The back is a very tense area, and a large amount of time is spent addressing this area during a traditional Swedish massage session. A massage therapist uses certain massage strokes and procedures to increase the benefits of a back massage. According to Bodybuilding.com, these procedures have positive effects on the back, such as enhancing the performance capabilities of the back muscles, increasing blood flow to the area, promoting injury healing and helping relieve stress.
Heat Application
Because the muscles of the back are large and very tense, heat application can increase the benefits of massage therapy to this area. In this procedure, a therapist applies heat packs to the back tissue before working into the tissue with his hands. The therapist can work other areas of the body as the heat soaks in and makes the tissue more pliable. Once the heat packs have been on the client’s back for an appropriate amount of time, the therapist will remove them and start deep tissue work.
Effleurage
Effleurage are the long, soothing strokes that are common in Swedish massage sessions. Since the back is a large area, these strokes are used to address the tissue in one movement. The therapist will stand at the head of the massage table, and move her hands down your back from your neck to the base of your spine. This is typically performed at the beginning of a massage session, as it helps the client relax and lets the therapist find tense points.
Stimulation of Energy Points
Asian massage modalities, like Shiatsu, focus on energetic points throughout the body. According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, the therapist stimulates these points to unblock the flow of energy in the body. Many of these energetic points are found along the spine, and the therapist can stimulate them by applying pressure with the thumb or fingers. Even though the thinking behind this procedure is Eastern, it is incorporated into many Western modalities.
Tapotement
Tapotement is the percussive beating that you experience as part of a traditional Swedish massage. This procedure, which is performed with fists or cupped hands, stimulates the blood flow underneath the back tissue and provides a relaxing jolt to the nervous system. Tapotement usually comes at the end of a back massage.
