Levels are part of life. There are building levels and sea levels. There are lasagna levels and cake levels. There are security levels, rock levels, clearance levels, video game levels, and parking garage levels. And if you want to verify that a surface is level, then use a tool called a level. Likewise, when providing a back massage, the two main levels are the upper back and the lower back levels. Here are steps for massaging the lower back:

LOWER BACK

STEP 1: Use a hot stone kit

After heating and sanitizing the stones, place two of the largest stones on either shoulder, and on either hip. Then position mid-size stones on either side of the backbone. After about 20 minutes, remove the stones.

Why use heated stones? The heated stones are somewhat of a “pre-massage.” The heat from the stones warms and invigorates the muscle tissues. This makes the muscles suppler and easier to work with. Hot stones are particularly important for problems such as muscle spasms. Failing to use the hot stones can make the massage more challenging for both the therapist and the patient. Think of the stones as somewhat of a meat tenderizer.

STEP 2: Position yourself alongside the patient’s lower back

Put each hand’s thumb and index finger on either side of the patient’s backbone. One of the hands should be a little bit behind the other one. Make recurring, overlapping actions down the entire back.

STEP 3: Oil the lower back

Begin at the backbone’s base, and then glide upwards. Move along either side of the backbone, to the patient’s ribcage. Then move downwards, along the body’s sides, returning to the backbone’s base.

STEP 4: Use a friction stoke

Create this stroke by using your thumbs. Make tiny, overlapping circular movements over the backbone’s base. Slowly move along the backbone’s sides, towards the patient’s ribcage.

STEP 5: Follow a path along the patient’s body

Move your body’s positioning a little, and then start working on the opposite side of the patient’s body. Create huge sliding circular movements, following this path

• side of the backbone

• around the ribcage

• down the body’s side

• over the rib’s meaty section

• back to the backbone’s side

Next, use large kneading strokes to knead the entire hip region of the patient, slowly.

STEP 6: Use a wringing stroke

Place your palms on a hip of the patient. Then use a wringing stroke upwards, towards the shoulders of the patient. Afterwards, repeat this series on the opposite side of the patient’s body. Finally, alternate your hands as you use a downward stroke along the backbone’s entire length. Repeat this step several times.

While both the upper and lower levels of the back can warrant the need for a back massage, lower back pain can be particularly painful for many people. By following the aforementioned steps, you can treat the lower back, through a lower back massage. These steps will give you the upper hand when battling a patient’s lower back pain!