Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy
Take Your Sports Massage Career to the Next Level
Advance your skills, refine your technique, and become a qualified professional in injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation.
The VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy is designed for qualified Level 3 Sports Massage Therapists ready to progress into advanced practice.
This course develops your ability to assess, plan, and apply specialist massage techniques for the management of recent non-acute injuries and pre-existing conditions. You’ll learn advanced soft tissue methods, clinical reasoning, and treatment planning for a professional, evidence-based approach to sports therapy.
You’ll learn how to:
- Perform detailed subjective and objective assessments
- Identify and treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions and postural deviations
- Apply advanced massage techniques including trigger point therapy, soft tissue release, and muscle energy techniques
- Support soft tissue repair across acute, sub-acute, and chronic stages
- Deliver safe, effective treatment plans with informed client communication and aftercare
Level:
4 Certificate
Total Qualification Time:
190 hours (128 guided)
Credits:
19
Minimum Age:
16+
Assessment:
Portfolio of evidence & practical observation
Study Mode:
Classroom and clinical environment
Who Is It For?
This qualification is ideal for:
Qualified Level 3 Sports Massage Therapists
Professionals seeking to work with injured or rehabilitating clients
Individuals aiming to work in sports, physiotherapy, or rehabilitation settings
Course Content
You’ll complete three mandatory units, each designed to deepen your practical and clinical expertise.
Mandatory Units:
Conducting Subjective and Objective Assessment
Provide Sports Massage Techniques to Prevent and Manage Injury
Treatment Modalities to Support Soft Tissue Repair
How You’ll Be Assessed
Assessment combines both theory and practice to demonstrate your competence in advanced sports massage.
Assessor observations during client treatments
Written and oral questioning
Case studies and practical evaluations
Portfolio of evidence showcasing learning, treatment logs, and reflection
Progression & Careers
After qualifying, you can work as:
After qualifying, you can work as:
Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist
Rehabilitation or Injury Management Specialist
Self-Employed Sports Therapist
Clinic or Team-Based Practitioner
Progression routes include:
Level 5 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
Specialist study in Myofascial Release, PNF Stretching, or Physiotherapy pathways
Entry Requirements
You must already hold a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy (or equivalent).
Learners must be 16 or above.
A genuine interest in sports injury management and rehabilitation is essential.
Why Choose Accacia Training?
Learn from experienced industry professionals
Build real-world experience in a professional setting
Gain a nationally recognised VTCT qualification
Develop advanced, employable skills to support athletes and clients in recovery
Access ongoing guidance and professional networking opportunities
Support Hub
Do I need to complete Level 3 first?
Yes. Level 3 Sports Massage is a prerequisite for this course.
What makes Level 4 different?
Level 4 focuses on injury management, pathology, and advanced soft tissue techniques beyond relaxation or maintenance massage.
Will I need to complete case studies?
Yes. You’ll complete a professional portfolio including assessments, treatment logs, and case studies.
Can I work straight after completing this course?
Yes — you’ll be fully qualified to work as a Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist.
