What are the main areas to focus on during a massage?

[Sarah2007]

Aside from professional massage, if I want a friend to massage me, what would be the main areas he should focus on?

Note : don't involve sexuality , leave it out of this simple question.

[Massageman]

This will be very generic massage protocol, that will provide the most good, with the least possibility of causing any problems, in most people. If you have any questions, consult a medical doctor before proceeding. (required disclaimer). I've been an MT for about 30 years. This is great little 20-25 minute routine that can be used for most people in otherwise good health.

A. Back/shoulder. Sitting or face down. There are 6-7 layers of muscles (yes, it can vary from person to person) under the shoulder blade/scapula. Massage along the inner edge of the shoulder blade (between the shoulder blade and the spine) with several little circles. Repeat 4-5 times, a touch harder each time. Carefully ease the shoulder backward into a gentle stretch and gently relax. Repeat a few times. Gently press down on the muscle coming off of the side of the neck across the top of the shoulder (elevator scapula). Repeat a few times. Repeat on the other side.

B. Hips. Face down. Use a soft forearm on each side of the lower back (just above the natural waist), making small circles for about a minute. There is a bone in the middle of each buttock, commonly called the "sit-bone". Use soft forearm on each side making small circles just above it for a minute. Then , press out the calves on each leg with hands or soft forearm. Side lying. Use that soft forearm and slowly move from outside edge above the knee to the waist (iliotibial band - ITB) . (Halfway between the knee and the waist may be very painful in many people, so be careful.) Face up. Gently but firmly use your soft forearm to press out the thighs a few times. Gently, stretch each leg upward for 5-10- seconds as tolerated. Place back in position. Gently stretch outward, down towards the foot. Place back. Repeat on other side.

C. Arms. Face up. Make small circles starting at the wrist, going upward to the elbow joint. Repeat a few times. Stretch each finger and thumb gently for a few seconds. Gently shake out the arm a bit and place down. Repeat on other side.

If the "client" says something hurts, please stop doing it. (BTW- A "soft forearm" means that your forearm is not tensed with a fist- the hand just hangs down, and you use the fleshy part of the forearm up near- but not ON- the elbow. ). Good luck.

[Massageman]

Thanks for the MHO.

[Venymal]

Upper and lower back

Shoulders

Neck

Thighs

Calves

Also hands and feet for stress reduction, relaxation and improved blood circulation.

[AviatorTom]

The best massage targets the tight or sore areas of the body. The masseur should ask if you have any particular tight areas or want any particular areas massaged, and those should be the main focus areas.

[MrPickles13]

I would say shoulders, back, neck, legs and arms. And possibly based on comfort core and collar bone, but I think for those it would be based off of both of you feeling comfortable with that.

[Sarah2007]

How about stomach to lower stomach?

[MrPickles13]

I think that would be okay if that's something you were comfortable with.

I don't class any of the places listed as something sexual I think just when massaging the front it's possibly easier to have accidental contact with other places.

[Sarah2007]

That's very nice of you and I like your way of thinking to not see it as sexual, what kind of accidental contact you're referring to?

Also why you comment anonymously, would it be issue if I know you?

[MrPickles13]

No it wouldn't be it's just a habit I guess.

So like when I was at school there were instances of someone walking past my chair while my hand was on it and there bum catching on my hand or like misjuduign how far from someone and an arm brushing there breast type contact it always makes me feel bad as I never meant for it to happen and I don't want them to feel uncomfortable either. I hope that makes sense.

[Sarah2007]

Ah I understand but usually I don't like people posting anonymously as I don't take their opinions serious because it could be a troll account or someone creeping on me who don't want the public to know them.

Now I can see your name, it's much better ^-^

Oki I see what you mean, yeah these random contacts happen a lot and if it happens to me, I simply don't pay attention to it as I understand it's not on purpose.

[MrPickles13]

Yeah I can understand that, I will keep that in mind for any future questions that I respond to of yours.

[madhatters4]

generally a massage focus on muscle groups, (shoulders, back, upper arms, thighs, calfs). but then you can have focused massage which targets specific areas of need.

[SnowedIn]

• Shoulders
• Lower back
• Hamstrings and quadriceps in your thighs
• Calves

[Losalt]

I'm no expert.
But I usually start with her back and just check what muscles are hard and work my way through her body softening them up.

[Dargil]

Shoulders, scapulae, elbows. Sciatic region (small of back). Butt cheeks at hips. Thighs, knees. Ankles. My wife has farm/sports injuries. I do this every night.
I use a sports linament.

[electromagnetic]

I say the neck, trap area, hamstrings and quads. Usually they take the most load.

[Billlewis]

Shoulders, neck, thighs, ankles and of course, their feet.

[MementoMori777]

I'm no massage mf but I'd logically say all the areas where there's muscle

[AydenHazor]

Shoulders, neck, back and scalp are typical for a friend giving a massage. Arms and legs can feel really good too

[Paul09]

My whole body! But mostly shoulders, neck, lower back. Lately more my knee because of injury.

[jwmiller95]

Back massage focus shoulders and lats. Those are large groups and feel great after

[Lookitsmadmax1994]

Shoulders, neck, lower back, thighs, calves, upper back area.

[Celticwolf78]

The shoulders, back, lower back legs and inner legs and calves

[Wise4myage]

Your shoulders.