Massage strokes to be used in a back massage

When graduates of the BSc in Health & Leisure with Massage from the Institute of Technology, Tralee states that they will perform back massage as part of treatment that back massage may include any combination of the following strokes. They will adhere to the general principles of layering from surface strokes to deeper work. They will individualize the use of strokes to suit the client’s case history/ condition on the day of treatment.

Effleurage:
Gliding/ flat-handed long strokes
Reverse side stroke
Reverse stroke down centre of back – up sides -around shoulders in along front of shoulders, up back of neck and hold base of scull
Fan stroke / Tree Branching / Shingling
Pull back on trapeziums
Crossover on trapeziums
Scoop on scapula
Wringing
Figure 8 along sides and neck to shoulder / V stroke on shoulders
Forearm stroke

Petrissage:
Wringing
Kneading horizontal strokes across Erector Spinae
Thumb Rolling
Bunching

Friction:
Compressions / reinforced compressions
Specific tender point and trigger point work – tip of thumb
Stripping

Tapotement:
Tapping
Cupping
Slapping
Hacking

Stretch
2 arms over head with traction