Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular Therapy online
This Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular Therapy online course provides a comprehensive, body-wide training in deep tissue massage and neuromuscular treatment strategies. You’ll gain functional assessment skills and learn how to apply powerful deep tissue and neuromuscular techniques with a clinical focus. The course includes 3-dimensional muscle visuals, computer-generated trigger point referral maps, and clear demonstrations that show not only what to do but whereand why you are working in each area.
This training integrates functional assessment work, including range of motion and resistive testing, with practical hands-on technique. You will learn to evaluate posture and motion to better pinpoint dysfunction and apply effective treatment protocols to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue throughout the body.
Course Review
MASSAGE MAGAZINE says: “To Riehl’s credit, his knowledge of the subject matter is evident & he makes some of the concepts, like pelvic torsion & subsequent compensations, useful even for advanced therapists. All viewers will gain insight into the nature of myofascial pain in the torso and extremities, and effective treatments… Giving clear instructions and explanations, Riehl encourages intuition while competently and carefully teaching the mechanics of this powerful treatment approach.”
What You Will Learn
- 100 deep tissue techniques covering 60 muscles with trigger points and referral patterns for each.
- Functional assessment tools including range of motion and resistive testing
- How to assess posture and movement to identify restrictions
- Deep tissue and neuromuscular techniques for the hips, back, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles
- How to work with trigger points and referral patterns in clinical sessions
- Tendon, ligament, and connective tissue treatment strategies
- How to integrate deep tissue and neuromuscular therapy into your massage practice for lasting client results
Course Details & Learning Materials
- Format: On-demand online video lessons
- Video Content: Comprehensive training covering deep tissue and neuromuscular therapy
- Visual Resources: 3-dimensional muscle models and trigger point referral overlays
- Functional Assessment: Range of motion, resistive testing, and postural evaluation
- Techniques Covered: Deep tissue strokes, neuromuscular therapy applications, tendon and ligament work, joint mobility
- Manual: Downloadable 75-page online manual included
- Experience Level: Licensed massage therapists and bodyworkers
- Access: Lifetime access after enrollment
- Certificate: Downloadable certificate of completion included (no formal test required)
Related Learning Hub articles
To explore the clinical concepts used in this course, see our article on trigger point referral patterns, and our explanation of how trigger point therapy fits into orthopedic massage. You can also browse our full massage technique reference library for more in-depth clinical topics.
Meet your Instructor:
Sean Riehl is the founder of Real Bodywork and a leading expert in massage therapy and bodywork education. A pioneer in clinical instruction, Sean began teaching massage in 1991, and has authored numerous textbooks and produced over 30 instructional videos used by massage schools and practitioners worldwide.
Beyond his clinical and educational work, Sean has been a driving force in the wellness industry’s growth. In 2022, he was a founding member of iFlex Stretch Studios, a premier assisted stretching franchise. Following the acquisition of iFlex by the founders of StretchLab in late 2024, Sean served as the Vice President of Training through 2025. In this role, he worked closely with the executive team to elevate training standards and curriculum for hundreds of practitioners before retiring from the position at the end of the year to focus on his educational legacy.
Lessons
Introduction to Deep Tissue Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy
Discusses the basics of deep tissue massage and information about trigger points and referral patterns. Download the 75 page online manual in this lesson.
The hips
This lesson shows how to work and test the internal and external rotators, as well as the flexors, extensors and adductor groups. Trigger points and referral patterns are discussed.
Anatomy Quiz- Posterior Hip
Test your knowledge of the posterior hip muscles with this interactive anatomy quiz focusing on the deep external rotators and gluteal region. This module helps reinforce accurate muscle identification for assessment and treatment planning. Ideal for massage therapists and bodyworkers refining their hip anatomy skills.
Anatomy Quiz- Anterior Hip
Test your knowledge of the anterior hip muscles with this interactive anatomy quiz designed for massage therapists and bodyworkers. Identify key structures including the iliopsoas, tensor fasciae latae, rectus femoris, and adductor group while reinforcing functional anatomy and palpation skills. This quiz helps build faster recognition and deeper understanding of anterior hip anatomy for clinical and therapeutic work.
The Back
How to work on back pain, including working the QL, longissimus, multifidus, iliocostalis, plus how to friction the iliolumbar ligaments and release the psoas, iliacus and rectus abdomens, and more!
Anatomy Quiz- Deep Back Muscles
Test your knowledge of the deep back muscles with this interactive anatomy activity designed for massage therapists and bodyworkers. Identify key structures including the erector spinae group, multifidus, longissimus, iliocostalis, and splenius muscles while reinforcing functional anatomy and palpation skills. This activity helps build faster recognition and deeper understanding of deep posterior spinal anatomy for clinical and therapeutic work.
The Neck
This lesson shows how to evaluate for rotation and lateral flexion, and how to work the muscles that limit these motions.
The shoulder
Shows how to evaluate the shoulder in 3 directions, how to release all the muscles that control the shoulder, as well as the trigger points and referral patterns.
Anatomy Quiz- Shoulder
Test your knowledge of the posterior muscle images. This label matching quiz will help you to test your knowledge.
The elbow
How to help tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and release the muscles that control extension and flexion of the elbow joint.
The Wrist
Learn how to evaluate the flexors and extensors of the thumb, fingers and wrist. Perform massage techniques to release all these muscles, and address carpal tunnel syndrome.
Anatomy Quiz- Arm
Test your knowledge of the anterior and posterior arm muscles. This label matching quiz will help you to test your knowledge.
The knee
Shows how to evaluate the knee, and work the muscles that control flexion and extension. Also shows how to evaluate the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, and how to cross fiber friction these ligaments plus the coronary ligament, and around the patella.
Anatomy Quiz- Posterior Lower Body
Test your knowledge of the posterior lower body superficial muscles with this interactive anatomy activity designed for massage therapists and bodyworkers. Identify key structures of the gluteals, hamstrings, and calves while reinforcing functional anatomy and palpation skills. This activity helps build faster recognition and deeper understanding of posterior lower body superficial anatomy for clinical and therapeutic work.
The ankle
Show how to work muscles that control the ankle, and friction the ligaments the stabilize the ankle.