The 5 basic massage techniques every beginner should know

Every massage in the world – from spa to sports therapy – is built from five basic techniques. Understand these massage techniques and you can construct any routine yourself. Here's what each one does, and when to use it.

1. Effleurage – stroking

Flat hands glide over the skin with light to medium pressure. Use: opening and closing every massage, spreading oil, warming tissue, connecting other techniques. When in doubt – stroke.

2. Petrissage – kneading

Lifting, squeezing and rolling the muscle between hands or fingers. Use: the workhorse for tension in shoulders, back and legs – it boosts circulation deep in the muscle. Core of the back massage.

3. Friction – deep circles

Small, slow circles with thumbs or fingertips, working deeper into one spot. Use: hardened areas and knots – the manual cousin of trigger point work. Sparingly, and always on warmed muscle.

4. Tapotement – tapping

Rhythmic tapping with loose hand edges, cupped palms or fingertips. Use: invigorating finish when the receiver needs to get up and function; skip it for pure relaxation sessions.

5. Vibration – shaking

Hands rest on the tissue and vibrate or gently shake it. Use: loosening large muscle groups, calming transitions – technically the hardest to sustain, and the least essential for home use.

The universal sequence

Nearly every routine follows: effleurage → petrissage → friction → (tapotement) → effleurage. Warm up, work, release points, wake up if needed, calm down. You'll recognize the pattern in our neck and back guides.

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