Steps
- 012 min
Set-up and first contact
Client prone under the top sheet with a bolster under the ankles and the face cradle adjusted. Fold the drape to the top of the gluteals, tuck it in, and rest both hands on the back for three slow breaths before you start.
- 025 min · Back
Back effleurage
Glide up either side of the spine from the sacrum to the shoulders, fan out over the tops of the shoulders and return lightly down the sides. Start around 3/10 and check pressure after the first few strokes.
- 035 min · Back
Back petrissage
Knead up the muscles beside the spine and out over the sides of the back, one side at a time, working from the lower back towards the shoulder blade. Keep the rhythm slow and ask if the pressure suits.
- 042 min · Back
Wringing across the back
Standing side-on, draw the hands across the back in opposite directions, working up and down the trunk from the waist to below the shoulder blades. Keep the movement smooth, not pinching.
- 053 min · Back
Frictions around the shoulder blade
Make small, slow circles with the finger pads or thumb along the inner border of each shoulder blade, moving upwards. Stay off the spine and check the pressure is comfortable.
- 064 min · Neck
Neck and upper shoulders
Knead the upper trapezius from the base of the neck out to the shoulder, then squeeze gently up the back of the neck to the base of the skull. Use lighter pressure on the neck than on the back.
- 071 min · Back
Close the back
Finish with very light fingertip strokes from the shoulders down to the sacrum, one side then the other, then cover the back.
- 081 min
Drape the first leg
Cover the back and undrape one leg, tucking the sheet firmly under the thigh on the inner side. Keep the gluteal fold covered.
- 093 min · Leg
Posterior leg effleurage
Glide from the heel up the calf and the back of the thigh to the gluteal fold, then return lightly down the sides. Ease off over the back of the knee; repeat on the other leg.
- 105 min · Thigh
Hamstring and calf petrissage
Knead the calf, then the hamstrings, working upwards from the knee towards the gluteals on each leg. Keep the back of the knee free of pressure and ask about comfort.
- 112 min · Hip
Gluteal compressions
Over the drape, lean in with a flat palm or soft fist and press rhythmically from the edge of the sacrum out towards the hip. Build slowly and check the pressure.
- 122 min
Turn the client supine
Hold the sheet against the table on the far side and ask the client to roll towards you onto their back. Move the bolster under the knees, offer a pillow, and re-tuck the drape before undraping the first leg.
- 133 min · Leg
Anterior leg effleurage
Glide from the ankle up the shin and front of the thigh towards the hip, lifting pressure over the kneecap. Return lightly down the sides; do both legs.
- 144 min · Thigh
Quadriceps petrissage
Knead the front and outer thigh, working from above the knee up towards the hip, one leg at a time. Keep off the inner groin and check the pressure.
- 153 min · Foot
Feet
Hold the foot in both hands and make small thumb circles over the sole, then glide up the top of the foot from the toes to the ankle. Use firm enough pressure to avoid tickling and cover the foot afterwards.
- 164 min · Arm
Arm effleurage
Undrape one arm and glide from the wrist up the forearm and upper arm to the shoulder, returning lightly. Support the arm on the table; repeat on the other side.
- 173 min · Forearm & hand
Forearm and hand petrissage
Knead the forearm muscles from the wrist towards the elbow, then work the palm with thumb circles. Ask about pressure, as forearms are often tender.
- 183 min · Chest
Upper chest and neck
Glide from the breastbone out under the collarbones to the shoulders, then slide the hands under the shoulders and up the back of the neck to the base of the skull. Keep pressure light over the front of the neck.
- 194 min · Head & face
Face and forehead
Without oil on the face, glide from the centre of the forehead out to the temples, then make slow circles on the temples. Keep pressure light and away from the eyes.
- 201 min
Closing hold
Rest your hands lightly on the shoulders for a few breaths, then tell the client the massage is finished and to sit up slowly when ready.
Set-up
Prepare the table and linen as in Draping and room set-up. The client starts prone with a bolster under the ankles. Only the area being worked is uncovered, and the drape is re-tucked at every region change. Agree a pressure number early using Pressure scale and check-ins and check it again each time you move to a new region.
Order
- Prone back (about 20 min): Effleurage, Petrissage, Wringing and Circular friction around the shoulder blades, then the neck and Trapezius.
- Prone legs (about 11 min): effleurage, kneading of the Hamstrings and Gastrocnemius, and Compression over the gluteals.
- Turn supine (2 min), with the bolster moved under the knees.
- Supine legs and feet (about 10 min), then arms and hands (about 7 min), then chest, neck and face (about 7 min).
Work distal to proximal on the limbs (hand or foot towards the heart), and finish each region with a few light strokes before you cover it.
Closing
Close with a still hold on the shoulders. Tell the client you have finished, leave the room while they dress, and offer water. Record the regions worked and any feedback.