Two-Day Course “Functional Sports Taping for Massage Therapists” in Prague

Instruction is provided in Czech / Russian / English.

The comprehensive two-day course consists of two consecutive modules: Module I – Functional Elastic Taping for Massage Therapists and Module II – Advanced Sports and Combined Taping. Each module comprises 8 instructional hours, for a total of 16 instructional hours.

The course is intended for massage therapists and other specialists working with athletes and physically active clients. We do not teach only ready-made application patterns, but how to work based on anatomy, the function of a specific structure, the purpose of taping, and the safe evaluation of the result.

The course is intended for massage therapists and other specialists working with athletes and physically active clients. We do not teach only ready-made application patterns, but how to work based on anatomy, the function of a specific structure, the purpose of taping, and the safe evaluation of the result.

Module I – Functional Elastic Taping for Massage Therapists

Duration: 8 instructional hours.

The first module focuses on elastic therapeutic taping, functional anatomy, and the practical use of tape when working with athletes and physically active clients.

• differences between elastic, rigid, combined, lymphatic, and corrective taping;
• professional scope, safety, and contraindications;
• functional anatomy of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fasciae, and joint structures;
• muscle origins and insertions, the direction of muscle fibers, and muscular and fascial chains;
• muscle origins and insertions, the direction of muscle fibers, and muscular and fascial chains;
• properties of elastic tape, anchors, application direction, and tension control;
• I, Y, X, Fan, Web shapes and other basic cuts;
• muscular, tendon, ligament, lymphatic, mechanical, functional, and sensory applications;
• functional testing before and after application.

Practical Part

Practical training focuses on the areas most commonly subjected to strain: the foot and plantar fascia, ankle joint, Achilles tendon, calf, lower leg, knee and patellar tendon, quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors, shoulder and scapula, rotator cuff, elbow, forearm, wrist, and selected areas of the spine within the massage therapist’s scope of practice.

Each application follows a consistent principle: structure → function → application goal → anatomical landmarks → tape shape and direction → tension → functional test → evaluation of the result and contraindications.

Module II – Advanced Sports and Combined Taping.

Duration: 8 instructional hours.

The second module is highly practical and focuses on rigid sports and combined taping when working with athletes before physical load, during sports activity, and when returning to training.

• rigid sports taping and mechanical restriction of a specific movement;
• skin preparation and the use of pre-wrap;
• mechanical anchors and fixation techniques;
• stirrups, figure-eight, heel lock, and other sports fixation techniques;
• ankle taping before training and competition;
• fixation of the fingers, thumb, and wrist;
• sports taping of the knee and patellar area;
• elbow, shoulder girdle, and acromioclavicular joint;
• combination of elastic and rigid tape;
• use of protective and compression elements;
• monitoring circulation and sensitivity and safe tape removal;
• deciding when to use tape or a brace, stop physical load, or recommend a professional examination.

Practical and Professional Approach

The main emphasis of the course is on practical training and the ability to make independent decisions. The goal is not to memorize dozens of ready-made applications, but to understand why, when, and how to use a specific technique safely.

The course is intended for massage professionals with a focus on sports practice. It does not replace healthcare education, diagnosis, or injury treatment. Participants learn to recognize in good time situations in which a client needs examination by a physician or physiotherapist.