The format of this course is "fast-track", enabling students to attain their Sports Massage Diploma in 6 months. Attendance is full time for one week per month for the first two months. Students then have the next 4 months to complete the course work and voluntary work required. The Sports Massage Diploma is a follow-one course from the ITEC Holistic Massage Diploma and provides an excellent opportunity for the qualified Massage Therapist to further his or her knowledge in body therapy. During the course, students will learn special techniques that can be applied to a variety of common sporting injuries and conditions appropriate to Sport Massage and cover a wide range of topics relevant to sports and exercise, including: The changes that occur during exercise to the muscular system, The physiology of a muscle cell, The effects of stress on muscles during sport, The origin, insertion and action of a wide range of muscles, The changes that occur during exercise to the neurological system, The stresses and strains put on the spine and joints during sporting activities, The possible causes and effects of a variety of diseases and disorders and their effect on specific sports, The principles of sports training, The stages of the healing process and the possible treatments available, The use of preventative and rehabilitative training to reinforce massage treatments, Methods of consultation, The selection of appropriate massage, according to the client's condition and needs, a knowledge of common sports Injuries that can be treated after medical approval. The Sports Massage Diploma course will allow successful students to join the Sports Massage Association (SMA).