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Massage

 

 

MASSAGE INFORMATION:

Massage can help you relieve tension and reduce stress. It can help you relax by increasing blood flow to your tension areas (i.e., shoulder, neck and back). Increased blood flow relaxes muscles and removes build-up of waste products caused by tension (these waste products are what can make your neck hurt).

A massage is also a way to communicate caring without words. Touch, alone, can have a healing effect. Massage can be a nice way of saying "I care about you" to your friend, roommate or family.

Illustration depicting areas of tension on the back. They are highlighted by arrows.

General Tips

  • Atmosphere is important! Massage should be done in a comfortably warm room on a firm, comfortable surface. A carpeted floor is perfect. Play soft music and keep the lighting soft.

  • Remove all jewelry that may interfere with giving or receiving a massage. This may mean rings, necklaces, bracelets and watches. Loosen all restrictive clothing.

  • Shake your hands to relax and warm them before you start the massage.

  • Once you begin the massage, maintain a consistent contact with the other person.

  • Ask what the other person likes.

  • Do not use pressure directly on the spine.

  • Use circular motions on the back. Long strokes should be done in the direction of the heart.

  • Maintain an even, firm pressure by using body weight rather than muscles to apply pressure.

  • Mold your hands to fit the contours they are passing over.

  • Don't be offended if your friend falls asleep.

Illustration depicting hand strokes and the direction they should go, which is toward the heart, while massaging.

Massage Instructions

  1. Have the person lie on their stomach. If you feel comfortable (and they don't mind) sit on their lower buttocks. Otherwise, you can sit beside them.

    2.

  2. Begin with long, slow, whole-hand stroking movements; starting at the lower back and moving straight up towards the neck. Take your time; RELAX and breathe deeply; focus on your partner. (See Figure 3)

  3. Now separate your hands and bring them over the shoulder blades towards the floor. Pull your hands back along your partner's sides. Repeat this movement several times.

    4.

 

Illustration depicting how to move your hands up towards the neck while massaging the back.

Figure 3 

 

  1. Next, work with your thumbs on the lower back. Using the balls of your thumbs, make short, rapid strokes away from you toward your partner's head. Work close to the spine just below the waistline; first on the left, then on the right side. (See Figure 4)

  1. Glide your hands to the top of the shoulders. Firmly grasp and knead the entire upper back and shoulder area. Observe your partner's response. Do what they like.

Illustration depicting the use of your thumbs while massaging the spine.

Figure 4

 

  1. Next, massage the back of the neck and head. Use the balls of your thumbs and fingers to gently knead this area. Use a small, circular motion and work from the base of the neck up towards the head. Use a smooth, firm stroke down to the base of the neck. Repeat this several times. (See Figure 5)

    2.

 

Illustration depicting the use of your thumbs while massaging the back of the neck.

Figure 5

  1. With the hands placed in the middle of the back, spread your fingers and stroke upward and outward toward the shoulder. Repeat. (See Figure 6)

 

 

Illustration depicting the use of your fingers while massaging outward towards the shoulder areas.

Figure 6

  1. With your hands at the top of the shoulder, gently squeeze and release the upper arm and shoulder muscle. Repeat several times on each side. (See Figure 7)

  2. To end the massage, use your fingertips to make feather-light strokes from the neck to the lower back. Finally, gently remove both hands.

 

 

Illustration depicting the use of your hands while massaging the upper arms and shoulder areas.

Figure 7

Reference
Downing, G. The Massage Book. New York. Random House

If you are a registered University of Illinois student and you have questions or concerns,
or need to make an appointment, please call: Dial-A-Nurse at 333-2700

 

If you are concerned about any difference in your treatment plan and the information in this handout,

you are advised to contact your health care provider.

 

Visit the McKinley Health Center Web site at: http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu

HEd. IV-012

© The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, 2007.

03-02-07

massage

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