A hands-on career

Discover how to treat common injuries, accelerate recovery and improve performance.

HFE qualified sport massage therapist working on a client
HFE sports massage therapist with client

Sports massage courses and qualifications

We're setting the benchmark by creating the industry's best sports massage therapists and bodywork experts. Our recognised sports massage courses and qualifications are delivered by some of the best and most experienced physios and manual therapists in the industry. Launch your career and learn from the best with HFE.

HFE student studying at home with MacBook and textbooks

Beyond a course

We’ve expertly crafted these sports massage courses alongside experienced professionals to ensure the best training experience and success with your career.

  • Internationally recognised

    Wherever your sports massage career takes you, you can rest assured this YMCA Awards and Ofqual regulated qualification will have you covered.

  • Hands-on training

    Our sports massage courses are highly practical and will equip you with all the essential skills you need to succeed as a sports massage therapist.

  • Presented by physiotherapists

    The knowledge elements of our sports massage courses and education programmes have been expertly written and presented by physiotherapists with extensive knowledge and experience of massage therapy.

  • Nationwide locations

    We deliver our sports massage courses throughout the UK from a range of premium sports and fitness centres. You won’t have to go far to find us.

Entry-level sports massage course

Sink your hands into the world of sports massage therapy with this Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage. This is the minimum qualification required to practice as a sports massage therapist in the UK, although the qualification is internationally recognised.

Become a specialist in sports massage

Combine various sports massage courses with other fitness qualifications in order to allow you to expand your understanding of exercise and training in the recovery and rehabilitation process. With our specialist packages, you’ll be able to deliver a more holistic and client-centred approach to promoting recovery and wellness.

sports massage professional

Professional

From £2145

Sports Massage

Take control of your future massage career with our Professional sports massage package. This combines our Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training and Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage to allow you to develop a deeper and broader understanding of the relationship between exercise and sports massage therapy.

Qualifications:

Our professional package combines the qualifications below to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver personal training sessions and sports massage treatments to your clients. This package is awarded by YMCA Awards and has full endorsement from CIMSPA, giving your achievements international recognition.

  • Level 3 Diplomas in Sports Massage Therapy

  • Level 2 Gym Instructor Certificate

  • Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training

Key content:

Listed below are some of the core subjects of this programme:

  • Principles of fitness training and programme design

  • Anatomy and physiology for exercise, fitness, and sports massage (level 2 and level 3)

  • Nutrition for physical activity and healthy living

  • Planning and delivering personal training sessions

  • Common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions

  • Planning and delivering different sports massage treatments

  • Understanding soft tissue and dysfunction

Future employment:

Once you’ve completed your studies, you’ll be eligible to secure employment in any health, fitness, or personal training facility around. With your newfound massage skills and qualification, you’ll also be able to treat clients privately, as well as secure work in sports therapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, and physiotherapy type clinics, providing massage treatments. There’s also the potential to provide treatments to amateur and professional athletes, as well as working at sporting events (e.g. marathons) performing pre and post-race massage treatments.

At the end of your course, you’ll get access to CV Connect, allowing you to send your CV directly to all of the major gym chains and fitness employers in the UK. We literally have thousands of clubs to connect you with!

0% payment plans

Interest-free
payment plan
£157
per month
Get started with a deposit of £250
See Plans
5% discount
for prompt payment
save £107.25
sports massage master tile

Master

£2575

Sports Massage

Accelerate your learning and development with our combined Level 3 and Level 4 Master Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy. Discover the latest scientific evidence around injury prevention, rehabilitation, soft tissue dysfunction and massage therapy. Level 4 status is required to work with clients that have soft tissue injury or dysfunction.

Qualifications:

Our Master Sports Massage package includes both qualifications featured below to give you one of the most comprehensive sports massage education programmes. These qualifications are both awarded by YMCA Awards and are fully endorsed by CIMSPA, giving your achievements international recognition. These programmes are also fully endorsed by the Sports Massage Association.

  • Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy

  • Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy

Key content:

Just some of the content and subjects included in this programme are listed below:

  • Musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology

  • Pathophysiology of common injuries and soft tissue dysfunction

  • Musculoskeletal testing, including advanced special tests

  • Extensive range of soft tissue massage therapy techniques

  • Use of medications for injury and dysfunction

  • Myofascial release and connective tissue treatments

  • Treatment planning for clients with soft tissue dysfunction

  • Posture, gait, and dynamic movement analysis

Future employment:

On completion of this programme, you’ll be able to treat clients privately, or secure employment in any professional sports massage environment. This might include, but not limited to sports therapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, and physiotherapy type clinics, as well as providing pre and post-event massages to athletes participating in sporting events (e.g. marathons, triathlons).

It’s important to underline the fact that you’ll only be able to provide treatments to clients with soft tissue injuries and dysfunction if you complete the Level 4 Diploma in Sports massage Therapy. Level 3 qualifications are designed only to facilitate and support athletic performance; not treat clients.

As a HFE graduate, you will also get access to our CV connect. This will allow you to connect your CV directly with all of the major health and fitness employers in the UK.

0% payment plans

Interest-free
payment plan
£193
per month
Get started with a deposit of £250
See Plans
5% discount
for prompt payment
save £128.75

Sports massage extras and exclusives

Throughout your sports massage course and beyond, you’ll receive a host of extras and exclusives to take the sting out of your career transition and to help relieve some of the pressures associated with your study. From expert career advice, discounted CIMSPA membership, insurance or massage equipment we have tons of extras and exclusives for when you’re qualified.

CV Connect on iphone screen

CV Connect

It all starts with a connection and our advanced recruitment solution will help by instantly connecting your CV with thousands of fitness and leisure operators near you.

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Offers and discounts

We’ve negotiated on your behalf some huge offers and discounts with a variety of leading fitness companies and brands which you'll unlock once you've completed your sports massage course.

You're in safe hands

When you choose to study with HFE you can be sure of one thing – exceptional support. Our 5-star support team will be here every step of the way. However you choose to complete your sports massage course, you’ll have access to support in a variety of ways, including:

  • Phone

  • Email

  • Webinar

  • Video call

HFE support tutor on phone in HFE head office

Individual sports massage courses

If you’re seriously ready to press on with your sports massage career but our packages don’t quite meet your needs, you may want to consider taking a more step-by-step approach and completing our sports massage courses individually. Listed below are the range of courses we currently have available.

Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy

Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy


Learn how to master a range of tried and tested sports massage therapy techniques to alleviate pain, address soft tissue dysfunction and enhance recovery and performance. This is a great course for anyone starting out in sports massage.

Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy

Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy


Take your massage therapy skills to the next level with this advanced sports massage programme. Discover how massage, movement, stretching and other soft-tissue interventions can be combined to deliver maximum results to clients.

Expertly developed massage courses

Our sports massage courses and remedial educational programmes have been expertly developed with your success in mind by leading clinical and practical specialists to give you the best training experience, helping you become more.

  • Presented by experts

    Online and face-to-face teaching by physiotherapists and experienced sports massage specialists.

  • Unlimited friendly support

    Our dedicated 5-star support team will be on-hand to provide guidance whenever you need it.

  • Vibrant extensive materials

    Content-rich resources, print and digital manuals, on-demand lectures, coursework templates and much more.

Physiotherapist lecture content on iPhone screen

*Images and videos are for illustration purposes and may not depict specific course materials.

Our reputation matters

Over the years we’ve trained tens of thousands of exercise professionals, nutrition coaches and sports massage therapists. Along the way, we’ve had the privilege of working with some famous faces, although most of our work has been focused on helping regular people realise their ambitions in the health and fitness sector. That’s what excites us most.

What others have to say

Take a read of some of our reviews to find out why HFE are rated 5-stars for their training experience and why you should choose HFE for your sports massage course.

