Back pain has become an increasingly common disorder among working people, athletes, and older adults. Several factors can cause back pain, such as incorrect posture maintained for a long time, cold or humidity, stress, muscle strains, sudden movements, and excessive load. To overcome back pain issues, we have constructed an effective yet easy back pain massage techniques guide to alleviate your pain. 

Understanding Back Pain a woman holding her back due to pain that needs back massage techniques

It is usual for many people, at the end of a tiring day to feel back pain, stiffness at the base of the neck, which causes difficulty in movement. The trapezius (the muscle located at the base of the skull which extends to the middle of the back) is immediately affected by this tension. Back pain is revealed by a sharp, continuous, periodic pain that radiates towards the buttock. Among the remedies for this type of pain, back massage techniques are undoubtedly the best.

Types of Back Pain

The most common types of back pain are lower back pain and upper back pain. Both are caused by muscle tension, minor tears in tendons and ligaments, knee and shoulder injuries, and pinched nerves in the neck region, which may cause pain throughout the spine that can be highly irritating. You can achieve relief from the pain by applying upper back massage and lower back massage.

What is back pain massage?back of a man on with hands of therapist on it using back massage techniques

Although it is called a back massage, it should be remembered that the treatment involves the entire body. It aims to relax the muscles of the cervical, dorsal, lumbar, and sacral areas. A back massage, which is therapeutic and professional, requires study and preparation. But it is possible to massage a person, stimulating the tissues in a relaxing way, even without following a formal course of study. The thing that must be remembered is that without professional training, you must limit yourself to applying light pressure for whatever massage you choose to perform.

Effective back massage techniques

Back massage involves special techniques to rub, spread oil, and manipulate muscles. The following are effective back massage techniques, commonly used by our professional therapists.

  • Effleurage: The most used technique for spreading oil on a person’s back is effleurage, which means “touching” or “light friction.” You need to use your entire hand, starting from the lower part of your back and moving up. Direct each stroke towards the heart to promote blood circulation and apply a little pressure. In the descent phase, maintain contact with the person’s body, but do not press. Repeat these movements for 3-5 minutes and gradually increase the pressure. Remember to massage your shoulders and neck, too.
  • Petrissage technique: In this back massage technique, perform short, circular movements and apply more significant pressure than effleurage. For this type of massage, you must use the palm of your hands, fingertips, or knuckles.
  • Tapotement: The next back massage technique performed is called percussion, also known as tapotement. They are a series of short, repetitive touches. The therapist relaxed the wrists and keep them slightly bent while performing percussion. He continues this technique on the client’s back for 2-3 minutes.
  • Kneading technique: You must keep your fingers together, forming a “claw” with your thumb. Apply light pressure as you twist and lift the fibers. The hands must alternate. Go over the entire back 3-4 times while performing this technique.
  • Fanning technique: Move to the end of the table where the person’s head is. Place your thumbs at the base of his neck, on the sides of the spine. With a “fan” motion of your thumbs, gently push in the direction of his feet, not towards the floor. Alternate thumbs and move from your neck towards your waist. Massage only the muscles that are located on the sides of the spine.

Other than techniques related to movements of hands on the body, these back pain massage techniques have been proven effective.

  • Swedish Massage: Swedish massage consists of repetitive slow movements, kneading strokes and movements of various joints to regulate motion and prevent pain.
  • Deep Tissue Massage: In deep tissue massage, tissues are manipulated on a much deeper level to reach the inner levels of muscles to alleviate pain and muscle tension.
  • Myofascial Massage: Myofascial massage techniques focus on the fascia of the muscles to increase blood flow and movements of the muscles. This helps in reducing upper and lower back pain also.
  • Trigger Point Massage: In this technique, specific pressure points are targeted that can have a connection with back pain.

How do you prepare for a back massage?

A woman is lying on the table for back massage techniques

  • Get a massage table: This will give you better access to the entire back of the person you need to treat. Furthermore, it is designed to be comfortable. However, some alternatives exist, such as the floor or the bed. Placing a soft padding on harder surfaces will make the massage more comfortable.
  • Cover the cot or mattress with a sheet: Since the person must remove most of their clothing, a clean sheet will ensure proper draping. Sheets will also help to absorb the excess oil.
  • Warm up the room: Put on some relaxing music, dim the lights a little, and light some scented candles. This will create the ideal environment where the person can feel at ease and consequently relaxed, before the massage begins.
  • Proper clothing: A massage should be performed on bare skin, especially when you intend to use lotions, oils, or creams. Double sheets on the table will ensure the client is properly draped during the massage. In this way, it will be possible to cover the parts of the body that are not being massaged at the moment.
  • Lie down in a prone position: A massage is done effectively in a horizontal position where the therapist can access most of the body area. This position also exposes the back. During the massage, the back should be fully exposed for a better experience.

Advice for Back Pain Massage Techniques

  • The room’s temperature must be pleasant because otherwise, the person who receives the massage will not be able to enjoy it.

    A massage therapist standing with the female client on the table after back massage techniques were put into practice.

  • Advise the person to get up slowly. Sometimes a client may feel a little dizzy after a massage.
  • Remember to ask the person being massaged if they feel pain or discomfort, mainly when you apply more pressure.
  • Remind the person massaged to relax to avoid tightening of the muscles.
  • As you move towards the head, gradually reduce the pressure.
  • Try always to keep one hand on the other person’s body to give a sense of continuity.
  • Only apply a little pressure if you have not taken a formal course of study in massage.
  • If you have set a particular duration for your treatment, keep a watch nearby to stick to the schedule.

Back Massage Techniques Precautions

  • Do not apply pressure on the spine.
  • When applying pressure to the lumbar region, be very gentle, as there are no ribs to protect the internal organs.
  • Avoid treating areas with wounds, signs of infection, or blisters.
  • There are cases in which massage can create further problems for the pathologies from which the person already suffers. Therefore, it would be advisable to seek medical advice. Some pathologies are venous thrombosis, spinal trauma, herniated discs, damaged blood vessels, osteoporosis, recent fractures, cancer, fever, damaged nerves, infection, pregnancy, diabetes, healing scars, and heart problems.

Bottom Line

These back massage techniques are effective when used correctly. However, to achieve maximum relaxation, the massage is done to the whole body, including the neck, shoulders, and pressure points, for better results.

FAQS

Are lower back and upper back massage techniques similar?

Lower back and upper back are two different regions of the body. However, both may require full body massage to alleviate stress with similar techniques.

How often do I need a back massage?

It mainly depends on the pain intensity and your healthcare provider’s council, but the usual 3-4 back pain massage sessions may be enough.

How can I find a qualified massage therapist for back pain relief?

You can contact Next Level Massage to book a practical session with our qualified therapist who specializes in back massage techniques for both lower back pain and upper back pain.