Deep Tissue Massage is a form of therapeutic massage that above all manipulates deeper layers of connective and muscular tissues in very specific areas. It is more than just a massage with deep pressure. The goals and techniques are different from a Swedish massage.

There is a general misunderstanding of the concept of Deep Tissue Massage. Deep tissue does not mean working harder or stronger, the therapist simply works deeper and slower by sinking through superficial layers into the deeper structures using compression and lengthening techniques.

With proper training you will learn how to achieve great results without causing unnecessary pain. Remember that massage shouldn’t hurt or make the body sore to be effective.

A combination of techniques, performed by an experienced massage therapist, will provide pain relief and help recovery. Deep Tissue Massage when carried out with Swedish Massage releases tension from the deeper muscles and connective tissues in the body.

What is Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage does what it says “on the tin” –

• It involves massage techniques that works on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.
• It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibres of the muscles, tendons and fascia.
• Using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle, the purpose of Deep Tissue Massage is to unstick the fibres of the muscles and release both toxins and deeply held tension points.
• Specific hand positions and strokes are used to respond to various tissues while breath and movement techniques are employed to release muscular congestion.
• It helps to loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly.
• It is both corrective and therapeutic.
• Deep Tissue Massage teaches the muscular and connective structures to let go, move on, and recalculate its position within the body. Deep Tissue work can relieve pain, promote healing, and realign the body.
• It is beneficial for many physical problems, including sports injuries and chronic pain.
• Because it works very deeply, emotional issues can also be addressed, when these have been stored in the body.

One of the defining differences between Deep Tissue and regular massage is the use of other parts of the body. A standard massage usually only involves the hands and lower arms of the therapist. During a Deep Tissue Massage, however, the therapist will use forearms, elbows, hand joints and fingers for deep, penetrating work in the muscle, using intense movements to weaken the adhesions in inner tissues.

It is estimated that one in four people suffers from some form of musculoskeletal dysfunction. The areas most commonly affected are the upper and lower back, neck, and upper and lower extremities. Contributing factors include work injury, personal injury, accidents, sports and aging.

Deep Tissue Massage techniques can greatly benefit sufferers of chronic pain and injury.

Deep Tissue Massage can harm both the client and the therapist if not performed appropriately.

Course Details

For dates, prices and to book please scroll to the bottom of the page

Learn how to apply Deep Tissue Massage strokes using direct pressure with knuckles, forearms, fingers, and elbows for penetration of the tissues deeper in. Discover how friction is also applied across the grain of the muscles to break the tension points and knots down.

Join us for this practical course, and we will introduce you to the safe and appropriate use of a number of deep tissue techniques. A simple, down-to-earth introduction to a world beyond basic massage!

During the workshop we will cover :

o Deep tissue techniques – the truth!

o How deep is deep?

o We will explore such techniques as:

–     Pre-treatment palpation

–     Simple assessment skills

–     Broad contact compression

–     Forearm use/Finger and thumb frictions/Heel of hand work

–     Petrissage application and technique

–     Caresse du poing (closed hand effleurage)

–      Alternative positioning of clients for deeper work

o How these techniques can enhance your treatments

o Contra-indications to deep tissue techniques

o Safety considerations – for client & therapist

We will focus on specific areas – Back, Neck, Shoulder, Hip and Lower Limb and will cover the following for each

• Review of the structures and muscles
• Surface anatomy
• The physical examination
• Range of motion observation skills palpatory skills
• Palpatory techniques to define problem areas
• Common conditions
• Home exercise programmes

This will be an enjoyable course with lots of sharing and learning taking place. The course will be very interactive. You will leave feeling confident in the application of all the moves and techniques shown and raring to get going with your clients.

Who Can Attend?

This course is designed for practitioners, qualified in any form of Body Massage Therapy or MSCM massage students who have finished their course and have yet to receive their certificate.

Recognition by Professional Associations

Widely accepted by most Professional Bodies. If you are not already registered with a Professional Body and would like to do so here are some useful links – ICGT, CtHA, FHT.

For stand alone insurance Westminster

More Information

The course will be largely practical in content and you will be required to wear appropriate clinic workwear for the duration. This is a largely hands-on course allowing sufficient time to practice and perform the techniques under the guidance of the tutor. During the course you will partner up with another therapist and will get the chance to perform the techniques taught as well as being the recipient. Understanding what the techniques are supposed to feel like is an invaluable tool.

Duration: 2 days

Course fees include the following:

• All class tuition
• A comprehensive course manual
• An MSCM Certificate of Attendance for your professional portfolio
• 10 cpd points
• Tea and coffee throughout the day
• Use of Massage Couch on the course

You may also find the following workshops very beneficial:

• Soft Tissue Release
• Myofascial Release – Foundation Course
• Trigger Point Therapy including European Neuromuscular Technique
• Effective Stretching Incorporating Muscle Energy Techniques
• Massage Therapy for Sciatic Pain & Piriformis Syndrome
• Massage Therapy for RSI including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow and Golfers Elbow

Tutor: Anita Snowball – see our MSCM Tutor Page 

Find out what others had to say about this workshop – Student Reviews

If you have already attended our Deep Tissue Course in the past and would like to do a refresher please call us on 020-8429-2895 – you are welcome to attend again at half price.

To book a place on any of our courses please remember to create an account first (if you haven’t already got one.)

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If the course you wish to attend is full please send us an email at [email protected]. and we will be pleased to add you to the waiting list in case we have any dropouts.

If you are unable to attend the date below and are keen to do the course please let us know on [email protected]. If we have enough interest for another date we will be happy to schedule one in.