Deep Tissue Massage Training (+Trigger Points)

This advanced course is designed for massage therapists who want to develop more precise and effective techniques for working with chronic muscle tension, adhesions, postural imbalances, and areas of referred pain.

Participants will learn how to apply deep, focused pressure safely and effectively using slow, deliberate techniques that address deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The course also introduces trigger point therapy as an integral part of deep tissue work, teaching therapists how to identify, assess, and treat myofascial trigger points — localized areas of tension that may contribute to pain elsewhere in the body.

Through hands-on practice, students will develop skills in palpation, sustained pressure, release techniques, and treatment planning, while learning how to integrate deep tissue and trigger point approaches into a cohesive full-session protocol.

Particular attention is given to proper body mechanics, client assessment, communication, and safe application so that treatments remain effective for the client while protecting the therapist from unnecessary strain.

By the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to address persistent muscular tension, improve mobility, and provide more targeted therapeutic treatments with confidence and clinical precision.

Course Information

Hours

• 100h (Includes in-person courses, self-paced at home readings and self-paced home practice)

Upcoming Courses

• Sep-13 to Oct-25, 2026

  Sep-13: 10:30am–1:30pm • Sep-20: 10:30am–1:30pm & 2:00-5:00pm

  Oct-4: 10:00am–1:00pm • Oct–18: 10:30am–1:30pm • Oct–25: 10:30am–1:30pm

  Only 2 spots remaining

• January 10–17–24-31 & February 7–14, 2027

  Six Sundays • 10:00am–1:30pm

• February 21–28 & March 7–14-21 & April 4, 2027

  Six Sundays • 10:00am–1:30pm

• July 25 & August 1–8-15-22-29, 2027

  Six Sundays • 10:00am–1:30pm

• September 5–12–19-26 & October 3–17, 2027

  Six Sundays • 10:00am–1:30pm

Reading List

• Riggs, Art. (2007). Deep Tissue Massage: A Visual Guide to Techniques. North Atlantic Books, revised edition.

• Finando, D., & Finando, S. (2005). Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch. Healing Arts Press.

Come Prepared

If possible, it is suggested to read these sections of the Riggs, Art. (2007). Deep Tissue Massage book prior to the start of the course:

• Introduction: What is a Deep Tissue Massage?, Why Study Deep Tissue Massage?

• Chapter 1: Principles of Deep Tissue Massage, Refining your Touch, Quality of Touch, A Few Words about Pain, Working in the Direction of the Stretch, Cross-Fiber Strokes, Separating Muscle Compartments

• Chapter 2: Just Say “no” to Thumbs, Use of Knuckles Instead of Thumbs

• Chapter 3: Anterior Leg, Posterior Leg, Tensor Fasciae Latae, Gluteus Maximus Muscle, Psoas and Iliacus Muscles, Working with the Breath, Working with Upper and Mid Back, Vertebrae, Ribs, Paraspinal Muscles, The Chest, The Rotator Cuff, Scapula

• Chapter 4: Back Pain, Neck Pain

• Chapter 5: Planning your Session, Stretching Strategies, Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow, Piriformis Syndrome Sciatica

• Chapter 6: Seated Work, Seated Trapezius Work, Seated Scapula Work, Extending the Thoracic Spine, Stretching Lumbar Fascia

💡Did You Know?

• Register for Sports Massage or Therapeutic Massage or any 2nd continuing education course and Save $100 automatically applied in your cart.

💡Is there a Level 2?

• This 6-week Deep Tissue Training continues with the our 8-week Sports Massage Training.