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.
Qualification Code: 603/4499/4
The VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Sports Massage Course is an advanced qualification for Level 4 Sports Massage Therapists who want to develop more complex assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment skills.
Building on Level 4 training, the course develops a deeper understanding of musculoskeletal and neurological assessment, gait, complex soft tissue presentations and advanced sports massage techniques.
Students learn how to conduct detailed subjective and objective assessments, examine peripheral nerve function, apply regional orthopaedic tests and use their findings to plan and adapt individual treatments.
Practical training includes Myofascial Release Techniques, Positional Release Techniques, Strain-Counterstrain, advanced Muscle Energy Techniques, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Active Isolated Stretching and passive articulation of major joints.
Successful students receive the VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage, an Ofqual-regulated qualification for experienced Sports Massage Therapists progressing to advanced professional practice.
London School of Massage has delivered professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994 and has trained more than 30,000 students. Level 5 training is delivered by experienced lecturers who are qualified Sports Massage Therapists and Osteopaths with extensive clinical, teaching and assessment experience.
Learn more about why students choose London School of Massage and meet the teaching team.
This course is suitable for qualified Level 4 Sports Massage Therapists who want to:
This is not a beginners’ course.
Applicants who hold Level 3 Sports Massage should first complete the VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage Course.
Applicants without a sports massage qualification should review the Sports Massage Therapist training pathway.
This course forms part of London School of Massage’s wider range of Sports Massage courses in London, with training routes available at Levels 3, 4 and 5 for beginners and qualified therapists.
This quick guide summarises the main course and qualification information.
| Course name | VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Sports Massage Course |
| Qualification | VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage |
| Qualification level | Level 5 RQF |
| Qualification number | 603/4499/4 |
| Qualification type | Ofqual-regulated professional qualification |
| Awarding organisation | VTCT Skills under the ITEC brand |
| Suitable for | Qualified Level 4 Sports Massage Therapists |
| Study format | Guided home study and face-to-face practical training |
| Practical delivery | Five intensive classroom training days |
| Training location | London School of Massage, Caledonian Road near King’s Cross |
| Coursework | Two written assignments, case studies and treatment logs |
| Final assessment | Practical examination |
| Theory examination | No separate theory examination |
| Included | Digital course materials, tuition and scheduled examination fees |
| Professional development | Advanced Sports Massage practice and relevant CPD training |
Level 4 Sports Massage develops assessment, orthopaedic testing, treatment planning and the management of common soft tissue injuries.
Level 5 builds on this knowledge through more complex:
Subjective and objective assessment
Neurological screening
Regional orthopaedic testing
Gait observation
Clinical reasoning
Research and critical evaluation
Treatment planning
Advanced manual techniques
Reassessment and aftercare
Referral decision-making
Students should already be confident in Level 4 consultation, assessment and treatment procedures before joining the course.
Applicants who have not yet completed Level 4 should first review the VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage Course.
The course combines:
Guided preparatory study
Digital course materials
Face-to-face theory and practical teaching
Tutor demonstrations
Supervised assessment practice
Supervised treatment practice
Case studies and treatment logs
Two research-based written assignments
Examination preparation
Students must attend all compulsory practical and assessment sessions.
Face-to-face training takes place at London School of Massage’s Caledonian Road centre near King’s Cross.
Students travelling to the course can view the school’s training venues, directions and travel information and nearby accommodation information.
The course fee includes:
Five intensive training days
Advanced sports massage tuition
Supervised assessment and treatment practice
Digital course materials
Assignment and case-study guidance
Treatment-record templates
Tutor support
Practical examination preparation
Scheduled VTCT/ITEC examination fees
Students may need to provide towels, suitable practical clothing, treatment products, case-study volunteers and an appropriate model for the final practical examination.
Full requirements are explained before the course begins.
The Level 5 Sports Massage Course is ELCAS approved.
Eligible service personnel may apply through the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service using London School of Massage provider number 11265.
Funding is subject to current ELCAS rules, individual eligibility and approval before enrolment.
The course develops advanced assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment skills for Level 5 Sports Massage practice.
Students learn how to:
Students develop a structured approach to client history, postural and movement observation, palpation, range-of-movement testing and regional orthopaedic assessment.
Findings are used to determine treatment suitability, establish objectives and create an individual treatment plan.
Training includes:
These procedures support clinical reasoning but do not qualify therapists to provide a medical or neurological diagnosis.
Practical training includes:
Techniques are selected according to the client’s assessment findings, presentation and stage of recovery.
