Deep-tissue massage techniques can help alleviate muscle tension by targeting the body’s connective tissue. With slow strokes and deep pressure applied across the grain of the muscle, massage therapists can release a clients’ nagging muscle tension.
By learning the benefits and techniques of deep-tissue massage in the privacy of your home or office trough home study courses, massage therapists can easily implement these tools into their practice.
Deep-tissue massage can aid in easing symptoms from fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Sports-related injuries, muscle spasms and mobility difficulties also can be treated with this technique.
Some of the benefits of deep-tissue massage include loosening a clients muscle tissue, removing blockages that prevent nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, releasing toxins and improving circulation in the body.
An Internet search revealed numerous home study courses that are available for any massage therapist to take to fulfill his or her continuing education requirements.
For deep-tissue massage, home study courses include topics that cover body mechanics, client positioning, contraindications, the basic principles of deep-tissue massage, anatomy of the muscular system, correct use of techniques, looking out for your clients’ health, therapeutic strategies and areas of caution for therapists.
Massage therapists can also learn how common techniques like effleurage, friction and petrissage, can be used to perform deep-tissue massage.
Some caution should be used in a therapist’s decision to utilize this massage technique for some clients. Clients who are pregnant, have a rash, viral infection, just undergone surgery, recently broken bones, a hernia, tumor, or a diagnosis of heart disease or osteoporosis should not receive deep-tissue massage.
Recent studies have shown that deep-tissue massage helps to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. A study conducted between 2004 and 2006, “The Effect of Deep-Tissue Massage Therapy on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate,” researchers studied a group of 263 people to measure deep-tissue massage and its effects on diastolic, systolic and mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. After surveying and monitoring the test subjects, researchers found a significant decline in systolic and diastolic pressure. The clients’ mean arterial pressure and heart rate also declined.
Make sure to check with your national and state licensing bodies to make sure the courses you select are acceptable for continuing education credits.
–Jeremy Maready