Deep Tissue Massage & Trigger Point Therapy

Part 1: Deep Tissue Training

Release, Restore, Rebalance
This course focuses on advanced techniques for addressing chronic muscle tension, adhesions, and postural imbalances. Participants will learn to apply deep, focused pressure safely and effectively, using slow, deliberate strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Emphasis is placed on body mechanics, client assessment, and treatment planning to ensure both therapist safety and optimal results for clients.

Part 2: Trigger Point Therapy

Targeting Pain at Its Source
Building on the foundations of deep tissue massage, this module teaches therapists to identify, evaluate, and treat myofascial trigger points — localized areas of tightness that often refer pain to other regions of the body. Through hands-on practice, participants will develop skills in palpation, sustained pressure, and release techniques, learning to integrate trigger point therapy into a full-session protocol for pain relief, improved mobility, and lasting therapeutic benefits.

Course Information

Spring Session: March 22–29 & April 12–19–26 & May 3, 2026 SOLD OUT
Summer Session: June 7–14–21 & July 5, 12, 19
Fall Session: September 13–20–27 & October 4–18–25, 2026

Schedule: Six Sundays • 10:30am–1:30pm

Total Hours: 100h (Hands-on in-person training & Self-paced at-home study)

Price: $775

Registration

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.

Prerequisites

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