5 Back Pain MassageTips

Maybe you know a few massage moves, but the following back pain massage tips can take your skills to a new level. No matter what your skill level, your partner will love to feel your touch. By using just two important parts of your body (your ears and your hands), you can give awesome massages that chase away pain and bring you closer to the lucky recipient. According to the American College of Physicians, massage therapy can be used to help reduce stress, minimize depression and alleviate or lighten many types of back pain. You should not attempt to massage over a wound that’s healing or over weakened bones. When you’re ready to give back pain massages, here are five tips to reach your goal of massage heaven.

1. Make the person receiving the massage comfortable. Listen to your (massage) partner to find out what will be best for him/her. Suggest lying on the floor, couch or bed. Prop pillows in any arrangement that is most relaxing. Massages can also be given while the recipient is seated, although this will make it more difficult to tackle lower back pain. Your partner can remain clothed or not and you can suggest a lotion to reduce friction during the massage. The key is to listen to what your partner desires.    
2. Warm up slowly. Just like for any other vigorous activity, when massaging her back you need to allow the muscles to warm up and relax. Begin by running your fingers lightly down either side of her back and pulling them back up. You don’t want to rub any bones; stay clear of the spine and joints. Your aim is to massage muscles. Rub the shoulders by pressing the pads of your fingers down, starting at the top of the neck. You don’t need to use your thumbs. If you do, make sure you aren’t pinching. You are providing pressure points with your fingers. Rotate the pressure in your fingers in small circles and move your hands down and out until you’ve made it all the way across the shoulders. Start with gentle pressure, like typing, and work to deeper pressure. Pay attention to any spots that she wants to feel more pressure around or would like for you not to touch.
3. Use your whole hand. Don’t think you’re limited to using only your fingers for a massage. The pads (upper part of the palms) and heels of you hands can provide incredible sensations. Apply pressure as you did with your fingertips and rotate in small circles. The knuckles can also be used in the same way to provide deeper penetration into the muscle tissue.
4. Massage symmetrically. Start on either side of the spine and work your hands outward toward the side of the body. Whether you are using your fingers, palms or knuckles, you can get great results by moving in small circles and gradually radiating outward. 
5. Include cool downs. During your back pain massage, allow the muscles to rest and reset themselves into less painful positions. One technique for cooling down is the “rain tree.” Start at the base of the back, lightly tracing your index fingers up the spine. When you reach the bottom of the neck, spread out your fingers and trail them lightly down either side of the back. The key here is a light touch. You can swirl your fingers all over her back and sides. Try to build in at least one cool down period during and at the end of your massage.