Deep tissue massage training provides additional education beyond that generally provided by most relaxation massage programs, which usually teach the Esalen or Swedish styles of basic massage. Deep tissue work often involves the specific use of more intense pressure applied to specific points in the patient's muscular or connective tissues. It's frequently employed in the treatment of specific health complaints and often in close conjunction with the care of a physician.
Back to School
Most introductory massage training courses cover the basics of relaxation massage. A few may also provide for some specialization. However, the majority don't offer a specific certification in deep tissue massage as part of the basic curriculum. There are several different styles, or modalities, of deep tissue massage. The student should select the modality that best fits with his concept of the massage practice he plans to establish. For example, Judith Walker DeLany, a deep tissue therapist in St. Petersburg, Florida, has developed the Neuromuscular Massage Therapy program. This is frequently used to respond to patients suffering from specific pain or injury from a medical massage focus. John Barnes, physical therapist and massage expert, has created Myofascial Release techniques that are commonly used to treat restriction and range-of-motion issues. These have a physical therapy origin.
Education Through Seminars
Much of the specialized training available to massage students is offered through regional seminars that provide hands-on training in the specific modality. These seminars are usually conducted at hotel conference centers or area massage schools. They may last from a weekend to a full week of classes. Several include additional work that must be done at home. A particular modality may offer a series of seminars, each addressing a different factor of the work or a different region of the body. Often, certification isn't offered until the student has completed the entire series.
Focus on Fiber and Fascia
It's the intent of most deep tissue massage to affect the surface tissues of the body as well as those muscles and connective tissues, or fascia, that lie deep within the body. Deep tissue work seeks to remove areas of fluid stagnation or scar tissue adhesion, cause contracted muscle tissue to release, and promote healing through improved circulation and lymph flow. It focuses on the muscle tissue and the surrounding connective tissue, which can be restricted separately from the underlying muscle.
Putting Your Knowedge into Practice
Once you master the massage basics and have had initial deep tissue training, it's important to begin to apply your knowledge with actual patients. Always work within the scope of your knowledge and training. Keep up with proper licensing, which varies by your location. Keep concise records of each patient you treat, her condition, the techniques you used, and the response to your deep tissue massage. This provides valuable feedback to help you determine the most effective and efficient ways to treat patients.
Furthering Your Expertise
Once you're practicing deep tissue massage and have a good understanding of the impact of your deep tissue massage work, seek further insight from others. A more experienced deep massage therapist, physical therapist or orthopedic physician can offer additional information to enhance your application of this modality. Whenever possible, consult with your patients' physicians to determine the effect your massage is having on their medical condition. Familiarize yourself with the many professional journals within the massage community and various associated medical specialties relevant to your practice to keep up with new developments. Continue to learn from your patients. Each condition will be unique, and each patient's response will be different.
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