Massage is defined as manipulating the skin and muscles, ligaments and tendons. Massage therapists usually use their hands and arms in massage, but may also use their feet to administer several types of massage, according to the Mayo Clinic. Whatever style of massage you prefer to give, you can improve your technique by following a few tips.
Communicate With the Recipient
Before you begin giving a massage, ask the recipient whether she prefers to be clothed during the massage. The American Massage Therapy Association and the Mayo Clinic also advise asking the recipient about any allergies she may have if you plan to use oil or powder in your massage. You should also ask about specific pain or injuries the patient may have in her back and shoulders.
Prepare the Skin for Massage
Annet King, a professional masseuse with the International Dermal Institute, recommends beginning the massage by brushing the skin on the back, shoulders and arms. This process improves blood circulation and prepares the skin and muscles for massage. Brushing also detoxifies the skin and can remove keratosis pilaris, small pimples that often form on the back and arms from perspiration on the skin.
Use the Right Oils
After brushing the back, King advises applying natural essential oils such as apricot, hazelnut or chamomile in a carrier oil base. Avoid using artificial scents or heavy oils such as mineral oil or baby oil, which can clog pores. Apply a light layer of oil and spread it evenly across the back and shoulders of the recipient.
Begin With a Full Palm Stroke
Start the massage with an effleurage motion. You can do the effleurage motion by placing both palms on the back with the thumbs together so that the hands form a heart shape, according to the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Repeat the effleurage motion across the entire back.
Relieve Muscle Tension in the Shoulders
The petrissage motion is designed to relieve tension in the shoulders and upper back. You do the petrissage motion by placing the hands on top of the shoulder muscle, then squeezing the muscle. King advises using firm pressure rather than a light touch with the petrissage motion, as a light touch can be more irritating than soothing.
Apply Pressure Along the Spine
Continue with a friction motion, which is done by applying pressure with the thumbs on either side of the spine. You should continue the motion along the entire length of the spine. The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and King both caution against touching the spine directly with the friction motion.
Apply Tapotement Motion
The tapotement motion uses the side of the hand to rapidly strike the back in a series of karate-chop motions. You should apply the motion to the lower back and above the shoulder blade on each side of the spine. The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point warns against touching the spine or the shoulder blades directly.
Finish With a Light Touch
At the end of the massage, King recommends returning to the effleurage motion. Apply the motion to the entire back, but with a lighter touch than at the beginning of the massage. Gradually continue to lighten the touch of the motion until you are finished with the massage.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Massage -- Get In Touch With Its Many Benefits
- University of Wisconsin at Stevens' Point: Stress Relief Massage
- American Massage Therapy Association: 10 Tips to Get the Most From Your Massage
- Total Beauty, Annet King: Four Tips to Giving a Great Back Massage (Video)
- Keratosis Pilaris Help: Half the Population Has Keratosis Pilaris And Most of Them Don't Know It
