How to Give a Swedish Mid Back Massage

When giving massage, the upper and lower back are often given all the attention while the mid-back is neglected. However, the mid-back holds as much tension as the upper and lower back, particularly if a person has poor posture, sits at a desk for long periods of time or has suffered from an upper respiratory problem. A few Swedish massage techniques will help you add the mid-back into your massage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Begin your Swedish mid-back massage with your client face down on the massage table and tuck the drape firmly under their hip bones so that they feel comfortable and unexposed. Remember your body posture to protect your own back. When working, step back slightly from the table with your dominant leg forward. Push from your legs, and not your arms, to protect your back and preserve the energy in your arms.
2. Stand on one side of your client's body and place the palms of your hands on the the opposite side of the spinal column. Remember not to work directly over the spine, as it is extremely sensitive and you can hurt your client. There are long, thick muscles surrounding the spinal column which you can use as your border.
3. Press the heels of your hands firmly into the muscles surrounding the spine and press your palms and fingers gently into the back. Moving one hand at a time in a kneading motion, move your hands down the rib cage. Lift your hand, return to your original position and repeat. Keep the motions smooth and alternate your hands so that there is always at least one of your hands on the body at all times.
4. Reverse the movement, cupping your hands around the rib cage and leaning back, pulling your hands up towards the spine. Use the same alternating movement and repeat the technique on the opposite side. Combine this Swedish massage technique with your upper and lower back work for a more complete back massage.