Using massage during labour is an *incredible* tool, but it's effectivity is both largely dependent on how the birther is responding to being touched and the quality of touch the birthing partner is offering. The birthing person often knows the birther quite intimately and may intuitively know what touch will feel best, but it's always a good idea to try different types of touches, massages and techniques.

Here's a short and sweet video that goes over massage techniques, the double hip squeeze and counter-pressure;
these three are the touch trifecta when it comes to helping a birth cope with the sensations of labour.

I also showed the double hip squeeze with a rebozo that you can review with this video here. The video features only one other person using the rebozo, but remember if you've got a doula or another person handy then they can each pull on one end of the rebozo to save their shoulders/chest if the hip squeezing lasts for hours (which it often does).

Another great way to work with massage is with breath work. Here is an amazing script that you can use to practice coordinating the birth partner's touch as the birther's cue to relax.

Some important things to remember when using touch in labour:
1) Use a firm and consistent touch (nothing light, feathery or fingertip-y)
2) Complete the stroke -- try to make sure movements are long and from beginning to end of limb
3) You can vary speed but when in doubt, go slow
4) Use your whole hand and use both hands