How to Massage Someone's Back

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Last Updated: March 27, 2024

Love to make other people feel good? Love to make others feel special? The best way to do that is by giving them a massage. This article includes various different ways to make someone you love relax and unwind after a tiring day.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparation

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The first thing you will need is a nice, clean bed (firm is best). Fresh linens are essential.
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Start rubbing your hands together until they are warm. If you do not have massage oil, you can use baby oil or petroleum jelly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Back Massage

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This avoids a startling response when resuming touch.
One hand sliding towards right shoulder, other hand towards left hip. Then slide back, until hands meet again in another 'clap' position. Repeat this for a while.
Rub back & forth on back with both arms, up and down.
EXPERT TIP

Eric Christensen, DPT
Physical Therapist
Eric Christensen is a Physical Therapist based in Chandler, Arizona. With over a decade of experience, Eric works in both orthopedic and neurological fields and specializes in custom orthotic prescription and casting, vestibular reprogramming, and manual therapy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a focus in Sports Medicine from Colorado State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University. In practice, Eric takes a developmental approach to rehabilitation utilizing the Selective Functional Movement Assessment. He uses functional movement patterning and manual therapy to return patients to prior levels of function.

Eric Christensen, DPT
Physical Therapist

Be careful when massaging someone's back. When massaging someone's back, avoid pressing too hard on bones, joints, or the spine itself. Instead, focus on kneading the soft tissues around them. Start very gently, then slowly increase pressure while frequently asking them for feedback.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Varied Touch Massage

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Vary touch from light to firm, you can drag fingers lightly as if tickling, then alternate with firm or intermediate levels of touch.
Relax your hand and in a chopping motion pat the clients back. Keep in mind the motion should come from the arm and you should offer no resistance from the fingers or wrist.
This must be used gently to avoid causing pain. Do not cross the client's spine when using this technique! This technique is especially effective for masseurs who have weak or fatigued hands.
If the client has skin that is not hyper extended, it often feels very good. Pinch with both hands starting by placing your thumb and forefingers about four inches apart. Then "pinch" down to about half the distance. Then grab the next couple of inches a finger at a time allowing the previous grab to slide under your thumb. Your forefingers end up crawling and your thumb keeps the "roll" in check and sliding forward. The easiest area to do this is side by side the spine, but not on it. You end (or don't begin) when it is difficult to grab a roll.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Hot Stone Massage

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Cleanse them thoroughly before using them.
Pour away water.
Do not cross along spine, bones, or joints.

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Question

What's the best way to heat hot stones for a massage at home?

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor
Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP

Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor

Expert Answer

Massage stores, as well as Amazon, do offer non-professional grade hot stone kits that plug in and are regulated by temperature. You must be careful that the hot stones are not too hot and make sure that you know how to use them properly.

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Question

Where can I get a stone massage?

Carolyn Barratt

Community Answer

Contact your local spa and ask if the RMT does hot stone massage.

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How do I massage a bruise on someone to make them feel better?

Aryn Long

Community Answer

You should not massage a bruised area. It will cause more trauma to the area and probably cause more pain, too. You should massage the area only after the bruise is gone.

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Tips

Clean and disinfect hands prior to massage.

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Always clean and disinfect stones before and after each use.

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Before performing a massage, ask the client to tell you their massage preferences or if any techniques cause pain.

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Warnings

Do not perform massage on people with bruises and/or heart problems (especially with heart problems)

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If using aromatherapy oil, beware of any allergies or sensitivities that the client may have.

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Do not perform massage on people suffering from anorexia, diabetes,varicose veins, or open wounds.

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Never use just any stone you find for massage. Purchase stones specifically used for massage from spa stores, etc. Applying heat to a random rock will likely cause it to crack or burst.

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Do not perform the hot stone massage on pregnant people or small children.

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When performing hot stone massage, be careful that the stone is not too hot for person's back. Even if it is cool enough to pick with your hand, it may be still too hot for the client's back.

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