TECHNIK

http://www.medicalartlibrary.com/back-muscles/

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/upper-back-pain/all-about-upper-back-pain

http://www.spine-health.com/video/chiropractic-adjustment-thoracic-spine-upper-back-video

1. Effleurage

These are the sliding or gliding Swedish massage techniques that cover different areas of the body. They are long sweeping strokes that alternate between firm and light pressure and with can be performed using the palm of the hand or the fingertips. The knots and tension in the muscles tend to get broken with this massage technique.

2. Petrissage

This is the technique of kneading the muscles of the body to attain deeper massage penetration. The thumbs and the knuckles of the fingers are used to knead the muscles of the body and to squeeze them to prepare them for the other Swedish massage techniques that follow.

3. Tapotement or Rhythmic Tapping

This technique of Swedish massage, as the name suggests consists of rhythmic tapping that uses the fists of the cupped hands. This helps to loosen and relax the muscles being manipulated and also helps to energize them. The sides of the hands are used in this massage technique.

4. Friction

This move seeks to create heat to bring about relaxation of the muscles. The palms of the hand are rubbed together vigorously with each other, or they are rubbed onto the skin of the person being massaged in order to produce heat by friction. This technique can be used as a warm up for the muscles of the body to be treated for deeper massage.

5. Vibration or Shaking

This is the one among Swedish massage techniques that helps to loosen up the muscles by using a back and forth action of the fingertips or the heel of the hand over the skin. The muscles of the body are literally shaken up to loosen and relax the muscles. The sides of the hand, and any part of the hand such as the tips or heel can be used by the masseuse to shake up the muscles of the person.

http://albanymassage.com/swedish-massage-techniques-%E2%80%93-the-5-steps-of-swedish-massage/

Longitudinal Gliding

Longitudinal gliding is a basic but effective massage technique administered in the direction of the blood flow. It aids the fluid dispersion from the injury site, and thus helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It is also very useful in relaxing tight muscles.

Kneading

Kneading can be performed in different ways and is described by the part of a hand used to accomplish the massage, eg thumb kneading and palm kneading. The pressure used must vary according to the purpose of the massage and the bulk of the tissues under treatment. The rhythm and rate of the movement are equally important as the pressure is applied intermittently.

Myofascial Releases

Myofascial release is manual technique for stretching the fascia with the aim to balance the body. Fascia is located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone, it is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures in our body. Injuries, stress, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia, and the goal of myofascial release is to release fascia restriction and restore its tissue.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Trigger points are active centres of muscular hyperactivity, which often cross-over with acupuncture points. You will also find that your muscular "knots" are commonly trigger points.

Deep Transverse Frictions

Transverse friction is a transverse connective tissue therapy applied directly by the fingers. Transverse frictions use an oscillating pressure applied across the direction of the tissue fibres. This technique is used mainly on tendon or ligament injuries to help break down thickened, pain-producing scar tissue. If these lesions are not reduced then they are likely to cause further irritation, and degenerate more quickly than they should.

Compression Massage

Rhythmic compression into muscles used to create a deep hyperaemia and softening effect in the tissues. It is generally used as a warm-up for deeper, more specific massage work. Sports massage utilises compression massage.

Cross-Fibre Massage

Cross-fibre friction techniques applied in a general manner to create a stretching and broadening effect in large muscle groups; or on site-specific muscle and connective tissue, deep transverse friction applied to reduce adhesions and to help create strong, flexible repair during the healing process.

http://physioworks.com.au/FAQRetrieve.aspx?ID=40342

Introduction to Therapeutic Back Massage Tips and Techniques So long as you have an the help of an understanding partner who will give you good feedback, you can quickly learn to apply therapeutic back massage techniques (Swedish Massage: Effleurage and Stripping, Trigger Point Release) that rival those of massage experts.

