The spider walk or spider toes technique is one that is frequently used during a full back and neck massage. It tends to get into the “grind” after the introductory period of effleurage and after any deeper tissue work throughout the muscles of the spine, neck, and back. This means that the application of massage oils has already been done and no preparatory applications are required for this technique.
The spider walk involves walking with both hands, in a spider motion, across the area of the body being massaged. Only the fingertips are used to apply pressure to the area, and it is also usually very similar to playing the piano. The receiver will be lying on their stomach, with their head supported by their hands to ensure proper alignment. The provider will be to the left or right of the receiver and will work on their back, which is why spider walking is often compared to playing the piano.
The technique won’t play a big part in the overall result, but it’s a wonderful way to transition between intense and gentle massage techniques. For example, it would ideally be used after the rubbing process that used light pressure on both sides of the spine, starting at the base of the skull. Once the masseuse has completed a path both down and up the spine using the thumbs to create friction movements, they could use the spider walking technique to go back down to the bottom of the spine. back before moving on to a kneading technique. of the lower muscles of this region.
Clearly, this indicates that it would require only a few minutes, but this maintains contact between provider and recipient, and also continuously stimulates the muscles in the most crucial areas of the neck and back.
If at any time the recipient seems to tense up, it is important to ask if any particular movement has caused discomfort or pain. If this is the case, it will be vitally important to use a significantly lighter touch for all remaining techniques. The spider walk technique is an excellent remedy for times when a patient needs to transition to a less intense massage.