What Is Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage?

Barefoot deep tissue massage is a type of massage which uses the foot rather than the hands to perform massage strokes to the body of the patient. In this way, the therapist is free from stressing and straining his hands with the continuous application of pressure when conducting various massage techniques.

Developed by Olympic massage therapist John Harris during his working years as a massage therapist, it became a good alternative way of treating deep tissue without worrying about possible hand injuries. This newer type of modality is great for providing deep tissue therapeutic massage for the patient.

Preparations prior to the massage session are essential with this type of therapeutic massage as it involves different levels of applied pressure. Heavy meals should be out of the diet on the day of the session as it will make the patient uncomfortable during the therapy. Early arrival at the massage spa is also important as it gives the therapist enough time to assess the condition of the patient both physically and mentally. Loose clothing should be worn during sessions and attentiveness to the therapist is also required as the patient will be asked to change position on some areas of the body to further enhance the manipulation of the massage therapy. Pillows are used by the patient during the therapy session for comfort and positioning purposes.

Although quite similar to ashiatsu for the use of the barefoot technique, it distinguishes its technique by using the heel and bone of the outer edge of the foot when applying pressure on the different areas of the body. The therapist works by sitting on the floor beside the patient who is comfortably lying on the floor massage mat. He or she begins by applying gentle pressure to condition the body to better receive the effects and benefits of the therapy. Compressive strokes with varying pressure from mild to moderate are applied with every stroke of the foot. Trigger point therapy is also included in this therapy. It is known as a technique that involves the application of pressure on the tender muscle tissues of the body to treat dysfunction and to relieve body pain. Targeting the key areas of the body through the skeletal muscles and allows it to trigger the self healing properties of the whole body which make the treatment more effective and the recovery faster than normal. Practitioners of this principle believe that pain is caused by palpable nodules which are small contraction knots. Barefoot deep tissue massage also uses the myofascial release technique which helps balance the body muscles by loosening and stretching the soft tissues.

This type of therapy works best for soothing the body while relieving stress and fatigue. It is also perfect for athletes in conditioning their body prior to any event. Barefoot deep tissue massage also helps in recovering injured muscle groups due to overuse from strenuous activities. The deep tissue technique also includes muscle cleansing by releasing toxins when the muscle loosens up from being stiff due to adhesions.