Let me introduce you to rhomboids today. Rhomboids are one of the upper back muscles between the spine and the inside edge of the shoulder blade. I don’t like to use anatomical terms but the upper back muscles carry a lot of stress and since many people have asked me to focus on this area, I thought I’d share it with you. Also, when someone says “I want the rhomboids worked on” I get very impressed just for knowing the term.

First find the spine to avoid because you never press on the spine.

Bring your partner’s arm back and secure it by lightly holding the hand on the back. Press the rhomboids from just next to the spine towards the shoulder blade. Go up and down along the inside edge of the shoulder blade.

If the partner wants more pressure, get closer and lean in using your body weight. Also match the breathing and press as you both exhale.

If the partner has any discomfort bringing the arm back you don’t have to do it. It just helps to raise the shoulder blade to make the destination more visible and it’s nice to have the hand-to-hand connection because there is a lot of energy coming out of your hands.

Press Around Shoulder Blade

Sit next to the receiver lying face down. Grab the shoulder with one hand and press the edge of the shoulder blade with a supported thumb. Pull the shoulder up for more depth. Go up and down along the edge of the shoulder blade.

Ideally the muscles here are lean enough for the fingers to slide under the shoulder blade. Do NOT wiggle your thumb unless your thumbs are super strong. Repeat on the other side.

Day 12 – Back Massage 2 (Rhomboids, Press Around Shoulder Blade)