How To Give a Back Massage

Mastering massage therapy is like learning an elegant dance. At first, it’s all about memorizing the steps—understanding the rhythm of movements and the flow of techniques. But once the foundation is set, your unique style emerges, transforming technique into art.

Below, you’ll find a beginner-friendly sequence for mastering back massage:

 

Equipment

Massage Table

A massage table ensures comfort for the recipient while providing the masseuse with mobility, accessibility, and proper body mechanics. If a massage table isn’t available, a soft mat on the floor is a better alternative than a mattress, as it offers the firm support needed to apply pressure effectively.

The EarthLite Avalon is my favorite massage table. It’s the absolute best ratio of quality vs price. In my experience, you’ll get your table a WHOLE lot quicker buying on Amazon vs directly with EarthLite.

 

Draping

The recipient should feel warm and safe. You can use any old sheets, but keep in mind they’ll get oil stains. The most luxurious massage sheets are 100% flannel. They’re cozy, and they don’t show oil stains. Earthlite makes nice 100% Flannel Massage Table Sheets.

 

Pillows

When a massage table isn’t available, the recipient will need to turn their head to the side while lying face down, which can strain the neck during back massage. To alleviate this discomfort, place a large pillow lengthwise under the torso, allowing the head to rest just beyond the top edge to reduce neck compression. Additional pillows can be used under the ankles for support or adjusted to accommodate different body types for optimal comfort. For pregnant clients, a side-lying position with a pillow under the neck and another between the legs provides the best support.

 

Heat

Blood pressure lowers while receiving a massage and it’s impossible to relax when cold. When not in a warm climate, you should heat the room 15-20 minutes before starting. I like the Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater because it’s quiet and I can throw the remote control in the pocket of my apron, so I can adjust the heat without leaving my client.

Never squirt cold oil straight to the body. You’ll see your recipient jump off the table, real quick. Rub the oil between your hands to warm it up before application. You could also place the massage oil on the heater for a minute before starting or use one of these nifty oil warmers, so the oil is always warm and you don’t have to worry about melting the bottle.

Another great option is an electric massage table warmer to keep the client warm but you cool. I love these Delux Fleece Massage Table Warmers because they also provide a deep cushion which feels so luxurious.

 

Oil vs Cream

Massage oil provides smooth glide, preventing discomfort from pulling on the skin or body hair. Options like coconut, sweet almond, or even olive oil (with essential oils to mask the scent) work well, but pure oil can sometimes feel too sticky for the recipient and too slippery for the practitioner. Excessive slipperiness can be risky, especially during deep tissue work, where losing control could cause discomfort or injury. On the other hand, lotion absorbs too quickly, requiring frequent reapplication—which can become costly. That’s why I prefer massage creams—they offer the perfect balance of glide and control.

Biotone Massage Cream is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ by many professional massage therapists. It has glide as well as the friction needed for deeper work.

Sacred Earth Botanicals makes a vegan massage cream with organic oils and extracts that is nut-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, certified organic

I sometimes make my own by mixing 3/4 of organic body lotion (I like Alba Botanical Body Lotion), with 1/4 of sweet almond oil and shaking them together in a bottle. You can also add essential oils, but always as the recipient first if they have allergies.

 

 

Video Demonstration

The following video demonstrates a protocol for beginners. It proceeds quickly through the sequence in order to save time. In actuality, each move should be done a number of times and much slower.

Watch the video through to the end at least once. When you’re ready to practice, find a recipient who will be supportive and not critical while you’re learning. Use the written protocol (below) as a reminder, so you can proceed smoothly from one move to the next.

 

Watch on YouTube

Pointers

Communication

Some people find it difficult to speak up for themselves during a massage, so make it safe for them to do so. Before starting, ask them to communicate with you “if anything feels wrong for their body.”

Unfortunately, some people will still feel uncomfortable speaking up, so you have to check in a few times during the massage. Ask them “How is the pressure?” If they say “fine” in an unconvincing tone, ask “Would you like it lighter or deeper?”

 

Pressure

Everyone has different levels of sensitivity. Some prefer a very light touch, not because they’re ‘wimps,’ but because they’re sensitive. The majority of people appreciate a firm touch and some like a deep tissue massage.

The most common mistake for beginners is to be overly light for fear of hurting the recipient. For those who need deep pressure, it’s frustrating to endure a light massage that doesn’t address their tension.

 

Watch for signs

Firm pressure helps muscular ‘knots’ soften and dissolve. Sometimes it hurts but in a good way. I tell my clients “If it hurts in a bad way, let me know!”

If the recipient is tightening up, fidgeting, or jumping, these are signs of bracing against excessive pressure. Watch for signs and keep checking in.

 

Take care of yourself

Use your body weight and lean in to apply deep pressure. But some people need a depth of pressure that you can’t comfortably provide, and that is okay – Never help them at your own expense!

 

Anatomy

Never apply pressure directly over the bone (spine, hip, ankle). A tight muscle can feel as hard as bone, which is why it’s important to understand a bit of anatomy so you understand what you’re feeling. The video provides the basics.

 

Explore

After learning the protocol, explore and add your own creative touches. Remember what feels good to you and use your intuition. Most importantly, have fun!

 

Afterward

Allow the recipient time to relax after the massage before engaging them in conversation. Bring a glass of water to support detox and flush lactic acid.

 

 

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Back Massage Protocol

STAND AT HEAD OF TABLE

1)   Opening Hold > Scalp Massage

2)   Undrape back > Oil application

3)   Palm Rhomboids

4)   Palms along sides of the spine (Erector Muscles) > Thumb circles over Sacrum

5)   Swim out hips > Slide up the sides

6)   Repeat 3-5

7)   Alternating thumbs down spine & sacrum > Swim out hips > Slide up the sides

STAND AT LEFT     REACH OVER TO RIGHT

8)   Knead neck

9)   Knead upper Trapezius (shoulder tops)

10) Scapula glide and around

11) Rhomboids Thumb strips

12) Descending sideswipes

13) Knuckles up Erector muscles (along sides of the spine)

STAND AT HEAD OF TABLE

14) Alternating thumb drags over shoulders

15) Rake upper Trapezius (shoulder tops) with knuckles

16) Integration sweep: Down spine > Around hip > Up the side > Down arms > Up neck > Occipital circles

STAND AT RIGHT     REACH OVER TO LEFT

17) Repeat #8-16 on LEFT side of recipients back

STAND AT HEAD OF TABLE

18) Repeat #3-5 (Palm Rhomboids > palm erectors > thumb circles @ Sacrum > swim out hips > up sides)

19) Knuckle rake upper Trapezius (shoulder tops) > Up neck > Occipital circles

20) Dual integration sweeps: Down spine > Around hips > Up the sides > Down arms > Up neck > Occipital circles

21) Drape > Scalp massage

22) Hold heart and Sacrum > Slow release

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Once you’ve mastered the beginner level, add in some deep-tissue techniques with the video below.

For the full body, see my complete playlist of Massage Therapy videos HERE.

 

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