Learning "deep tissue"

[HelpMee]

I am a new graduate and have just gotten a job at a salon and spa. They offer deep tissue at a higher rate than relaxation massage, and we really did not do much deep tissue work in school. Where do I start with this?

I know that it is such a broad term and that many deep tissue techniques are completely different from what the client is expecting. I am expecting that learning specific techniques will take time and experience...but in the meantime, what is the best way to learn how to give a massage with enough pressure that the client feels the extra cost was justified? Any recommendations for books/videos? Would something like this be helpful? https://shop.integrative-healthcare.org/prodinfo.asp?number=E501

There are a few courses later in the year that I could take locally, but of course I hoped to find some way to start learning and working with some techniques now.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Learning "deep tissue"

That link appears to be for online CEUs - if you don't need the CEU's you can get the same materials cheaper here:

http://abundanthealth.com/

This is Dr. Mally's website - he is the creator of the DVD and workbook offered in the link you included in your post.

 

[GETitGIRL Level 6]

Learning "deep tissue"

Go to http://www.youtube.com

There are lots of good videos on DT and find an experiance MT in your area to trade with and pick their brain. That's what I did.I have no formal training in DT, just lots of practice

 

[summerlove32]

Learning "deep tissue"

but in the meantime, what is the best way to learn how to give a massage with enough pressure that the client feels the extra cost was justified?

Realbodywork makes 2 good dvds on deep tissue. http://www.realbodywork.com There are certainly plenty of good clips on youtube and being mentored by more experienced therapists is also a good option.

I just wanted to point out though that Deep Tissue is not just about using more pressure. It's more about working specific muscles/tissue to alleviate specific problems/pains. It is not simply deeper swedish. You will do yourself and your clients a disservice by doing deep pressure swedish and calling it deep tissue. They are not the same thing.

When we hire therapists at our clinic who do not feel confident in their theraputic techniques, we hold off scheduling clients with them who want that type of massage until they've had enough tutoring from our more experienced therapists to feel like they can give a proper deep tissue (or NMT or myofascial or whichever therapeutic technique is being requested.)

I don't know how understanding the spa is where you are working but if they would be open to it, perhaps they can arrange for you to have some tutoring there from the other therapists?

Angie

 

[Jonny Mick]

Learning "deep tissue"

Thank you for those links. I will definitely be looking up videos on youtube and ordering some of those materials.

I understand and agree that deep tissue is not just about more pressure. Here is the situation - this job is at an independent salon and spa. They have one girl who started with them as a nail tech when they opened over a decade ago, and seven years ago she became an LMT as well and has been the only licensed therapist they have ever had. One reason they hired me was to accommodate the growing demand for deep tissue - they estimated about 60% of their massage clients come in wanting deep tissue work. So the management does not have a whole lot of experience with massage therapy - they just know that their clients want deep tissue and they need someone else to offer it.

 

[Gentleman]

Learning "deep tissue"

Good Luck to you in your new job!! Without a doubt you will do great!

I agree with checking out YouTube.

 

[Lewis]

Learning "deep tissue"

I am going to start a new thread about youtube under the technique section so keep you eyes peeled

 

[Rosie<3]

Learning "deep tissue"

Thank you for those links. I will definitely be looking up videos on youtube and ordering some of those materials.

I understand and agree that deep tissue is not just about more pressure. Here is the situation - this job is at an independent salon and spa. They have one girl who started with them as a nail tech when they opened over a decade ago, and seven years ago she became an LMT as well and has been the only licensed therapist they have ever had. One reason they hired me was to accommodate the growing demand for deep tissue - they estimated about 60% of their massage clients come in wanting deep tissue work. So the management does not have a whole lot of experience with massage therapy - they just know that their clients want deep tissue and they need someone else to offer it.

If you knew they wanted an MT who can provide "deep tissue", but you don't feel comfortable with your ability to actually provide that service, why did you take the job? Clearly they hired you, but did they ask whether you can do the work that clients are requesting? What was the interview process like?

 

[Chinchilla Lover]

Learning "deep tissue"

The interview process was very thorough and involved the manager, owners, and LMT. They are aware that I am a recent grad and am just beginning to work with these techniques - I have a few months before I will begin deep tissue.

