Barefoot Massage Contraindications & Considerations

Barefoot Massage: Is It Right for You?

Barefoot massage uses slow, sustained pressure delivered with the feet and body weight. 

It can be deeply grounding and effective for the right bodies — but it isn’t appropriate for everyone.


Your safety and comfort always come first.


If you’re unsure whether barefoot massage is a good fit, please reach out before booking.

✅ Barefoot massage may be a good fit if you:

  • Enjoy deeper pressure or need long-lasting relief
  • Prefer a slower, focused, unrushed session
  • Experience chronic tension, postural strain, or stress overload
  • Want therapeutic work rather than light relaxation massage

❌ Barefoot massage is may not be appropriate if you:

  • Are pregnant or trying to conceive
  • Are under 18
  • Have been diagnosed with osteoporosis
  • Have had breast, pectoral, gluteal, or calf implants within the past 9 months
  • Have had recent fractures, dislocations, or major bone or joint injuries/surgeries (within the past 6 weeks–6 months, depending on location)
  • Have had eye procedures or LASIK within the past 72 hours
  • Have a history of tuberculosis, thrombosis, aneurysm, or kidney disease
  • Have varicose veins (barefoot work will not be performed directly over affected areas)
  • Are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
  • Have an active flare of phlebitis or cellulitis
  • Have an active autoimmune or neurological condition (including Lyme disease, MS, neuropathy, Guillain-Barré, etc.)
  • Are taking blood thinners, steroids, cortisone, pain medications, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories without provider clearance
  • Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or a serious heart condition
  • Have a pacemaker, stent, or shunt
  • Have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis

⚠️ Please disclose before your session if you have:

  • Recent long-haul air travel (over 6 hours within 24 hours)
  • Current illness (cold, flu, food poisoning — rescheduling is often best)
  • Digestive flares (IBS, diverticulitis, etc.)
  • Low-grade fever
  • Numbness, tingling, or unexplained pain
  • Contagious skin conditions (rashes, foot fungus, warts)
  • Surgical hardware or implants (IUDs, joint replacements, rods, plates, screws, fusions)
  • Osteopenia — sessions may be performed with modifications only
  • Diabetes, hypoglycemia, hemophilia, or medications affecting blood or healing
  • Spinal conditions (stenosis, spondylitis, spondylosis, disc issues)
  • Recent injuries or injections (Botox, cortisone, epidural, nerve blocks, etc.)
  • Any past or recent surgery

ℹ️ About pressure

Barefoot massage involves firm, sustained pressure. It is not a light-touch modality.
If deep pressure feels uncomfortable or unsafe for you, barefoot massage is not recommended.

💬 A note from me

I’m trained to assess, modify, or redirect sessions based on your needs. Full health disclosure helps me provide the safest and most effective work possible.

When in doubt, please ask — I’m happy to guide you.


Final service eligibility is determined at the therapist’s discretion based on safety and clinical appropriateness.