How to Work the Upper and Lower Back from Massage Therapy

It is important to work the upper and lower back from massage therapy since this is the largest part of your client's body that carries the most tension. There are many different forms of massage therapy from which to choose. Regardless of the type of massage therapy you initiate, it's important for an expert massage therapist to know how to work the upper and lower back with massage therapy.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Ask your client to tell you about any pain they have before your massage therapy begins. As a massage therapist, you need to know which areas to focus on and which areas you may need to avoid when beginning to work the upper and lower back from massage.

2. Have the client lie on their stomach so you can begin working the upper back, moving with slight pressure along the spine. Massage along the edges of the back and shoulders as well.

3. Take the client's arm, grasping it by the elbow and the hand and move it behind your client's back. This allows you to work deep inside and around the shoulder blade.

4. Stand next to your client's lower back and place your fist and index fingers along either side of the spine. Begin massaging in an overlapping movement, up and down the spine.

5. Make gentle, circular massage movements around the spine, rib cage and down the side of the body. Finish with a firm, kneading massage over and around the hips.

Tips & Warnings

• Instruct your client to drink a full glass of water following the massage to help flush away the toxins released during your massage therapy session.