Instructions for a Back Rub

A back rub can ease tension and relax muscles. According to Patch Adams M.D. and the Gesundheit Institute, the back is composed of three major muscle groups, which include those running parallel to the spine, those along the lower neck and upper back, and the band of muscles running from the spine around to the side of the back. With proper technique, you should be able to hit all of these muscles and rub the stress away.

Things You'll Need

• Massage table or flat surface
• Massage oil

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your partner to lay face down on the massage table. He should remove any clothing from the waist up.

• 2

  Pour 1 tbsp. of massage oil into the palm of your hand. Rub your palms together to heat the oil.

• 3

  Lay the heels of your hands flat on your partner's back with your fingers pointing up. Press with medium pressure and slide your hands up along the spine to the shoulders. When you reach the shoulders, swivel your hands so that your fingers are pointing outward, and slide your hands back down to the lower back. Repeat this motion about 10 times.

• 4

  Press your fingertips into the long muscles running parallel to your partner's spine. Begin at the lower back and knead the muscles as you move toward his neck. Knead up and down his spine two to three times.

• 5

  Press the tips of your thumbs into her shoulder blade and massage the area using small, circular motions. Follow the natural curve of the shoulder blade, passing over the area several times before moving to the opposite shoulder blade. Repeat the massaging motion on the other shoulder blade.

• 6

  Dig the tips of your fingers into the muscles running parallel to your partner's neck. Knead up and down the muscles on either side of the neck using small, circular motions.

• 7

  Brush your hands lightly over the entire length of your partner's back. This light movement will bring the massage to a close.