Massage Tutorial: Deep tissue foot massage techniques

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

Foot massages are one of the greatest things on earth

[@jacobTheeCreole]

U cute fr bro

[@sundaybest27]

Yep!

[@jacobTheeCreole]

@RS nah just gay

[@charles4291]

I've never had one

[@DemetriB0329]

@@jacobTheeCreole lol

[@JohnBKerkhoven]

Great that you not just focus on the patient, but also show how you can safe thumbs and energy, by easy tips to use your body. Cudos!

[@Flynn-Lives]

i thought the same thing.. im just here learning how to give my missus a foot rub properly lol

[@vitaR86]

So much great info. I'm a nail tech and have started to notice pain in the thumbs. I'm so glad to have found this

[@altareggo]

Thanks for this!!! I am a massage therapist myself, but you seem to know a lot more than i do, lol. I like the idea of "stripping" between the metatarsels! I like your thumb-saving ideas: could come in handy if i get a sprain in a thumb. I have very strong thumbs, so normally i use them to the best mechanical advantage i can. Something you might add to a revision of this video, is that the tendons that take the brunt of foot cramps, such as many folks get at night, are on the top of the foot about an inch to 3 or 4 inches behind the toes. Doing some deep tisssue work on this area can help relieve cramps - but advising the clients to drink more before going to bed, and when they do have cramps, is the best way to prevent and relieve them - well, the best way i have found, lol.

[@narkanaraa9345]

m )l)llll9909

[@narkanaraa9345]

lll

[@narkanaraa9345]

p999

[@narkanaraa9345]

)ll l)ll0

[@since1876]

Drinking more before bed is always a good idea!!! Oh wait...you meant water.... 🥺

[@rhondad1221]

This helped me alot as I regularly massage my husband's feet. Thank you!!

[@larsjensen9852]

Rhonda d your husband is one lucky devil😀🙏

[@janetjordan9424]

I would be asleep 2 minutes into this! Nothing like a great massage by a professional!!!

[@BUDDYCB4]

I love your technique. I find that I already do a good deal of what you’re doing when I massage other students and clients. I also try to get a sense of the natural contours of their feet so that my hands can glide along those contours perfectly and smoothly well at the same time giving just a small bit of pressure in the more meatier areas of the foot

[@hulabird]

Who in hell would thumbs down your techniques Massage Sloth? Baffles me some peoples' kids.

[@brandonbreaker7390]

id still like to chili dog ya

[@seriqua]

You've done it again, Ian. Saved my thumbs and rocked my world. Thank you! Note: I like to use the hot towel I had used on the foot before the manual work to give ankle traction. I just twist it longways until it's kinda rope-like (like the kind of towel my sister and I would whip each other with by the pool), wrap it around the ankle, and I lean. It's neat bc it surrounds the whole joint in pretty uniform pressure, something that's hard or really kind of impossible to do with my hands.

[@MassageSloth]

Ooh, that towel traction trick sounds really nice!

[@since1876]

Kinda like y strap for neck adjustments but much more gentle 😂

[@theodorthelionheart1992]

The way you massage is really helpful and relaxing. Thank you,sir

[@luciaivanovich9195]

You are the best therapist and a superior human being. Love and blessings every single day!

[@elizabethgreen1162]

Thank you so much for this video and the one on thumb care. I am a reflexologist and we are taught to do essentially everything you say not to! My thumbs are pretty aggravated. I am in Canada, and it is not necessary to have a massage background to practice reflexology here so I think we miss a lot of important info. I am going to start using some of your techniques right away, and go on a thumb vacation :)

[@karimsonsafehold9233]

I use the knuckles now instead of thumbs. It's about the same contact surface area, but since it is harder it requires more warm up of the foot tissues with hotstones and energetic vibration/impacts.

[@moshkid16]

I use a lacrosse ball on a table top to massage my own hands.

[@crystaldunham9605]

Thanks i am a massage therapist and thanks to a car wreck i have been out of work. I am going back so these videos are so helpful

[@MassageSloth]

Dang, sorry to hear it Crystal! Listen to your body, keep moving as you're able, and consider asking for a physical therapy referral if your doc didn't offer one. Feel free to email me or message me on any social media if you want to brainstorm. Oh, or join us on the forum (search "massage sloth clubhouse" on Facebook) if you want to crowdsource some ideas and support.

[@UniqueMasterpiece927]

I love love LOVE your videos and teaching techniques. Thank you so much for sharing your videos. I'm 7 years in the game and there is still plenty to learn.

[@MassageSloth]

UniQueMaSterPiecE1 Great to hear! Definitely let me know if there's anything you'd like to see in the future. Thanks for the feedback!

