How to Massage the Outside of the Leg Using Your Forearm

Massage is used to help relax the body while soothing tense and painful muscles; however, massage therapy, particular deep tissue massage, can be a workout for the therapist. Fortunately, besides the fingers, there are many other tools on the human body which can be used in massage, such as the forearm.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Massage oil or lotion

1. Use the forearm technique on the outside of the leg when you are giving a deep tissue massage to athletes or people who spend hours each day on their feet.

2. Begin the massage with your client's face up on the table. Place your lower hand on your client's ankle and gently press one foot towards the other to reveal the outside of the leg. Avoid hurting your client by grasping above the ankle, and not on the foot and always ask for feedback. Deep tissue massage may not always be comfortable; however, it should never hurt your client.

3. Apply a light layer of massage oil or lotion to the outside of the leg. Turn the palm of your upper arm towards you and gently press the bone of your forearm into the muscles along the outside of the leg. Always work from ankle to hip to keep the blood circulation towards the heart.

4. Move very slowly up the leg with firm steady pressure. When you reach the knee, release the pressure and begin again just above the knee. To work a bit deeper, shake your wrist so that your forearm rotates or vibrates. Begin working light, and as the tissues begin to get warm, you can apply a bit more pressure.

5. Ask your client every few minutes if she is comfortable. If you feel the muscles of the leg begin to tighten, you know that you are working too deep.

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