Qualification No: 001/2
Date registered: 1st September 2026
Soft Tissue Therapy Qualifications (STTQ) is the accrediting body specialising in this sector.
As a small organisation, STTQ does not yet operate with the level of administrative infrastructure required for Ofqual recognition. However, it has independently developed robust accreditation systems and quality assurance processes which align with the Ofqual recognition criteria.
STTQ is a pioneer in Sport and Remedial Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy education, with its roots dating back to 1989. It has developed an unmatched depth of expertise in understanding the professional standards and clinical competencies required within this specialist field.
Introduction
This qualification has been developed by the UK’s most experienced team of clinical practitioners and educators. It teaches a hands-on therapy that can safely and effectively treat people from all walks of life who are suffering with chronic musculoskeletal pain and minor injuries. The training also includes Sports Massage as well as using massage to support people suffering a range of medical conditions.
It has evolved in response to changes in modern public healthcare. Traditionally, Physiotherapist treated chronic musculoskeletal pain and minor injuries using hands-on treatment techniques. But this has now changed into a predominantly exercise-based profession with little or no manual treatment. But the need for skilled hands-on therapists to treat the vast number of these conditions remains as great as ever.
The techniques we teach here, and use in treatment, are all inherently very safe and they do not require a degree level of academic training. This qualification is the first in the UK to train therapists to provide a treatment in the private sector that is becoming ever-less available in the public sector.
The Level 4 qualification provides an ideal professional entry level with a pathway to more advanced clinical skills through the Level 5 upgrade qualification. This can be taken as a follows-on or at a later date over time. For further career development, therapist often go on to train in Osteopathy and this qualification is well recognised by the universities that deliver these qualifications.
Training centres can choose to deliver the Level 4 qualification only, and their learners can upgrade to level 5 through other STTQ centres. They can also deliver the full Level 5 qualification only.
This qualification, and the therapy it teaches, mostly attracts adult learners who bring prior life experience and, in most cases, existing sector knowledge. These learners are best suited to intensive part-time training programmes with practical skills taught through direct contact classes at local training centres and guided home practice outside the classroom. The underpinning knowledge is taught through home study with the STTQ online coursework programme.
All training centres must meet both centre and qualification approval requirements and receive formal approval from Soft Tissue Therapy Qualifications Ltd (STTQ) before advertising or delivering this qualification.
Training centres are required to enter into a formal approval agreement. This agreement represents a binding commitment by the Head or Principal of the centre to comply with all STTQ requirements and quality assurance standards. Failure to comply with the terms of the approval agreement may result in:
Training centres must ensure the following requirements are in place prior to offering this qualification:
For full details see, Training Centre Policy.
Unit |
Unit title |
Level |
NLH |
Level 4 Diploma in Sport and Remedial Clinical Massage |
|||
1 |
Anatomy and Physiology for Soft Tissue Therapists |
4 |
100 |
2 |
Sport and Remedial Clinical massage techniques |
4 |
100 |
3 |
Clinical assessment (part 1) |
4 |
75 |
4 |
Sport and Remedial Clinical treatments |
5 |
125 |
5 |
Rehabilitation (part 1) and Lifestyle advice |
4 |
50 |
6 |
Professional Business Practice |
4 |
50 |
Level 5 (upgrade) to Soft Tissue Therapy |
|||
7 |
Clinical assessment (part 2) |
5 |
50 |
8 |
Advanced treatment techniques |
5 |
150 |
9 |
Rehabilitation (part 2) |
5 |
50 |
NLH – Notional Learning Hours
The qualification is not delivered as separate Units. The training programme must integrate the Units (see Training programme guide)
Training centres can also deliver the Level 4 only or the full level 5 only.
Training centres design their own programme that will achieve the learning outcomes and is best suited their learners, staff and particular circumstances.
