Barefoot Massage Contraindications & Considerations

Barefoot massage uses deep, sustained pressure delivered with the feet and body weight. This work can be deeply grounding and supportive— but it is NOT appropriate for everyone. My goal is to keep you safe, supported, and well cared for during your session.

✅ You may be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy deeper pressure or need long-lasting relief
• Prefer a slower-paced, focused style of bodywork
• Struggle with chronic tension, postural discomfort, or stress overload
• Want a therapeutic session that doesn’t feel rushed

❌ Barefoot Massage is CONTRAINDICATED and is NOT be appropriate if you:

• Are pregnant or trying to conceive
• Are under 18 years old
• Have been diagnosed with osteoporosis (increased fracture risk — barefoot massage is not safe)
• Have had breast, pectoral, gluteal, or calf implants/enhancements within the past 9 months
• Have had recent fractures, dislocations, or major joint surgeries within the last 6 weeks
• Have had a rib or bone fracture/break within the last 6 months
• Have had eye procedures/Lasik surgery within the past 72 hours
• Have a history of tuberculosis, thrombosis, aneurysm, or kidney disease
• Have varicose veins (Barefoot Massage will not be performed directly over them or areas with compromised blood vessels)
• Are currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments
• Have a current flare-up of phlebitis or cellulitis
• Have an active autoimmune disorder (such as lupus, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.) or Lyme disease
• Are currently taking blood thinners, steroids, cortisone, anti-inflammatories, pain killers, or muscle relaxants without provider clearance
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or  a serious heart condition
• Have a pacemaker, stent, or shunt
• Have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis
• Have Guillain-Barré Syndrome, neuropathy, or neurological disorders that cause numbness, loss of sensation, or muscle weakness

⚠️ Other considerations (please disclose before your session):

• Plane flight longer than 6 hours within the last 24 hours
• Current illness (cold, flu, food poisoning) — your massage will be much more effective if rescheduled
• Heavy menstrual cramping or abnormal flow cycle
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome flares, diverticulitis, or other digestive issues
• Low-grade fever
• Any acute, unexplained pain that does not subside
• Numbness or tingling in any area
• Contagious rashes, warts, foot fungus, or skin infection
• Implants or surgical hardware (IUD, joint replacements, rods, plates, screws, or fusions)
• Osteopenia (early stage of osteoporosis) — lower bone density increases risk of injury. Sessions may only be performed with modifications (lighter pressure, muscular focus, no direct compression over bony prominences). Must be disclosed before treatment.
• Diabetes, hypoglycemia, or hemophilia, or if you are on medications affecting blood or healing
• Spinal stenosis, spondylitis, or spondylosis
• Herniated, bulging, or slipped discs (any stage)
• Recent injuries (dislocations, sprains, strains, bruises, whiplash, etc.)
• Recent injections (Botox, cortisone, epidural, nerve block, birth control, etc.) — barefoot work will not be performed near the injection site; in some cases, work must also be avoided further along the limb
• Any kind of surgery (past or recent — details are always important)

⚠️ Important note about pressure

Barefoot massage uses deep, sustained pressure delivered with my feet and body weight. This is not a light-touch massage. If you do not feel comfortable with firm pressure, barefoot massage is not appropriate for you.

✅ Your health is my priority

I have advanced training in barefoot massage and in understanding related pathologies. To ensure your session is safe and effective, please disclose your full health history. If you’re unsure whether barefoot massage is right for you, feel free to reach out before booking.

Thank you for your honesty and trust — together, we can create a healing experience that’s right for your body.