Overview

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. Through immersive video demonstrations and real-world examples, you’ll learn to assess, treat, and prevent common athletic conditions including Shin Splints, Achilles Tendon pain, and Plantar Fasciitis. Participants will gain the confidence to integrate these methods into clinical and performance settings, elevating their treatment outcomes to professional sports standards.

Syllabus

Lower-Limb Injuries: Shin Splints, Achilles Tendon Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

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.

Bonus Material: Assessment and Communication

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.

Hip Restriction Procedure

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.

Practice Assignments

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.

Course Exam

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.