I will list many major muscles in and near the back here that can be included in a massage routine. The list will go from superficial (near the surface) to deep, also superior (nearer the head) to inferior (nearer the feet) and lastly from lateral (outside) to medial (inside or nearer the spine). 3 layers will be described from superficial (top) to deep. Basically, starting at the top working down and from the outside working to the middle, in a few layers. All of these can benefit from massage.

• Superior / Top Layer
• Trapezius – A large triangular muscle just under the skin. It runs from the back of the skull down to the just above the lumbar spine. It also runs across between the shoulders down the back forming a triangular shape.
• Deltoids – Runs over the shoulder and down the upper arms.
• Latissimus Dorsi – Thin muscle that runs down the spine from mid thoratic to the sacrum. Also run across from under the armpits and the lower ribs to the centre of the spine.
• Gluteus Maximus – Largest muscle in the body also known as the glutes or buttocks.

• Intermediate Layer
• Supraspinatus – Runs from top of humerus along (and through) superior (top) edge of the shoulder blade (scapula) to the (medial) neck side.
• Infraspinatus – Small triangular muscle running from humerus to the inferior (lower) edge of the scapula.
• Rhomboid minor and major – Both run across from the medial edge of the scapula (nearest the spine) to the spine.
• Serratus Posterior – Runs across from the lateral (outside) edge of the 9th rib to the 12th rib to the spine (T11 to L2).

• Deep Layer
• Erector Spinae – Group of 3 muscles (that each have 3 different sections) and tendons that run the length of the spine.