Massage therapy is safe and appropriate for most of the general population. But there are certain times when one should skip the massage temporarily, or be sure to inform their massage professional about a localized condition so that area can be avoided. Massage professionals call these times when an area of the body should be avoided, or when a massage should not take place “contraindications.”

What about ashiatsu? Are there different contraindications for this massage technique that you should be aware of before trying it?

Massage Contraindications

All normal/typical massage contraindications still exist for ashiatsu. Below is a list of general contraindications (when you should not get a massage), and some are localized contraindications (when just a certain area needs to be avoided during the massage). This includes, but is not limited to:

• Broken bones or Fractures
• Advanced diabetes (when signs of neuropathy exist)
• High Blood Pressure, HBP, Hypertension (if unstable or uncontrolled)
• Hemophilia or other blood/clotting disorders
• Current use of blood thinners
• Phlebitis, Thrombosis, DVT, Active blood clot
• Contagious conditions or infections (Colds, Flu, or Contagious skin conditions)
• Acute injuries (bruises/hematomas)
• Any unexplained swelling
• Any recent surgery (e.g., back, abdominal, hip, knee, or eye surgery)

Ashiatsu Contraindications

Ashiatsu can be light to deep pressure, but because of the deep compressions/strokes that some clients request, the following unique contraindications exist.  Again, this list includes, but is not limited to:

• Implants (such as pace makers or breast implants)
• Frail individuals
• Osteoporosis
• Pregnancy (or possible pregnancy)
• Varicose veins
• Protruding or ruptured discs
• Kidney disorders

If you have a condition that you think would affect your ability to get a massage, or an ashiatsu massage, discuss your concerns with your practitioner when making an appointment or before your massage. Your massage practitioner may just need to use a different technique during the massage, or avoid a certain area. When in doubt, they may have you obtain permission/clearance from your health care provider.

If you are healthy and looking for a unique, therapeutic massage experience to ease stress and relieve muscular pain, schedule an ashiatsu massage. Enjoy!

Photo Credit borispumps

As massage professionals, we frequently discuss the contraindications for our clients. But, there are also times when ashiatsu is contraindicated for the massage practitioner. Your health and safety affects your client’s safety and health.

Because of the unique physical demands of ashiatsu, practitioners should be in good physical condition. If you are considering ashiatsu training, here is a list of a few acute and chronic conditions and situations that may temporarily or permanently keep you grounded (on the floor). Some conditions or situations may require you to modify your table or balancing bars.

Ear infections (possible dizziness), any symptoms of dizziness, or balance disorders

Ashiatsu requires the practitioner to have a good sense balance. Balance helps practitioners maintain foot and pressure control. For those practicing on an elevated massage table, dizzy spells could result in injury from a fall off the table, or onto your client.

Neuropathy of extremities

The foot is able to “feel,” or assess, muscle tension and dysfunction just like the hands. Those with decreased sensation in their feet/foot should not practice ashiatsu.

Any contagious infection

As with any form of massage, practitioners should take necessary precautions when contagious infections are present. For ashiatsu this includes fungal/viral/bacterial infections of the foot (including Athlete’s foot).

Cuts or open sores on the foot or heel

Treat your feet like your hands. Just remember, the foot in much harder to bandage than the fingers and hands. I have not looked, but I am not aware of nitrile gloves for the foot.

Pregnancy

Standing on a table or stool can be dangerous, pregnant or not. And yes, you can do most things while pregnant that you did before you were pregnant. The problem is that during a pregnancy, the change in the center of gravity makes women more prone to falls. One of the most common injuries during a pregnancy occurs from falls. Falling off a massage table could be devastating to mother and baby. Even early in a pregnancy, bouts of morning sickness, nausea, and dizziness can make ashiatsu challenging. For some, the added weight on a massage table is also a concern.

On the other side, practicing ashiatsu can take some of the load off a practitioner’s changing body during a pregnancy. This is a personal decision that you should discuss with your health care provider.

Adjustments/modifications can be made to keep you and your clients safe, in business, and happy. Making the table much lower, using floor mats, shiatsu tables, and lower portable bars can eliminate the risk of falls.

As with any condition, contact your health care provider if you have a question, or talk to your colleagues. Explain your unique massage method and any concerns you have that might affect you and your clients safety and health.

Looking for client contraindications? Visit here.

Photo Credit:  three_sixteen

During massage training, I am sure your instructors said this at some point:

You will learn to feel muscles, tissues, swelling, or dysfunction.

Your palpation skills will improve with time and practice.

We were all cautiously reassured.

And they were right. Those skills did eventually develop and improved.  Palpation skills really do take time and practice.

So what about your feet? [Read more…]

In order for your ashiatsu practice to be successful, you will have some educating/explaining to do. If you have been a  massage therapist for a while, educating clients is something I am sure you are used to doing by now.

When you say you are going to massage your client with your feet, some clients will automatically assume that you are going to be walking on their back (or that you have gone mad). Some clients instantly associate your feet on their back  with memories of when they were kids and walked on their parents back, or when they laid on the floor and asked their own children to walk on them.

As we know, this common misconception is not ashiatsu.

They will not be laying face-down on the carpet.

You will not be “cracking” their back, or walking on them.

Ashiatsu is a massage.

[Read more…]

When I was in massage school many years ago, I remember our business teacher said “she drew the short straw” and was going to have a talk with us that day. What that meant is that she got to have that uncomfortable conversation with the class about things that could happen during a massage. Things that can happen which are totally innocent on the part of a male client, or something that maybe signals you to believe a client could be inappropriate. Okay, you understand where I am going with that, right?

Moving on…

So, today I am drawing the short straw. Mostly because I want to keep people off your massage table that are looking for something other than a therapeutic ashiatsu barefoot massage. [Read more…]