Deep Tissue & Advanced Massage Techniques
Deep Tissue & Advanced Massage Techniques
Our Deep Tissue & Advanced Massage Techniques workshop has been designed for qualified massage therapists who are ready to take the next step beyond their Level 3 training. It provides the ideal bridge between foundation massage and more advanced remedial work, introducing a range of techniques that will broaden your clinical skills while helping you become a more thoughtful, efficient and confident therapist.
Deep tissue massage is often misunderstood. Many people assume it simply means applying more pressure, but effective deep tissue work has very little to do with strength and everything to do with understanding the body, using intelligent techniques and working with the tissue rather than against it.
Rather than relying on force, you will learn how to work deeper because the tissues allow you to – not because you are pushing harder. Throughout the course we explore how to encourage the body to relax and respond, reducing unnecessary resistance while achieving more effective and longer-lasting results for your clients.
Alongside a variety of advanced manual therapy techniques, you will begin to develop your understanding of clinical reasoning, learning not just how to perform a technique but when to use it and, just as importantly, when not to. This emphasis on thoughtful decision-making is what transforms techniques into truly effective treatment.
Therapist longevity is another cornerstone of the workshop. We place great emphasis on efficient body mechanics and practitioner presence, helping you develop ways of working that are both effective for your clients and sustainable for your own body throughout your career.
Whether you are looking to refresh your skills, expand your treatment options or prepare for our Functional Body Series workshops, this course provides the ideal foundation for the next stage of your professional development.
Why you should train with us
At the School of Bodywork, we believe becoming a better therapist is about far more than collecting techniques.
This workshop has been designed to help you develop clinical reasoning alongside practical skill, giving you the confidence to select the right technique for the individual rather than simply applying the same treatment to everyone.
Throughout the course we encourage therapists to work intelligently rather than forcefully, recognising that lasting change often comes through sensitivity, precision and good body mechanics rather than physical effort.
It is this philosophy that makes the workshop the ideal stepping stone into our Functional Body Series, where these principles are applied to specific regions of the body and more complex clinical presentations.
Course overview
This blended-learning, two-day postgraduate workshop introduces therapists to a range of advanced massage techniques commonly used within remedial practice.
Combining pre-course online learning with practical training, you will develop confidence in applying techniques safely and appropriately while improving your assessment skills, treatment planning and clinical reasoning.
The workshop provides an excellent standalone CPD course while also acting as the recommended foundation for our Functional Body Series.
Continue Your Functional Body Series Journey
Our Deep Tissue & Advanced Massage Techniques workshop provides the ideal foundation for the Functional Body Series.
Once you are comfortable with these advanced techniques and the clinical reasoning behind them, you can continue your learning with workshops such as The Functional Shoulder, The Functional Foot, The Functional Pelvis, The Functional Back and The Functional Neck/Chest where these principles are applied to more specific regions of the body and common musculoskeletal presentations.
Course syllabus
Throughout the course you will explore:
- Muscle Energy Techniques (METs).
- Soft Tissue Release (STRs).
- Trigger Point Therapy.
- Joint Mobilisations.
- Working deeper without working harder.
- Therapist body mechanics and longevity.
- Practitioner presence and therapeutic connection.
- Choosing appropriate techniques for different clients.
- Integrating advanced techniques into everyday massage treatments.
Entry requirements
Participants should hold:
- A recognised Level 3 Massage qualification.
- A minimum Level 3 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology qualification.
Course Format
- Blended learning with online theory.
- Two practical classroom days.
- Online learning released one month before the course.
- Real clinical discussion throughout.
Assessments
Students are expected to complete the online learning before attending and actively participate throughout the practical training.
A CPD Certificate of Attendance is awarded upon successful completion.
Qualification & Accreditation
The workshop is CPD Approved.
Students receive a Certificate of Attendance recognising their continuing professional development.
FAQs
Do I have to do this course before I sign up to any of the Functional Body Series workshops?
No. However if you have no experience with Advanced Techniques or deep tissue work we highly recommend that you do. This is to enrich your experience because you will already have a good understanding of the principles of the work, meaning you can then focus on the more specific work in different regions of the body. We consistently find that students feel more confident having completed this first.
Do you teach Hands Free techniques in this course?
At the School, we include hands free techniques on many of our courses when applicable, and this course is no different, however, we do also have a specific Hands Free Workshop which you may be interested in.
Course Date:
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026 - 2 PLACES LEFT
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May 2027
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 November 2027
Course Time:
10:00 am
-
5:00 pm
Location:
The workshop takes place in Exeter, Devon, UK.
Course Fees:
Reserve your place with a £175 deposit, with the remaining balance due one month before the course.
Full Course Fee: £345 (October 2027 Course)
Early Bird Fee: £295 when booked before 15 March 2027 (May 2027 Course) 27 September 2027 (November 2027 Course)
Tutor / Tutors
Ruth Bell is an experienced remedial massage therapist and educator who has spent many years helping therapists move beyond routine treatments and develop genuine confidence in advanced manual therapy.
Her practical, supportive teaching style encourages therapists to think critically, refine their techniques and understand the reasoning behind every treatment choice. Students consistently value her ability to make advanced concepts accessible while helping them become more effective and efficient practitioners.
Students frequently describe this workshop as the course that transformed the way they approach massage. Rather than simply learning more techniques, they leave with a clearer understanding of how to work effectively, confidently and comfortably—both for their clients and for themselves.
