By the end of this course, you will (1) master advanced sports massage techniques for treating lower-limb injuries and (2) apply clinical reasoning to identify and resolve biomechanical dysfunctions stemming from the hip. Led by Stuart Hinds, three-time appointed soft tissue therapist for the Australian Olympic medical team, this course blends elite-level expertise with practical, hands-on instruction.

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Lower-Body Sports Massage: Functional Treatment
This course is part of Sports Massage Therapist Specialization

Instructor: Niel Asher Education
Included with
Recommended experience
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
Skills you'll gain
- Patient Education And Counseling
- Injury Prevention
- Manual Therapy
- Exercise Therapy
- Patient Evaluation
- Physical Therapy
- Family Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Anatomy
- Kinesiology
- Pain Management
- Rehabilitation
- Clinical Assessment
- Patient Communication
- Athletic Training
- Treatment Planning
- Human Musculoskeletal System
- Sports Medicine
- Patient Treatment
- General Medicine
Details to know

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December 2025
5 assignments
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There are 5 modules in this course
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
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
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.
What's included
1 assignment
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Instructor

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Niel Asher Education

Niel Asher Education
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Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
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