Sports Massage (Levels 3 & 4) and Structural Rebalancing

Main Course Tutor and College Principal, Michael Gibbons

This course is taught predominantly by Michael Gibbons, with highly experienced guest tutors and assistants for practical sessions, where necessary.

Michael Gibbons is an exceptional and extremely qualified Bodywork Practitioner and Teacher.  He has gained extensive knowledge over his 30 years in the Bodywork Industry.  Originally training in Body Massage and Sports Massage, he has further developed his skills and experience with his 4 year training at the McTimoney College in Oxford, gaining a Diploma in 1999.  He has also trained in Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral therapy, Thai Yoga Massage, Remedial and Deep Tissue Massage and Aromatherapy.

Michael is passionate about his clinic work and his teaching.  It gives him great pleasure to be able to impart his knowledge to others and to play an important part in the development of their skills.

Classes are taught in a relaxed environment using talks, lectures, visuals and detailed practical demonstration. Students work closely with the tutor learning not only the techniques but also how to protect themselves from the strain and stress while carrying out body therapy. An important part of training with the college is to trust and develop your intuition and blend massage techniques to suit each individual.

Click here for the full VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Sports Massage

Click here for the full VTCT/ITEC Level 4 Sports Massage

For the Level 3 Sports Massage, you will be learning four units:

• iUSP160 Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage*(Please see Anatomy and Physiology information below)
• iUSP174 Principles of Health and Fitness
• iUSP150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
• iUSP181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
• iUSP178 Sports Massage Treatment

For the Level 4 Sports Massage, you will be learning units:

• iUSP151 Conducting Subjective and Objective Assessment
• iUSP193 Treatment Modalities to Support Soft Tissue Repair
• iUSP157 Provide Sports Massage Techniques to Prevent and Manage Injury

PLEASE NOTE THESE QUALIFICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED BY ITEC SO SOME OF THESE UNITS MIGHT BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  We will keep this webpage up-to-date.

What is Structural Rebalancing?

Michael has devised this new, unique and pioneering course inspired and influenced by his extensive multi-disciplinary approach. In creating ‘Structural Rebalancing’ Michael has taken inspiration and cherry-picked the best and most effective techniques from his extensive years of thorough bodywork training including: his 4 year training as a McTimoney Therapist, training in Sports and Remedial Massage, Deep Tissue, Onsite,  Aromatherapy, Thai Yoga Massage and Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy.

“I strongly believe that any experienced body-worker can integrate this bodywork into their practice and get real results without having to take each of these as individual, time-consuming and expensive courses.”

Fundamentally, Structural Balance in the body is a simple idea based on a holistic approach to bodywork.  You will learn to work with the body as a complete system. Supporting the whole without getting lost in chasing symptoms around and around! Structural Rebalancing allows the body to heal itself in the right conditions. You will learn how to create these conditions.

The Structural Rebalancing Diploma will cover:

• Detailed Anatomy of the pelvis, spine and limbs
• Skeletal System, Muscles and Fascia
• Nerve Pathways and Plexus’s
• Myotomes
• Myofascial Techniques
• Muscle Energy Techniques
• Soft Tissue Manipulation and Release
• Neuro-muscular Techniques
• Cranio-Sacral Concepts
• Consultations and Assessment, effective note-taking
• Contra-Indications and Red Flags
• Case studies
• Aftercare advice
• Movement-based approaches to health rather than just stretching

“The dance of the tissues – muscles work in many complex relationships with the surrounding joints, fascia, nerves and tissue fluids. Blaming particular muscles for symptoms is often based upon notions and doesn’t always fully deal with why someone is in discomfort” Michael Gibbons

Structural Rebalancing is also an independent and stand-alone qualification which has been validated by FHT and Balens insurance.

It is important for therapists to understand how the body functions and heals itself. This is a fascinating subject to study.  You will need to learn about the 12 systems of the body:

• Skeletal system
• Muscular system
• Skin
• The cell
• Circulatory system
• Lymphatic system
• Neurological system
• Endocrine system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Urinary system
• Reproductive system

You will need to revise from your previous Anatomy and Physiology training.  We will provide you with some self-guided online resources to help with this.  During the course we will be teaching classroom-based advanced Anatomy and Physiology mainly focusing on the Skeletal and Muscular Systems which directly relates to the Sports Massage qualifications.

