Massage for Back Pain

Massage can be an excellent way to relieve back pain. In order to offer your massage client the most benefits from her massage, read some tips on how to address the most common problem areas. With some techniques up your sleeve and a bit of experience under your belt, you will soon be able to give a high-quality massage for back pain.

Preparation

• Start your massage session by asking your client to lie face down on the table or other massage surface. Set up a pillow at the end of the table, so your client can keep the front of his feet or ankles elevated. Let him know that you will be checking in with him periodically to make sure that he is comfortable with the amount of pressure you are giving.

Light Effleurage

• The term "effleurage" is used to describe long, gliding strokes. Effleurage has two primary functions. It warms up the muscles for deeper work, and it spreads the lotion, cream or oil across the skin's surface. Always begin a back massage with effleurage, using light pressure during the beginning few strokes and increasing to slightly deeper pressure. Start with your palms at the top of your client's shoulders, then use splayed hands to stroke down the sides of the spine and end at your client's sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine. Bring your hands back up to your client's shoulders, making sure to cover the whole surface of the back on the way up. Keep your hands relaxed.

Shoulders and Shoulder Blades

• Once your client's muscles have softened up a bit and once you have enough lotion or oil to glide your hands well on her skin, start on one side of the body. Use kneading motions, known as "petrissage," in order to relax the muscles and other tissues between your client's neck and her shoulder. Use circular finger motions to massage the muscle between the scapula or shoulder blade and the spine.

Sides of the Spine

• The muscles on the sides of the vertebrae, the bones above the spine, are often quite tight as well. You can use your fingers or thumbs to stroke down each side of the vertebrae, but do not put any pressure on the bone itself. Your client may be able to take a lot of pressure on the muscle, or he may find that he feels soreness or a tickling sensation when you put any pressure on this area. It often helps to perform a stitching motion, briefly pausing every inch or so, while stroking down these muscles.

Low Back

• The low back is often a large source of tension for many people. One good way to start massaging the low back, after you have performed effleurage, is to go to the opposite side of the table as the side of the back on which you intend to work. Place the heel of your hand next to the spine, and do multiple effleurage strokes down toward the table. After you have done this, go back to the other side of the table and do deeper effleurage down toward the lowest portion of the back.

Finishing the Massage

• After you have completed the techniques on each side of the back, conclude the massage with some more effleurage. Tell your client to take her time getting up off the table because blood has a tendency to rush to the head when lying flat for an extended period of time.