Three Types of Massage Strokes

1. Effleurage: stroking the body
2. Light, circular friction and straight, dup, firm, strokes
3. Petrissape: kneading and making large quick pinches of the skin, tissue, and muscle

• Clean the back first
• Warm the massage lotion or oil before use by pouring over your hands: cold lotion may startle the client and increase discomfort

1. Effleurage the entire back: has a relaxing sedative effect if slow movement and light pressure are used

2. Petrissape first up the vertebral column and them over the entire back: is stimulating if done quickly with firm p

• Assess: signs of relaxation and /or decreased pain (relaxed breathing, decreased muscles tension, drowsiness, and peaceful affect)
○ Verbalizations of freedom from pain and tension
○ Areas or redness, broken skin, bruises, or other sings of skin breakdown

Note
• The duration of a massage ranges from 5-20 minutes
• Remember the location of bony prominence to avoid direct pressure over this areas
• Frequent positioning is preferable to back massage as massaging the back could possibly lead to subcutaneous tissue degeneration.

NB. Backrub requires special skills as it might cause subcutaneous tissue degeneration; mainly in elderly.