Ashiatsu Massage Therapy

At Pinnacle Hill Chiropractic, our Ashiatsu massage therapy offers a unique barefoot massage experience that delivers deeper pressure than traditional techniques. Also known as DeepFeet Bar Therapy, this ancient healing practice uses the therapist’s feet, guided by overhead bars for balance, to deliver broad, consistent, and effective pressure. The result: deep relaxation, improved mobility, and lasting pain relief in a way that feels soothing, not painful.

What is Ashiatsu Massage?

Ashiatsu massage uses bare feet instead of hands to deliver therapeutic pressure. Derived from Japanese words “ashi” (foot) and “atsu” (pressure), this massage therapy technique allows our certified therapist to use parallel bars above the massage table for balance while applying gravity-assisted pressure with their body weight.

This time-honored healing practice spans over 3,000 years, originally developed by martial arts practitioners in India to increase recovery and flexibility. Today’s modern Ashiatsu technique combines these ancient practices with contemporary therapeutic methods.

Health Benefits of Ashiatsu Massage

Our Ashiatsu treatments provide comprehensive therapeutic benefits that address both physical and wellness needs through targeted pressure and specialized techniques. This technique is ideal for those seeking intensive, full-body relief with less discomfort.

Physical Benefits

  • Deep tissue relief without discomfort: Delivers up to 3x deeper pressure than hands-on massage
  • Improved spinal health: Releases pressure in the spine and decompresses nerves
  • Enhanced muscle function: Elongates and stretches muscles to improve function and posture
  • Better circulation: Long, fluid strokes stimulate lymphatic system and improve blood flow
  • Reduced inflammation: Supports tissue recovery and reduces metabolic waste

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Therapeutic Advantages

  • Pain management: Effectively addresses chronic tension and muscular pain
  • Increased range of motion: Dramatically improves flexibility and joint mobility
  • Faster recovery: Supports healing and reduces recovery time after injury or exercise
  • Nerve decompression: Movements along the paraspinals can relieve muscle spasms and free up bundled nerves

Prevention-Focused Care

Ashiatsu is more than just a massage – it’s a preventive, restorative tool. By working deeply yet gently, Ashiatsu supports long-term musculoskeletal health, enhances athletic recovery, and relieves chronic tension before it becomes a long-term issue.

Common Conditions We Treat

Ashiatsu massage therapy is highly effective for addressing conditions that require deep, consistent pressure:

Musculoskeletal Conditions

  • Chronic back pain and shoulder pain
  • Muscle tightness and spasms
  • Poor posture and postural deviations
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Fascial restrictions
  • Sports-related tension and fatigue

Pain Management

  • Deep muscle tension and trigger points
  • Chronic pain conditions
  • Recovery from physical strain
  • Muscle fatigue and soreness

Wellness and Prevention

  • Stress-related tension
  • Athletic performance support
  • Injury prevention
  • Detoxification and improved circulation
  • General maintenance care
  • Enhanced sleep

Who Can Benefit from Ashiatsu?

Ashiatsu massage is ideal for clients seeking deeper therapeutic work:

Ideal Candidates

  • Deep tissue massage lovers: Perfect for those who enjoy deep tissue but find it too uncomfortable
  • Active individuals: Athletes and physically active individuals seeking effective muscle recovery and maintenance
  • Chronic pain sufferers: Those dealing with persistent muscle tension and pain who need more intensive therapeutic work
  • Wellness seekers: Individuals looking for a unique, effective massage experience for stress relief and overall wellbeing

Those Seeking Specific Benefits

  • Clients who want deep pressure without pointy elbows and thumbs
  • People with large muscle groups that benefit from broad pressure distribution
  • Individuals seeking improved posture and spinal alignment
  • Anyone looking for enhanced lymphatic drainage and detoxification

Important Contraindications

For safety reasons, Ashiatsu massage is not suitable for clients with:

  • Pregnancy or trying to conceive
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Injury or surgery within 6 months
  • Acute liver, kidney, or immune disorders
  • Advanced diabetes
  • Certain medications that affect circulation
  • Recent surgical implants

Always consult with your healthcare provider and inform your massage therapist about any medical conditions before booking your session.

Our Therapeutic Approach

Treatment Approach

Every Ashiatsu session begins with a comprehensive intake to ensure the best therapeutic outcome:

  • Review of your health history and current conditions
  • Discussion of pain points and mobility issues
  • Assessment of your pressure preferences and treatment goals
  • Evaluation of lifestyle factors affecting your muscular health

Based on this assessment, we create a customized treatment plan that maximizes the unique benefits of Ashiatsu technique for your specific needs.

What to Expect

Preparation: Be sure to hydrate prior to your session. Your therapist will discuss your preferences and any concerns before beginning.

The Experience: Like a traditional massage, you’ll undress to your comfort level and lie on the massage table. Your therapist will use clean bare feet to deliver broad, flowing strokes while holding parallel bars for balance and support. Cream is applied to ensure smooth, fluid movements that feel relaxing rather than painful.

Pressure and Technique: The broad surface area of the foot distributes pressure over larger areas, reaching deep into tissue more comfortably than traditional deep tissue methods. Gravity assists in delivering consistent, therapeutic pressure.

Aftercare: To maximize the benefits of your session, follow these essential aftercare steps:

Ashiatsu vs. Deep Tissue Massage

The choice between Ashiatsu and traditional deep tissue massage depends on your comfort level and therapeutic goals:

Ashiatsu Advantages

  • Delivers deeper pressure with less discomfort
  • Covers larger areas more efficiently
  • Provides consistent pressure distribution
  • Excellent for overall muscle relaxation and spinal work

Deep Tissue Considerations

  • Offers more detailed, focused work on specific trigger points
  • Better suited for precise work in smaller areas like the neck
  • Uses fingers and thumbs for targeted pressure point therapy

Consider your specific needs and pressure preferences when choosing between these modalities. Our therapists can help you determine which approach best suits your therapeutic goals.

Meet Our Ashiatsu Therapist

Andrea Kleve, LMT

Andrea Kleve, LMT is our certified Ashiatsu practitioner specializing in therapeutic deep tissue work, chronic pain management, and autoimmune support. She offers a personalized, technique-driven approach to barefoot massage that ensures both safety and effective relief. Andrea’s sessions emphasize client communication, comfort, and therapeutic outcomes – helping you get back to the activities you love.

Schedule Your Ashiatsu Massage Today

Whether you’re seeking deep relief or improved performance, Ashiatsu offers a powerful, pain-free path to healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ashiatsu uses bare feet instead of hands, allowing for broader pressure distribution and deeper therapeutic work. The technique utilizes gravity and body weight to deliver consistent pressure that’s less painful than traditional deep tissue methods.

No, Ashiatsu is designed to provide deep pressure without the intensity of traditional deep tissue work. The broad surface of the foot creates a more comfortable deep tissue experience.

You’ll undress to your comfort level, just like in a traditional massage. Proper draping is always used to ensure your privacy and comfort throughout the session.

Frequency depends on your individual goals and needs. For general wellness and maintenance, sessions every 4-6 weeks are typically recommended. Chronic conditions may require more frequent sessions.

Yes, Ashiatsu is particularly effective for chronic back pain, muscle tension, poor posture, and conditions requiring deeper therapeutic work. However, it’s not suitable for everyone – please review contraindications and consult with our therapist.

For additional information, please refer to our Patient Information page.

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