PROFILE OF THE SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST (SMT)

FUNCTION OF THE SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST

The SMT is an essential part of general sports care, leisure sports as well as in the international team situation with his time devoted mostly to prevention and regeneration. Depending on the different laws in individual EAS member states, his role can also encompass the areas of therapy and rehabilitation. This involves on the one hand close collaboration with other medical professionals (for example, sports doctors, physiotherapists) and on the other hand with professionals in teaching and sports management.

The first step in the quest for health advice is often the sports massage therapist, who fulfils the role of advisor and mediator. The SMT is responsible for making the trainer aware of this mediating role. The SMT assumes an important communication role in this area - between sports persons, trainers, medical professionals and other care providers. 

In the event of a medical problem, the SMT is mostly involved in the transition and reintroduction of the sports person from therapy back into everyday sport.

TRAINING FOR SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST

Due to the different legal frameworks in the individual EAS member states, one of the prevailing legal positions is to provide basic core training, that enables the SMT to carry out his profession independently, working alone or in collaboration with a doctor.
This basic training must be followed by further professional training in sports massage and after that by training in sports therapy care. The training must include the core subjects relevant to sports massage or sports therapy, notably in the following area's.

• Anatomy

• Physiology / Pathophysiology (including performance physiology)  

• Teaching 

• Nutrition 

• Sports Psychology

• Hygiene  

• Sports Orthopaedics  

• Sports Trauma

• Physical medicine and rehabilitation.

The following skills should be developed:

• Traditional massage techniques 

• Special massage techniques  

• Reflexology

• Complex de-congestioning therapy (manual lymphatic drainage) 

• Bandaging Basic foot care skills.

A single European-wide basic training course should be approved and certified by the EAS. This basic training course should lead to an EAS-approved certificate.

FURTHER TRAINING FOR THE SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST

Due to the fact that sports achievements are constantly improving and the types of sports activities in constant evolution, continual professional training is essential for the SMT. 
A points system should guarantee the high standard of EAS registered SMT. The SMT should have to attend EAS-approved training events to keep or renew his certificate.

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Last updated on: 8.6.2001

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