What is a deep tissue massage?
A deep tissue massage is a type of massage that targets the deep layers of muscle and fascia in the body. It is more vigorous than other types of massage in order to break down adhesions that cause pain, discomfort and immobility, allowing the body to heal naturally. Deep tissue massage has several primary benefits, including pain relief, improved circulation and stress reduction. Sports injuries, muscle tension and pain, postural problems, joint stiffness, and other musculoskeletal issues can all be addressed by a qualified practitioner.
Joining a peak body representing the deep tissue massage profession in Antigua will benefit certified practitioners of the modality in both their personal and professional lives. They can join one of the following organisations:
- Association of Massage Therapists (AMT)
- Massage Association of Australia (MAA)
- Massage & Myotherapy Association (MMA)
- Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
- Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association (AHHCA)
- International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)
Should you study deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is a powerful tool for promoting health and wellness, and those who are passionate about helping others improve the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of their health should consider taking a deep tissue massage course. As well as learning the techniques used in this type of massage, you will also have the opportunity to hone the skills and top personal traits of a deep tissue massage therapist, such as:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills that allow you to explain to your clients what goes into their massage treatment and build rapport with them.
- Empathetic and understanding so that you can get to the root of a client's problem and be able to adapt your massage techniques to suit their needs.
- Patient, calm and compassionate because you'll be working with people who are in pain and may not be in the best of moods.
- A good knowledge of the human body so that you can be able to identify which areas need extra attention.
- Good body mechanics and strong hands are required, as is the ability to apply deep pressure where it is needed.
If these personal characteristics ring true for you and you see a match between your career goals and those of a deep tissue massage therapist, keep reading to find out where you can complete the necessary course and become qualified in this field.
What are the course and study options for deep tissue massage in Antigua?
There are many deep tissue massage courses available in Antigua, so if you are interested in getting into this field, you can surely find one that fits your needs. Courses are delivered on campus, online or through blended learning. You can even choose to study full-time or part-time, depending on your schedule. In fact, many schools provide evening and weekend classes for students who are busy most days of the week.
Intrigued by deep tissue massage but not quite ready to dive into a comprehensive course? A short workshop is worth attending. Here, you will learn about the basic strokes used in this type of massage and experience them firsthand from a seasoned practitioner.
If your goal for studying deep tissue massage is to be able to practise it professionally, a certificate course is the way to go. It takes six to 12 months to complete and covers subjects such as anatomy and physiology, in addition to the relevant massage techniques.
If you want to expand your knowledge and skills, as well as learn other massage styles to use with deep tissue massage, you can enrol in a diploma course. This program usually takes a year or a year and a half to complete.
To learn more about other deep tissue massage courses available at leading schools, colleges and universities in Antigua, scroll to the top. You can find information about each course's provider's tuition fees, course duration and curriculum. If you have any questions, feel free to contact them directly.
What happens after you complete your deep tissue massage course?
A qualification in deep tissue massage will open the door to a rewarding career in the health and wellness industry. After completing a deep tissue massage course, you can find work in a variety of settings such as spas, hospitals, private clinics and sports clubs.
You can also open your own massage clinic and have complete control over your work hours and the services you offer. If you decide to go this route, getting your business listed on the Natural Therapy Pages' practitioner listing pages will help you reach potential clients and spread the word out about your expertise as a deep tissue massage practitioner.
In addition to complying with your organisation's code of ethics, make sure that you comply with the statutory requirements of Queensland with regard to the practice of deep tissue massage, including:
- Health Ombudsman Act 2013
- Child Protection Act 1999
- National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers (Queensland)
Learning other forms of complementary medicine that can be used in conjunction with deep tissue massage will also help you advance in your career. Here are some courses you can take to broaden your skill set:
