How to give a good back and neck massage with the spider walking technique

11-06-2021

The spider walking or spider fingers technique is frequently used during a full back and neck massage. You tend to get into the “grind” after the introductory effleurage period and after any deeper tissue work along the spinal, neck, and back muscles. This means that the application of massage oils has already been done and no preparatory applications are required for this technique.

The spider walk involves walking with both hands, in a spider motion, along the area of ​​the body that is being massaged. Only the fingertips are used to put pressure on the area and it is usually very similar to playing the piano as well. The receiver will be lying face down, with the head supported by the hands to ensure proper alignment. The provider will be to the left or right of the receiver and will work on their back, which is why spider walking is often compared to playing the piano.

Technique will not play a big role in the overall result, but it is a wonderful way to transition between intense and gentle massage techniques. For example, it would ideally be used after the effleurage process which uses light pressure on both sides of the spine, starting at the base of the skull. Once the masseuse has completed a downward and upward journey up the spine using their thumbs to create friction movements, they could use the spider walking technique to return to the lower back before moving on to the kneading technique. of the lower muscles of this region.

Clearly, this indicates that it would require only a few minutes, but this maintains contact between the provider and the recipient, and also continually stimulates the muscles in the most crucial areas of the neck and back.

If at any point the receiver seems to tense up, it is important to ask if any particular movement has caused you discomfort or pain. If this is the case, it will be vital to use a significantly lighter touch for all remaining techniques. The spider walking technique is an excellent remedy for times when a patient needs to move to a less intense massage.

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