I discovered the Sports Massage Course at RSM International Academy after an exhaustive search for a school actually rooted in sports medicine. Thailand wasn't originally on my radar, but after scrutinizing their curriculum and reviews, I knew this was the only place for real, clinical-level education. While big names like ITM or Sunshine are popular, they felt more like "massage tourism"—mass-produced training without any depth. RSM is different; it is grounded in functional anatomy, biomechanics, and actual science.
Working in a salon, I’ve felt the crushing reality of "factory-line" work. No one actually teaches you the core techniques. Seniors just tell you to "watch and learn," and there is this defensive vibe where people are guarded about their skills. I bought the anatomy books and watched the YouTube videos, but I was still terrified when I actually touched a client because the theory never connected to my hands. I didn't know what I was feeling or why I was doing it. With newer therapists coming in and veterans getting better, I felt like I was being slowly erased. I was terrified of becoming a "qualified" therapist who can't actually produce results. I was desperate for a place that would actually teach me how to develop my hands.
RSM’s course was the answer. It is a systematic approach to clinical palpation that connects Trigger Point Therapy to real-world performance and rehab. We covered pain relief, kinetic chain optimization, and advanced joint mobilization (HVLA/LVLA). It is actual sports medicine. In just 25 intensive hours, I gained more clinical confidence than I did in months of salon work. I finally felt my hands start to "grow."
Training under Hironori Ikeda (MSc Sports Medicine) was a turning point for me. He brings a rare level of academic prestige and elite clinical authority; he earned his Master’s at the University of Tsukuba—ranked #1 in Asia for sports science—an institution famous for its rigorous standards. His expertise is globally recognized, having been invited to train senior therapy teams at world-renowned five-star wellness resorts like Chiva-Som and having optimized the conditioning for elite professional athletes, ranging from Spanish basketball players to top fighters in Croatia.
Beyond the clinic, his scientific authority is backed by his work on the Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) committee for human ergonomics and his development of patented technology with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). He even bridges the gap between theory and reality by coordinating cadaver anatomy labs with Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine to ensure every skill is grounded in anatomical truth.
The class atmosphere was professional and highly motivated. I spoke with several students who had tried other schools first and were disappointed, describing those programs as "entertainment" rather than serious training.
They all wished they had found RSM sooner. If you are a young therapist tired of just going through the motions and you want to actually master the art of clinical massage, RSM is the only choice. Every module is built on evidence-based methodologies, including his scientifically validated Balance Ball Yoga system which was proven effective in clinical research at the University of Cagliari. I honestly cannot imagine going anywhere else.
https://www.posturalmassagecourses.com/sports-massage-training-course.html
phone：+66985175990
adress：〒50300, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Chang Peauk 30/10-11 CHARUENSUK Road