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Deep Tissue Protocol

It has been my experience with many clients that at some point they received a deep tissue massage somewhere along the line and were very disappointed. I have found in speaking with therapists from all over that what they learn about DTM is to lower their table and use more pressure. While this is true to an extent, I have been taught and teach to my students a regimented protocol for applying the work correctly. One of our senior instructors wrote some curriculum for us based off of Ben Benjamin's writings, following four phases of the routine. Then in 2005 Art Riggs wrote a book on deep tissue trying to somewhat standardize the therapy. I am wondering what all of your takes are on this.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB on July 8, 2009 at 11:39am

Dear Nate - Thanks so much for your comments and for mentioning the work of Art Riggs. Here is a review I wrote regarding Art's DVD collection. Warmly, Ariana Vincent, Ariana Institute

Review of Art Riggs’ Deep Tissue Massage and Myofascial Release DVD Series

Art Riggs’ Deep Tissue Massage and Myofascial Release DVD Series is uniquely designed as a full study clinical training course for new therapist training and continuing education in deep tissue myofascial techniques as well as for experienced therapists in myofascial release, bodywork, physical therapy, and clinical massage.

The Deep Tissue series clearly demonstrates the subtleties of touch and theory. The instruction is easy to follow and professionally produced with a personable approach; good camera angles; professional lighting; a non-distracting background; a smooth and rhythmic flow; healthy, athletic models; and excellent sound quality. The material presented is thorough and extremely useful. The mindful quality of information and the clarity of progressions in treatment are incomparable.

The extensive training series delves into the complex issues of soft tissue restrictions, osseous articulations and strategies for working with the multitude of different issues we face as therapists. It shows countless strokes and techniques while demonstrating the qualitative art of working with deep tissues to effect profound and meaningful change.

Art’s teaching series is extraordinarily impressive! It is essential for every massage school, professional massage therapist and bodyworker. It is challenging to imagine any serious massage therapist or bodyworker who would not benefit greatly from integrating information gained from viewing this series.

Cultivating touch, anatomy review, biomechanics, and working with injuries, combined with hours of excellent demonstrations of applied techniques, create a product that is extraordinary on every level. I highly recommend this set to recent graduates of massage therapy programs as well as long-time practicing massage therapists. Every massage school should have a copy!

It would be well worth your while to purchase Art Riggs’ Deep Tissue Massage and Myofascial Release DVD Series. Viewing and integrating the series in your practice will be time well spent. It will transform the way you think, feel and perceive while propelling you into new paradigms of consciousness.

Permalink Reply by vinny andrews on July 12, 2009 at 2:22pm

I think Art Riggs book(s) are great. He honors tissue in deep work. For me the perspective of greatest value is that of working each layer of tissue. It seems to me that "no pain, no gain", is a lot of hooey meant to satisfy the ego of the therapist far more than to treat a client.
One of the challenges is to educate clients, as so many who seek deep tissue, expect that they shoudl hurt a lt, tough it out etc. and almost seem disappointed when that doesn't happen. (fortunately, many are less disappointed when they experience the result of quality deep tissue!)

Permalink Reply by Trevor Chisman on October 10, 2009 at 4:52pm

I have found Art Riggs books and DVD's have been a huge help during the Deep Tissue courses I have done here in the UK. His work is clear, informative and ultimately respectful of the client and tissues. It has given an added perspective to the teaching I've received.

I'm now looking forward to attending one of his workshops as he is coming to Scotland in 2010.

Permalink Reply by Jessica Weagle on December 29, 2009 at 7:49am

I think with deep work it is not how deep your pressure is but how effective you are able to move the muscle's to get to the deep layers. To the client it feels like a lot of pressure but if the MT is doing it right it is very little effort on their part

Permalink Reply by Frank J on February 21, 2010 at 7:55am

I agree jessica, i live in a place where a lot of people say they want deep tissue. These ppl really make me laugh because in their minds DT is just simply doing deep work and nothing else. If that was all there was to it, i promise that therapist wouldnt last too long

Permalink Reply by Ray Mingo on March 11, 2010 at 10:25pm

I find that lowering the table for me has nothing to do with giving me the ability to use more pressure on the contrary it gives me greater ability to become more diversified and move more fluently from one technique to another. It also helps me to use my muscles in a more efficiently way through the use of gravity and body weight and not so much muscle and joint strength. The lowering of the table with proper body mechanics can save the therapist wear and tear and stress of their joints and muscles especially in the area of the fingers, elbows, and shoulder joints. It's more about body mechanics, efficiency, and use of energy and taking stress off the therapist joints and muscles because they try to add more pressure.