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Required Equipment for Therapeutic Back Massage: Warm, quiet, relaxed environment. Firm comfortable surface such as a (firm) bed, massage table or floor mat. Massage Oil. Baby oil will do fine for a starter. Towels: to lie on, and also to cover the body. Cushions or pillows. The Back Maintenance Manual - for Lower Back Pain Learn more!   Massage Tips: Massage oil decreases the friction created on the skin and prevents the pulling of hairs. Don't use too much: The less oil, the greater the friction and the deeper the pressure. Use slower movements for a soothing or calming response. When applying pressure with finger or thumb, provide support with the other fingers and thumbs. Otherwise you will wear your thumbs out! Massage Patient Comfort: If the patient is uncomfortable in the lower back, ankles, neck or shoulders, place cushions as required under the whole length of the torso, and/or under the ankles, the shoulders, or the side of the head (diagram right). In pregnancy, the patient can lie on her side. Do not use the massage techniques in this article during pregnancy (not gentle enough). Try the following article at 101lifestyle.com : Massage In Pregnancy: A Step by Step Guide Cover any parts of the body not being worked on with a warm towel. Pour the massage oil onto your hands first, and then apply (too cold otherwise!) Once the massage is started, keep a hand on the person at all times, so that there are no surprises. Avoid direct pressure on bony processes. (Important!) - Ask the patient for feedback: Are you warm enough? Are you comfortable? How's that feel? Massage Warnings:  Minimal direct pressure on bony processes. Avoid broken skin, blisters or areas of possible infection. See also Back Pain Red Flags Massage Benefits: Relaxation, releasing of tight muscles. Emotional comfort and stress management. Increased body awareness. Improved circulation, and improved lymphatic drainage for release of toxins. Therapeutic Back Massage Technique Tips: Lie the partner on their belly on a firm, comfortable surface (see diagrams below). Make sure you can reach their whole back without straining your own. Back Massage Technique, Tip 1: Whole Hand Effleurage Warm the massage oil in your hands, and apply a modest amount (see tips, above ) with whole hand "effleurage" (definition - smooth rhythmic stroking): Use the whole surface of both hands (see diagram). Stroke reasonably firmly upwards from the lower back all the way up to the neck, then (gentler pressure), circle around and back to the lower back region (5 to 10 minutes). Back Massage Technique, Tip 2: Effleurage using Heel of the Hand There is a smaller area of contact, so the pressure is deeper. Both hands work in circles - start at the lower back. Move in a circle, first outward, then upward and return to the center. Gradually progress to the upper back (5 minutes). Back Massage Technique, Tip 3: Effleurage using reinforced Fingers (Smaller area of contact, so deeper again - see diagram). Stand on the opposite side to the one that you are working on. I suggest you stand on the right side first. Push with the flats of your fingers (one hand on top of the other) away from the center line, then glide back toward the spine. Start at the lower back, and work up to the upper back (five minutes). Back Massage Technique, Tip 4: Stripping, using the Reinforced thumb  Glide with deep sustained pressure up the full length of the "sausage shaped" muscles either side of the spine (see diagram). Back off the pressure a little as you cover the neck. Move slowly and deliberately, feeling for knots or sensitive spots as you glide from lower to upper back. Three times each side; alternate with a couple of minutes of effleurage (techniques one to three above), and repeat the stripping. Back Massage Technique, Tip 5: Frictions, using the Reinforced Middle Finger:  Firm deep movements either side of each spinous process. Start to the side of the lower spine and move upward. Apply 5 frictions at each spot - more if over a sore spot. Back Massage Technique 6: "Effleurage" using Forearms  Apply firm downwards pressure (see diagram), and move the arm closest to the head up to just below the shoulder blades. 6 strokes. For the first stroke, be aware of the possibility of lower back pain Back Massage Technique, Tip 7: Trigger point release using sustained pressure of the of the reinforced thumb. Let the patient's pain be your guide. Place your thumb over any tender spots or knots that your patient may have told you about or that you may have felt, and press firmly and with increasing pressure thus: Gradually increase the pressure until the pain is 6 or 7 on a scale of one to ten. Hold that pressure until the pain lowers to about 4/10 (takes about 5 seconds). Immediately (don't stop the pressure), increase again until the pain is 6 to 7 on the scale of 10, and again hold until the pain subsides to 4/10. Repeat step two. This is painful, but you can't do much harm to the patient - quite the reverse: muscle and back pain (upper or lower)may miraculously disappear. Your thumb is more likely to suffer, so make sure that you back it up with the fingers of the other hand, and after each trigger point release, give your thumb a bit of massage too. Back Massage Technique, Tip 8: Finishing with Effleurage Apply effleurage (stroking moves) with supported fingers (technique 3 above), then effleurage with the heel of the hand (technique 2 above), then full handed effleurage (technique 1 above). This will enhance the good that you have done with the stripping and trigger point release. Then leave the patient quiet for a few minutes.            Patient Advice: For the five days after the massage, encourage the patient not to sit, stand still or run, for longer than half an hour at a time; but rather to take a short walking break, and to sip water frequently. Back Pain Red Flags If your massage patient has back pain (upper or lower) related to any of the following, refer them to a medical specialist. See also:- Back Pain Red Flags Younger than 20 or older than 55 and getting back pain for the first time. Pain after a violent injury, e.g. road traffic accident. Pain is constant and getting worse. Pain is in the upper part of the spine. Cancer in the past or at present. Taking (Cortico)steroids. Drug abuser, or HIV infected. Generally unwell or feverish. Significant weight loss. Continue to have great difficulty bending forwards. Nerve related problems other than pain: loss of sensation (especially of the area that would sit on a saddle - so called saddle anaesthesia), loss of power, urinary or bowel incontinence. Obvious structural deformity of your spine. Debilitating pain that is not reducing after 4 -6 weeks. http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/backpain/h_BackMassage.htm

http://www.wikihow.com/Give-a-Full-Body-Massage

10 Second Summary

1. Make the room comfortable.
2. Use massage oil.
3. Begin with the feet and work your way up the legs.
4. Move from the lower to upper back.
5. Do the neck and shoulders, then the hands and arms.
6. Finish with the head.

