Comments on: How to Give a Back Massage

on 9/7/2006 This works for a groin kick: Rub the shoulders hard with the "victim" sitting up and ankles pulled toward the crotch as much as possible. Rub shoulders hard, then the neck, then downward along the spine as if pushing pain back down, and finally apply several sharp blows to base of spine. This actually works.

I've been to a chiropractor and enjoyed having tissue over spine pulled upward, it does relieve tension. Subluxation sounds are possible.

on 8/15/2006 Especially during the late months of pregnancy, women will truly benefit from a massage. Since most pregnant women cannot lie on their stomachs, have your wife lie on her side, or against a soft surface. Pay special attention to her lower back, right above the hips, where most of the pain sits. During labor, this can be incredibly soothing and may even help your wife while she is delivering! Kneading or pressing your thumbs into her back are usually the preferred methods, but listen to your wife and see what she needs. Trust me, I loved this when my husband picked it up!

on 8/8/2006 Ask the the one receiving the massage to breathe in deeply and with the rhythm of your massage, this really helps to make them relax.

on 8/8/2006 Steps:
1. have reciever round their back and tighten their stomach muscles
2. with one hand rub their back
3. use both hands to pat them on the with as much forse as possible with out hurting them

on 2/25/2006 Be careful to tell the person getting the massage to sit up slowly and drink lots of water after a massage. Pressure on the muscles releases body toxins (not necessarily bad, but released all at once, they can make you queasy). The water will help flush out these chemicals from the body quickly.

on 2/15/2006 Have the person in pain stand in front of you. Then have them bend over with their back slightly rounded, and starting at the lower back, with both hands pat the lower back in an up and down motion. Work your way up cupping your hands as you go, when you get to the neck change your hands from cupped to fists gently pound out the knots in the neck using an up and down motion. After doing that for a few minutes, cup your hands and work your way back down to the lower back.

on 1/9/2006 Use both hands to give a back rub. It feels very soothing and relaxing. Tell them to close their eyes and describe to them wonderful images and it will take their mind off of all of their problems. Always make sure to have warm hands while giving a back rub, this will make the massage even more relaxing. Practice massaging on a friend or family member.

on 12/30/2005 Rhythmic breathing with consciousness seems to work well for the receiver as well as the giver in any form of massage. The receiver feels he is guided and in good caring hands. Breathing in while the pressure is applied or bent, and breathing out when pressure released or joint released. Try it out.

on 2/13/2008 Before you start the massage you can put a variety of oils on the back. Sometimes its soothing if you really warm up the oil too loosen the muscles. If you have never massaged the person, at the start test to see if the skin is rough or flabby. Also, remember to check if theres any issues with the receivers back. If you see any type of rash it may be an extremely soft spot which should not be massaged. Remember asking questions is good~~~ J~BauM(Replayed!)

on 12/27/2007 Start at the shoulders muscles and work your way down the spine. Using your fingers, feel the individual bones in the spine and press into them firmly, working your way up this time. Beginning at the neck again, use very firm gripping action at the shoulders, at the same time your fingers should be pressing into the shoulders with semi-firm pressure. Then, with both your whole hands move from the shoulder area down to the arms, going down all the way to the hands, feeling with your fingers and applying just enough pressure. A good way to know if you are applying enough pressure is if your patient is making groans. From the hands work your way up, massaging even under the arms and going around until your hands reaches the shoulders again. With the bottom of your hands go over the shoulders and the spine once more, applying a small amount of pressure as you go. With the tips of your fingers work some pain into each of the muscles which your hand runs over.

on 11/22/2005 Have the person sit in front of you between your legs and pull the neck of their shirt back a little bit, and with your hands on their skin above their shirt line, use your thumbs starting at the bottom of the neck and glide up gently, applying a bit of pressure from both thumbs, but not too much. Slowly go up and down all the way to the shoulders and up to into the hair line.

Another tip: whenever someone sits in front of you, surprise them by gently massaging their shoulders and using your fingertips to massage their neck and head.

on 11/22/2005 After a long day on the job working construction, I allow my smallest child to give Daddy a massage. Have a small child walk up and down on the back to apply the pressure that you are not able to do with your hands.
It allows Daddy and child to have bonding time.

on 11/22/2005 Don't forget the background sounds when massaging. Some people like music, others prefer silence. But whatever you do, try to eliminate all noise of the dishwasher, vacuum cleaner or other appliances. This is very unsettling. Do it when your kids aren't around to interrupt you.

on 11/22/2005 Before applying the oil or lotion, massage the participant's head. If you have fingernails, it is pleasurable to run them through the hair and scalp. Also, using your index fingers, outline the back of the participant's ears and follow down the back of the skull. It is very relaxing.

on 11/22/2005 Run your fingertips up, down, and side-to-side. Alternate between pressing your fingertips down with a little pressure and barely touching at all. When you barely touch your fingertips to their skin, it gives them tingles and is sure to put a smile on their face.