There will be a multiple choice exam at the end of the training for the ITEC/VTCT Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage qualification.

Please follow this link to the VTCT/ITEC syllabus.

PLEASE NOTE THESE QUALIFICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED BY ITEC SO SOME OF THESE UNITS MIGHT BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  We will keep this webpage up-to-date.

Autumn 2023

Times: 9.30am – 5pm

“Massive thank you to the College of Classical Massage. Another exceptional learning experience undertaking the Sports Massage Diploma with them. This course incorporates ITEC levels 3 &.4 Sports Massage & Structural Re-balancing. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone looking to expand their existing massage skills or those that are looking to start a career as a Sports Massage Therapist.

The teaching is second to none. Within this course Michael Gibbons has incorporated his wealth of knowledge & experience, gained over more than 30 years as a practitioner. He is adept at sharing his skills and techniques with students. Actively supporting them in gaining the knowledge and confidence to effectively apply these techniques to achieve consistently effective results. He is also highly approachable and happy to answer questions and support students in working through any difficulties they may be experiencing. This is of major benefit to student therapists future clients as they will receive optimal treatment to meet their needs, supporting their recovery/general health & wellbeing. Student therapists can also be confident that they have gained the requisite knowledge and skills to build a strong reputation within the sports massage industry using techniques that will also maintain their own health & physical well-being, enabling them to practice for many years.

The teaching is delivered in a variety of formats, face to face, videos, power point presentations, work-sheets, practical exercises,, guest tutors for specialist areas, for example, myofascial release and recommended texts, all of which are invaluable.

The studio where the face to face teaching is delivered is idyllic, nestled in the South Downs and high levels of cleanliness are maintained. There is a constant supply of hot drinks & biscuits and Michael’s wife Elaine even kindly supplies students lunch sometimes, in the form amazingly tasty, healthy soup.  In summary, if you want to become a competent, skilled sports massage therapist then do this course, you will not regret it :)”  Rosemary Walsh

“I enrolled onto the Sports massage course after conducting research on a lot of course providers based around London and I am so glad I chose the College of Classical Massage. Michael is an incredibly knowledgeable and intuitive teacher. His passion for his field is highly evident in every single class we have had. Being an absolute total beginner to the massage and anatomy world, the Level 3 Sports Massage course is a perfect balance of theory and practical. Michael has an ideal teaching method which ensures all students get abundance one on one teacher time within the group setting. Notes are provided in person and links with further information is sent by email every session. All the teachers we met during the course were highly trained professionals, currently active in their fields and were able to pass on a wealth of knowledge to us.

As a Muslim female who observes the practice of modesty, I felt included, supported and respected all the way through this course. I was highly fortunate to have an incredible teacher and wonderful classmates who valued my morals and ensured that wasn’t a barrier to my learning. I am eternally grateful to the College of Classical Massage for enabling a once in a lifetime experience.

Completing my course at The College of Classical Massage has not only enabled me to be qualified on paper but has given me immense confidence in my knowledge, skills and capabilities before even completing the course. The content and pace of delivery have been phenomenal. Despite three days of absorbing an immense amount of knowledge, it hasn’t been overwhelming as our teacher has been intuitive to our needs and constantly checked in with all of us. The entire team at the college have been brilliant with communication from admin to accounts.

