Before you begin
PartnerMassage is a friendly guide for giving your partner a relaxing amateur massage at home. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for a licensed massage therapist, physical therapist, or doctor.
Please don't begin if your partner
- Is pregnant (unless cleared by a clinician)
- Is recovering from recent surgery or a significant injury
- Has acute pain, inflammation, or unexplained swelling
- Has bleeding disorders or is on blood thinners
- Has varicose veins in the area to be massaged
- Has open wounds, rashes, burns, or skin infections
- Has uncontrolled high blood pressure or a serious heart condition
- Is in cancer treatment without their clinician's OK
- Has severe osteoporosis or recent fractures
- Is impaired or unable to give clear consent
While you massage
- Ask first, and check in often.
- Use gentle pressure by default — more is rarely better.
- Avoid deep pressure on the spine, neck, joints, kidneys, and the back of the knees.
- Stop immediately if either of you feels pain, numbness, tingling, shortness of breath, dizziness, or anything unusual.
Massage should feel good. If it doesn't, stop and let your partner rest.