Learning massage therapy is similar to learning dance choreography. You build the foundation by memorizing steps and patterns, from there your personal style can develop. The following is a beginner’s sequence of massage therapy of the back.
Equipment
Massage Table
A massage table provides comfort to the recipient, and mobility, accessibility, and proper body mechanics for the masseuse. If you don’t have a massage table, a soft mat on the floor will work better than a mattress. You need a firm surface to support the application of pressure.
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 the EarthLite themselves.
Draping
The recipient should feel warm and safe. You can use any old sheets, but keep in mind they will get stained by oil. The most luxurious massage sheets are 100% flannel. They’re so cozy, and they don’t show oil stains. Earthlite makes some really nice 100% Flannel Massage Table Sheets.
Pillows
When a massage table is not available, the recipient will turn the head to the side while lying face down. This becomes uncomfortable on the neck when applying pressure on the back. Try placing a large pillow lengthwise under the entire torso with the head hanging over the top edge, easing compression of the neck. Pillows can also be used under the ankles while lying face down, or to support bodies of various sizes to find comfort. Pregnant women will lay on the side with a pillow under the neck and another between the legs.
Heat
Blood pressure lowers while receiving a massage and it’s impossible to relax when you’re cold. Unless you’re in the tropics, you need to heat up 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 allows glide without pulling on skin or body hair. You can use coconut, sweet almond, or even olive oil (essential oils mask the smell). But straight oil can feel too sticky for the recipient and too slippery to work with. When doing deep tissue work, you can hurt someone if you slip. You need some friction, but straight lotion rubs in too quickly and doesn’t have enough glide, so you have to keep reapplying. That can get expensive! So I like massage creams.
Biotone Massage Cream is the ‘Gold Standard’ used by many professional massage therapists. It has glide as well as enough friction 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.
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.”
I can promise you, some people will still feel too uncomfortable to speak 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 actually annoying to have a light massage.
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.
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
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.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases, but I never recommend anything I don’t use and love.
2 thoughts on “How To Give a Back Massage”
Thank you Aruna for teaching me your techniques. I love to watch your videos!
I am a new LMT, what type of oil do you recomend for all modalities?
Thank you!
Fatima
Great! I’m happy they’re useful to you. As I wrote in the “oil” section of the post: I create a mixture of 3 parts organic body lotion (I use Alba Botanicals organic and fragrance free), with 1 part sweet almond oil and shake them together in a bottle with essential oils.