It has been worth every single penny spent especially to be learning in relaxed idyllic surrounding. The venue in itself is extremely therapeutic, almost like a retreat weekend away but you come away mind brilliantly blown with how much you’ve learnt. If you are thinking of signing up, please just do it, you most definitely will not regret it.” Fahiza

“I would highly recommend this course to everyone that is looking to get into massage or further their knowledge in this chosen field. The quality of the teaching couldn’t have been better and everyone that is involved with teaching or behind the scenes couldn’t do enough for you. The course content is very thorough and covers everything you need to know before you go out on your own. The handouts and supporting materials are very good and are made easy to understand, if there is anything that you find hard to understand then whoever is lecturing you is always more than happy to explain things in more detail or explain it in a different way for you to understand. The venue is lovely and a very relaxing environment to work in. Everything is always very clean and the lecturers are very welcoming which sets you up nicely for the day.  As previously mentioned i would recommend this course to everyone.” Callum Wood

“I have trained with Michael a few times in the last 7 years and I keep coming back because he is one of the most knowable and trusted people I know in this industry. His teaching style is relaxed yet informative and can really adapt to everyone’s needs. The Structural Rebalancing course has been brilliant for me and having just started my case studies, I’m already getting some excellent results – one case of plantar fasciitis pain gone and another chronic shoulder and arm pain case where after the second treatment, she woke up for the first time in many years with no arm pain. The results speak for themselves.”  Munira Rasul

“Day one of the Structural Rebalancing Diploma ….  After a year & a half of intense training and real self discovery with the Yogic path – I had nearly accepted that my left hip structure would either take a very slow journey back to being level or be stuck in some kind of left internal rotation / right lower limb side external rotation battle for the rest of this lifetime !! Today – after one deep tissue / muscle manipulation / bodywork session I am now able to do Vrksasana (Tree Pose) on the less dominant side. In laymans terms – my sacro illiac area is properly balancing out.  The effectiveness of this kind of work is miraculous – am one happy lady.  And the most exciting thing is – am learning these techniques to treat folks with !!  It’s not just physical as we energy workers know – so it’s a deep shift too.  Unlocking karma ?  Thank you Michael Gibbonsmassage – über amazed & so chuffed to be a part of your first SR Diploma. Learning from a true master pro” Emma Chipperfield

“Michael has gently led us through a first day which could have been uncertain for some of us. By the end of it we were giving and receiving treatment that was already achieving visible results.  Great Stuff!” Roy Clay

“For the past few years, I have been looking for a course to compliment my practice in providing Therapeutic massage. Most massage courses focus on certain areas of the body or one particular therapy. I wasn’t looking to change the type of treatment I provide but to complement it.  This course encourages Practitioners to look at the client more holistically when providing a treatment. It also highlights that prevention is always better than cure so we should be encouraging regular treatments to our clients to avoid problem areas. I have no doubt this will broaden my knowledge so I can provide further treatment and suggest things they can do to help themselves to avoid or manage chronic or acute problem areas.  Two weeks in and the course is just what I was looking for. It is very informative but also fairly relaxed. It is interactive, mostly practical with suggested reading to do at home. This course highlights exactly why I love providing Bodywork.  Thank you Michael for being so passionate about your art”  Ida Dowthwaite

Structural Rebalancing Treatment Testimonials:

“Michael Gibbons has treated me over the last five years or so. As a keen runner, adventure racer, boxer and sea swimmer, the maintenance Michael provides to my body is vital to my happiness and well being. He has helped me overcome issues with my lower back, knees, ankle and shoulder over that time, and his gentle manner and intuitive nature always put me at ease and gives me confidence in my recovery. Michael uses a variety of gentle techniques involving movement & massage which help with both skeletal and muscular issues, and he looks at any issues you have within the context of your whole body, and doesn’t just focus on the specific issue. I always leave Michael’s clinic feeling better & would recommend him to anyone.”  Tanya Taylor

“The clue is in the description… A treatment from Michael is one of life’s treats. He is a marvel. Both me and my wife, as well as a number of friends, jealously regard anyone who has an imminent appointment. You arrive, creased by life, and 45 minutes later emerge, invigorated, rejuvenated, standing tall ready for anything. I always come away feeling a new power in my bosom, energised, wondering how on earth I was coping before such a release, and vowing I mustn’t leave it as long till the next appointment.”  Ned Hawes

“Michael’s considered, sympathetic treatment and advice have been a revelation – the difference he made in a relatively short space of time, after only a handful of appointments, was vast, offering a huge boost to my quality of life in the process. I would gladly recommend him to anyone.”  Russ Mould

