A back massage is a great way to help reduce stress and muscle tension from a family member, friend or loved one. Not everyone is a trained professional when it comes to this though, so it’s important to keep some techniques in mind when giving a massage. You don’t want to hurt the recipient who you’re supposed to be helping out. Use the following advice sparingly, and make sure to always check with the person who is getting the massage if it’s too much for them.

Most people like to get a back massage so let’s talk about how you do it. Have the recipient lay face down on a bed or table that is comfortable. Put a little bit of massage oil lubricant on their back, and rub down their back with both hands. Use a firm, yet gentle approach, then rub your hands back up towards the neck. Use kneading movements near the top of the shoulders, mid back and buttocks area to loosen tight muscles. You can work out knots or troublesome hard areas of the back, neck or shoulders using your thumbs or fingers. Try circular movements on the back which also can be relaxing.

Make sure to go easy when giving someone a massage as you want to help them relieve stress and muscle tension, rather than hurt them. Most massage experts or professionals will tell you to use your feet positioning for more power while applying your hands to the back for a rubdown. Of course many people like to say they give great massages, and while that may be true, nothing will beat the work done by a true massage professional.