HFE.co.uk
1596 reviews |
4.9
out of 5
All Reviews
james crossley hunter

"HFE is the ultimate fitness training provider. Without a doubt their personal training courses are the best in the industry."

James Crossley

(Hunter from Gladiators)
HFE yoga graduate Laura Massaro during squash match

"The course has really helped me to better understand yoga so that I can improve my performance and remain World No. 1."

Laura Massaro

(Former World #1 Squash Player)
HFE graduate Holly Bradshaw holding GB flag at Olympics

"HFE have been fantastic and have produced some of the best materials I've seen in the fitness industry."

Holly Bradshaw

(Team GB Olympic Bronze Medalist Pole Vaulter, 2020 Olympic Games)
HFE student Louise Fiddes holding gold medal

"HFE were understanding and the course is really flexible. I knew this would be perfect for me."

Louise Fiddes

(GB Paralympic Swimmer World Champion )
Antonia Johnston yoga

"I did my ETM and yoga teacher training with HFE and thoroughly enjoyed both... I highly recommend them."

Antonia Johnston

(Co-Founder of YogaFit Retreats)
Kardy Laguda, renowned exercise to music instructor

"I've seen a lot of providers in my career and HFE are by far the most professional and committed provider I've seen."

Kardy Laguda

(International Fitness Presenter)

Frequently asked sports massage questions

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions by those looking to become a Sports Massage Therapist. If we haven't answered your question here, call our dedicated team of Careers Advisors who will be happy to help on 0800 612 4067.

  • How do I become a sports massage therapist?

    This is the all-important question that current or aspiring fitness professionals should ask and the first step would be to enrol on to a sports massage course. For those at the entry-level, you’ll need the Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage in order to be fully qualified and practise as a massage therapist. If you’re already Level 3 qualified then the Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage is a great way to expand your knowledge, increase your client base and tackle more advanced injuries and conditions.

    With HFE you’re free to take a step-by-step approach and do these sports massage courses individually. We also offer the option of our sports massage career packages and this is how you truly set yourself up for success in the industry. Not only will you get the qualifications you need but you’ll also benefit from a range of extras and exclusives including job opportunities via CV Connect, 12 months’ worth of career support and discounts on Songbird massage to help you get started.

    To give you a greater sense of the exciting world of sports massage therapy, we’ve created an in-depth article exploring qualifications, employment opportunities, and salary and pay. Learn more with our become a sports massage therapist guide.

  • Who can you treat with sports massage?

    Sports massage is highly effective at treating soft tissue injuries and dysfunction at a low-level. It’s also really great for prehabilitation, keeping tissues soft, pliable and nourished when undertaking lots of exercise. It’s also really great for promoting recovery and healing following a workout.

    The broad application of sports massage keeps therapists well employed and allows them to help a wide variety of people in a range of situations.

    A few commonly occurring injuries that sports massage therapists might assist with include shin splints, tennis elbow, rotator cuff impingement, plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Aside from low-level soft tissue conditions like these, clients should generally be fit and well. If they aren’t, then you’ll need to get medical clearance from a doctor before delivering any massage services to them.

    Our Level 3 sports massage course is designed to educate you about these various conditions and most importantly, will empower you to diagnose the condition and deliver an effective plan of action for treatment.

    With the Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage, you’ll take your training literally to the next level and learn a broader range of techniques including how to assess posture, improve joint alignment and recognise muscle imbalances.

  • Do I need any prior qualifications?

    One of the many appealing aspects of a career in massage therapy is that there are no formal entry requirements for our Level 3 sports massage course. Essentially, everything you need to set you up for a successful career will be taught to you on course and provided in our learning materials.

    It would be desirable if you did possess a Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification (either Gym or Exercise to Music), but it’s by no means a deal-breaker.

    To enrol on to the Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage, you’ll need to have already completed sports massage at Level 3.

