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Learn the fundamentals of soft tissue release (STR) in this 5-hour continuing education course for massage therapists. The course introduces the three types of STR - active, passive, and active-assisted - and explains how these techniques can be incorporated into a massage therapy routine.
You’ll learn basic soft tissue release techniques, indications and contraindications, and how to develop an individualized program of care for each client. The course also includes approximately 2½ hours of online technique demonstrations to provide additional visual instruction and support practical learning.
In this course, you will learn:
The definition and fundamentals of soft tissue release (STR)
Active, passive, and active-assisted STR techniques
Indications and contraindications for soft tissue release
Basic STR techniques and applications
How to incorporate STR into a massage therapy routine
Safety considerations when performing soft tissue release
How to develop an individualized program of care
Practical soft tissue release techniques through approximately 2½ hours of online video demonstrations
Why take this course?
Soft tissue release can be a useful technique for massage therapists who want to expand their approach to working with muscles and other soft tissues. Understanding the differences between active, passive, and active-assisted STR provides additional options for adapting massage sessions to individual client needs.
This 5-hour course combines foundational information with approximately 2½ hours of online technique demonstrations. It is a good choice for massage therapists who want a focused introduction to soft tissue release that can be incorporated into their existing massage routine.
Define soft tissue release (STR) and describe its role in massage therapy.
Differentiate between active, passive, and active-assisted STR techniques.
Identify indications, contraindications, and safety considerations for STR.
Describe basic soft tissue release techniques and their applications.
Explain how STR techniques can be incorporated into a massage therapy routine.
Describe how to develop an individualized program of care based on client needs.
Identify appropriate considerations when applying active, passive, and active-assisted STR.
Demonstrate an understanding of STR techniques presented through the online video demonstrations.
Online text: Soft Tissue Release by Jane Johnson, 176 pages
Video: Approximately 2½ hours of online technique demonstrations
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 massage online 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.
This was an excellent course. Very easy to understand, with a lot of unusable information. I quite enjoyed it! - Mary C.
It was so relevant to full body massage, especially in a medical spa setting-and it can be incorporated into a regular massage session easily and as a huge advantage to meeting client needs. - Mary Rust
The textbook was straight forward with excellent technique descriptions and supporting pictures which I liked. The online process was also user friendly which is important to someone like myself who has in not computer literate. - Emma Broadfoot
I liked the visual descriptions of the different types of STR. - S. Burkhardt
Loved the online video bank! - Christopher D., LMT
This course explained soft tissue release in a very easy to understand way. I really learned a lot. - Jessica R., LMT
Great illustrations and videos for visual learners! - Heath C., 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
All of the following are safety guidlines for the use of active STR EXCEPT:
A. Avoid active STR if you have had a recent injury or if you bruise easily
B. Be careful not to overwork any one area
C. Use active deep STR before a sporting event
D. Be careful when using your thumbs to lock into tissues
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.
