Module: Soft Tissue Therapies

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Soft Tissue Therapies
Module Code	TRE1011 (ITS: SS314)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Health & Human Performance
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to present current concepts and practical skills relating to soft tissue/manual therapy techniques. This includes the introduction to, physiological explanation of, demonstration and practice of different soft tissue therapies including, but not limited to, massage, myofascial trigger point release and myofascial release techniques.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1D646E2B-37BA-0001-51F4-24901E60B990
2. Describe the physiological principles and techniques of soft tissue therapies, including but not limited to, massage, trigger point release and myofascial release techniques
4. 7,12,6
5. 1
6. 1D646E2B-56D1-0001-1391-17607D6F1CC6
7. Select and demonstrate the appropriate soft tissue techniques in the management, and prevention, of injury and response to exercise.
9. 22,17,16,21,11,9,10
10. 2
11. 1D646E2B-92AE-0001-4430-C0401F306190
12. Evaluate the role of soft tissue therapies in preparation for, and recovery from, exercise
14. 23,11,10
15. 3

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	30	face to face lecture augmented with online resources
Clinical laboratory	30	Demostration and practice of practical skills
Assignment Completion	30	review and synthesis of literature
Independent Study	35	Directed and self directed learning and practice
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21083	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Kate Sheridan	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Practical/skills evaluation with oral examination component	40%	Week 30
Assignment	The student will write an assignment investigating the efficacy of soft tissue techniques based upon a review of scientific literature	30%	n/a
Assignment	The student will write an assignment investigating the pathophysiology. and or management of myofascial release techniques based upon a review of scientific literature	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The physiological rationale for soft tissue techniques
This includes, but is not limited to, massage, trigger point release and myofascial release techniques

The pathophysiology of myofascial trigger points

Soft tissue technique skills
This deals with how to select and deliver the appropriate soft tissue technique. It will include, but is not limited to, massage, trigger point release and myofascial release techniques

soft tissue therapies in preparation for and recovery from exercise

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Susan Findlay: 2010, Sports Massage, Human Kinetics, 9780736082600
Houglum, Peggy A.: 2016, Therapeutic Exercise for Musculoskeletal Injuries 4th Edition, Human Kinetics, 1168, 1450468837

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None