To become a sports massage therapist, you will need:

• Level 4 Qualification in Sports Massage Therapy

This Level 4 qualification is for those who are getting started in the industry with no previous qualifications. This course then allows you to move onto more advanced qualifications and further develop your career.

You’ll want to ensure your qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and accredited by an awarding body such as Focus Awards. This means your training will be of the highest standard.

Here are some things to consider when comparing providers:

Tutor Support – Check what support is offered and when it’s available. Many providers only offer support during office hours, which isn’t helpful if you plan to study on evenings or weekends.

Study Options – You should look at what study options a course provider has, for example do they offer practical hands-on workshops? Choose based on what suits your learning style best.

Career Support – Look for a provider that offers free career support as this will make it much easier to get started in the industry. For example, at OriGym we provide free CV analysis & distribution!

Industry Awards – Establish the quality of their training by asking what industry awards they have won or are nominated for. The biggest awards are the BFA’s, UKactive awards, and National Fitness Awards.

Student Reviews – Check out independent review sites like TrustPilot to see what past students have to say about their experience. Look at their rating and how many reviews they have!

Once you’ve decided on a provider, it’s time to get qualified! To become a sports massage therapist, you’ll need to qualify with a Level 4 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy.

This provides the necessary skills and knowledge you need to work as a sports massage therapist and progress onto more advanced courses.

You can then complete specialist courses or relevant CPDs such as the Myofascial Release or the Level 5 Lower Back Pain Management to build upon your previous knowledge on how you can help clients recover and prevent future injury.

As long as you’ve chosen a reputable provider, completing these steps should be stress-free and an exciting process that opens doors to endless opportunities in the industry!

Next, it’s time to think about what direction you want your sports massage career to take, Your options include:

Contracted Work – You will work set hours arranged by your employer, typically working with an already established client base. This is ideal for recent graduates, looking to build experience and get a steady source of income.

Freelance Roles – This allows you to determine your own hours working with clients you have personally found yourself. Many spas and treatment centres also let SMTs ‘rent a room’ allowing them to build their client base, practice, and reputation.

Starting Your Own Business – Be your own boss and work on a self-employed basis as an SMT. You’ll be able to pick when and where you work, along with other key business factors, such as who you’ll treat.

As a sports massage therapist, insurance is required to protect yourself as a professional. Two policies you should begin with are:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Professional Indemnity Insurance

These policies will protect you, even when working in contracted employment. If working in a clinic, always be sure to check whether you’re insured and what you’re covered for.

If working freelance & self-employed roles, it’s essential you take these policies out. These will protect you from claims of negligence of clients.

When starting your own business, you may also need additional cover for staff and equipment.

Once you become a qualified sports massage therapist, expanding your client list will be one of your main priorities. After all, the more clients you have, the more money you make!

Some of the most effective marketing strategies include:

• Establishing a social media presence
• Setting up a client referral scheme
• Building your own website
• Creating a Google My Business page
• Utilising paid ads on social media