Tips for Giving an Amateur Back Massage to your Partner

By Brian Acton

There is a reason that people go to professional masseuses and massage therapists to work out their knots and stress points. Learning how to give a professional massage can take extensive training and years of experience. The fact is most of us aren’t naturals when it comes to giving back massages. But it’s not always practical for our partners to get professional massages. Time, money, and availability issues can all limit their ability to book a massage with the pros. Us amateurs may need a few tips on improving our massage skills to give our partners’ backs sweet relief.

Make sure to try these next time you’re on massage duty:

1. Positioning - Oftentimes, amateur masseuses can tire out their hands and arms quickly because they’re in the wrong position. Rather than sitting next to your partner, have them sit on the floor or in a chair while you sit or stand behind and above them. This will allow them to adjust and stretch forward as you apply pressure using your body weight without tiring yourself out too quickly. Alternately, your partner can lie on their stomach, but this doesn’t allow as much opportunity for stretching.
2. Start with Massage Oil - Don’t neglect massage oil – in a pinch, lotion or other body lubricants will do just fine. Using oil will prevent friction and help your hands glide, rather than grind, across the back. Don’t just dump the oil on your massage subject’s back – that’s cold and uncomfortable. Instead, work it onto your hands before you begin. Make sure to apply more as needed.
3. Be Firm But Gentle - When giving a massage, it’s important to strike a balance between feather touch and crushing pressure. Depending on the reason for the massage, a little pain to work out tension might be good. But most of the time, firm pressure is enough. Try to feel the muscles beneath the skin move under your touch without making your partner flinch or cry for mercy.
4. Technique - Start with using your hands to position on each area of the back and rub circles with your thumbs alongside the spine (never apply pressure directly on the spine). If your partner is sitting, they can lean forward to stretch as you move down the back. Next, you can move into a kneading action. Don’t pinch or grab muscles. Instead, keep your fingers together and use your whole hands to apply pressure. Make sure to communicate with your partner to make sure you’re applying the right level of pressure.
5. Use Tools - Simple tools such as the Omni Massage Roller – can be used in conjunction with lotions and massage oils, and makes deep tissue massage more comfortable for your partner. These are used by professional massage therapists, but are great for home use as well.

In conclusion Chances are, your first massage won’t be perfect. But through practice, using good massage techniques, and most of all communication with your partner, you can become adept at giving amateur massages. Your partner will thank you as you help them relax while relieving muscle tightness or pain in their back.