[@UniqueMasterpiece927]

Massage Sloth: Tips, Tricks, and Tutorials I hope it's not too much to ask, but I'd love to know more about arm mobilization. Specifically, how to gain confident control of the arm when the client is supine (to help them relax); and ways that bringing the arm of the table, when prone, can be effective. Arms are my kryptonite :-) Thank you so much, you are very informative.

[@MassageSloth]

UniQueMaSterPiecE1 Ah, lovely! I addressed some of that in my newest video, oddly enough! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p57Cqp55hrOpg7c I'll definitely have more on manipulating the arms of prone clients, I've been having some great results lately just by positioning them differently while doing back and shoulder work. Thank you!

[@UniqueMasterpiece927]

Massage Sloth: Tips, Tricks, and Tutorials I'm going to check that out! Thank you so much, you are awesome!!

[@afrovibes4510]

LadyMischief same here im 8 years in now. All these videos help keep me on my toes and elbows. Lol

[@constanceaigner8476]

This was SO HELPFUL to me! took a Reflexology course and almost NEVER give foot massages because it is so tough on my thumbs! I think I will try your techniques - thank you!

[@MassageSloth]

Great! Start slowly and listen to your body. It's okay if the work is tiring (switch thumbs often!), but if you're having pain, it's time to change some angles or switch tools. Reflexology is great, but you've got to do what's best for your unique hands!

[@marefazioli1213]

Always refreshing to watch his technique!

[@Atlas.abandoned]

Despite the fact that the word "sloth" is present on any level, (sloths are mildly frightening) I gotta say that you are extremely talented at teaching this grand technique! :) Thanks for sharing! Much obliged! Cheers!

[@MassageSloth]

De ClueHypnosis Much appreciated! And yes, they are. The one I'm hanging out with in the introduction video for this channel bit me twice. I just wanted to feed it and be bros!

[@JuanSJimenez]

What a great video!! I am learning how to give massages as a hobby, so this is great! Your voice is also very soothing.

[@reedmyrights5799]

Thank you for sharing. I appreciate it. I hope to ease my grandma's foot pain.

[@A26678]

What

[@baybladegaming]

I copied you and gave my mom a massage thanks man always keep the good work men thanks

[@michaeldooley5331]

Your videos are really great and your methods work like magic. I have been pulling out your stuff on fellow students and they keep asking me what I did! I start clinical s in three weeks and I am super confident! Thanks!

[@MassageSloth]

Michael Dooley Ha! I freakin love this. Thanks!

[@noelia8546]

I use your vids to help massage my mom and my mom says that it should be my job :).

[@cummywummiez]

Uh why are you massing your mom

[@elenagruber5953]

@@cummywummiez not everybody has grossed out relationships with their parents ;)

[@queenof2kings299]

I felt EVERY minute of that!!!

[@vgpriceless]

Giving foot massages is one of my favorite tx areas! Thks for all these great tips and reminders

[@ms.moniquebrown6754]

That looks like it feels AMAZING!

[@aprilmaefortea2094]

i like your videos my husband need this massage because of motor accident last december this video is a big help for me

[@rondab6390]

This was a great video. I've learned something new. I massage my husband's feet all the time and although he enjoys it, because I use my thumbs to apply pressure in the middle my thumbs gets tired and cramp sometimes. This technique I think he's going to melt when I try this 😊

[@wakeupandroar3488]

I was having a difficult day and you made me giggle... so thank you for that as well...

[@thepokekid01]

I am so fixated on how the nails match the drapes! That's attention to detail! lol

[@MassageSloth]

That's the level of professionalism that you can expect here at Massage Sloth!

[@marcbravo5855]

what

[@x..zapanta..x7554]

@@MassageSloth had jut

[@elizabeththeriault9984]

Lol highly underrated comment

[@Josh_Alzamora]

Awesome im a cosmetologist looking to better my pedicure techniques thank you sir

[@mattseefeldt6483]

Foot massages are very relaxing and I really enjoy giving them too.

[@IronMongoose1]

I hate feet. Yet this video has made me eager to work on feet! Thanks Massage Sloth! You're the bomb!

[@MassageSloth]

IronMongoose1 No, you are!

[@amina05829]

Massage Sloth great work! thank you for the tips!

[@ethangamingchannel239]

thanks this really helps me slot my mom is happy now and helps relive strees

[@mystic2780]

These are amazing techniques! I love your videos - thank you!!!

[@IslandMassageSchool]

This is pretty much the perfect foot routine! -Michelle

[@glennllewellyn7369]

Great stuff mate. Men, please consider doing this on occasion for you misses. It's worth it for you integrity.

[@enzerabowenzu5340]

I just tried it on my own foot. Is it ok to do on your own feet? They feel great!