“I have been seeing Michael since 2002. He immediately identified a hip problem, which was causing me pain when running and correctly and quickly treated it through massage and light manipulation. A key aspect of the successful treatment, was that he did not ‘consign’ me to lots of expensive follow up treatments. I’ve continued to run and cycle competitively at a local club level and go back to Michael for treatments only when I feel the need to. He is professional and flexible with appointment times, which is a great help as I travel to London for work and have kids. Being tall and skinny and getting old (!), I pick up a number of different niggles and strains and Michael has always adapted treatments and massage techniques to respond to my various injuries.”  Paul, Hove, keen runner/cyclist.

“I’ve known Michael for some years now and he has always managed to put my body right and taken the pain away! Very professional in a warm and kind manner. Thanks for saving my body and sanity again!!” Ghislaine

“The best muscle work, by a real master:  So I have suffered with a bad back and incorrect hip alignment for over 12 years now.  I get very tight muscles and need regular treatment to ease the tension in these areas.  I traditionally seek a male sports massage as I like the massage to be a real work out.  After a recommendation from a work colleague I booked in with Michael for an introductory session.  I went with an open mind as I was told he style is unlike anyone else in this field.  I can honestly say, you know when you meet someone who is a real master at their art, someone who is at the top of their game.  The treatment was amazing, subtle movements to feel the resistance in the motion, that identify the real problem areas.  This kind of knowledge of the body and sensitivity of touch only comes from many years of practice.  My body was then put through movement and combined pressure, which resulted in a deeper more targeted treatment, right to the core of the issue.  After my first 1 hour session, the extra mobility and release of tension was noticeable and I felt like my structure had been reset.  I now see Michael on a regular basis and I am happy to say the work is holding up between sessions, giving me greater comfort and flexibility.  Thanks Michael for the amazing work you have done for me and look forward to future treatments and improved body alignment.”  Steve Francis

“I have been visiting Michael Gibbons for the past 6+ years for regular therapeutic adjustments.  I have long suffered from lower back pain and can honestly say that I don’t feel any discomfort since I started regular treatments with Michael.  I continue to have regular appointments despite no longer feeling any discomfort to maintain a consistent level of mobility and comfort.  I don’t feel any “older” than I did ten years ago… and that’s a good thing!   If you are feeling any discomfort I heartily recommend Michael Gibbons practice.”  Susan Sutch

“I have been going to Michael for years for treatments, as a body worker myself, I need to maintain my health and well being. Michael has treated me for various muscular complaints and issues always resulting in a very positive and excellent outcome.”  Jo Kellett

“I’ve always found the treatments from Michael to be really effective and have rarely had to visit Michael more than a few times to resolve any issue with my back.  Michael’s combination of massage and structural realignment techniques has delivered relief from back pain and helped me recover from injury on more than one occasion.”  Daniel Finch

“I wanted to say thank you very much for the treatment I have received from you.  Not only is my back so much better from my treatment itself, the two minute exercises you recommended, which I do fail without fail, keep my back strong and without further problems. So, thank you very much for helping me.”  Clare Fathi

“I first met Michael when I was crippled with back pain after slipping over on some ice.  After 2 treatments I was ‘fixed’ and since then i have been his evangelist.  Over the years he has helped me recover post knee surgery and whenever I have had other niggles!  Michael only ever suggests the treatments that are needed and gives realistic prognosis of recovery.  My only worry about endorsing Michael is that if too many people discover how good he is – he would be too busy to treat me in the future …”  Anne-Marie Williams

“I first started receiving structural rebalancing about 7 years ago as a way of maintaining my body. I had a back problem over ten years ago and tried a variety of treatments to help the problem they all helped in their own way and slowly with a change in lifestyle my back did improved. Although my back was much improved I still had periods when it became aggravated and painful. It was about this time that I met Michael Gibbons and started to receive Structural Rebalancing.

