Question
Hi, since you know about physical therapy, I was hoping you might be able to answer this question:  Is it ok to walk on someone's back while they are lying flat on their stomachs? My boyfriend asks me to do this all the time; he says it feels good and relieves his lower back pain. I just want to make sure that it's not something that will hurt him.

Thanks for any advice you can suggest.
Natalia

Answer
Hi Natalia

This actually is not a physical therapy question, it's more of an orthopedic question.  Personally I think this is dangerous.
Your boyfriend may have an underlying problem that neither of you know about that may be exacerbated during your walking on his back.  

There are, however, types of massage where the therapist will massage someone's back with their feet, but they are holding onto a bar suspended from the ceiling so all of their weight is not on the client's back. But the massage therapist who does this is highly trained in this therapy.

By walking on his back, you are probably in some way, relieving some pressure in his back.  The spinal column has many nerves and muscles in it and if you disturb that pattern, you might hurt him without being aware of it.  

Personally I don't think this is a good idea.  Get him a gift certificate for massage or take a class in couples massage that would be safer.

Sharon Davis