FAQs

Safety

Is barefoot massage safe for me?

Good rule of thumb: if it’s contraindicated for hands-on deep tissue, it’s contraindicated for barefoot massage too.

Conditions that need to be cleared by your doctor first: osteoporosis, uncontrolled health conditions, cancer, advanced kidney disease or dialysis, deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, and anything contagious.

Recent procedures need recovery time too! Major surgery (such as a hip replacement) needs 9-12 months minimum, ideally with physical therapy first; minor surgery needs at least 6 weeks; small procedures like Botox or LASIK need at least 3 days.

When in doubt, check with your doctor or reach out to me directly. I’m happy to talk it through with you.

Does barefoot massage hurt?

I want your session to feel safe and comfortable. The pressure should NEVER be painful. Remember: when your body feels pain, your nervous system experiences fight or flight, a state that is not conducive to healing.

If the pressure hurts but feels good at the same time, that’s okay! Your nervous system is still experiencing a safe and comfortable state.

Will you actually be standing on me?

It depends on a few things: your body size, tissue density, and whether you’ve had this kind of work before. Most first sessions won’t involve standing directly on you. As your body adjusts to the work, two-footed strokes or standing compressions may come into play.

Think of it less like walking on your back and more like traditional deep tissue, only delivered with my feet instead of my hands. There will be slow glides, trigger point work, and stretching all tailored to you.

How does Myofascial Ashiatsu and Sarga Bodywork differ from other barefoot modalities like Thai massage?

Traditional Thai massage is typically performed with the client fully clothed, laying on a mat on the floor where the therapist uses their hands, elbows, knees, and feet to deliver their techniques.

My sessions are more closely related to traditional hands-on sessions where clients lay on a raised massage table. The difference is that instead of using my hands, forearms, and elbows to deliver deep tissue techniques, I use my feet, bodyweight, and gravity.

I use overhead parallel bars for support in addition to an Ashiatsu strap, or sometimes a fabric silk attached to the table, for balance.

Because the surface of the foot is broad, it diffuses the pressure allowing me to access and target the deeper layers of tissue without clients tensing up.

This creates a comfortable and effective experience for clients to heal without the pain or soreness that oftentimes follows traditional deep tissue sessions.

What to Expect

Do I need to undress to receive barefoot massage?

My myofascial barefoot massages are best received when undressed completely. This allows me to properly access and target the muscles and fascia in your low back, hips, and legs which are often the culprits that contribute to chronic pain.

However, dress down to your comfort level.

To maintain a safe and comfortable environment, communication is extremely important. If at any time during your session you feel any discomfort, let me know so I can make adjustments.

You will ALWAYS be properly draped to maintain your privacy and comfort.

Not your vibe? Consider booking the Island Matwork, Tune-Up SoleCare, or Private Sound Healing experiences.

I’m ticklish. Will that be a problem?

Probably not. Most ticklish clients find barefoot massage more comfortable than they expect. The broad pressure of my feet feels different than fingertips or elbows.

Should I workout before or after?

Before, if you can. I like to say barefoot massage is a workout minus the cardio. Your muscles will be fatigued and ready to rest afterward. Clients who train right after a session often find their workout doesn’t go as smoothly as usual.

How will I feel after my session?

Most people have the feeling of complete relaxation along with relief from their aches and pains. Once their bodies adapt to this sensational feeling, they tend to have more body awareness and feel more energetic and productive.

Most clients report feeling their results from their sessions for a minimum of two weeks or longer! It’s important to note that you may not feel 100% better following your session. Sometimes it takes a few sessions to achieve complete relief.

What do I need to do after my session?

The best thing you can do is take the rest of the day to unwind, giving your body time to rest and adjust to the work it received. To fully benefit from your session, it’s extremely important to re-hydrate so your body can heal properly.

In addition to rest and hydration, I’ll probably have a few self-care recommendations to help your body maintain balance until your next appointment.

Logistics

How often do you recommend receiving sessions?

The answer here varies from person to person and really depends on your wellness goals.

Most people find that once a month is sufficient to relieve stress and manage muscle tension. If once a month or more is your style, consider becoming a SoleCal member.

No matter what you decide, listen to your body! It will tell you when you need another session.

Which forms of payment do you accept? Do you accept insurance?

All major credit and debit cards along with exact cash are acceptable forms of payment. No personal checks. I don’t accept insurance directly, but many clients use their HSA or FSA card with no issues.

How can I purchase a gift certificate for my friends or family?

I don’t offer gift certificates. The best way to purchase a session for your friend or family member is to book their session online under their name with their contact information.

This streamlines their first appointment, minimizes confusion, and allows them to receive their confirmations, assessment forms, and reminders.

How do I schedule an appointment?

The best, quickest, and preferred way to schedule an appointment is to book online. If you have additional questions that my website hasn’t answered, give me a call!

If I don’t answer, I’m most likely with a client or out of the office so LEAVE A MESSAGE and I’ll call you back at my earliest convenience within business hours. NO TEXTING.