assessment
Origin, insertion, and action of over 50 muscles
Study of common sports massage injuries and their treatment
Orthopaedic testing and injury assessment
The effects and application of thermotherapy (heat) and cryotherapy (cold)
Treatment of acute and chronic injuries using techniques such as:
Effective deep tissue massage techniques
Neuromuscular Technique (NMT)
Trigger point therapy
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Soft Tissue Release Technique (STR)
Passive articulation of major joints (excluding the spine)
All coursework (assignments and case studies) must be completed at least one week before your final practical exam.
There is no theory exam for Level 4 Sports Massage. For more information, please refer to the Exam Criteria tab.
Please view our FAQs if you have any questions.
This section outlines the assessment requirements for the VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 certificate in Sports Massage, including theory exams, practical assessment and coursework completion.
The practical examination allows you to demonstrate your sports massage assessment, treatment planning and hands-on treatment skills in a professional setting.
Structure: Practical exam
Pass Mark: 60%
Length: 60 minutes
Assessed by: An external examiner from ITEC
Your confirmed exam date will be provided when you start the course.
Coursework is designed to help you build practical experience, develop clinical reasoning and show evidence of your learning throughout the course.
Case studies: 5 clients, 2 treatments each (a total of 10 case studies)
Treatment log: 15 additional treatments
1 assignment on Treatment Modalities to Support Soft Tissue Repair
All coursework must be completed at least one week before your final exams.
Having trained thousands of students, London School of Massage has many success stories, and our students have gone onto:
Open their own private practice, treating clients from home
Work in health clubs, hotels, or ski resorts abroad
Offer mobile massage treatments
Treat clients using advanced Sports Massage techniques
Progress to further advanced massage training, such as:
Course Dates:
Part 1) 22nd August (Online Zoom, 9:30am - 5:00pm approx.)
Part 2) 29th - 30th August (Online Zoom, 9:30am - 1:00pm approx.)
Part 3) 5th - 6th September (Online Zoom, 9:30am - 1:00pm approx.)
Part 4) 14th- 18th September (Kings Cross, 9:30am - 4:30pm approx.)
Exam: (TBC)
A Level 4 Sports Massage Diploma is equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study (RQF Level 4) in the UK framework. In professional terms, it represents advanced clinical sports massage training beyond general massage and allows therapists to assess and treat soft tissue injuries and dysfunctions in sporting and active populations.
In the UK, the highest widely recognised vocational qualification for massage therapists is typically Level 5.
This includes Level 5 Sports Massage or Level 5 Soft Tissue Therapy, which allows advanced assessment, clinical reasoning and injury rehabilitation. Academic degrees such as Osteopathy or Physiotherapy sit above vocational massage qualifications but are separate professions.
Level 4 sports massage techniques focus on advanced clinical assessment and treatment of soft tissue dysfunction and injury in active and sporting populations. These techniques go beyond relaxation massage and are designed to address pain, restriction, postural imbalance and movement dysfunction.
Level 4 techniques include:
These techniques enable Level 4 sports massage therapists to safely assess, treat and manage soft tissue injuries, support rehabilitation and work confidently with athletes and physically active clients in clinical, gym and sports environments.
In the UK, sports massage therapists typically earn:
The ITEC Level 4 Sports Massage Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification focused on injury assessment, advanced techniques and clinical application. It is respected by employers, insurers and professional bodies worldwide.
A Level 4 therapist can:
Yes. Sports massage therapy offers flexible working, strong demand, scalable income and opportunities in sport, fitness, healthcare and wellness. Advanced qualifications significantly improve career prospects and earning potential.
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