Part1

Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere

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   Make sure the room is comfortable. It is essential that the room is comfortable for conducting your massage. If your partner/client feels uncomfortable throughout the massage, they will not enjoy it as much!
   

   • Make sure they have somewhere comfortable to lie down, such as a bed, a soft rug or a proper massage table. Cover the surface with soft towels to keep them clean and free of oil.
   • Make sure the room is nice and warm. Remember that your partner/client will be partly undressed for the duration of the massage, so you don't want them to be cold. Use a space heater if necessary.
   • Make sure the room you use for the massage is somewhere private where you will not be disturbed by any other people, children or animals.
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   Light some candles. There's something very relaxing about candles, so it's a good idea to light a couple around the room.
   

   • If possible, turn the lights down low or off completely and work only by candlelight. You want the person receiving the massage to be so relaxed that they're almost asleep by the end, so the darker it is the better!
   • Use candles with relaxing (but not overpowering) scents, such as lavender or sea breeze, to contribute to the overall experience.
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   Play soothing music. Playing some soothing music can contribute to the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the massage. Gentle classical music, or sounds from nature are both good options.
   

   • If possible, try to find out what type of music your partner/client enjoys. Remember that the massage is about them, not you, so you should try to cater to their tastes.
   • Don't play the music too loud, it should be playing very softly in the background. It should add to the experience, not take away from it.
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   Use a massage oil. It is essential to use oil when giving a massage. It helps your hands to glide easily over the skin, so you don't cause pulling, pinching or any kind of pain to your partner/client.
   

   • There are plenty of fancy (and expensive) store bought oils available, but any kind of natural oil will do just fine. For example, if you have sunflower or grape seed oil in your kitchen, you can use them for your massage. Jojoba and almond oils are also very effective and have a pleasant aroma.
   • You can add a few drops of essential oil to your massage oil. You should use pure (natural and unadulterated) essential oils, not chemical perfume oils. Be aware that essential oils can penetrate the bloodstream, so choose wisely: opt for relatively gentle oils like lavender or orange. However, you should consult a medical professional first if your partner/client is pregnant or has any serious medical conditions.
   • Try to warm the oil and your hands slightly before applying the oil to your partner/client's skin. Cold oil/hands are not conducive to a relaxing massage!
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   Have plenty of towels on hand. Make sure you have plenty of fresh, clean towels on hand for use during the massage.
   

   • First you will need to cover the surface you are working on with towels in order to protect them from the massage oil (which can stain).
   • Secondly, you will need towels to cover the your partner/client's body as you work on them. Ideally they should be stripped down to their underwear to leave as much skin exposed as possible. Then you can cover them with a towel to protect their modesty and to keep them warm while you are working on each body part.
   • Thirdly, you will need extra towels to wipe the excess oil off you hands during and after the massage.

Part2

Getting the Right Technique

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   Begin with the feet. Start massaging the soles of the feet by wrapping both hands around the foot and using your thumbs to apply pressure.
   

   • Pay special attention to the arch of each foot, as this area tends to accumulate a lot of tension, but also massage the heel and the ball of the foot.
   • When you get to the toes, grab each one individually and give it a gentle pull, this helps to release any tension.
   • Be aware that not everyone likes having their feet touched, and some people are very ticklish, so ask your partner/client before you touch their feet!^[1]
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   Work your way up the legs. When you're done with the feet, move onto the back of the legs. Give each leg a couple of long, relaxing strokes to begin with, all the way from the calf to the upper thigh.
   

   • Apply light pressure with both hands, smoothly stretching the skin. This technique is known as effleurage, and is a good way to ease into the massage.^[2]
   • Then, cover the leg you're not currently working on with a towel and focus on massaging the calf of one leg. Use a kneading technique (like kneading bread) to work the calf muscle.
   • Move up towards the thigh and repeat the kneading technique here. Then press the heel of your hand into the skin and very slowly move it along the thigh. You should always move in the direction of the heart.
   • Cover the leg you just finished working on with a towel (to keep in heat) and repeat the massage on the other leg.
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   Move from the lower to the upper back. Use the effleurage technique described above to perform long, soft strokes, going from the top of the glutes to the base of the neck.
   

