Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage describes how to use 83 compressive and stretching techniques in ways that are safe and effective for you and your clients. The reference contains step-by-step guidelines and over 165 color photos, which will help you deliver comfortable and satisfying massages to your clients. The techniques are organized by the part of the body being massaged (trunk, lower limbs, and upper limbs) and by the positioning of the client (three-quarter lying, supine, prone, and seated). Once you have learned about the techniques, you will then learn about incorporating them into effective routines by moving the client from one position to the next. Discover those techniques and treatment positions that appeal to you, and discard those that you find less helpful. You will find many of these techniques easy to apply and will quickly be able to include them as part of your practice.

Deep Tissue Massage explains techniques for avoiding overuse of your hands by incorporating the forearms, fists, and elbows. Throughout the book Client Talk boxes present tips for effective dialogue between therapist and client to ensure expectations are met and the client’s limits for handling deep pressure are not exceeded. A photo gallery index provides a quick reference for treatment ideas or for checking technique.

Whether you are new to massage or a therapist with many years of experience, Deep Tissue Massage will be a great companion resource. Novices will love the easily accessible language and organization of this book, while veteran therapists will check technique and add variety to existing treatment routines. If used in a classroom setting, this book can stimulate debate and discussion about the proper use of deep tissue massage.

Chapter 1.Introduction to Deep Tissue Massage

• What Are the Methods of Application?
• How Do You Increase the Depth of Your Massage?
• How Is Deep Tissue Massage Different From Sports Massage?
• What Are the Effects of Deep Tissue Massage?
• Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
• Where and When Should Deep Tissue Massage Be Done?
• Closing Remarks
• Quick Questions

Chapter 2.Preparing for Deep Tissue Massage

• What Type of Massage Therapist Are You?
• Establishing Your Intention
• Using Your Body
• Choosing Where to Use Forearms, Elbows, Fists and Squeezing
• Using Your Equipment
• Understanding Cautions and Safety Issues
• Commonly Asked Questions and Concerns
• Top Tips for Treating Clients
• Tips for Working Safely With Deep Tissue Massage
• Closing Remarks
• Quick Questions

Part 2 Deep Tissue Massage Techniques

Chapter 3.Compressive Techniques

• Introduction to Compressive Techniques
• Forearms
• Fists
• Elbows
• Squeezing
• Tools
• Closing Remarks
• Quick Questions

Chapter 4.Stretching Techniques

• Introduction to Stretching Techniques
• Without Oil (Dry Stretching)
• Dry Stretch
• Traction
• Dry Stretching for the Piriformis Muscle
• ‘With Oil’ Stretching
• Stretching With Oil Plus a Passive Joint Movement
• Stretching With Oil Plus an Active Joint Movement
• Closing Remarks
• Quick Questions

Part 3 Applying Deep Tissue Massage

Chapter 5.Deep Tissue Massage for the Trunk

• Three-Quarter Lying
• Supine
• Prone
• Seated
• Quick Questions

Chapter 6.Deep Tissue Massage for the Lower Limbs

• Three-Quarter Lying
• Supine
• Prone
• Quick Questions

Chapter 7.Deep Tissue Massage for the Upper Limbs

• Three-Quarter Lying
• Supine
• Prone
• Quick Questions

Part 4 Deep Tissue Massage Routines and Programmes

Chapter 8.Creating Deep Tissue Massage Routines

• Initial Questions
• Tests
• Notes Concerning Timing
• Practice Routines
• Case Studies
• Closing Remarks

A reference for a variety of professionals, including massage therapists, physiotherapists, athletic trainers, and others (e.g., coaches, athletes) who wish to learn the skills.