It takes many hours of practice to acquire good hands-on clinical skills, and it also takes time to complete all the qualification’s coursework. To achieve this, the overall time taken to deliver the Level 4 programme needs to be a minimum of 6 months. Programmes normally need 8 weekend (or 16 days) workshops and are spread over 8 months. The Level 5 upgrade normally need 5 weekend (or 10 days) workshops spread over 6 months.
If the training is delivered to school leavers, a longer or full-time programme would be required. If delivered to more advanced practitioners such as Osteopaths or Physiotherapists a shorter programme may be more appropriate.
STTQ can adapt coursework assignments to meet the specific requirements of special groups or individuals.
We recommend that the Level 5 upgrade programme should be designed in a way that allows the classes to also be offered as CPD workshops for other suitably qualified therapists.
All training centre programmes must be submitted to and approved by STTQ prior to commencement.
See Training programme guide
This qualification is centred around the development of advanced practical, hands-on clinical skills, underpinned by a high level of theoretical knowledge and understanding.
Tutors delivering practical skills training must have substantial clinical experience and demonstrable competence in applying these skills within a professional clinical practice. As a result, approved training centres are typically private businesses, operated by experienced practising therapists, rather than mainstream education establishments.
To ensure consistent academic standards across all training centres, the theoretical component of the qualification is delivered and assessed through the STTQ online coursework programme. This ensures that all learners study the same topics and are assessed against the same criteria regardless of their training centre. Training centres do not deliver or mark coursework assignments but provide supporting talks, lectures and guidance in the classroom. They can also access learners work to provide extra support when necessary.
Delivery methods shall include:
Training centres may offer this qualification in any format that enables learners to achieve the learning outcomes, and is approved by STTQ.
For full details see, Training programme guide and Unit specifications
At the start of the classroom training programme, learners must produce valid photo ID. This must be comparable with the preferred name requested on their final STTQ certification.
AssessmentsEach unit within the qualification has clearly defined learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria.
Assessment methods have been designed to provide valid and reliable measures of learner competence and are aligned with Ofqual Level Descriptors.
Coursework and Case Studies
Coursework (home-study) assignments and case studies are delivered online directly to learners by STTQ and assessed by independent STTQ markers within a moderated quality assurance system to ensure consistency and fairness.
Authenticity of Learner Work
Assessors must only assess work that is the learner’s own independent work.
Learners are required to sign a declaration, before getting access to their assignments, confirming that all submitted work will be their own, A false declaration constitutes malpractice and can affect their progress on the qualification.
To authenticate learners’ coursework, at the end of the training centre programme, they have a short, written test made up of a sample of the coursework questions they have already answered online.
Anatomy Tests
It is essential that learners have a good working knowledge of functional anatomy early on in their training so they can progress better with more advanced techniques later on. To achieve this there are three short answer anatomy tests in the classroom during the first half of the L4 training programme.
Practical Skills Assessment
L4: Learners have to complete a log showing 50 hours of practice treatments outside of the classroom.
Practical skills assessments and the final practical exams are conducted at the training centre and must comply with STTQ assessment guidelines. These assessments are overseen, either in person or remotely, by an independent STTQ assessor.
Learners who do not achieve a required pass mark have the opportunity to make improvements and resubmit their answers, or retake tests, to get a better mark.
Reasonable adjustments can be made for learners with special needs.
Summary of Assessments
| Level 4 Diploma in Sport and Remedial Clinical Massage |
||
3 |
Written coursework assignments |
Home study |
3 |
Anatomy Tests |
Classroom |
1 |
Short-answer written test at the end |
Classroom |
2 |
Case Studies |
Home study |
50hrs |
Logged practice treatment |
Home practice |
1 |
Practical skills exam |
Classroom |
|
Level 5 Upgrade to Soft Tissue Therapy |
||
2 |
Written coursework assignments |
Home study |
3 |
Case Studies |
Home study |
1 |
Practical skills exam |
Classroom |
For full details see the Qualification Assessment Policy
It is common for learners to have not completed all their coursework and Case Studies by the time they take their final practical exam. This is acceptable because we want learners to produce quality answers without rushing them.