 

[karla]

Learning "deep tissue"

The interview process was very thorough and involved the manager, owners, and LMT. They are aware that I am a recent grad and am just beginning to work with these techniques - I have a few months before I will begin deep tissue.

Fair enough, congratulations on getting the job!

Here's a few suggestions:
1. Get regular deep tissue massages from other MTs, preferably several other MTs. You will learn an enormous amount about what you do/don't like, what various techniques feel like, etc.
2. Review your A&P after every massage you do, and think about it during your massages. Be able to name any bony landmark and know which soft tissues you are manipulating at any time. Learn to feel changes in muscle tone, tissue density, and correlate those with bony landmarks so you know what you are working with even with your eyes closed.
3. Take continuing ed that includes hands-on training. Sooner is better than later. A good CE course will dramatically speed up your learning process and may greatly improve your effectiveness.
4. Practice doing quick but extremely detailed intakes. This is a skill that develops with practice, not just time-in-service. You can develop it very quickly indeed if you get in the habit of doing "intake conversations" with other people. A good intake conversation will give you a ton of info for clinical reasoning, establish yourself as a knowledgeable pro in the client's mind, and allay any client concerns about your intent prior to undressing. All of this increases the odds of a client becoming repeat business.
5. Practice doing quick but reasonably thorough post-massage conversations. Some clients want to be educated after-the-fact. Some want to jet out the door. Learn to differentiate between those clients and how to handle each one well. A good closing conversation makes it easier to rebook clients and reinforces their impression of you as a knowledgeable, caring professional.
6. Practice "deep tissue" massages whenever you can, even outside of work, for free if you must. Hands-on practice treating real people is a great teacher, especially if you are also applying the other suggestions listed above.

Best wishes for your success!

 

[Captain Jack]

Learning "deep tissue"

I just wanted to point out though that Deep Tissue is not just about using more pressure. It's more about working specific muscles/tissue to alleviate specific problems/pains. It is not simply deeper swedish. You will do yourself and your clients a disservice by doing deep pressure swedish and calling it deep tissue. They are not the same thing.

I agree with you of course.
However, most clients who requests deep tissue, really just mean swedish with a lot of pressure.

 

[no name]

Learning "deep tissue"

To do deep tissue well, it is my opinion that you need to have a good grasp of anatomy first. Next get a mentor. If you can't do that, then start purchasing videos.

I just wanted to point out though that Deep Tissue is not just about using more pressure. It's more about working specific muscles/tissue to alleviate specific problems/pains. It is not simply deeper swedish. You will do yourself and your clients a disservice by doing deep pressure swedish and calling it deep tissue. They are not the same thing.

I absolutely agree. But, I find that many people going to a spa and asking for deep tissue are wanting a deep swedish massage. And, Maitri, not everyone can deliver an excellent deep swedish either. Some people think a deep swedish is just a swedish with extra pressure. For the most part, that doesn't really feel good. There is a certain finesse to a deep swedish, that really is a combo of deep pressure & the lighter side of deep tissue work, when it is properly applied (my opinion, fo course).

I am just adding this link, in case it helps someone.

There is a very good basic "Deep Tissue Massage" course offered in Houston, through http://www.memorialhermann.org/specialtyfacilities/wellnesscenter/content.aspx?id=1660 . No, it's not really deep tissue, but it is a good deep swedish. It is given at the Memorial Hermann Massage & Spa Therapy School. You want to take the one that has Norma (school director) as the instructor.

It will give you a basic deep swedish routine that should get you moving in a useful direction for spa work.

I recently took the class, to see what it entailed; I was curious what they were teaching. To be honest, at first I thought it was going to be a below-average class, and though it could have covered so much more, if you want to get a good basic-but-excellent routine, this would be a course to take. But, again, you need to take the course with Norma (because hers is the routine you want to learn in this instance), and just get past the verbal portion of the class if you are looking for detailed info. It's the practical portion of this course that will get you to a place where you are able to give something most people aren't delivering in a spa setting.

I will tell you, that it would be worth travelling to, if you are clueless on how to put something together and want something easy to remember.

 

[renee]

Learning "deep tissue"

Nice thoughts, Pueppi, and elegantly stated. I love how you differentiate between "Deep Tissue" and "Deep Swedish", and on exploring one as a gateway towards the other.