The massage therapy profession faces a startling reality: the average career spans less than seven years. Why? Traditional deep tissue massage techniques, which rely heavily on thumbs, fingers, and repeated bending at the waist, often lead to career-ending injuries.

My own journey with this challenge began 3.5 years into my career as a massage therapist.

The signs were clear: aching wrists, throbbing forearms, and tendonitis in one elbow. While I was passionate about my work, the prospect of continuing deep tissue massage seemed unsustainable. Then I discovered Ashiatsu barefoot massage – and it transformed everything.

Barefoot massage opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

I learned to use my feet as sensitive instruments, utilizing my heels and the balls of my feet to deliver deep, effective pressure. The response from clients has been overwhelming – many who were devoted to traditional massage have tried Ashiatsu and never looked back.

The most remarkable change? The complete elimination of my physical pain. It wasn't until I spent a full week performing only Ashiatsu that I realized how much better I felt. The contrast became crystal clear when I later attempted a traditional deep tissue massage – within 30 minutes, my elbow pain returned. That moment cemented my decision to transition away from hand-based deep tissue work, especially for larger clients.

The enthusiasm for barefoot massage extends far beyond my practice. Clients across the country are discovering its benefits: the deep pressure no longer causes discomfort. Instead of sharp, pointed pressure from thumbs and elbows on areas like the piriformis or quadratus lumborum muscles, they experience the smooth, broad pressure of the heel – which they find incredibly effective.

The results are profound: clients often finish sessions in a state of deep relaxation, sometimes reluctant to leave the table. Best of all, the therapeutic effects typically last for several days.

Convinced? If you're in the Cincinnati area, schedule a massage and try it out!

Or if you're a massage therapist struggling with pain after a day of massage,  you can contact me and register for a class. Let me know what questions you have!

Hello, hello.

Unfortunately, 2025 started off with the bang I wasn't interested in experiencing. I was sick for a month. Only took a few days off of massaging clients, but taking care of the others pretty much maxxed me out. Luckily, I gave up on day 30 and went to the doc. It was nothing a bunch of steriods and antibiotics couldn't knock out. 

So here we are in the beginning of February, 2025, and I have a Fundamentals class coming up at the end of the month.

Who Fundamantals barefoot massage is for:
the massage therapist who wants to work deeply without hurting herself.
the massage therapist who looks forward to discovering the key to a long career.

What you'll learn:

The massage therapist student will learn to give a 90 minute massage with his or her feet. Mostly, we work on the back with some beautiful exploration of the posterior and side of neck (hello, scalenes!) while the client is supine. I teach Anterior and Side-lying in Intermediate.

Why do we not teach anterior work in the 1st level of classe:

Because it's too much mental work for massage therapists who are just learning to use their feet for the first time. They don't remember anything. 

Out of all the people I used to teach anterior work to the day after level 1, they didn't do it in real life.

Practice what you've learned. Maybe even take a Fundamentals barefoot massage class for a 2nd time.

Reach out with any questions: mc@centerforbarefootmassage.com

And join our class if you're a massage therapist wanting to give your clients awesome, comfortable deep tissue barefoot massage. Next class is Feb 27-March 1, 2025.