Course Description

Self-Paced Learning via Distance – suggested 12 months part-time study (260 hours)

Exercise physiology encompasses the disciplines of physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics, and kinesiology. 

Understanding key points of exercise physiology will have many benefits: Assessing potential performance and fitness levels, improve athletic performance by determining training techniques and preventing unnecessary muscle dysfunction through the detection of muscle compensation patterns and soft tissue strains.

It is also important to be able to understand the different stresses and strains created by the range of activities to which the dogs are exposed to. Assessing and determining the appropriate treatment is incredibly beneficial to all athletic dogs. 

Competition Sports massage can be very beneficial for the canine athlete.  It is also very rewarding and exciting to be part of a performance, health and wellbeing maintenance program of a sport dog. Sports massage is a vital modality for human athletes and has been highly regarded for many years. When making the comparisons for any athlete, human or animal, it is easy to see how massage can fit into the canine world perfectly with many positive benefits relating to, the dogs conditioning, recovery and long-term benefits during their career and long after into their retired years.


Competition Sports massage has two components, the first is to prepare the dog with pre-event massage, and the second is to assist with the warming-down procedures and recovery with a post-event massage.  

Pre and Post Event Sports Massage is detailed, focused, and anatomically specific massage treatment that targets areas of physical strain and prepares the body for activity and exercise. It is geared towards active and athletic dogs of every kind and is focused on preparing and aiding in preventing injury through correct warm-up and warm-down procedures. Relieving muscle tension and reducing soreness, makes for a faster recovery, and increases flexibility and range of motion during activity.





Course curriculum

  • 1

    Course Orientation

    • Orientation Welcome

    • Student Handbook

    • Study Guide

    • How to Reference Your Work

    • Blank Assessment Cover Sheet: To be submitted with any written assignments.

  • 2

    Course Resources and Bonus Materials

    • EBook: Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog

    • Dog Anatomy by Peter C. Goody

  • 3

    Module One: Muscle Physiology

    • Muscle Physiology

    • Muscle Physiology Quiz

  • 4

    Module Two: Canine Exercise Physiology

    • Canine Exercise Physiology

    • Webinar: Exercise Physiology - Presenter: Leslie Williamson

    • Exercise Physiology Quiz

  • 5

    Module Three: Canine Sports Myotherapy

    • Canine Sports Myotherapy Principles

    • Canine Sports Massage Quiz

  • 6

    Module Four: Pre and Post Event Sports Massage

    • Webinar: Massage Report Documentation - Presenter: Leslie Williamson

    • Sports Myotherapy Case Report Template

    • Application of Sports Myotherapy: Technique Checklist

    • Presentation: Sports Massage Pre-Event

    • Presentation: Sports Massage Post-Event

    • Blank Assessment Cover Sheet

    • Assessments

  • 7

    Module Five: Body Management of the Therapist

    • Therapist Body Management

    • Daily Exercises for the Therapist

    • Therapist Quiz

Course Requirements

  • Course is suggested to be completed within 12 months part-time from commencement date. There is no course expiry, students can complete the course at a pace that is suitable and sustainable for their own work/study/life balance.

  • Students can enrol at anytime if they meet the prerequisite requirements.

  • Course is delivered via distance education through the ANME online learning portal.

  • Prerequisites for this course: completion of the Canine Myotherapy Certification course.

  • Student require a Computer/Laptop/or Smart Phone with internet access A headset (If your computer is without an internal speaker).

  • Students must have basic computer skills.

  • Students must have basic English language skills. As we do have subtitle options on webinars, unfortunately the online test assessments are conducted in English.

  • Please note: this course is a 'prerequisite course' for those wishing to continue their studies and enrol in the Canine Remedial Myotherapy & Myofacilitation course.

Course Accreditation

Graduates are eligible to join the the International Institute of Complimentary Therapies or the Small Animal and Equine Naturopathic Association as a full member. Association accreditation and insurance to work as a professional in the industry as a qualified and industry recognised Canine Sports Myotherapist.


Course Material

Course material is accessed via an online learning portal with downloadable course manual. All course lessons delivered through the mediums of text/audio/webinars/videos.

  • Bonus material- EBook

    o Millers 'Anatomy of the Dog'.

  • Bonus material

    o ‘Dog Anatomy' by Peter. C. Goody.

Let's Get Started!

Begin your journey in Canine Sports Myotherapy.