YMCA Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (Soft Tissue Dysfunction) (610/0736/5)
This qualification provides learners with the knowledge and skills required for industry recognition as a sports massage therapist.
YMCA Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (Soft Tissue Dysfunction)
Qualifications Type
Occupational Entry
Occupational qualifications provide the knowledge and skills to meet industry minimum standards of deployment for a particular role. This can support learners in getting their first job within the sector, or add additional roles to their existing scope of practice.
Qualification Number (QN)
610/0736/5
Availability
Operational start date – 1 March 2023
Operational end date –
Certification end date –
Latest version of qualification –
Entry Requirements
- YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Performance Massage (610/0701/8) or equivalent
Assessments
- Knowledge questions
- Worksheets
- Written tasks
- Observations
Endorsement
Overview
This qualification provides learners with the knowledge and skills required for industry recognition as a sports massage therapist. The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to provide sports massage therapy to clients to treat conditions resulting from soft tissue dysfunction, ease muscular tension and treat minor injuries sustained during physical activity.
Qualification details
This qualification contains content to support learners to:
- Understand the anatomy and physiology of major joints and the interaction between the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
- Understand biomechanical dysfunction, the causes of soft tissue damage and dysfunction, and treatment of oedema related to injury.
- Understand the uses and side effects of major classes of drugs that may affect a client’s condition.
- Understand when neurological conditions may require referral to another healthcare professional.
- Understand soft tissue techniques used in sports massage and non-electrical therapeutic modalities to support soft tissue repair.
- Conduct subjective and objective assessments to devise sport massage treatment plans.
- Apply soft tissue techniques and use cryotherapy and heat treatments in sports massage treatments
- Apply the principles and methods of post-treatment care and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans
- Provide safe and effective post-treatment advice.
This qualification has 3 assessment stages with 8 assessment tasks:
Assessment stage 1 – Assesses learners’ knowledge of the aetiology of soft tissue dysfunction
- Internally assessed worksheet on the anatomy and aetiology of soft tissue dysfunction
- Observation
- Written task
Assessment stage 2 – Assesses learners’ knowledge of non-electrical therapeutic modalities which can be used in the treatment of soft tissue dysfunction
- Internally assessed worksheets on:
- Clinical assessment methods and strategic planning
- The use of non-electrical therapeutic modalities in the treatment of soft tissue dysfunction
- Treatment modalities
- Providing post-treatment care
Assessment stage 3 – Assesses learners’ ability to assess, plan and provide sports massage therapy for the treatment of soft tissue dysfunction
- Observation
See the qualification specification for further information.
| UN | Unit title | eLearning | Manual |
| D/650/1401 | Anatomy and aetiology of soft tissue dysfunction | ❌ | ✔️ |
| F/650/1402 | Clinical assessment methods and strategic planning | ❌ | ✔️ |
| H/650/1403 | The use of non-electrical therapeutic modalities in the treatment of soft tissue dysfunction | ❌ | ✔️ |
| J/650/1404 | Providing post treatment care | ❌ | ✔️ |
For more information on resource and resource bundle pricing
Benefits of YMCA Awards endorsement
Realise extra value from existing, non-regulated training programmes
Evidence high standards of teaching, resources and support
Learn from our experts to reach your ongoing development ambitions
Find a centre near you
We have over 200 centres around the UK. Enter your postcode to find the nearest centre to you