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Lower-Body Sports Massage: Functional Treatment

Lower-Body Sports Massage: Functional Treatment

This course is part of Sports Massage Therapist Specialization

Instructor: Niel Asher Education

Included with

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

How to identify and correct hip restrictions that contribute to lower-limb dysfunctions
How to apply targeted sports massage techniques to effectively treat and prevent common athletic injuries
How to assess and treat lower-body sports injuries using functional sports massage techniques that support mobility, recovery, and performance.

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This course is part of the Sports Massage Therapist Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 5 modules in this course

Hip, leg, ankle, and foot problems can limit performance, change movement patterns, and make running, jumping, training, or even walking uncomfortable. By the end of this course, learners will understand how lower-body dysfunctions often connect back to the hip and how sports massage techniques can be used to support better movement, recovery, and performance.

Led by Stuart Hinds, a three-time appointed soft tissue therapist for the Australian Olympic medical team, this course brings elite sports therapy experience into a practical learning format. The course focuses on lower-limb assessment, treatment strategy, and clinical reasoning for common athletic and overuse conditions. Through detailed video demonstrations and real-world examples, learners explore advanced sports massage techniques for issues such as shin splints, Achilles tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, and hip-related biomechanical compensation. Massage, bodywork, fitness, and sports professionals will gain practical tools for treating lower-limb dysfunctions, while general learners will better understand how the hip, leg, and foot work together. This course offers a functional approach to supporting mobility, recovery, injury prevention, and athletic performance.

Module details

Module 1 provides a detailed, hands-on exploration of three common lower-limb conditions frequently seen in runners and active clients: medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints), Achilles tendon pain, and plantar fasciitis. The instructor explains how these conditions coexist, the underlying anatomy, and how altered load, footwear, training surfaces, and rapid changes in training volume contribute to their development. Using clear anatomical demonstrations, the module shows how deep-compartment muscles such as tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum, and flexor hallucis longus contribute to shin-splint symptoms, how Achilles tendinopathy progresses from reactive to degenerative states, and where plantar fascia pain typically localises. Learners are guided step by step through palpation, soft-tissue release, trigger-point work, assessment–treatment cycling, and real-time symptom modification. This module provides practical, clinically usable techniques for treating lower-leg pain and optimising load management.

What's included

6 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 34 minutes

Introduction2 minutes
Condition Overview4 minutes
Predisposition1 minute
Shin Splints12 minutes
Plantar Fasciitis7 minutes
Achilles Tendonitis10 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Syllabus10 minutes
Course Workbook10 minutes
Student Notes10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Practice Assignment15 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Introduction10 minutes

This module demonstrates how effective client communication and targeted questioning enhance assessment outcomes and guide safe treatment decisions. Learners will observe how to gather relevant training and injury history, set expectations, identify red flags, and educate active clients on load management and self-care strategies that support recovery and performance.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

Module 3 teaches the complete hip-restriction protocol, emphasising how hip mobility directly influences lower-limb loading and contributes to problems such as shin splints, Achilles pain, and plantar fascia irritation. The instructor demonstrates how to evaluate hip extension, identify restrictions in the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, thoracolumbar junction, and adductor group, and determine how these limitations inhibit gluteus medius function. Through precise palpation, trigger-point identification, and broad-contact release techniques, learners are shown how to treat anterior-hip tightness, thoracolumbar restrictions, and adductor magnus dominance. The module also breaks down passive release methods, length-tension strategies, and sequencing of treatment, explaining how each step improves pelvic control, running mechanics, and lower-limb stability. By the end, therapists will be able to implement the full hip-release protocol as the foundation for treating lower-extremity injuries.

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 assignment

7 videosTotal 17 minutes

Introduction2 minutes
Hip Restriction Assessment1 minute
Thoracolumbar Restriction2 minutes
Hip Extension Anterior Restriction3 minutes
Abduction Assessment1 minute
Hip Abduction5 minutes
Internal Rotation2 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Course Workbook10 minutes
Student Notes10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Module Reflection Quiz15 minutes

This module provides an opportunity to consolidate and apply what you’ve learned throughout the course. You will review key concepts, reflect on clinical relevance, and complete a short practice assignment and/or course reflection quiz. The goal is to reinforce understanding and strengthen your ability to integrate these skills into real-world client care.

What's included

1 video1 assignment1 discussion prompt

This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.