Structural Rebalancing has been really useful as a maintenance program for my back and also as a way to keep any aches pains and muscular problems at bay. I rarely get any problems with my back nowadays. My body responds really well to Structural Rebalancing and I now receive a session every couple of months just to keep my body in good shape and keep any imbalances and muscular problems at bay.

As a practitioner of massage and structural integration I use Structural rebalancing to keep my body in check. Michael has since taught me some of the techniques of Structural Rebalancing which I now integrate into my practice with great results.”  Andrew Chick, Portslade

There is an option to pay via 6 equal monthly instalments.  Please ask us for more details.  There is a £50 administrative charge for this service.

If you would like to book a place on this course please complete or download a booking form.

Payment can be made by bank transfer, cash or paypal.*

To pay by bank transfer, the details are:

Account number: 40714701.  Sort code: 09 06 66.  Bank: Santander  Account name: College of Classical Massage Ltd.  Please reference the payment with your surname and send us an email to let us know you have made payment.  We will then send your receipt and course information.

To pay by cash, please contact us to arrange a convenient time.

*Paypal:  please note if paying your course fees (not registration fee) by paypal there is a 3.5% surcharge.

If you have any queries regarding payment, please contact us.

What is included in the course fee?

• All hands-on Sports Massage tuition at the College of Classical Massage
• VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage
• VTCT/ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage
• Diploma in Structural Rebalancing
• VTCT/ITEC Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage (self-guided online learning and classroom based)
• The College of Classical Massage polo shirt

What is not included in the course fee:

• Course text books.  To be advised upon booking.
• First aid certificate:  If you don’t already have one, before the end of the course, you will need to complete a one day first aid course, for which you will need to provide evidence.  This is called an Emergency First Aid course and is valid for 3 years.

This is a qualification for practitioners who already have a background in bodywork, for example, a massage qualification, or a background in sports or physical therapy.  To find out more about eligibility, please give Michael Gibbons, College Principal and main course tutor a call on 07949 674524

Before the end of the course, you will need to complete a one day first aid course, for which you will need to provide evidence.  This is called an Emergency First Aid course and is valid for 3 years.

You should be of reasonably good health and not suffering from any current medical conditions which would hinder your ability to give and receive a treatment.  Please let us know if you have any medical conditions you feel we should be aware of.

Located at our convenient and comfortable location in Brighton.

Unit 4 Natural Health Centre, 20-26 Round Hill Street, Brighton  BN2 3RG.

Ideal to access by public transport, this venue is 5 minutes walk from London Road train station, 15 minutes walk from Brighton train station.  The local buses are 26, 46, 50 which stop outside the Round Hill pub on Ditchling Road.

There are many cafes etc within a 10 minute walk.

There are 4 free parking spaces on the forecourt or there is pay and display parking in the local area.  Please allow enough time for this.

Ofqual is the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. The RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for units (small steps of learning) and enables learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes.

The RQF has four main aims: 1. To ensure a wider range of achievements can be recognised within a more inclusive qualifications framework 2. To establish a qualifications system that is more responsive to individual and employer needs 3. To establish a simpler qualifications framework that is easier for all users to understand 4. To reduce the burden of bureaucracy in the accreditation and assessment of qualifications.

Qualifications that use the RQF rules are made up of units. This provides flexible ways to get a qualification. Each unit has a credit value which tells you how many credits are awarded when a unit is completed. The credit value also gives an indication of how long it will normally take you to prepare for a unit or qualification. One credit will usually take you 10 hours of learning. Units build up to qualifications.

There are three different types of qualification in the RQF: Award, Certificate and Diploma. The title of a qualification will tell you its size and level. If a qualification includes a unit that you have already been awarded, you can use the unit you have already taken towards that qualification. Units awarded by different awarding organisations can be combined to build up qualifications.

This course is accredited by VTCT/ITEC (International Therapy Examination council).  Practitioners can join FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists),  CThA (Complementary Therapy Association), CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) and the SMA (Sports Massage Association) on graduation.

ITEC/VTCT Level 3 and 4 Sports Massage – Student Contract 2023

Aims of the College

To provide a friendly and secure environment where students can learn the art of classical massage techniques with the support and guidance of experienced tutors.

