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: QAN 603/4501/9
This VTCT ITEC Level 3 Sports Massage Bridging course is designed for qualified massage therapists who want to add sports massage to their professional practice.
This accredited bridging course in London is suitable for therapists who already hold a Level 3 Massage qualification or equivalent. Training focuses on adapting existing massage skills for sports massage, including observation, palpation, soft tissue techniques, treatment planning and the safe use of sports massage in a clinical or professional setting.
The course provides a recognised Level 3 Sports Massage qualification and creates a clear progression route to VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage and VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Sports Massage training.
On successful completion, learners gain the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage. This provides a recognised foundation for professional sports massage practice and progression to Level 4 Sports Massage and Level 5 Sports Massage qualifications. Students are also able to continue onto doing CPD courses such as Deep Tissues Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Spinal Articulation & Mobilisation course, Advanced Therapeutic Massage, Trigger Point & Stretch Massage Therapy as well as Dynamic Assisted Stretching.
The course provides a shorter route for already qualified massage therapists.
| Course Detail | Course Information |
| Qualification | VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy |
| Qualification number | 603/4501/9 |
| Location | London School of Massage, Kings Cross/Caledonian Road |
| Bridging route | 4 practical training days |
| Learning format | Guided face-to-face practical training |
| Assessment | Theory examination, practical examination, assignments and case studies |
|
Included |
Course materials and examination fees |
| Progression | Level 4 Sports Massage and Level 5 Sports Massage |
Please refer to our Syllabus and Exam Criteria tabs for further information.
CLICK HERE TO SEE A FLOW CHART FOR PROGRESSION IN THIS SPORTS MASSAGE COURSE
Qualified massage therapists, holistic massage therapists, bodyworkers and relevant health or fitness professionals.
This course is ideal for qualified massage therapists who want to progress on to Level 3 Sports Massage, expand their treatment skills and progress towards further training such as VTCT (ITEC) Sports Massage Level 4 and VTCT (ITEC) Sports Massage Level 5 Sports Massage qualifications.
The VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Sports Massage bridging Course in London is designed for qualified massage therapists who want to expand their skills and gain a recognised sports massage qualification. Students will build on their existing body massage experience and develop the knowledge, confidence and practical techniques needed to work safely and effectively as a sports massage therapist.
This bridging course focuses on the assessment, treatment and management of soft tissue tension, muscular dysfunction and exercise-related discomfort. Students will learn how to apply sports massage techniques for maintenance, recovery, pre-event and post-event situations, while developing a clear understanding of anatomy, physiology, contraindications, treatment planning and professional practice.
London School of Massage is an established massage training provider in London, offering professional, practical and industry-focused training since 1994. This VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Sports Massage Bridging course is designed for qualified massage therapists who want to expand their skills, gain a recognised sports massage qualification and progress into more advanced clinical training.
Students are taught by experienced tutors with strong clinical and teaching backgrounds. The course helps learners adapt their existing massage skills for sports massage practice, with a focus on safe technique, client assessment, treatment planning and the effective use of sports massage methods for active clients, general muscular tension and maintenance care.
This qualification provides a clear progression route to VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage and VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Sports Massage, making it ideal for therapists who want to develop their career, work with a wider range of clients and build a stronger professional profile.
As a qualified therapist, learners must hold an OFQUAL-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage, including Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology - 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 following entry requirements apply for this course:
Our Sports Massage courses are approved by VTCT (ITEC) and are recognised nationally and worldwide. 
This VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Sports Massage bridging Course in London is designed for qualified body massage therapists who want to gain a recognised sports massage qualification. The course builds on existing massage skills and focuses on assessment, treatment planning and the safe application of sports massage techniques.
Techniques taught on this course include: observation and palpation of the client, Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement, Hacking/Cupping, Vibration, Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT), pre-event, post-event and maintenance massage and Trigger Point Therapy.
You will perform 25 massage treatments on 5 different clients, with 5 follow-up treatments each. Guidelines and templates are provided to help you complete this, which must be completed in your own time using friends, family or colleagues.
This course builds on massage techniques and applies them within a sports massage setting.
Please note: For more advanced training and treatment of specific sports injuries, practitioners will need to complete a minimum Level 4 qualification in Sports Massage.
Anatomy & Physiology Exam Exemption
You may be exempt from completing the Anatomy and Physiology module, depending on your existing qualification. However, some learners may still be required to sit the theory exam, depending on the qualification already held and the date it was achieved.
Learners have two options:
Please note: if an exemption is granted, students will only receive a “Pass” grade on their final certification.
This home assignment helps learners understand the professional standards required when working as a sports massage therapist. It covers areas such as client care, communication, consultation, health and safety, professional boundaries, record keeping and working within scope of practice. Guidelines and templates are provided to support completion.
This home assignment introduces learners to the key principles of health, fitness and exercise. Students explore how lifestyle, activity levels, training principles and general wellbeing can affect the body and influence sports massage treatment planning. Guidelines and templates are provided to support completion.
