How to Work the Arms and Legs During a Massage

The arms and legs are often used muscle groups, but they are often forgotten when it comes to basic massage techniques. A full body massage will spend time focusing on these tight muscles and bring true relaxation to the entire body. Read on to learn how to work the arms and legs during a massage.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Massage lotion or oil

Legs

1. Understand that legs bear the weight of the entire body. It is important to completely work the legs during a full body massage. Apply lotion or oil beginning at the ankle and working up to the hip. Your touch should be light. Then proceed down the leg.

2. Work up the leg again kneading with your palms as you go up. Pass lightly over the back of the knee. Apply deeper pressure in the thigh.

3. Turn the client over and massage the front of the leg beginning at the feet again. Pull the calf muscle away from the bone to gently stretch it.

4. Massage the knee by supporting the back of the knee and massaging around it several times gently.

5. Knead the thigh. Finish with soft strokes down the entire leg.

Arms

6. Massaging the arms can bring complete relaxation to the body. Careful attention to this area is necessary since it is an often used part of the body. Begin by applying lotion or oil to the arm from the wrist up to the shoulder.

7. Stroke down the arm with both hands.

8. Begin to knead up the arms using the thumbs as you move upwards.

9. Focus on the upper arm by holding it at a right angle to the body and applying gentle even pressure as you stroke.

10. Finish the massage by applying soft strokes from the shoulder down to the wrist.