Session format

Classes will involve lectures, demonstration and students working in pairs under close supervision.  Please arrive promptly.

Before the end of the course, you will need to complete a one day first aid course, for which you will need to provide evidence.  This is called an Emergency First Aid course and is valid for 3 years.

Uniform – students should wear navy blue/grey/white or black joggers/bottoms and tunic/polo shirt when doing practical work. Trainers may be worn within the college practical session.

We will be providing you with a complimentary College polo shirt once the course starts.

Please note for VTCT/ITEC exams you will need to adhere to the strict dress code for the practical exam which has some adaptions from what we recommend above.  You will be informed of this nearer the time.

All jewellery to be removed during massage sessions, long nails should be cut short.

Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage

You will need to revise from your previous Anatomy and Physiology training.  We will provide you with some self-guided online resources to help with this.  During the course we will be teaching classroom-based advanced Anatomy and Physiology mainly focusing on the Skeletal and Muscular Systems which directly relates to the Sports Massage qualifications.

There will be a multiple choice exam at the end of the training for the ITEC/VTCT Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage qualification.

What you need to bring/purchase

You will need to purchase two Sports Massage course text books.  These will be advised prior to course commencement.

Two extra large towels.  We recommend a dark colour, which doesn’t show oil marks too much.  You must bring your freshly laundered towels to each session.

A pen and notepad/ course text books should be brought to each session.

Course information

Absences – Students will be allowed to miss a maximum of two days course time.  Students will have to make efforts to catch up on any areas they have missed.  If you require extra tuition, this will be available at £50 per hour.

Students who are unable to complete the course due to illness, or any other circumstances, may, on the production of a doctor’s certificate, transfer onto the next available course   – however, this will be at the discretion of the college and a supplementary fee may be applicable.

Please note, if you choose to defer your place and a course is no longer taught at the College, you will not be eligible for any refund, and the college holds no responsibility for any financial losses.

All course work and case studies will have to be completed before you take the ITEC exam.  If work is not completed under ITEC regulations, you will not be able to be entered for the exam.  If students do not wish to take the exam, a certificate of attendance will be awarded, which will not qualify the holder for professional practice.  There is no reduction on course fees even if you do not wish to sit the exam.

College Conditions

All students should treat each other with due care and respect.  A member of staff will deal with any abusive, threatening or derogatory behaviour.  If the matter cannot be resolved, the student will be asked to leave the course.  In this circumstance, no refund will be available.

Students should respect all property and equipment.  Students found causing damage to property or equipment through negligence or intent, will be liable to costs.

Course fees

The registration fee is non-refundable.  No refunds will be given on course fees from six weeks before the course commences.  Payments of fees should be made in full on the dates specified by the college on its website or given in writing.  Failure to do so will result in the student being removed from the course and action taken to recover the outstanding amount.

Examinations

The exam fees of £200 are due six weeks before the exam date.  All coursework has to be completed before you take the exam no exceptions. The date for the exam will be organised with the ITEC board.  Students will be informed of examination regulations and procedures.  Any student failing an exam, or unable to attend will be given the opportunity to resit the exam only if we are able to accommodate this with a later exam that is already booked or scheduled to be booked. Please note we normally have practical exams booked several times a year but transferring to another exam booking will incur a supplementary fee and is normally at the discretion of the college.

Appeals and Complaints

Should you wish to address an appeal or complaint to the college, please do so as soon as possible, and in the first instance to the course tutor.  Alternatively, please do so in writing/email.  We will try to respond to your request as quickly as we can within normal office hours.

Should you feel we have been unable to help you with your appeal or complaint you may contact ITEC through the student page on their website www.itecworld.co.uk.

Equal Opportunities

The College of Classical Massage is an equal opportunity employer and education provider. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities, fairness of treatment, dignity, work-life balance and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in the workplace for all staff and students. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We have adopted this policy as a means of helping to achieve these aims.

By booking on to this course and sending your registration fee you agree to abide by our terms and conditions in this contract.

Please view our cancellation policy before booking your course.