This module aims to provide knowledge and understanding of pre-treatment client screening, which may include, postural assessment, anthropometric testing and subjective screening. Students will learn how to undertake a basic peripheral joint assessment (shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot). During this assessment students will gain an appreciation for the integrity of a joint by analysing the quality, pain, willingness, range and symptom response of such movements. In addition, students will learn a range of sports massage techniques at each of these regions and how these can be applied safely and effectively. Throughout the module case-based scenarios will be used to contextualise knowledge and gain an understanding of how these techniques are used in industry.

Assessment 1: Practical Assessment: Students, using a case scenario provided, will perform a full sports massage treatment including a subjective assessment, localised postural assessment, relevant anthropometric tests and a sports massage. Learning outcome 1 & 2

Formative Assessment: Students will perform a full sports massage treatment for a case-based scenario and receive feedback from their peers and tutor

In order to provide the best learning experience to our students, the injury rehabilitation and manual therapies team is committed to providing an environment that supports and encourages students to develop their knowledge, understanding and technical skills. To achieve this, we use a variety of teaching and learning techniques to meet the diverse needs of our students. These techniques include, but are not limited to, problem-based learning, context-based learning, simulation, and peer to peer learning. This approach ensures that students are able to contextualise their knowledge and understanding and best prepares them for employment.



This module will be taught predominantly face to face in the Staffordshire Sport Therapy clinics. Sessions will include the necessary theoretical understanding to ensure that an evidence based approached is being adhered to by students. However, the majority of lessons will be taught practically to provide students an opportunity to gain hands on experience and to allow time for students to refine their handling and technical skills. A number of video demonstrations will be provided to enable students to practice unsupervised with guidance. Students will also use the telehealth facilities to create their own digital content for revision purposes.

1. Implement safe and effective pre-treatment client screening within a structured and managed environment
Knowledge and Understanding Analysis Learning Application

2. Plan, implement and apply relevant soft tissue and massage techniques appropriate to client demands within a structured and managed environment Communication Application Analysis Problem Solving

Teaching Clinic

Telehealth Hub

Virtual Reality Studio

Office 365 & Microsoft Teams

Rehabilitation Zone

Petty, N. J., & Ryder, D. (Eds.). (2017).¿Musculoskeletal Examination and Assessment E-Book: A Handbook for Therapists. Elsevier Health Sciences.



Magee, D. J., & Sueki, D. (2011). Orthopedic physical assessment atlas and video.¿Selected special tests and movements. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders.

Sigel, K., & Heck, A. (2020) The Assessment Book: A Guide to Orthopedic Physical Assessment¿



Sanderson, M. (2012).¿Soft tissue release: a practical handbook for physical therapists. Lotus Pub..



Gibbons, J. (2013).¿Muscle energy techniques: A practical guide for physical therapists. Lotus Pub.; Berkeley, Calif.: North Atlantic Books.



Paine, T. (2015).¿The complete guide to sports massage. Bloomsbury Publishing.


Moraska, A. (2005). Sports massage. A comprehensive review.¿J Sports Med Phys Fitness,¿45(3), 370-380.

This module aims to provide knowledge and understanding of pre-treatment client screening, which may include, postural assessment, anthropometric testing and subjective screening. Students will learn a range of sports massage techniques and how to apply these safely and effectively to different case scenarios throughout the module.

On completion of this module students are eligible for external massage insurance for them to gain paid clinical work.