Students examine acute and chronic soft tissue presentations, including:
All treatment must remain within the therapist’s training, competence and insurance cover.
Students develop their ability to evaluate research relating to sports massage assessment and treatment.
Course requirements include ten documented case-study treatments, fifteen additional treatment logs and two written research and critical-evaluation assignments.
Applicants must normally:
Be aged 18 or over
Hold a recognised Level 4 Sports Massage qualification or accepted equivalent
Have completed relevant Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology training
Be competent in Level 4 assessment and treatment procedures
Have sufficient spoken and written English
Have access to a laptop or desktop computer
Be able to attend all compulsory training and assessment dates
Be prepared to practise techniques and act as a model in class
Have time to complete case studies, treatment logs and assignments
Arrange suitable adult volunteers for coursework
Provide a suitable model for the final practical examination
Suitable entry qualifications may include:
VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage
VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy
Another regulated Level 4 Sports Massage qualification
An equivalent or higher sports therapy qualification accepted by London School of Massage and VTCT/ITEC
A Level 3 Sports Massage qualification does not provide direct entry.
Applicants holding Level 3 Sports Massage should first complete the VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage Course.
Applicants holding a different sports massage, sports therapy or overseas qualification should send the following before booking:
Qualification certificate
Unit transcript
Course syllabus where requested
Evidence of practical training and assessment
English translation where necessary
Acceptance is not automatic and must be confirmed before enrolment.
The Level 5 course assumes that students are already competent in:
Client consultation
Subjective and objective assessment
Postural observation
Palpation
Active, passive and resisted movement
Range-of-movement assessment
Muscle-length assessment
Appropriate orthopaedic testing
Treatment planning
Advanced sports massage techniques
Reassessment
Record keeping
Contraindications and referral
These foundation skills are developed further at Level 5 but are not taught from the beginning.
Students must be able to understand advanced anatomy, assessment terminology, research literature and written course materials.
They must also be able to communicate clearly with clients and complete assignments, case studies and assessment documentation in English.
Basic computer skills are required for accessing materials, researching assignments, preparing written work and communicating with the school.
Level 5 Sports Massage training is physically active and students work on one another under tutor supervision.
Professional draping is used throughout to protect dignity and privacy.
Students with an injury, health condition, disability, pregnancy or another circumstance that may affect participation should contact London School of Massage before booking.
Reasonable adjustments may be considered where appropriate but essential practical and assessment requirements must still be met.
Recognition of prior learning may be considered where an applicant has already completed relevant regulated units.
Any exemption or credit transfer is subject to current VTCT/ITEC requirements and approval before the course begins.
Students are assessed through:
There is no separate theory examination for this qualification.
The practical examination assesses the student’s ability to conduct a complex assessment, interpret the findings, plan an appropriate treatment and apply advanced Level 5 Sports Massage techniques.
The assessment normally includes:
Confirmed assessment arrangements are provided during the course.
Students complete five case-study clients.
Each client receives two recorded treatments, producing:
Each case study should demonstrate:
Students complete a log of 15 additional sports massage treatments.
The treatment log provides evidence of broader practical experience and helps students develop confidence in adapting complex assessment and treatment to different clients.
Students complete two written assignments covering:
The assignments assess the student’s ability to review professional information, consider research quality and relate evidence to sports massage practice.
Templates and guidance are provided.
All assignments, case studies and treatment logs must be completed by the stated deadline and normally at least one week before the final practical examination.
Students who have not completed the required coursework may not be eligible to complete the final assessment or receive the qualification.
Successful students receive the:
VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage
Certificates are issued after all assessments, coursework and quality-assurance requirements have been completed successfully and processed by VTCT/ITEC.
Further information is available on the London School of Massage Accreditations and Approvals page.
Level 5 Sports Massage Therapists may assess and treat appropriate musculoskeletal and soft tissue presentations within their training, competence and insurance cover.
They must not:
Clients should be referred to an appropriate healthcare professional where symptoms are unexplained, severe, worsening or outside the therapist’s professional scope.
After successful certification, graduates should obtain or update suitable professional indemnity and public liability insurance covering Level 5 Sports Massage assessment and treatment.
Insurance requirements vary between providers. Therapists should confirm that their intended assessment procedures and advanced treatment techniques are covered before practising.
Further information is available on the Therapist Insurance page.
After qualifying and obtaining appropriate professional insurance, graduates may work within the scope of a Level 5 Sports Massage Therapist.
