Customer Service: 712-490-8245
Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education
Register Free Student Login Find a Course
Back to All Courses

Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release

Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release
7 CE Hours
$84.00

Cost includes all materials. Shipping, if applicable, is a flat rate.

Learn practical soft tissue release (STR) and trigger point release techniques in this 7-hour continuing education course for massage therapists. The course introduces three types of soft tissue release—passive, active-assisted, and active—and explains how these techniques can be incorporated into massage therapy.

The course covers indications and contraindications, step-by-step soft tissue release techniques, trigger point deactivation, individualized programs of care, and case studies demonstrating applications for clients with different concerns. The practical approach makes it a useful resource for therapists looking to expand their hands-on techniques.

In this course, you will learn:

  • The principles and purpose of soft tissue release (STR)
  • The three types of STR: passive, active-assisted, and active
  • Indications and contraindications for soft tissue release
  • Basic soft tissue release techniques
  • Step-by-step application of STR techniques
  • How STR can be incorporated into a massage routine
  • Techniques for working with trigger points
  • How soft tissue release may be used to deactivate trigger points
  • How to develop an individualized program of care
  • Practical applications through client case studies

Why take this course?

Soft tissue release and trigger point techniques can provide massage therapists with additional approaches for working with muscles and soft tissues. Understanding different STR methods can help therapists expand their technique options and adapt sessions to individual client needs.

This 7-hour course combines detailed technique instruction with practical case studies showing how soft tissue and trigger point release can be applied with different clients. It is a good choice for massage therapists who want to add practical STR and trigger point techniques to their existing massage skill set.

  • Define soft tissue release (STR) and describe its role in massage therapy.
  • Identify and differentiate passive, active-assisted, and active soft tissue release techniques.
  • Recognize indications, contraindications, and safety considerations for STR.
  • Describe step-by-step techniques for applying soft tissue release.
  • Explain how STR techniques may be incorporated into a massage therapy session.
  • Identify techniques used to address trigger points.
  • Describe how soft tissue release may be used to deactivate trigger points.
  • Explain how to develop an individualized program of care based on client needs.
  • Apply concepts from client case studies to appropriate massage therapy considerations.
  • Text: Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release by Jane Johnson, 288 pages
  • Course guide with instructions
  • 40-question multiple-choice examination
  • Course evaluation
  • Certificate of achievement upon completion
  • Unlimited phone and email support for any questions

The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.

Our continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.

For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.

The perfect mix of trigger point realese with soft tissue release. I learned many new techniques I can use right away! - Michelle Peters

The case studies brought all of the information presented into real life. I really liked this course! - J. Banner, LMT

I liked that I learned techniques I can incorporate into my regular massage routine. - J. Ho

The format was easy to understand and I liked how I could save my answers on teh exam and return later. - Kim Nguyen, LMT

 

What is soft tissue release (STR)?
A.  An advanced massage technique widely used in assessing and stretching soft tissues
B.  An advanced massage technique widely used in diagnosing and treating soft tissues
C.  An advanced massage technique widely used in lymphatic drainage massage to clear the tissues of edema
D.  An advanced massage technique widely used in assessing and stretching osseous tissues

When applying STR, always work:
A.  Proximally to distally
B.  Distally to Proximally
C.  Externally to internally
D.  Internally to externally

As with the wrist and finger extensor muscles, trigger points in the flexor groups are perpetuated by:
A.  Forced or prolonged gripping
B.  Lack of movement
C.  Forces or prolonged extension
D.  Excessive shoulder movement

Course Author

About the Instructor

Jane Johnson, PhD, MSc, BSc(Hons), BA(Hons), CSP, HCPC

Jane Johnson, PhD, MSc, BSc(Hons), BA(Hons), CSP, HCPC, is a chartered physiotherapist specializing in occupational health and massage. In this role she assesses the posture of clients; performs manual assessments, including that of the soft tissues; and determines whether work, sport, or recreational postures may be contributing to a person’s symptoms. She devises postural correction plans that include both hands-on and hands-off techniques. A key element of her work involves educating each client in how to self-manage their condition.