Back Massage Techniques

A back massage is very beneficial. It helps the body relax, takes away stress and increases awareness. Here are some techniques that are used in a back massage.

A back massage is always a welcome treat after a hard day at work or after completing all the chores at home.

A back massage is said to have the following benefits:

• It helps relax and releases tight muscles.
• Provides emotional and stress management.
• Increases consciousness in the body.
• Improves circulation of the blood and lymphatic drainage so that toxins are released.

Equipment needed for a back massage are:

• A warm and quiet environment.
• A firm and comfortable surface, such as a bed, floor mat or massage table.
• Massage oil.
• A set of towels to lie on and cover the body with.
• A couple of cushions and pillows.

Tips

• Do not use too much massage oil, as the lesser the oil the greater the friction and the deeper the pressure.
• When using the finger and the thumb to apply pressure, make sure you provide support with the other thumb and fingers.
• Use slower movements while massaging.

Technique 1
Effleurage (Smooth rhythmic stroking): Using the Whole Hand

Before you begin the massage, warm the oil in your hands and apply a small amount with the whole hand using smooth rhythmic strokes. It is important to use the whole surface of both hands. Use firm movements to stroke upwards, i.e. from the lower back right up to the neck, using gentle pressure circle around and slowly move to the lower back region. Follow this procedure for 5 to 10 minutes.

Technique 2
Effleurage: Using the Heal of the Hand

In this technique there is a smaller area of contact because of which the pressure is deeper. Start at the lower back using both the hands and working in circles. Using the same circular movement, move outward first and then upward. Return to the center gradually and then progress to the upper back. This procedure should be followed for 5 minutes.

Technique 3
Effleurage: Using Reinforced Fingers

Like the previous technique, this one too concentrates on a smaller area of contact. Stand on the right hand side of the area that you are working on. Place one hand on top of another and push with the flats of your hand away from the centerline, and then glide back towards the spine. Begin this procedure at the lower back and work up to the upper back. Follow this procedure for 5 minutes.

Technique 4
Stripping: Using the Reinforced Thumb

Use deep continuous pressure up to the full length of the muscles that are located at either side of the spine. As you move to the neck, lessen the pressure a little. Move slowly and intentionally feeling for sensitive spots and knots are you glide from the lower to the upper back. Continue this three tines each side, alternating it with a couple of minutes of effleurage (Smooth rhythmic stroking) and then repeat the stripping.

Technique 5
Friction: Using the Reinforced Middle Finger

In this technique firm deep movements need to be applied on each side of the spine. Begin the massage at the lower side of the spine and move upward. 5 frictions need to be applied on each spot with a few more in case of a sore spot.

Technique 6
Effleurage: Using Forearms

Begin the massage by applying firm downwards pressure and then move the arm that is closest to the head up to just below the shoulder blade. Follow the procedure with 6 strokes taking into consideration the possibility of lower back pain.

Technique 7
Trigger Point Release: Using sustained pressure of the Reinforced Thumb

For this massage you need to depend on the patient’s pain. To begin with place your thumb on tender knots or spots that your patient has told you about. Press down on those points; increasing the pressure gradually till the pain reaches 6 or 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. Hold the pressure till the pain lowers to about 4 on a 1 to 10 scale. Repeat the steps. Muscle and back pain may miraculously disappear using this technique.

Technique 8
Using Effleurage to finish the massage routine

Apply effleurage with supported fingers, the heel of the hand and the full hand. Using these techniques will increase the good that you have done with the trigger and stripping point release. After this is done, leave the patient quiet for a few minutes.