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)