Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.P.4.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Sports Massage Basics

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
LSPA_477
Branch of Science
Health sciences; Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Sports Science; Sports Trainer
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Alīna Terehova
Structure Unit Manager
Renārs Līcis
Structural Unit
Department of Individual and Team Sports
Contacts

LSPA, Brīvības gatve 333, Riga, LV-1006

About Study Course

Objective

The aim of the study course is to develop the skills of students to perform basic and auxiliary massage takes, to develop the ability of students to outline the mechanisms of massage exposure to the human body, to name the main specialities of sports massage and adjust the dependence of massages on sport, to develop the skills of students to use appropriate massage oils, to list the characteristics and duties of masseurs during massage session.

Preliminary Knowledge

Knowledge of human anatomical structure – the structure of muscles, skeletons, connective tissues and nervous systems – was able to identify key muscle groups and their functions. Understanding basic processes of normal and sports physiology in the body during exercise. Knowledge of the effects of stress on muscles and their recovery mechanisms. Knowledge of sports injuries and their impact on the movement system.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Describe the massage targets, indications and contraindications.

Individual work and tests

Learning techniques in practice • Theoretical test • Literature Studies

2.Explain the mechanisms and effects of exposure to massage;

Individual work and tests

Literature Studies • Theoretical test • Learning techniques in practice

3.Lists and describes the qualities and responsibilities of a masseur during a massage.

Individual work and tests

Theoretical test

4.Recognises and classifies massage techniques.

Individual work and tests

Theoretical test • Literature Studies • Learning techniques in practice

Skills

1.Demonstrate basic massage techniques and auxiliary techniques in order.

Individual work and tests

Practical massage • Learning techniques in practice

2.Massage different parts of the body.

Individual work and tests

Learning techniques in practice • Practical massage • Practice independently

3.Adjusts massage and oils to the athlete’s needs.

Individual work and tests

Practice independently • Practical massage • Learning techniques in practice

Competences

1.Independently select techniques and carry out sports massages according to the objectives.

Individual work and tests

Practical massage • Practice independently

2.Adjusts the environment and adheres to hygiene principles during massage.

Individual work and tests

Practice independently • Practical massage

3.Work with an athlete shall respect ethical principles.

Individual work and tests

Practical massage • Practice independently

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Literature Studies
-
-

Students independently acquire the compulsory literature of the course by deepening and expanding the research on massage techniques and ancillary techniques to be learned during the course, the role of sports massage in muscle recovery after physical exercise.

The knowledge acquired will be tested in the knowledge test.
2.

Practice independently
-
-

Students independently perform massage techniques and auxiliary techniques acquired in classes outside classes (on course members or other volunteers, observing ethical principles), strengthening those acquired in classes and literature.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Learning techniques in practice
-
-

Participants in practical training shall acquire and strengthen massage techniques, justify and explain the choice of techniques according to the needs of the athlete and the purpose of the massage.
2.

Theoretical test
50.00% from total grade
10 points

Test consisting of 20 multi-choice questions.

Assessments in accordance with the interest scale laid down in the Academic Regulations I.
3.

Practical massage
50.00% from total grade
10 points

A student in a raffle will perform a massage on a part of their body. Displays the massage in a specific order and time within the limits.

Evaluates:

  • Adaptation of the environment and compliance with hygiene requirements;
  • Positioning of the human body to be massaged;
  • Application of all acquired techniques (all techniques are applied);
  • Correct sequence of application of techniques;
  • Massage technique;
  • Compliance with contraindications and safety requirements;
  • Communication and ethical treatment of the massager;
  • Inclusion in the allotted time.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Definition and types of massage
Description

Introduction to the study course. Study course requirements. Definition of massage therapy. Mechanisms and effects of action. Indications and contraindications.
Massage mechanisms. Sports massage indications and contraindications. Special features of massage depending on sport
Description

Types of massage. Masseur properties. Adaptation of the working environment in accordance with hygiene and ethical principles.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Massage techniques and sequence
Description

Risk areas. Motion directions - Langer lines. Techniques-glaude, rubbing, kneading and vibrations

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Massage techniques and sequence
Description

Risk areas. Motion directions - Langer lines. Techniques-glaude, rubbing, kneading and vibrations
Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Massage techniques and sequence
Description

Risk areas. Motion directions - Langer lines. Techniques-glaude, rubbing, kneading and vibrations
Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Massage techniques and sequence
Description

Risk areas. Motion directions - Langer lines. Techniques-glaude, rubbing, kneading and vibrations

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.
Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Test
Description

A theoretical part consists of a test with 20 questions. A practical test where the drawn body part is massaged.

  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Test
Description

A theoretical part consists of a test with 20 questions. A practical test where the drawn body part is massaged.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
36 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Definition and types of massage
Description

Introduction to the study course. Study course requirements. Definition of massage therapy. Mechanisms and effects of action. Indications and contraindications.
Massage mechanisms. Sports massage indications and contraindications. Special features of massage depending on sport
Description

Types of massage. Masseur properties. Adaptation of the working environment in accordance with hygiene and ethical principles.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Massage techniques and sequence
Description

Risk areas. Motion directions - Langer lines. Techniques-glaude, rubbing, kneading and vibrations

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Massage techniques and sequence
Description

Risk areas. Motion directions - Langer lines. Techniques-glaude, rubbing, kneading and vibrations

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Back massage
Description

Back massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

leg masage
Description

In the legs, massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Hand massage
Description

Hand massage using techniques. Determined in order and direction. Keeping up with the time.

  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Test
Description

A theoretical part consists of a test with 20 questions. A practical test where the drawn body part is massaged.

  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Test
Description

A theoretical part consists of a test with 20 questions. A practical test where the drawn body part is massaged.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
18 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Paine, T. The Complete Guide to Sports Massage. 4th edition, 2023, 240 lpp.Suitable for English stream

2.

Lāriņš, V. Sporta medicīna. 2022., 311 lpp.

3.

Zeidlers, I. Ārstnieciskā masāža. 3. izdevums, 2017, 168 lpp.

4.

Findlay, S. Sports Massage. 2010. (vienīgais izdevums), 176 lpp.Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Monteiro, E. R., Cavanaugh, M. T., Frost, D. M., & da Silva Novaes, J. Is self-massage an effective joint range-of-motion strategy? A pilot study. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 21(1), 223-226. 2017Suitable for English stream

2.

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

3.

Thomas W.Myers. Anatomy Trains. 2014Suitable for English stream

4.

Васичкин, В. Все про массаж. 2014

Other Information Sources

1.

PubMedSuitable for English stream

2.

ResearchGateSuitable for English stream