Sports Therapist

Sports Therapist

This course at a glance

• Learn the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the health and fitness industry
• Understand the qualities and professionalism required for a sports therapy career
• Master essential skills like sports massage, fitness testing, and injury rehabilitation
• Gain foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and sports psychology
• Study online, at home, at your own pace
• Gain a learndirect Certificate of Completion in Sports Therapy

About your course

Getting started

Modules

Module 1 – Professionalism & Qualities.

• Describe a few ‘knowledge base’ requirements needed by sports therapists.
• Define some personal qualities a sports therapist should have.

Module 2 – The Client Market & Benefits to The Client.

• Discuss where you are most likely to find potential clients.
• Analyse a few different ways in which you can benefit the client.

Module 3 – Terms and References. 

• Explain the fundamental movements.
• Explain and give details of the SMARTER Principle.
• Identify the following instructions to be followed by the client before testing:
  • Clothing
  • Drinks/Snacks
  • The Venue

Module 4 – Appraisal, Screening, Testing & Evaluation.

• Describe the following:
  • Appraisal
  • Screening
  • Testing
  • Evaluation
• Explain the composition of lipoproteins and their ability to remove harmful cholesterol from the body.
• Discuss factors that govern the amounts of alcohol an individual should consume.

Module 5 – The Nature & Identification of Sports Injuries.

• Define the following terms:
  • The Ages Concept
  • Psychological Fitness
  • Lifestyle
• Judge the reasoning behind employing warm up and cool down routines.

Module 6 – Motor & Physical Fitness.

• Analyse the benefits of exercise and summarise physiological advantages.

Module 7 – Fitness Instruction.

• Identify reasons for conducting an induction and show how an induction is carried out.
• Summarise the induction procedure for bar-bell exercises and give the four essential knowledge components.
• Judge why it is necessary for participants to perform mobility exercises.

Module 8 – Rehabilitation Programmes.

• Discuss factors that influence rehabilitation programmes.
• Analyse the affects and benefits of cryotherapy.

Module 9 – The Physiology of Healing.

• Describe the changes that occur in early stages of acute inflammation and give the step-by-step responses.
• Explain the chemical mediators involved in Acute Inflammation.
• Analyse how the effects of acute inflammation can be beneficial to an injury.

Module 10 – Principles of Training.

• Explain the warming-up session before a lesson showing why it is important.
• Summarise the following modes of exercise:
  • Swimming
  • Aerobic dancing
  • Skipping
  • Treadmills
• Identify the recommended clothing for weight training.
• Introduce the guidelines a therapist should follow for weight training.

Module 11 – Physiology of Stretching.

• Discuss how often exercise should be performed and give three main benefits which attributed to regular stretching.
• Describe how the following types of stretching exercises are carried out:
  • Hip flexor stretch
  • Groin stretch
  • Quadriceps stretch
  • Abdomen and Chest stretch

Module 12 – The Nutrient Groups.

• Describe six nutrient groups and five food groups and give the common dietary terms used.
• Identify how BMR can be influenced by exercise and by levels of fitness.

Module 13 – Planning The Diet.

• Define the major mineral elements and trace elements and list the factors that influence intake.
• Summarise vitamins, the role they play, their classification and the two solubles into which they are divided.
• Introduce clinical signs of deficiencies of vitamins.

Module 14 – Sports Psychology.

• Explain the three components of ‘potential’.
• Describe the basic formula for building a success consciousness.

Module 15 – Sports Psychology Continued

• Explain the medical conditions for which steroids are prescribed and give the different forms steroids come in.
• Identify the three elements of Patterson’s success strategy.

Module 16 – Basic Massage Techniques.

• Examine the four basic movements in massage therapy and give six examples of how effleurage may be practised.
• Describe friction showing what it is used for and its benefits in fibrositis.
• Summarise vibration massage and give different methods of applying it.

Module 17 – Sports Massage Specific Movements.

• Introduce cross-fibre massage and identify ways in which it may be beneficial.
• Discuss the importance of lymphatic drainage and summarise how the procedure is carried out.
• Investigate mechanical massage giving advantages and disadvantages.

Module 18 – Pre & Post Massage.

• Explain when post sports massage should be carried out and why describing the rules to follow.
• Summarise Hallux Valgus giving symptoms and treatment.
• Introduce massage treatments you would use on the following complaints:
  • Flat Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
• List the steps for a general massage routine.

Module 19 – Guidelines & Precautions.

• Analyse how you would use a non-luminous generator and detail any contra-indications to treatment.
• Discuss Ultra Violet Lamps and list the three factors that govern the amount of radiation received.
• Identify contra-indications to the use of a faradic stimulator.

Module 20 – Tools & Applications.

• Identify the mechanical, neural, chemical and thermal effects of ultra-sound.
• Define the contra-indications to ultra-sound.

For a more detailed syllabus on this course, click here

Entry Requirements

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

On successful completion of your course you will receive the learndirect Certificate of Completion of Training in Sports Therapist.

Your course certificate will also state the number of CPD points/hours the course is eligible for.

View a sample of the certificate (opens in new window)

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Career

This sports therapist course is the perfect starting point for anyone looking for how to become a sports therapist. You'll gain a variety of skills and knowledge in an ever-expanding industry. The work of a sports therapist can involve a variety of activities, from massage to giving advice on injuries, making it a dynamic and rewarding career path. With our sports therapist courses UK, you'll be well-prepared to tackle more advanced training that will enable you to enter the profession and make a real difference in people's lives.

Frequently Asked Questions