You should feel some pressure on the tight area where the ball or roller is pressing in. Do not continue if the area is extremely painful or if the pain is coming from a bone. Seek professional medical attention if you experience extreme pain upon placing pressure on your lower back.
Try to get most of your body weight into that sore area where you have the ball or roller, but stop or decrease the pressure if the area becomes more painful.
Create a comfortable, calming environment by diffusing relaxing essential oils, like lavender, chamomile, or frankincense. [6] X Expert Source Justyna KaretaCertified Master Massage Therapist Expert Interview. 10 December 2019. Also, turn the lights down low and keep the room nice and warm. [7] X Expert Source Justyna KaretaCertified Master Massage Therapist Expert Interview. 10 December 2019.
Start with a small amount of oil and use more during the massage if you need it. Consider using an oil with a fragrance they like, like lavender oil. [10] X Expert Source Marty MoralesCertified Massage Therapist Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
Keep checking in with the person by asking, “How does this feel? Is this enough pressure or too much?” If the person experiences severe pain during the massage, you should stop the massage and advise them to seek professional medical care.
This technique is called effleurage and is commonly used to start loosening muscles during a massage. Continue this technique for 5-10 minutes.
Move up and down the sides of their spine slightly, doing the circles in the areas that are sore for the person. Do not press directly on their spine or any other bones. Continue this part of the massage for 5 minutes, or less if the person prefers.
Do 1 side at a time for this part, using both hands if you like. This technique massages tightness out of the tops of the gluteus muscles that often cause lower back pain. Continue this part of the massage for no more than 5 minutes.
Using only your thumbs increases the amount of pressure going into the muscles of the person’s back.
Be sure you are not pressing on bones when you press these tight areas. Stop immediately if the person experiences increased pain during this part of the massage.
