Introduction to Sports Massage

About the class...

This course is designed for massage therapists seeking to specialize in the field of sports massage. As an introductory module, it offers an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices essential for providing effective sports massage therapies. Participants will learn the foundational techniques and methodologies tailored to meet the unique needs of athletes, ranging from amateur enthusiasts to professional competitors. 

Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, the course covers key areas including anatomy and physiology relevant to sports massage, understanding of common sports injuries, and the role of massage in injury prevention and recovery. Techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, friction, and stretching will be demonstrated and practiced, with an emphasis on how to adapt these techniques to suit different sports and athletic activities. 

Participants will gain hands-on experience through guided practice sessions, enhancing their ability to assess client needs, develop tailored treatment plans, and execute sports massage sessions with confidence. Ethics, client communication, and professional development are also integral components of the course, preparing participants for a successful career in sports massage therapy. 

Ideal for massage therapists aiming to expand their skill set and engage with the athletic community, this course serves as a stepping stone to more advanced sports massage techniques and therapies.

About Michael...

Michael is a friendly, respectful, professional, and goal oriented massage therapist from Springfield, Illinois. He has been in the industry for 11+ years and strives to expand his knowledge as well as share his techniques with other therapists.  

In his own practice, he uses a variety of techniques including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, cupping, shiatsu, reiki, sound healing, breathwork and more. No matter who the client is, he is dedicated to helping them reach their goals. 

Michael has proven his talents at multiple massage championships such as, 2023 Illinois massage championship (Gold in clinical, silver in freestyle, gold overall), 2024 American Massage Championship (Fourth in clinical), and 2023 Kentucky Massage Championship (Gold in freestyle, silver in clinical).