This home assignment develops learners’ understanding of soft tissue dysfunction and how it may affect movement, performance and recovery. Students look at common causes of soft tissue problems, signs and symptoms, the healing process and how sports massage may support appropriate treatment goals. Guidelines and templates are provided to support completion.
All coursework (assignments and case studies) must be completed at least one week before your final exams.
ITEC has a 3-year Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Therefore, if you have completed some of these units in another VTCT / ITEC qualification within the last three years, you may be eligible to apply for exemption or mark transfer via ITEC RPL. Please contact us to find out if this applies to you.
Please view our FAQs if you have any questions.
This section outlines the assessment requirements for the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 course in Sports Massage, including theory exams, practical assessment and coursework completion.
Learners may be exempt from the Anatomy and Physiology exam if they hold a current Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology qualification completed within the last 3 years.
Structure: Practical Exam
Pass Mark: 60%
Length: 45–60 minutes
Assessed by: An external examiner from ITEC
Our exams take place over two days (one day for theory and one day for practical). Your confirmed practical exam date will be provided when you start the course.
A total of 25 treatments: 5 completed case studies (5 clients receiving treatment 5 times each)
1 assignment on Professional Practice in Sports Massage - iUSP150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
1 assignment on Principles of Health and Fitness - iUSP174 Principles of Health and Fitness
1 assignment on Soft Tissue Dysfunction - iUSP181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
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 on to:
Open their own private practice, treating clients from home
Work in health clubs, spas, hotels or ski resorts abroad
Offer mobile massage treatments
Treat clients using Sports Massage techniques
Progress to further advanced massage training, such as:
The VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Sports Massage Upgrade Course is a recognised qualification route for qualified massage therapists who want to add sports massage to their professional practice. It builds on existing massage skills and focuses on assessment, soft tissue techniques, treatment planning and safe sports massage application.
This course is suitable for qualified massage therapists, holistic massage therapists, bodyworkers and relevant health or fitness professionals who already hold a recognised Level 3 Massage qualification or equivalent.
No. This is an upgrade route for students who already have massage training. Beginners should enrol on the separate VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Sports Massage Course for Beginners, which includes the full foundation training required for new learners.
Successful students receive the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, QAN 603/4501/9. This qualification provides a recognised foundation for professional sports massage practice and progression to Level 4 and Level 5 Sports Massage.
Learners must hold an Ofqual-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage, including Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, or an equivalent or higher qualification. Students who are unsure should send their qualification details to London School of Massage before booking.
Yes. Anatomy and Physiology is required for sports massage practice. Some learners may be exempt from the Anatomy and Physiology exam if they hold a current Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology qualification achieved within the last three years.
You will learn sports massage principles, client consultation, posture observation, palpation, soft tissue dysfunction, treatment planning, contraindications, aftercare and Level 3 sports massage techniques for pre-event, post-event and maintenance massage.
Techniques include observation and palpation, effleurage, petrissage, frictions, tapotement, hacking, cupping, vibration, neuromuscular technique, trigger point therapy, pre-event massage, post-event massage and maintenance sports massage.
The upgrade route is shorter because it is designed for therapists who already hold a Level 3 Massage qualification. It focuses on adapting existing massage skills for sports massage rather than teaching massage from the beginning.
The upgrade route includes 4 practical training days, supported by guided learning, course materials, assignments, case study work and exam preparation.
Assessment includes a theory examination, practical sports massage examination, written assignments and case study evidence. The practical exam is assessed by an external ITEC examiner.
Students complete 25 sports massage treatments on 5 different clients, with each client receiving 5 treatments. Templates and guidance are provided to support completion.
Yes. Once you have completed the qualification and received your certificate, you can apply for professional insurance and work as a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapist, subject to insurer requirements and professional scope of practice.
Level 3 Sports Massage provides a foundation for sports massage, maintenance massage and soft tissue tension work. For more advanced injury assessment and treatment of specific sports injuries, practitioners should progress to at least Level 4 Sports Massage.
After completing Level 3, students can progress to VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage, Level 5 Sports Massage and CPD courses such as Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Dynamic Assisted Stretching, Cupping Therapy, Spinal Articulation and Mobilisation and Advanced Therapeutic Massage.
London School of Massage has been delivering professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994. This course is taught by experienced lecturers with professional knowledge of massage, sports massage, anatomy, assessment, safe hands-on practice and client care. Students are guided through practical skills, treatment planning, contraindications and professional scope of practice.
Course Dates:
Part 1) 17th - 20th July (Kings Cross 9:30am - 5:00pm approx.)
Exams: 29/09/2026 & 30/09/2026 (TBC)
Course Dates:
24 - 27th September (Kings Cross 9:30am - 5:00pm Approx)
Exams: To Be Confirmed
FHT, BCMA, IGCT, IICT Accredited Course
ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Course
FHT, IGCT, CMA, BCMA & IICT Accredited Course
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