    Our team of expert support tutors are here to help you, regardless of your prior experience or knowledge.

  • Do you run sports massage courses near me?

    We certainly do and this means nothing will stand of the way of you achieving your sports massage qualification. In order to offer the most flexibility and choice possible, our sports massage courses utilise the blended learning model.

    This involves a period of home study which incorporates access to our online student platform LES (the Learner Engagement System), revising from your bespoke manuals and access via phone and email to your personal support tutor.

    During this time, you’ll also experience practical training at a leading health and fitness facility in the UK. Our current flagship venues are in Manchester, Birmingham, London, Nottingham and Cardiff.

    A full list of venues, information about facilities and accessibility, as well as travel directions, can be found on our sports massage venues and locations page.

  • What options are available after I complete the course?

    As soon as you complete one of our sports massage courses, you’ll unlock CV Connect within LES. This game-changing platform directly connects you with the country’s biggest active leisure employers including Pure Gym, David Lloyd, JD Gyms, Life Fitness, Nuffield Health and hundreds more.

    All you need to do is polish and upload your CV, select the employers you’d like to work with and that’s it. We’ll pass your CV along and if employers like what they see, they’ll contact you directly.

    The freelance, self-employed route is also incredibly viable. As a qualified therapist, you could set up your own practice or clinic or work for an existing establishment. There’s also a great demand for therapists to assist with competitive athletic events, such as marathons, triathlons and even Ironman.

    If you’d like a comprehensive round-up of the opportunities available to you once you’ve completed your sports massage course, we’ve created this guide to sports massage jobs that’s well worth a read.

  • What support can I expect while studying sports massage?

    We pride ourselves on delivering learner support without limits for all of our courses. Firstly, our Learner Engagement System has been built from the ground up with you in mind. You’ll find a wealth of practice quizzes and innovative video lectures to guide you. This system is available 24 hours a day, 7-days a week and it can be accessed from any browser or device.

    When you enrol onto one of sports massage courses, you’ll be assigned a dedicated support tutor. From Monday to Friday, they’ll be available via email or phone to answer questions, guide your learning and hone your sports massage knowledge. This support is flexible, so it can be on an ad hoc basis or you’ll be able to book in regular calls.

    The important thing to remember is that you’re never on your own when you’re studying with HFE.

Sports massage course dates & locations

Our range of sports massage courses are delivered from regional hubs throughout the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff.

Due to the specialist nature of this programme and the amount of equipment and space that is required to deliver these courses effectively, we don’t have as many venues in our supply chain as other courses, like personal training for example.

To view the specific locations in which we deliver our sports massage courses, use the button below.

All Locations Sports Massage Locations
Map
All Locations Sports Massage Locations

Birmingham – City Centre


Hilton Garden Inn Brindley Place, 1 Brunswick Square, Brindley Place Birmingham B1 2HW

Cardiff


Village Hotel Cardiff, 29 Pendwyallt Road Cardiff CF14 7EF

London – Marble Arch


The Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch London W1H 7DL

Manchester – Hyde


Village Hotel Hyde, Captain Clarke Road Hyde SK14 4QG

Nottingham – South


The Village Hotel Nottingham, Brailsford Way, Beeston Nottingham NG9 6DL

Sports massage articles and career guides

We've covered everything you need to know about becoming a sports massage therapist, from the employment options open to you, to what qualifications you really need. Check out our range of sports massage career articles and guides.

Sports massage professionals understand that the key to successful outcomes for their clients lies in their ability to understand the mechanisms of injury and dysfunction, and then implement appropriate sports massage treatments to overcome the limitations and restrictions in the soft tissues.

Our range of sports massage articles and career guides have been written by our team of sports massage experts to give your career in massage therapy a head start, and to answer any burning questions or concerns that you might have. Whether you’re wanting more detailed information on specific musculoskeletal conditions, or you want some expert career advice, our variety of sports massage therapy articles have got you covered.

A sports massage article on a computer.

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