8-Day Professional Sports Medicine Massage Course at the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
After more than 25 years of experience in massage therapy and over a decade of teaching across Europe, I believed I had a solid understanding of both anatomy and bodywork. Every year, I travel throughout Europe to teach and refine my methods with professional therapists. Yet, enrolling in the 8-day Professional Sports Medicine Massage Course organized by RSM International Academy in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, completely redefined my perspective.
From the very beginning, it was clear that this was not an ordinary course. It was led by Mr. Hironori Ikeda, who holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Tsukuba, Japan — one of Asia’s leading institutions in the field. His knowledge and teaching approach place him among the top-level educators in Sports Medicine not only in Asia, but globally. The combination of academic precision, clinical logic, and hands-on skill in his instruction was far beyond anything I had previously encountered.
The curriculum included Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage for Postural Correction, and Dynamic Myofascial Release, taught through a scientific and evidence-based approach. We practiced orthopedic assessments such as the Thomas Test, Ober Test, and Patrick Test, learning to analyze pelvic alignment, fascial restriction, and nerve entrapment with a truly medical mindset.
What struck me most was Mr. Ikeda’s ability to Myofascial release refine even experienced therapists’ palpation. He adjusted our hands directly, showing us how to feel fascial tension, neural glide, and muscle tone through subtle tactile precision. Despite my 25 years of experience, I felt as though I was discovering the art of touch all over again.
The cadaver anatomy session at the Cadaver Surgical Anatomy Training Center of Chiang Mai University was unforgettable. Observing real human tissues — fascia, muscle fibers, and connective structures — gave me an entirely new appreciation for the complexity of the human body. It was a rare opportunity that connected theory to reality in the most profound way.
The participants came from across Asia — physiotherapists, sports massage champions, yoga and Pilates instructors, Chiang Mai Massage School and medical professionals. Regardless of background, everyone shared the same feeling: we were learning from one of the very best in the world. Mr. Ikeda’s passion and precision united us all under one principle — true professionalism is built on anatomy, science, and skill, not intuition or performance.
Throughout the 8 days, we analyzed over 1,000 anatomical visuals, bridging Trigger Point Therapy theory with motion and palpation. Each day challenged my habits, sharpened my focus, and deepened my respect for clinical anatomy. I left the course feeling renewed — both as a therapist and as an educator.
Back in Europe, my clients now experience faster recovery and deeper relief. My teaching has also evolved; I now emphasize assessment and fascial mechanics in every session. This training reminded me that even after decades in this field, true learning never stops.
For anyone who wants to experience world-class Sports Medicine education and understand what separates a good therapist from a great one, I can only say: RSM International Academy is where transformation begins.