Barefoot massage and why you need it for Crossfit recovery.

Barefoot massage with the therapist focusing on how to engage tissue from different angles with each stroke using myofascial release, trigger point therapy, deep tissue and ROM techniques applied with their feet is a game changer for athletes every where. 

​Wait...back up. What's barefoot massage? Read this first. 

The consistent compression given during a barefoot massage session, or barefoot bar therapy as I lovingly call it, releases tight muscles and chronic postural holding patterns. Over time, areas of muscle spasm can develop in tissues due to poor posture or overuse during work or exercise. They can cause a lot of pain both locally and refer pain out to other areas of your body.  Sometimes these muscle spasms can even affect your range of motion. Getting a deep massage a few days before a competition, that is globally and holistically focused can really make a difference in your athletic performance.

Regular massage sessions can also make you much more comfortable during crossfit and other intense work outs because massage can help reduce the pain associated with delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS. Many athletes have to work out during times of soreness and may not work out to their full potential because of it. Barefoot massage speeds the muscle recovery time, thus making every workout more productive. 

So, when should you schedule your barefoot bar therapy session?  The best time to schedule your massage is during recovery periods, like deload weeks and rest days. FasciAshi therapists (that's me!)  don't suggest lifting anything heavy for at least 24 hours after a barefoot massage session due to the wonderful tractioning strokes up the back. Those delicious decompressing movements create space between vertebra and you may feel some sense of instability in your back if you decide to lift right after a barefoot bar therapy session.

The benefits of regular Barefoot bar therapy include:

• An effective treatment for reducing chronic muscular pain.
• Provides deep relaxation.
• Assists in lymphatic flow.
• Decompresses and tractions Joints.
• Benefits posture.

Barefoot massage is not for: 

• Women who are pregnant.
• People who do not like deep pressure.
• Anyone who has had surgery in the last 6 week (9 months for implants).
• Anyone who is under a doctors or PTs care. Please wait until your treatment is complete.
• People who have issues with blood clots .

I even have all kinds of ways to bolster you to make you comfortable on the massage table so don't worry. Deep compression can be for everyone (sort of - lol!). This cushion in the picture below helps lady clients feel more comfortable by supporting them instead of squashing them into the table. Also It's going to help me work deep on one of my female clients who has pectus excavatum. She says it 100% helps her feel more comfortable on the table. She's also a crossfitter and you know shes got some serious tension from her workouts!

Oh yeah! I also have something exciting to share...

I got my actual certification in the mail this last week! WOOP! So proud to share my newest certification in
FasciAshi barefoot Ashiatsu. I've learned so much more from working with this new information and framework. I've been massaging with my feet forever now but I decided to join a new company and I'm loving their passion and vision. Plus, look at how beautiful this certification looks! Super proud therapist right now. :) 

Hillary Arrieta, Small business owner, therapist, Author of this blog...

Hi! I'm Hillary Arrieta, a massage therapist, educator, and wholistic wellness professional who works with health-conscious clients looking to enhance their lives with natural therapies. Deeply client-centered sessions infused with restorative bodywork, aromatics, and meditation are created in my cozy studio just North of Dallas, Texas Ya'll!
Gaia Bodywork
Massage | Wellness | Education  
​Barefoot Massage Therapist and Educator• 👣•Wellness Studio• Inspired by Ayurveda • 🌿