Massage therapy is the manipulation of skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments throughout your body. Massage therapists commonly use Swedish massage techniques, with flowing strokes and gentle pressure, to provide a full-body relaxation massage. While giving a full-body massage to a girl, the therapist works on one area of the body at a time, keeping the rest of the body covered. Although scientific evidence on massage therapy is limited, the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicates that "massage therapy appears to have few serious risks if it is used appropriately and provided by a trained massage professional."
Step 1
Give your client privacy to unclothe and lie on her back under the sheet. Begin the massage by folding the sheet to show the left arm. Apply massage oil to your hands. To massage the arm, start at the hand and stroke toward the shoulder, using gliding and kneading techniques with light pressure. Focus on the forearm, biceps and triceps muscles. Re-cover the left arm, and repeat the massage on her right arm.
Step 2
Move to the legs, and fold the sheet to expose her left leg. With her leg flat on the table, apply oil and use gliding and kneading techniques to stroke from the foot toward the hip. Using gentle pressure, concentrate on the sides of the lower leg and the quadriceps muscles in her thigh. Replace the sheet, and repeat the techniques for the right leg massage.
Step 3
Move to the head of the massage table and sit or kneel. Using light finger pressure, massage your client's scalp. Next, apply oil to your hands and massage the back of her neck and her shoulders. Use gliding and kneading strokes with light pressure. Massage down the neck and out toward the shoulders. Do not massage the neck bones.
Step 4
Position the face cradle and hold the sheet taught while your client lies face-down on the table. Fold the sheet to uncover her right leg. With your client's leg flat on the table, apply oil and, using gentle pressure and gliding and kneading strokes, massage from the foot to the hip. Focus on her calves and hamstring muscles. Re-cover the right leg, and repeat the techniques for the left leg massage.
Step 5
Walk to the front of the table, and fold the sheet to expose her back. Apply oil to your hands and massage her back and shoulders. Begin at the shoulders and massage toward her hips. Use gentle pressure and gliding or kneading strokes. Do not put pressure on the spine. After completing the back massage, replace the sheet and give your client privacy to re-dress.
Tips and Warnings
- Soothing music might help your client relax.
- MayoClinic.com advises to "discuss massage with your doctor first in cases of: unexplained pain, burns, open wounds, cancer, blood clots, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoporosis and pregnancy."
Things You'll Need
- massage table
- massage oil
- sheet set
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