Washington Massage School Archives - Seattle Clinical Massage School

Soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world, is one of the most popular sports in the world. Played by millions of people of all ages and skill levels, soccer is a game that requires speed, agility, and physical contact. While it is an enjoyable sport, it also comes with its fair share of injuries. In this blog post, we will take a look at the eight most common sports injuries in soccer.

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains are the most common injuries in soccer. A sprain is a stretching or tearing of a ligament, while a strain is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. These injuries can occur when a player lands awkwardly after jumping or when they make a sudden change in direction. Sprains and strains can range in severity from mild to severe and may require medical attention.

Knee injuries

Knee injuries are also very common in soccer and can include anything from minor bruises and strains to more serious injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee and helps to stabilize the joint. A tear to the ACL can be a career-ending injury and may require surgery.

Ankle injuries

Ankle sprains are common in soccer due to the sudden changes in direction and quick movements required in the game. Ankle injuries can range from mild to severe, and players may need to take time off from playing to allow the injury to heal properly.

Groin pull

A groin pull is a common injury in soccer players who frequently change directions, kick the ball or pass it with the inside of the foot. A groin pull is a stretching or tearing of the muscles in the groin area and can be very painful. Players who experience a groin pull may need to take time off from playing to allow the injury to heal.

Hamstring strain

Hamstring injuries often occur when a player is sprinting and tries to stop or change direction suddenly. A hamstring strain is a stretching or tearing of the muscles in the back of the thigh and can be very painful. Players who experience a hamstring strain may need to take time off from playing to allow the injury to heal properly.

Concussions

Concussions can occur when a player is hit in the head or collides with another player during a game. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and confusion. Players who experience a concussion should be evaluated by a medical professional and may need to take time off from playing to allow the injury to heal.

Shin splints

Shin splints are a common injury in soccer players and are often caused by the repetitive stress of running. Shin splints are characterized by pain in the front of the lower leg and can be very painful. Players who experience shin splints may need to take time off from playing to allow the injury to heal.

Fractures

Fractures can occur in soccer players as a result of a hard tackle or collision with another player. Fractures can range in severity from a small hairline fracture to a complete break of the bone. Players who experience a fracture will need to take time off from playing to allow the injury to heal properly.

In conclusion, soccer is a physically demanding sport that requires a lot from the body. It’s no wonder that injuries are common in this sport. As a player, it’s important to take steps to prevent injuries by wearing proper equipment and practicing good technique. If you do experience an injury, it’s important to seek medical attention and allow the injury to heal properly before returning to play. With proper care and attention, you can minimize your risk of injury and enjoy playing soccer for years to come.

Learn more about how clinical massage therapy can be used to treat sports injuries.

A massage therapy education is a great option for someone who is passionate about the human body and helping others. Attending massage school can also adequately complement your existing career if you are already a registered nurse, or a yoga or fitness instructor. If you are looking to start a career in massage therapy, understanding the requirements will help you make an informed choice and prepare adequately. To help you out below is a simple guide on what you need to become a massage therapist in Washington State.

Complete Your Massage School Training & Take the Licensing Exam

The first step to becoming a massage therapist is acquiring the necessary training and meeting the required education requirements. To do so, you need you to enroll in a massage school and complete at least 500 hours of training. The hours cover all the core areas with massage theory and practice taking the most time as you will need to complete 265 hours of instruction. Typically, full training will take you a least six months to complete at your local massage therapy school. Below is a simple breakdown of the courses and their hours that will contribute to your journey of becoming a massage therapist.

130 hours of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. (A minimum of 40 hours in these hours focus on kinesiology)
50 hours of pathology
55 hours of clinical and business practice, including human behavior, record-keeping, hygiene, and ethics, as well as applicable laws.
265 hour of Massage Theory & Practice

After earning your certificate or diploma in massage therapy, you can then apply to take a national examination so you can be licensed. Upon passing the licensing exam offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) you will then be eligible to apply for a massage therapy license.

Apply for a License

After completing your training, you will require a license for you to become a fully-fledged massage therapist. To do this, you need to send your massage application to the Board of Massage for approval after passing the national exam. Other licensing requirements include HIV/AIDs 4-hour training, First Aid and CPR cards, as well as application and initial fees. The board will then verify your request and issue you a massage license for you to start your practice. Since the license expires at your birthday, you can renew it up to 90 days before expiry.

Get a Job

Once your massage license application is approved, and upon receiving your massage therapy license in the mail, you are free to look for a job and offer massage service. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of massage therapists will grow by 22% between 2018 and 2028. Some of the places you can find work include spas, fitness centers, resorts, and medical facilities. You can also utilize the knowledge and skills you’ve earned to start your own massage business or offer mobile massage services by attending to clients in their homes. This way, you get to experience the business side of massage therapy. Working in a medical institution, spa, or salon, on the other hand, enables you to acquire on-the-job training from more experienced colleagues. It also gives you access to a ready market and clientele without having to go through the hassle of marketing your services, as is the case with running a business.

Meet Continuing Education Requirements

Earning extra certifications not only allows you to improve your career prospects but is also a requirement for maintaining your license. As a massage therapist in Washington State, you will need to complete 24 hours of continuing education credits, which must include a minimum of 8 hours of direct massage skills training and a minimum of 4 hours of communication, professional ethics, or review of state laws and regulations. You must also complete a minimum of 2-hours review of professional roles and boundaries.

For more information about starting your journey towards a career in massage therapy, contact our Seattle Clinical Massage School admission department today!

If you are looking for another great Seattle massage school option in Seattle, check out our partner massage school Northwest Academy.

8 Most Common Sports Injuries in Soccer

Becoming a Massage Therapist in Washington State