How to Perform Swedish Massage on the Back

Swedish massage is an extremely effective way to improve circulation, ease stress, tension, and improve an individual's mind body and soul.

When planning to give a massage, the room temperature should be 70-72 degrees. Always have a combination of unscented massage lotion and oil for the recipient of your massage.

Before beginning Swedish massage, you should ground yourself. Sitting on a stool, start out with contact hold to raise positive energy in the room. You are now ready to start Swedish massage.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Unscented lotion and oil
• Bolster to place under back of recipient's knees
• Pillow - Provided to pregnant recipients, the pillow is to be placed in between the legs while lying on the side to reduce tension of the back.
• Adjust massage table to where it is most comfortable for you. Ex. You should be able to lightly brush five knuckles on top of massage table.
• Have massage music low so the recipient is able to relax

1. Sparingly apply oil/lotion using effleurage strokes

2. Begin with three bilateral effleurage strokes from superior to inferior; holding at iliac crest for approximately 10 seconds or more

3. Alternate using pushing strokes from one side (superior to inferior)

4. Transition with fluid strokes and alternating pushing strokes to the other side of back

5. Reaching across recipient's back, petrissage opposite side from iliac crest to shoulder

6. With ease, transition to the other side of table, gently petrissage and effleurage the opposite side, working the shoulder well

7. At the same side of table facing recipient's head, effleurage three times from iliac crest to shoulder area. Ensure you are working the same side of back as you are standing

8. Transitioning to the head of the table while facing recipient's feet, do three upside-down fist" strokes from upper trapezium to iliac crest

9. Lightly perform alternating strokes down the same side of back

10. Transition using effleurage strokes to opposite side of back that you are standing at recipient's waist facing head and repeat steps again (effleurage, pushing strokes, forearm and upside down fist techniques

11. Perform a series of alternating pushing strokes from shoulder to iliac crest

12. Do three bilateral effleurage strokes from shoulder to iliac crest; hold the first one at the crest for 10 seconds

13. Connect with the rest of body and close with contact hold and give a gentle "thank you" to your recipient

Tips & Warnings

• Always check with recipient to see if you are applying enough pressure. It is important to receive feedback to ensure you are properly giving a Swedish Massage.
• Always ensure your nails are clipped and filed down as not to scratch recipient. This is especially important when giving deep tissue; in the future I will provide articles regarding deep tissue massage.
• Always offer recipient something to drink after massage.
• Always open with contact hold, this will ensure trust between recipient and massage therapist.
• Always close with a contact hold, this is a way to thank recipient for giving their trust to you in massaging them.
• When giving massage make sure your table is adjusted correctly. Believe it or not you can invite injury to yourself with bad body mechanics. Never haunch your back or massage in a way that is uncomfortable to you.
• Never directly massage on the spine, this is an endangerment zone.
• When performing forearm technique, avoid hitting elbow on scapula, this can be a painful for recipient and massage therapist.
• Never perform a massage when you aren't feeling your best mentally. The recipient will sense any stress and tension you are feeling; remember, you are exchanging energy with recipient. Everything should be positive.
• Never give medical advice to recipient.
• Always ask if recipient has had any surgeries before starting massage.
• Never give a massage to someone who is sick with the flu, you are running the risk of infecting yourself and spreading the virus through recipient's system at a faster pace.
• Never give a massage if you are sick with the flu, you are running the risk of passing the virus on to the recipient.
• Overall, take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. Take your vitamins, eat healthy, exercise and practice yoga a few times per week to maintain flexibility.