-
Step 1
Begin and end the massage with gentle pressure. Soft pressure in the beginning helps to relax the client and warm the muscles. Gentle strokes applied after the massage will help to flush the body of toxins released during body work.
-
Step 2
Add pressure slowly during the massage, as the muscles will accept more pressure as they begin to warm. You can begin to gauge pressure by body parts, taking note of sensitive areas on the body, such as the neck, chest, shoulders, buttocks and calves. These areas will always need slightly lighter pressure than say the back, thighs and arms.
-
Step 3
Ask your client repeatedly throughout the massage if the pressure is alright. Often a client may say that it is fine just to be polite, so take note of body language and tone of voice. If the client sounds bored and is completely relaxed, you may try taking the pressure up a notch. If the client's voice is strained and the muscles begin to tense up, you are definitely working too deep.
-
Step 4
Pay attention to body temperature. While you want the muscles to be warm and pliable in order to work deep into the tissue, when things start getting hot, you are beginning to cause irritation. If the tissue under your hands begins to feel hot or shows signs of inflammation, it is time to back off. Reduce the pressure and apply some long, flowing massage strokes to flush the area before moving on.
