How to Massage Your Partner Without Hurting Your Hands

Your thumbs do not need to do the whole massage. Sarah’s Massage Foundations lessons teach you to share the work across different contact surfaces and move with your body.

Begin with broad contact.

Palms are used to warm the area, spread oil and connect one movement to the next. The heel of the hand and a relaxed fist offer other contact surfaces, with the wrist kept neutral. Watch the demonstrations before trying unfamiliar tools or more focused pressure.

Move your body with your hands.

Keep a wide base, bend your knees and maintain a long, neutral back. Shift your weight with the movement instead of pushing with only your arms. Move your feet and switch sides rather than reaching.

Keep wrists comfortable.

A relaxed fist should stay relaxed. Avoid clenching or bending your wrist to force pressure. The course shows how leverage and positioning change the feeling without making your hands do all the work.

Alternate focused work and soothing strokes.

The back lesson returns to broad palm movements between more focused work. Constant deep pressure is not the goal. Pause or change position if the giver becomes strained.

Check the pressure again.

Ask, “Does this feel light, medium, or firm?” Follow with, “Would you like less, more, or the same?” A tool is useful only while both people remain comfortable.

From the course: Adapted from the written lesson refreshers in Sarah’s Couples Massage Masterclass: More Than Thumbs: Massage Techniques; Body Mechanics; Back, Spine & Bony Areas Massage.

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