According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, relaxing massage techniques tend to either not affect or decrease sports performance. So the best time to massage a man is after exercise. Depending on your comfort levels, you may consider draping his body with a sheet or just a towel over the groin. You may need more oil or lotion because of men's body hair. If you are particularly intimate with the man you massage, you may want to carefully explore prostate massage.
Neck and Shoulders
Men tend to have denser and tighter muscles in the neck and shoulders, especially latissimus dorsi or lats, trapezius or traps and rhomboid, which is between the lower shoulder blades. Squeezing the traps on the tops is a great and easy way to release a lot of built up tension and soreness in the shoulders. In some cases, you may want to use your forearm or elbow. The neck can be done most easily when the man is on his back. Gentler pressure is required here because the muscles are smaller. Don't forget the sides of the neck, especially under the jaw.
Back and Glutes
Lower back muscles are often similar on men and women, though some times men will carry more tension there. Be careful not to put any pressure on the spine or pelvis, but otherwise, this muscle is pretty thick, so it can take a lot of pressure. The gluteus muscles or glutes or buttocks on men are somewhat more compact and lean than women's. You may have to use deeper pressure along with squeezing and gliding strokes. Elbow or forearm pressure may work, but be careful around the hip joint.
Pectorals
Women's breasts make the pectoral muscles harder to massage. On men, these chest muscles or pecs are often a bit more developed and can store a bit more soreness and tension, especially if the man's work or workouts use them a lot. Even though some men's pecs may look thick, they are not. Only on the biggest bodybuilders will you be able or need to use deep pressure here. A light gliding stroke and a little kneading are often best. Try to avoid the nipples and don't skip the pectoralis minor muscles on the outside near the armpit.
Legs and Feet
Women's and men's legs and feet can be just as sore or tight. Occasionally men will have denser muscle in the calves. Women's thighs and quads are often just as developed as men's, but since they often carry more fat there as well, you may not be able to press as deeply on men's legs. If the muscles are tight, start with light pressure until the muscles relax enough for more. Don't skip the inner thigh unless the man requests it, because this can be one of the tightest muscles on his body.
Arms and Hands
As in many parts of the body, men tend to have a bit more muscle density in the arms. Biceps and triceps may be thicker, but they often respond well to a combination of squeezing, kneading and gliding strokes. Forearms are similar on women and men, and the same strokes work there. Don't skip the hands. You can find plenty of soreness and tight tendons here too, especially at the wrist, the palm around the thumb and between the bases of the fingers.
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