- 12 Jan, 2026
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Back Massage Techniques: Different Methods for Different Goals
Let’s face it, everybody could use a moment to reset and relax. Massage doesn’t just feel good — it can help reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and promote overall wellness. At Unitech Training Academy in Louisiana, our Massage Therapy program teaches students the art and science behind massage techniques that help people relax, recover, and feel their best. (Bonus: You can even get massages yourself at our student clinic. You deserve a treat now and then, right?)
At Unitech Training Academy, you’ll build real-world experience toward a rewarding new career.
Key Takeaways
- Massage isn’t just relaxing — it’s a legit way to melt stress, loosen tension, and boost overall wellness.
- Swedish massage is the go-to “feel good” style, using a mix of smooth strokes, kneading, tapping, and gentle vibration to help you unwind.
- Got stubborn knots or chronic tightness? Deep tissue brings stronger pressure to reach deeper layers and break up tension for real relief.
- Need targeted help? Trigger point zeroes in on one trouble spot
- Sports massage mixes techniques to support active bodies, flexibility, and recovery.
- At Unitech, students learn the science and hands-on skills (including 120 clinic hours) and prep for licensing exams — with flexible schedules and campus options across Louisiana.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the practice of rubbing or kneading the skin, often to reduce pain or provide relaxation. There are various types and techniques of massage that work in different ways.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is what most people think of when they hear the term massage. It consists of gentle strokes and pressure on the muscles and is the most common type of massage. Swedish massage is often used for relaxation purposes but can also help reduce pain and muscle tension.
There are a few main techniques used in Swedish massages:
- Effleurage: This technique uses circular stroking movements with the palms of the hands to warm up or cool down muscles after deep tissue work.
- Petrissage: This technique consists of rolling, kneading, and pressure on the muscles to increase blood flow and relieve tight muscles and pain.
- Tapotement: This technique involves rhythmic tapping, drumming, or cupping on the muscles to increase circulation and soften the muscles.
- Friction: This technique uses deep pressure on the muscles to release tension, penetrate deep tissue, and break up knots.
- Vibration: This technique involves light shaking of the massage area in a rhythmic pattern to decrease stress and muscle tension and stimulate soft tissues.
People can reap many benefits from these Swedish massage techniques, such as reduced inflammation and stiffness, pain relief, relaxation, and improved circulation.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage is another common technique, often used to relieve chronic pain and tension. Compared to a more relaxing Swedish massage, deep tissue massages use harder pressure to reach the deeper layers of the skin tissue. The massage therapist uses friction and kneading to break up muscle knots and relieve tension and tightness.
Deep tissue massages are often beneficial for people with chronic neck or back pain because they reduce the overall tension and scar tissue, leading to reduced pain.
Trigger Point Massage
A trigger point massage focuses on a particular spot called a trigger point. Like deep tissue massages, trigger point massages work to soften muscle tissue, break up knots, and reduce pain. They are different because they don’t focus on the entire back or body, but rather on a specific part of the body that causes the patient trouble. The massage therapist uses kneading, friction, and pressure techniques to perform a trigger point massage.
Sports Massage
A sports massage is designed specifically for athletes, active people, and those with sports-related injuries. The massage therapist uses a mix of techniques from both Swedish massage and deep tissue massage to target the area with the injury or pain. Sports massages are beneficial to help release muscle tension, reduce pain, and increase flexibility and athletic performance.
What Students Learn in the Massage Therapy Program
If you’ve been interested in a career as a massage therapist, consider attending the Massage Therapy program at Unitech Training Academy.
At Unitech Training Academy, students gain the technical knowledge, professionalism, and hands-on experience to launch their massage careers with confidence.
You’ll study:
- Anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology
- Massage theory and specialized techniques
- Ethics, business practices, and client communication
- Clinical practice (120 hours) under the supervision of a Licensed Massage Therapist
Our graduates are ready to take the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy oral exam and the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), setting them up for success right after graduation.
The Massage Therapy program at Unitech Training Academy offers many other benefits, including:
- Day or evening classes available
- Potential completion time in under 7 months
- Availability at all Unitech campuses in Louisiana (Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, New Orleans, West Monroe)
- Experienced teaching staff of licensed massage instructors
- Financial aid available to qualified students
- Lifetime career services support
About Our Student Massage Clinics
In the clinics, students gain hands-on experience working with real customers under supervisions of licensed instructors. You’ll get to practice the techniques you’ve learned and see directly just how you can help others feel better and relax. You can even give gift cards to friends and family, and every person who comes in for a massage is helping students complete their required clinic hours. Everybody wins!
Why Choose Unitech Training Academy?
Unitech Training Academy develops people — students, faculty, and staff—to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. We are a career solution, committed to advancing opportunity, readiness, and results. We prepare individuals not just to get the job, but to keep it, grow in it, and thrive.
We create environments where purpose and positivity intersect—celebrating progress, building meaningful connections, and finding fulfillment in our shared journey.
Learn Back Massage Techniques at Unitech Training Academy
Now that you’re familiar with some back massage techniques, are you ready to learn how to perform them? Attend the Massage Therapy program at Unitech Training Academy to be taught concepts and skills needed to launch a massage career. Get started now at one of Unitech Training Academy’s locations near you throughout Louisiana.