Sports Massage: A Clinical Reasoning Approach

Sports massage is more than applying techniques—it is the process of making sound clinical decisions based on the athlete, the sport, and the situation. This course provides massage therapists with a practical clinical reasoning framework that transforms assessment into purposeful treatment planning.

Participants will learn to think beyond routines and protocols by developing a systematic approach to interviewing athletes, making meaningful observations, assessing movement, identifying treatment goals, selecting appropriate interventions, and evaluating treatment outcomes. Rather than focusing on memorizing techniques, this course emphasizes understanding the athlete, recognizing relevant clinical information, and choosing the right treatment at the right time for the right purpose.

Using recurring athlete case studies, guided discussion, and practical clinical examples, participants will learn how context influences decision-making across a variety of athletic populations and treatment scenarios. Throughout the course, learners will develop confidence in adapting their approach based on the athlete's goals, training cycle, competition schedule,…