Mastering Soft Tissue Therapy & Sports Taping: Pathway to Sports Medicine Excellence This presentation was delivered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, at the Institute of Sports Medicine to an audience of sports physiotherapists, exercise scientists, athletic trainers, and healthcare professionals. Led by Kusal Goonewardena (PhD Candidate - Muscle Fatigue, APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist) and Gayath Jayasinghe (Sports Scientist), the session provided comprehensive training on soft tissue assessment, treatment techniques, and essential sports taping methods. Key topics covered: ✅ Soft Tissue Therapy – The science behind muscle, fascia, and joint assessment for optimal treatment outcomes. ✅ Sports Taping Techniques – Practical applications for injury prevention and rehabilitation, including ankle, knee, shoulder, thoracic, and cervical spine taping. ✅ Sports Trainer Level 1 Course by Sports Medicine Australia – A gateway to professional development, career opportunities, and working in Australia. This training mirrors the Elite Akademy Sports Medicine standards, ensuring evidence-based approaches to injury management and athlete care. If you are a sports professional looking to enhance your clinical skills and open doors to global opportunities, this presentation is for you.

1. Mastering Soft Tissue
Therapy & Sports Taping:
Pathway to Sports
Medicine Excellence
Kusal Goonewardena
(PhD Candidate – Muscle Fatigue)
APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist
Institute of Sports Medicine Sri Lanka – Feb 2025

2. Part 1: Soft Tissue
Assessment and
Treatment

3. Introduction
This training mirrors the program provided to Elite Akademy
therapists at the Melbourne University Clinic.
Understanding soft tissue structures enhances clinical
reasoning, making therapists better scientists.

4. Key Principles
Closing Eyes to Improve Palpation
Enhances sensory perception and precision in identifying
tissue quality.

5. Three Depths of Soft
Tissue Therapy

6. 1. Superficial (Preparation Phase)
Warming up the area.
Enhancing blood flow and tissue elasticity.
Duration: 1 minute

7. 2. Intermediate (Assessment Phase)
Slightly deeper contact to classify tissue.
Classifications: Firm, Moderate, Soft (in a relaxed state, soft
is ideal).
Tissue grading: Scale of 1 to 10 (10 being most
restricted/dysfunctional).
Duration: 30 seconds

8. 3. Deep (Treatment Phase)
Applying deeper pressure to induce physiological changes.
Increased blood flow, receptor activation, and relaxation.
Duration: 15 seconds

9. Optimising Treatment Techniques
Alternating Between Depths
Rhythm and Consistency
Moulding Hands to the Body Part
Patient Comfort
• Anxiety Management: When a patient’s head is down, they may feel
uncertain.
• Touch Reassurance: Maintaining gentle contact while speaking reduces
stress.

11. Practical
Time to practice…

12. Part 2: Sports Taping
Techniques

13. Introduction
Essential for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and
performance enhancement.
Key techniques used in sports medicine for structural support
and biomechanical assistance.

14. 1. Sports Ankle Taping – Mulligan’s
Technique
Provides stability and proprioceptive feedback.
Ideal for inversion sprains, lateral instability, and post-
injury protection.

15. 2. Arch Support Taping
Supports medial arch function.
Beneficial for plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and arch
collapse.

16. 3. Knee Taping
Meniscal Taping: Aims to unload and support the affected
meniscus.
Ligamentous Taping: Provides external support
for ACL/MCL/LCL/PCL injuries.

17. 4. Shoulder Taping
Supports rotator cuff injuries, AC joint stability, and
scapular positioning.

18. 5. Thoracic Spine Taping – Posture
Support
Improves postural alignment and prevents excessive
kyphosis.
Beneficial for desk workers, athletes, and postural
dysfunctions.

19. 6. Cervical Spine Taping – ‘Whiplash’
Support
Reduces excessive motion in acute whiplash injuries – acute
wry neck
Aids in pain relief, muscle relaxation, and postural control.

21. Part 3: Sports Trainer Level
1 Course by Sports
Medicine Australia

22. Why This Course Could Help You
The Sports Trainer Level 1 Course provides essential
knowledge for those working in sports medicine,
rehabilitation, and athletic performance.
Covers injury prevention, first aid, taping techniques, and
emergency response.
Only available outside Australia in Singapore, Pakistan and
now SRI LANKA!

23. Course Benefits
Equips participants with practical skills to manage sports
injuries effectively.
Enhances career opportunities in sports physiotherapy,
athletic training, and rehabilitation.
Recognised globally and provides an entry-level qualification
to work with athletes.

24. My Personal Journey
I completed this course at the start of my career, and it was
instrumental in shaping my knowledge and approach to
injury management.
At Elite Akademy, every team member is required to
complete this course to ensure high professional standards.

25. Career Opportunities
Completing this course opens job opportunities in Australia.
Guaranteed job placement for those who complete the
course and arrive in Australia.
Direct pathway to working in sports clubs, sports medicine
clinics, professional sports teams, and rehabilitation
centers.

26. Conclusion
Soft tissue therapy and sports taping are essential tools in a
therapist’s skillset.
Systematic approach to tissue assessment enhances
treatment precision and patient outcomes.
Taping techniques provide structural stability, proprioceptive
feedback, and injury management solutions.
The Sports Trainer Level 1 Course is a stepping stone to a
career in sports medicine.
Hands-on practice and patient-centered application remain
critical for mastering these techniques.

28. Thank you!