How to Give a Quick Back Rub

  • Ask if you can give the back rub. It may take a while for a new friend to get used to the idea, don't be surprised if there's initial resistance.
  • Tell your friend to let you know if anything is painful or if they want you to stop.
  • Err on the side of being too gentle, especially with children, elders and those who are ill.
  • Read your friend's body language throughout.
  • Listen for pleasure sounds and keep doing the things that get those responses.

Some Techniques

  1. The back muscles are usually massaged in three groups. A full back rub will cover all three groups.

    • The long muscles that run parallel to the spine.
    • The flat muscle groups that cover the top of the back and lower neck.
    • The wide band of muscles that stretches from the spine to the side of the back.

  2. Begin the back rub with a simple circulation (sweeping motion) that touches all three areas in a simple, continuous stroke. You needn't press hard during this stroke.

    • Begin with your hands flat and your fingers facing the spine. Slide your hands up the spine, press with medium pressure.
    • When you reach the neck , turn your hands so that your fingers massage along the top of the shoulders and then down the outer sides of the back.
    • When you come back down the outer sides of the back, turn your hands back to the original position.
    • Repeat this circulation movement about ten times.

  3. Knead the back.

    • Use your fingertips to kneed the two strands of long muscles that run just outboad of the spine. The muscles work very hard keeping you upright. Your partner will surely appreciate the attention you lavish upon them.
    • Envision yourself kneading at every vertebra (that's the singular of vertebrae you know).
    • Two or more trips up and down the spine are great.

  4. Knead the back of the neck.

    • The muscles that run behind the neck form a sort of diamond pattern.
    • The muscles that run up the neck are thick and respond well to kneading with the thumbs.
    • The muscles that run downward to the spine are thinner and can be kneaded with the heel of the hand.
    • Spend some time on this area with small movements that run up the back of the neck. Try not to pull on your friend's hair.