Career Summary

Deep tissue treatment therapists are employed by a variety of industries – such as community service associations, health clubs, and country clubs. Some are self-employed and have their own clients or they may be hired by businesses for a day to give short massages to their overworked employees.

Deep tissue treatment therapists also give steam and dry heat treatments, ultraviolet and infrared light treatments, and different types of water therapy. These treatments may be given at the customer's request or according to a physician's instructions. A deep tissue treatment therapist needs a thorough understanding of what lies beneath the skin and understand a variety of techniques such as Shiatsu.

Many physicians recommend massage therapy. The medical benefits of “friction” were first documented in Western culture by the Greek physician Hippocrates around 400 BC. Today, massage therapy is being used as a means of treating painful ailments, decompressing tired and overworked muscles, reducing stress, rehabilitating sports injuries, and promoting general health.