   • Place the palm of each hand on either side of the spine and work your way up, keeping your hands parallel to one another. When you reach the top of the back, fan your hands outwards across the shoulders, as if outlining the top of a heart.
   • Return to the lower back and use a kneading motion to work the large muscles on either side of the spine. These areas tend to build up a lot of tension, so make sure to spend some time here.
   • Next, use a "press and release" technique to work your way up the back. This involves pressing your fingertips firmly into the flesh of the back before quickly releasing. When the pressure is released, your partner/client's brain will release a rush of pleasurable chemicals.
   • When you get to the upper back, have your partner/client bend their elbows so their shoulder blades stick out. This will give you better access to the muscle around the edge of the shoulder blades, which tends to harbor a lot of tension and knots.^[3]
   • To work on the knots, use a thumb or single finger to press and release repeatedly around the problem area.
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   Do the neck and shoulders. When you've finished with the shoulders, use the press and release technique to massage along the neck, all the way to the hairline. Remember to keep your hands on either side of the spine.
   

   • Place a hand on either shoulder in the classic massage position and knead the thumbs deep into the muscles of the shoulders. Use your fingers for grip, but don't press them into the collarbone, as this can be painful.
   • Now move around to stand in front of your client/partner's head, so their shoulders are facing you. Make a fist with each hand, then rub the knuckles gently but firmly across the tops of the shoulders, to release any tension,
   • Next use your thumbs to press and release along the tops of the shoulders and up the back of the neck.
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   5
   Massage the hands and arms. When you're done with the neck and shoulders, move onto the arms, working on one at a time.
   

   • Hold your partner/client's wrist in your left hand, so their entire arm is lifted from the bed. Then use your right hand to sweep along the back of the forearm, along the tricep and over the shoulder, coming back on the opposite side.
   • Now, switch to holding their wrist in your right hand, then sweep your left hand along their forearm and bicep, then over the shoulder and down the opposite side.
   • Place your partner/client's arm back on the bed, the use your fingers and thumbs to gently knead the forearms and upper arms.
   • To massage the hands, take their hand in yours and massage the palm with your thumbs, using small circular motions. Then, take each finger in turn and slowly slide from the knuckles to the nail. Pull each finger firmly, but not so hard that you cause it to crack!
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   End with the head. Ask your client/partner to flip over so you can work on the head and face. Give them a moment if they need to rearrange their towel.
   

   • Use your thumbs to gently massage the top of the scalp. For added pleasure, use your nails to scratch slightly.
   • Next, massage the folds and lobe of each ear between your thumb and forefinger. Then use your fingertips to gently swipe along the contours of the cheekbones and not.
   • Put your hands beneath your partner/client's head and lift it slightly from the bed. Use your fingers to find the small hollows when the neck meets the base of the skull. Apply firm pressure with your fingertips, then release. Repeat several times.
   • Put your hands underneath the jaw and pull the head gently upwards, to stretch the neck muscles. Now, gently press the center of the forehead (between the eyebrows) with your fingertips and release. Repeat for 30 seconds.
   • Next use your fingertips to gently massage the temples, moving in slow circular motions. The temples are an important acupressure point, so this helps to relieve tension.^[4]

Part3

Perfecting the Massage

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   Work slowly. Never try to rush through the massage - it should be a luxurious, relaxing experience for your partner/client.
   

   • Dedicate time to each individual body part, giving it your full care and attention, and keep your strokes long, smooth and slow.
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   Keep your hands in contact with the skin at all times. Your hands should be in contact with your client/partner's skin for the full duration of the massage - this keeps the momentum flowing and never breaks the atmosphere of relaxation.
   

   • Even if you have to grab a towel, a drink of water or more massage oil during the massage, try to keep one hand on the skin at all times.
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   Communicate. Communication is key throughout a massage. What feels good to you mightn't feel good to the other person, so it's important to ask them how they're feeling and to really take on board their responses.
   

   • Ask them how the pressure feels, where they would like you to work on and what they enjoy the most. However, try to speak in a low, soothing voice to maintain the calm atmosphere.^[5]
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   Pay attention to knots. If the person you're working on has a lot of knots in their back, it's a good idea to work on them to try to release them.
   

   • However, make sure to ask your partner or client first, as some people find this too painful and would rather not ruin their relaxing massage.
   • The knots may feel like large, circular areas of tightness, or tiny bumps which almost feel like peas beneath the skin. Try to get directly on top of the knot, otherwise it can slip out from beneath your fingers.
   • Apply increasing pressure to the knot, then rotate your thumb or finger to try to undo it. You may need to rotate in opposite directions in order to work it out fully.^[6]
   • Try not to get too involved in any deep tissue work though - this is best left to qualified massage therapists. Stick to what feels good for you partner/client.
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   Avoid the spine and any bones. Never apply pressure to the spine or any other bones. This will feel unpleasant and uncomfortable for your partner/client and has the potential to cause more harm than good.
   

   • Besides, it is the muscles you really need to work on, as this is where the most tension collects. Stick to the muscles and you can't go wrong!