Back Massage Techniques
Back massage techniques are important to know as the various types of a wonderful and relaxing massage do promote different pressure and contact areas. Knowing the proper back massage technique is then vital when you are either giving a lumbar massage or getting a certain type of back treatment for your condition.
Besides the techniques themselves there are other things you must know about first if you want to give the perfect massage. Such things as having a warm, quiet, and relaxed area or massage room, firm comfortable bed, massage table, or mat are very important. Buy good quality massage oil or if you do not have any baby oil will do for starters. You will need some towels to lie on and also to cover the body along with some cushions or pillows for support.
Massage Oil Reduces Friction in Back Massages
Other tips to know about a good back massage techniques are the fact that the massage oil or baby oil decreases the amount of friction on the body. You do not want to apply too much as the less you use the more pressure is put on the massage area. Use slow movements as they give off a calming affect. And lastly if you are the one giving the back massage be sure to use your opposing hand or fingers for support as after a few minutes of an intensive work out your thumbs or fingers can get tired in a hurry.
The patient has to be comfortable and relaxed by placing pillows or cushions under the torso and also the ankles if necessary for a full back massage. Cover any parts of the body with a warm towel. Apply the massage oil to your hands first and then to the patient as this warms up the massage oil to your body temperature and avoids giving a chill.
Stay away from any bony areas of the body. It is also vital that you are totally aware of any breaks in the skin, blisters, or any area that gives the impression of being infected. Use your judgment if there seems to be any great concerns.
The first back massage technique is one where you use the whole hand in a slow rhythmic motion applying modest pressure. Start by stroking at the lower back toward the upper back all the way to the neck with gentler pressure once you reach the neck area. Use a circular motion all the way back down to the lower back. Do this for anywhere from five to ten minutes.
The second technique involves using the heel of the hand because this has a smaller contact area and thus causes more pressure. Starting at the lower back, move in a circular motion outward then upward and moving towards the middle back area. Do this for five minutes.
The third technique you are going to be using both hands for reinforcement. Stand on the opposite side of the table that you want to work on and starting at the center of the back at the lower back push outwards. Work your way up to the middle back area for five minutes.
Back massage technique four is a reinforced thumb. Starting at the lower back apply pressure to the long muscles on either side of the spine and push upwards. Work your way up the back and be sure to alternate as you give the massage therapy. You should also be able to feel for any sensitive areas or knots. Three times for each side should do the trick for this back massage method.
The next massage technique you will be using your forearms. Stand on the side and apply pressure across the back muscles by pushing downward. Being careful as anyone with a lower back pain may be too sensitive to this method.
Patient is Sometimes in Control of Back Massage
Next we have stress relief back massage techniques where the patient is in control. By using a reinforced pressure point technique when you come to a knot or sensitive area the patient will be the first to know. If the person getting the back massage is aware of any sensitive areas they should let the massager know so they can be on the lookout once they know they are getting close to that particular area. The patient in this method does have to endure some pain but it is certainly to the benefit of the patient.
Once you find a sensitive area apply pressure with the reinforced thumb to the area reaching a pain threshold of six or seven on a scale of ten. Hold the pressure until the pain subsides to a four or five. Repeat the process for a second time. The patient may think that this is going to cause them more harm than good but it is really helping them in the long run. In fact the pain in some cases disappears immediately. The person giving the back massage is usually the one that suffers the most as the thumbs can get tired or sore.
The last technique is one that is done when the back massage treatment is in the final phases. First, start by supporting the fingers in the middle of the back deep tissue, stroking outwards working towards the neck. Second, using again the full hand technique, start at the lower back in the center of the spine, and stroke up the back. Also start at the lower back on the bottom and stroke in a circular motion working upwards. Lastly apply pressure to the neck area and shoulders using a gentle pressure and in a circular motion.
These are some basic back massage techniques without using a hand held massager. If for any reason your or the patient feel pain that is not a part of the back massage itself there may be a need to see a medical professional. There is nothing that feels better than a good back massage when done properly. I will be going into more detail in other articles. Back massage techniques can be a way for anyone to get rid of some back pain fast.