L4 Learners have up to one year from the date of their final practical exam to complete all their assignments and case studies, after this time they must re-take the practical exam. The final cut-off for awarding the qualification is two years from the date of their final practical exam.
L5 Learners have two years to complete this programme.
Appeals Against Assessment MarksSTTQ operates a formal appeals procedure for learners who believe their mark may be unfair. Training centres may also submit an appeal on behalf of a learner, with the learner’s consent. This can be accessed through the STTQ online portal.
For full details see, Appeals Process Policy and Conflict of Interest Policy
Training centres must ensure that learners with disabilities or additional needs are given a fair opportunity to meet both the physical and academic requirements of the qualification.
Centres must:
Prospective student with special needs should be given an appraisal to assess their abilities before being accepted. Training centres should make reasonable adjustments to equipment and classroom facilities to accommodate special needs wherever possible.
For full details see, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy.
STTQ operates a formal complaints procedure for malpractice and maladministration which can be accessed through the STTQ website.
If a training centre suspects, or is informed of, possible malpractice or maladministration by a member of staff or a learner, it must:
STTQ reserves the right to assume responsibility for the investigation were deemed necessary.
If an STTQ assessor suspects malpractice by a learner, the training centre will be notified that an investigation is underway.
For full details see,Malpractice, Maladministration and Complaints Policy.
| Learning Outcomes. This unit teaches the learner to understand: | |
1.1 |
Functional anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system |
1.2 |
The significance of the Neuromuscular system |
1.3 |
How other systems of the body facilitate musculoskeletal function. |
1.4 |
The causes and pathology of common injuries |
1.5 |
The soft tissue healing process |
Unit 2: Sport and Remedial Massage Techniques
| Learning Outcomes. This unit teaches the learner how to apply: | |
2.1 |
The primary massage techniques in a wide variety of ways
|
2.2 |
Soft Tissue Release techniques |
2.3 |
Neuromuscular (deep tissue and trigger point) techniques |
2.4 |
A range of Muscle Energy Techniques to all main skeletal muscles |
2.5 |
Connective tissue techniques to treat the superficial fascia |
Unit 3: Clinical Assessment for Sport and Remedial Clinical Massage.
| Learning Outcomes. This unit teaches the learner how to: | |
3.1 |
Identify and deal correctly with contraindications, cautions and Red Flags |
3.2 |
Carry out a clinical consultation
|
3.3 |
Apply objective tests to assess soft tissue injury
|
3.4 |
Design a treatment plan that best meet the client’s needs |
Unit 4: Sport and Remedial Clinical Treatments
| Learning Outcomes. This unit teaches the learner how to: | |
4.1 |
Deliver a Sports Massage service to support athletes, dancers and people with physically demanding lifestyles. |
4.2 |
Deal correct with acute injuries |
4.3 |
Carry out Remedial Massage treatments to:
|
Unit 5: Rehabilitation
| Learning Outcomes. This unit teaches the learner how to: | |
5.1 |
Prescribe post-acute injury rehabilitation exercises |
5.2 |
Provide exercise advice to treat and/or manage chronic pain |
5.3 |
Provide active lifestyle advice |
Unit 6: Professional Business Practice
Learning Outcomes. This unit teaches the learner how to: |
|
6.1 |
Operate a professional clinical practice |
6.2 |
Operate a business as a self-employed therapist |
| Learning Outcomes. This unit teaches the learner how to: | |
7.1 |
Assess complex chronic pain scenarios |
7.2 |
Assess joint injuries |
7.3 |
Assess posture and functional movement |
Unit 8: Advanced treatment techniques
| Learning Outcomes. This unit teaches the learner how to: | |
8.1 |
Apply advanced Muscle Energy Techniques |
8.2 |
Apply deep myofascial (connective tissue) techniques |
8.3 |
Apply Positional Release Technique |
8.4 |
Apply joint mobilisation techniques |
| Learning Outcomes. This unit teaches the learner how to: | |
9.1 |
Proscribe exercises and activities to
|