As a licensed massage therapist, carrying professional liability insurance is an important part of protecting your practice. Whether you work in a spa, clinic, shared office, or private practice, such as The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage, the right policy can help protect you if a client alleges injury, negligence, or property damage.

Many professional massage CE companies, such as the Center for Barefoot Massage, also require LMTs who want to learn Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage to carry liability insurance. 
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Here are three popular, affordable options for massage therapists:
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1. Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) Best for: Budget-conscious therapists who want straightforward coverage
Beauty & Bodywork Insurance offers one of the lowest-cost professional liability insurance options available for massage therapists. Their policies are designed specifically for beauty and bodywork professionals and include options for additional coverage needs.
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Highlights:

• Affordable annual pricing (reported starting around $96/year)
• Professional liability coverage
• Options to add protection for tools and equipment
• Designed for independent practitioners

Good fit for: New massage therapists, part-time practitioners, and therapists looking for basic professional protection.

2. Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), Hillary's choice.
Best for: Therapists who want insurance plus professional resources
ABMP combines professional liability insurance with membership benefits designed specifically for massage and bodywork professionals. Their coverage includes professional, general, and product liability insurance, with limits commonly listed at $2 million per occurrence and $6 million aggregate.
Highlights:

• Professional liability insurance included with membership
• Continuing education resources
• Business tools and member discounts
• Coverage designed specifically for massage and bodywork professionals

Good fit for: Therapists who want insurance plus access to CE resources, professional support, and industry education. Does this sound like you? 
Sign up with my referral code.

3. American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Best for: Therapists who want association membership and insurance benefits
AMTA membership includes access to professional liability insurance, as well as additional member benefits such as continuing education resources, career support, and professional advocacy.
Highlights:

• Professional liability, general liability, products, and personal injury coverage
• Coverage commonly listed at $2 million per occurrence/$6 million aggregate
• Additional professional resources through membership

Good fit for: Therapists who value professional association membership along with insurance protection.

What Massage Therapists Should Look For Before Choosing Insurance. The cheapest policy is not always the best policy. Before purchasing coverage, check:
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✔ Does it cover everything in your scope of practice as an LMT?
✔ Are cupping, hot stones, or specialized modalities covered?
✔ Does it include professional and general liability?
✔ Is coverage occurrence-based or claims-made?
✔ Does it provide proof of insurance for employers, landlords, or professional requirements?

For specialized practitioners, such as barefoot massage therapists, it is especially important to verify that your full scope of practice is included in your policy. Texas LMT's can find that on the TDLR website at ​https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mas/

Read more:
Learn Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage in Texas
How to Prepare for Your First Barefoot Massage Class in Texas

​​If you've signed up for your first barefoot massage class, or you're thinking about taking one, you're probably wondering what to expect. 

Whether you're attending FasciAshi Fundamentals, Barefoot Matwork (Fijian Barefoot Massage), or another barefoot massage continuing education course in Texas, arriving prepared makes a tremendous difference in your learning experience.

​SIDE NOTE: If you haven't looked at my Ashiatsu Massage Training page yet, visit there first to get important info. 
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As someone who has been teaching licensed massage therapists since 2008, I've noticed that students who prepare their bodies before class tend to learn faster, recover more quickly, and enjoy the experience more.

This guide will help you arrive confident, comfortable, and ready to learn.

Why Preparation Matters:
Barefoot massage training is unlike most continuing education classes.
You'll spend two to three full days:

• Giving massage
• Receiving massage
• Learning new body mechanics
• Practicing balance and coordination
• Working with deeper pressure than many therapists are accustomed to

Because you're using your body all day, preparation isn't just about packing supplies; it's about preparing yourself physically and mentally.

Think of it like preparing for a workshop, not simply attending a lecture. We work MOST of the training, and you'll receive about 2 hours of deep-tissue massage each day.

Prepare Your Body Before Class.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is therapists arriving after months, or even years, without receiving bodywork themselves. YIKES!

During class, you'll receive multiple treatments from your classmates while learning new techniques. If your own tissue is already restricted or sensitive, those sessions can feel much more intense.
A few simple habits can make a huge difference:

• Schedule a massage before class. (You can book with me!)
• Stay hydrated throughout the week
• Prioritize quality sleep
• Eat nourishing meals
• Stretch or practice gentle mobility
• Spend a few minutes each day breathing or meditating

You're investing in your education. Give your body the same attention you're giving your career.

Another LONG side note: I own The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in Plano, Texas, where I provide weekly barefoot massage sessions to clients. Before investing in training, I highly recommend experiencing a professional barefoot massage session for yourself.


However, it is important to understand that receiving a session is not the same as learning the technique. A client session is designed for you to experience the benefits of the work, not to replace professional training. Avoid learning barefoot massage by watching a session, asking a therapist to “show you a few techniques,” or learning from someone without proper credentials. YOU are a licensed professional, and that is where liability comes into play. 