Potential working environments include:
Professional, employment and registration requirements vary. Graduates should check the requirements of each workplace, organisation and insurer.
Level 5 training enables therapists to use a more advanced approach to:
The qualification does not make the therapist a physiotherapist, osteopath, doctor or other regulated healthcare professional.
After Level 5, therapists can broaden their practical and professional skills through selected advanced and CPD courses.
The Spinal Articulation and Mobilisation Course introduces qualified therapists to appropriate joint articulation and mobilisation techniques.
The Dynamic Assisted Stretching Course develops passive, dynamic and isometric assisted-stretching methods.
The Trigger Point and Stretch Massage Therapy Course develops focused trigger point, neuromuscular and stretching approaches.
The Kinesiology Taping Course teaches the theory and practical application of kinesiology tape for suitable musculoskeletal presentations.
The Advanced Therapeutic Massage Diploma develops individual treatment planning, postural observation and advanced therapeutic massage techniques.
The Cupping Therapy Massage Course introduces the safe application of cupping within massage practice.
Entry requirements and insurance implications should be checked before booking any advanced or CPD course.
Some graduates may choose to progress into further study in areas such as:
Entry requirements vary and the Level 5 Sports Massage qualification does not automatically provide entry to a degree or regulated healthcare profession.
London School of Massage offers:
Learn more about why qualified therapists train with London School of Massage.
The VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage is an advanced qualification for experienced Level 4 Sports Massage Therapists. It develops complex assessment, clinical reasoning, neurological screening, gait observation, treatment planning and advanced sports massage techniques.
Applicants must be aged 18 or over and hold a recognised Level 4 Sports Massage qualification or an accepted equivalent or higher sports therapy qualification. Students should already be competent in Level 4 consultation, assessment, orthopaedic testing, treatment planning and sports massage techniques.
A Level 3 Sports Massage qualification does not provide direct entry. Level 3 therapists should first complete the VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage Course.
Successful students receive the VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage, qualification number 603/4499/4. It is an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 qualification awarded by VTCT Skills under the ITEC brand.
Level 4 develops the assessment and treatment of common soft tissue injuries. Level 5 builds on this foundation through more complex musculoskeletal assessment, neurological screening, gait observation, advanced orthopaedic testing, clinical reasoning, research evaluation and higher-level treatment planning.
Students learn complex subjective and objective assessment, peripheral nerve and muscle-function testing, dermatomes, myotomes, reflexes, muscle-power testing, gait observation, regional orthopaedic testing, treatment planning, reassessment, aftercare and appropriate referral.
Practical training includes Myofascial Release, Positional Release, Strain-Counterstrain, advanced Muscle Energy Techniques, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Active Isolated Stretching and passive joint articulation.
Level 4 focuses on advanced assessment and treatment of soft tissue injuries. Level 5 builds on this with more complex assessment, clinical reasoning, neurological screening, gait analysis and advanced techniques for acute and chronic soft tissue presentations.
Assessment includes a 60-minute practical exam assessed by an external ITEC examiner, 10 case study treatments, 15 additional treatment logs and two written assignments based on research and critical evaluation of sports massage practice.
Students complete 5 clients with 2 treatments each, making 10 case study treatments in total. They also complete a treatment log of 15 additional treatments.
Yes. The Level 5 Sports Massage course is ELCAS approved. Eligible learners can apply through the ELCAS scheme using provider number 11265.
London School of Massage has been delivering professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994 and has trained thousands of students. This course is taught by experienced lecturers with professional knowledge of sports massage, anatomy, injury assessment, advanced soft tissue techniques, clinical reasoning, safe practice and client care.
London School of Massage provides professional massage couches and classroom equipment for practical training. Students normally work with one another during classes, taking turns to practise assessment and treatment techniques.
Students must arrange suitable adult volunteers for their coursework and bring their own suitable adult model on the day of the final practical examination.
Yes. Classes are open to all genders and students normally work in pairs during practical training. Students are expected to participate as both therapist and model but professional conduct, appropriate draping, privacy and dignity are maintained throughout.
London School of Massage provides professional massage couches and classroom equipment for practical training. Students normally work with one another during classes, taking turns to practise assessment and treatment techniques.
Students must arrange suitable adult volunteers for their coursework and bring their own suitable adult model on the day of the final practical examination.
Yes. Classes are open to all genders and students normally work in pairs during practical training. Students are expected to participate as both therapist and model but professional conduct, appropriate draping, privacy and dignity are maintained throughout.
BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
BCMA, IGCT Accredited
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