Foot Massage Therapy

What Is A Foot Massage?

A foot massage is a massage that focuses on different areas of the feet. Similar to a deep tissue or Swedish massage, different amounts of pressure can be applied during a foot massage. A massage therapist will normally use circular motions and sustained pinpoint pressure when performing a foot massage. It is also normal for light stretching of the feet to be part of a foot massage routine. A foot massage often brings about an extreme feeling of relaxation.

The potential benefits of a foot massage are many. A foot massage can relax the whole body and bring about a renewed sense of well-being. It’s amazing how a single foot massage can relieve stress in other areas of the body and rejuvenate the entire body. Foot massages have also been known to increase circulation and decrease foot pain. A foot massage is something that can be performed by the average person, but a licensed massage therapist has the skills and techniques to achieve maximal benefits for a client. Some clients suffer from plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue on the sole of the foot that helps to support the arch. A foot massage is great for this type of foot problem, as well as other foot pain that a client may be experiencing.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or foot pain, you will greatly benefit from a foot massage. Those who have poor circulation issues in the lower extremities, should consider a foot massage. Foot massages help to increase circulation and bring blood to the affected area. Foot pain can be cause by many things. Wearing the wrong shoes, standing for long periods of time, and long distance running or walking can contribute to foot pain. Foot pain can often be relieved with normal foot massages.

You shouldn’t get a foot massage if the foot contains cuts or open wounds. Clients who have blood clots in the leg, should avoid all types of massage, including a foot massage. If there are any fractures in the foot, a client may receive massage to other areas of the body, but a foot massage should be avoided until the fracture is totally healed.

A foot massage can be performed with the client in a supine (face up) or prone (face down) position. A client can undress as if they were getting a full body massage or they can remove only the socks and pull the pants leg up. Most clients prefer to get undressed as if they were getting a full body massage, in order to experience a more calming and relaxing massage session. Hot towels are normally applied and wrapped around each foot. One towel is removed at a time. Once the towel is removed, oil, lotion, or cream is applied to the foot and the foot is massaged. The massage therapist will use their fingers or knuckles to massage the feet in a circular motion. Pinpoint and sustained pressure is sometime applied with the fingers to particular areas of the feet. This sometimes can cause discomfort. A client should let their massage therapist know at any time, if the pressure being applied is too much. Squeezing and stretching of the feet can also be included in to a foot massage session. Each foot is massaged for the same period of time. When the foot massage is completed, clients often feel totally relaxed and rejuvenated.

A foot massage session is limited to 30 minutes which is enough time to provide relief to each foot. If a client wants a longer session than 30 minutes, a longer session should be purchased instead of the foot massage session. More time can be focused on the rest of the body as well as the feet. Inform your massage therapist that this is what you want.