This could turn into a whole other blog post, and perhaps it should. But for now, let me just say...If you are a licensed massage therapist interested in adding barefoot massage to your practice, seek professional continuing education through a reputable CE provider whose courses have been approved by a recognized professional board or regulatory body. The NCBTMB is the organization that approves our courses, which many states, such as Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and other neighboring states, accept as professional CE-quality training. Professional training should include proper body mechanics, safety guidelines, contraindications, technique application, and the clinical reasoning behind the work. Your teacher should have a deep understanding of the work and how to teach it. 

Before choosing a course, experience the technique from a trained professional and research the instructor’s background, education, and teaching experience. Find a therapist or instructor with a strong training history who can help you determine whether barefoot massage is the right fit for your practice and your clients.
OKAY, WHEW...back to more prep information.

Learn Your Anatomy Before You Arrive.
One of the fastest ways to feel confident in class is to review anatomy beforehand.
During training, we constantly discuss:

• bony landmarks
• muscle groups
• palpation
• movement, ROM
• body mechanics

You don't need to memorize everything. Once you enroll, I'll send you a guide on what to study. For now, become comfortable locating major landmarks. If you own Trail Guide to the Body, spend some time reviewing the posterior body before class. We highly recommend Trail Guide and offer a discount code for Books of Discovery once you've enrolled. 

You'll thank yourself later.

What to Pack for Barefoot Massage Training.
​Every workshop has a required supply list, but every student should plan to bring:

• Clean, freshly pedicured feet with short nails
• Indoor-only flip-flops or sandals
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Lunch or lunch money
• Hand sanitizer
• Comfortable clothing you can move in
• Layers for changing room temperatures

Many students also enjoy optional items to make themselves more comfortable, including:

• A small blanket
• A robe
• Extra water
• Electrolytes
• Notebook
• Pen

Comfort matters during long training days. 

Your Linens
Your linen requirements depend on the course you're attending. For example:
FasciAshi Fundamentals requires more linens than Barefoot Matwork due to the additional practice rounds throughout the class. Be sure to review your class-specific packing list before arriving. Nothing slows down a class faster than missing supplies.
Don't wanna pack a ton of stuff? 
Linen rentals are available with advance notice.

Flying to Texas for Barefoot Massage Training.
Many students travel from across the United States to attend barefoot massage classes in Plano, Texas.

If you're flying:

• Arrive the day before class whenever possible.
• Avoid booking non-refundable airfare or lodging until your class is confirmed. This is so so important. 
• Build extra travel time into your schedule.
• Stay nearby so your mornings are stress-free.

The training studio is conveniently located in Plano, a suburb of Dallas, making it easy to reach from either Dallas Love Field or Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

​Driving to Class.
If you're driving several hours, don't underestimate how tiring travel can be.
Students who arrive the evening before class are almost always more relaxed and ready to learn than those who spend the morning sitting in traffic.
Give yourself permission to start your workshop rested and focused.

Where to Stay in Plano:
There are dozens of hotels and vacation rentals within minutes of the training studio.
Many students choose accommodations near ZIP code 75075, including hotels in Plano and Richardson for easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops.

What to Eat During Training.
Barefoot massage is physically demanding.
Bring:

• protein-rich snacks
• Balanced meals
• electrolytes
• plenty of water

You'll have a lunch break each day, and there are numerous nearby restaurants serving everything from BBQ and Tex-Mex to healthy options. Whole Foods and Sprouts are also close to the training center.

Complete Your Paperwork Before Class.
Please complete all required waivers and training documents before arriving.
You will not be permitted to attend the workshop without first submitting all required documents, including your proof of liability insurance. If you don't have liability insurance, there are many affordable options. I prefer ABMP
Read my follow-up blog post about this here. 

Relax and Enjoy the Experience.
Most therapists arrive feeling a little nervous. That's completely normal.
By the end of the first day, you'll realize everyone started in the same place.
My goal is to create a welcoming learning environment where you can ask questions, develop confidence, and leave with practical techniques you can begin using in your massage practice.
Some students even turn the weekend into a mini getaway by exploring Plano, visiting a Korean spa (Dallas has several), or enjoying some of the area's excellent restaurants after class.

Ready to Learn Barefoot Massage?
Whether you're brand new to barefoot massage or expanding your existing skills, proper preparation helps you get the most from your continuing education investment.

If you're looking for Ashiatsu barefoot massage training in Texas, my classes are designed for licensed massage therapists who want to level up as smart clinicians, deliver deeper, more effective treatments while protecting their own bodies through efficient body mechanics.

I look forward to helping you take the next step in your barefoot massage journey.
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Browse upcoming Barefoot Massage CE classes in Texas and reserve your spot today.

​Other Links:
​Who is the Center For Barefoot Massage?
Explore Plano, Texas
Hillary Arrieta, LMT, Your Barefoot Massage instructor
​Hillary's official CBM page