[@SparklingJuice247]

It is ok actually! In fact, its recommended!

[@ge0theory]

No. Absolutely not. Under zero circumstances

[@lukabarisic7080]

​@@ge0theoryYup, my cousin Tiho died from that.

[@wlkf.727]

Love this video Ian. I didn't think about leaning backward. I hate giving foot massage because I have thumb problem from playing basketball before.

[@Fitness4London]

Great technique! Are there any areas you would advise not to apply too much pressure?

[@lindaelvenia7542]

I work in a nail salon and often do pedicures. Part of the pedicure is a foot/calf massage. Do you have any tips or trick?

[@MassageSloth]

I'm betting we could each learn some pointers from one another! Other than what's in the video, my tip would be to spend time with tendons and ligaments. Work on and around the achilles tendon feels great, and working with the tendons on the dorsal surface of the foot and around the maleoli can be surprisingly nice. For more, check out my intro to reflexology video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5y2m4d3dt-BqbM

[@jasonsheppard5778]

This looks amazing worked.2 jobs my life never had any kind.of massage

[@9ami837]

Maseru, vaša tehnika masaže stopala je zaista profesionalna, vama, mušteriji, jako je udobno.

[@rebeccamarx6566]

thank you for this. it was helpful. I have a client coming with severe hammer toe and has RA. He is coming for feet work. can u give me some suggestions..

[@CoreyBranigan]

A bit late to your tutorial but this is really great stuff! Thanks!

[@melan8edgoddess251]

Great video thank you! I love the traction at the end.

[@thetony8959]

What would happen if you used pressure at 4:50 mark? Bc my PT did that to me during my foot massage and caused a lot of pain and soreness. Felt like it was a bruise or black n blue. Also, idk if after the massage or massage gun but I have tingling in my feet and legs and calves now for like 5-7 days. My PT used massage gun on my calves. Anybody have any ideas? And will this tingling like pins n needles sensation go away?

[@karenhirst3379]

Me and my thumbs thank you for this!

[@JuanNava]

thx man I really learned from this video you explain your self very well.

[@theamethyst93]

As a person with flat feet this looks incredible. I'm trying to figure out what I can do to fix my flat feet besides having surgery. Considering seeing some sort of physical therapist or a reflexologist often. I don't know.

[@romainecalm1108]

Some chiropractors are skilled with extremity adjustments if you haven’t found relief yet

[@lauriefulks2675]

I just love your videos and you have such beautiful hands!!!

[@TaushaTW]

Thank you for talking about ticklish client's. One of the reasons I avoid getting massages is because of ticklishness. My back has to be hurting to the point of spasm before I let family massage it. Otherwise I laugh even though I need the massage before things get to that point.

[@michellebarnett4399]

Hi Ian : ) I really love how you take your time with your clients and when explaining your technique. For someone so young you certainly know your stuff!! You must have had a great teacher : ) My husband was in a motorcycle accident last year and has been in a coma ever since. I do his physical therapy for him. I'm not a massage therapist or anything but I have learned alot just from watching others on youtube. Anyway, he has very little rom on his right side...hardly any abduction at all of his right arm and leg. Would that be a joint problem or muscle?? Also his greater trochanter?? is VERY prominent on his right hip but i can't hardly feel the one on the left...maybe his lower back is out of alignment?? Can you give me some advice on how i can help him get more rom on his right side?? Thanks!! Keep making those videos!!

[@Mari-ck7pm]

Omg I can feel what he’s doing😭😭😭so nice

[@elizabethjohnson3704]

I loved this video thank you so much for sharing. I going to do this everyday until the edema leaves

[@abravehorse6873]

So nice sir the result is awesome

[@lesliejacobs1439]

I think it is great!..what if someone..like me has had bunion surgery..and a visible suture line from first great toe knuckle to mid ball of foot..and one sesamoid bone removed and one screw?..what should I not allow a massage therapist do do?

[@MassageSloth]

If it's only been a short time since the surgery, they should follow precautions for postsurgical massage (they might avoid the area for a while). If it's been months or years, they'll be able to work with your foot as normal with only a couple caveats: They may need to avoid the site of the screw if there is sensitivity nearby, and they may not be able to stretch your foot in certain ways that are prevented by the fusion of bone. So basically, certain things may be uncomfortable for you that aren't for other people, and they should follow your lead on that.

[@Sannoboy]

Lost a bet to give my gf a foot massage. Boutta be the best foot massage of her life

[@vgpriceless]

Smooth, sweet, and to the point!! Thanks

[@kimberlyyost6028]

Whenever I have an ache or pain, I don’t head to webmd...I think to myself...let’s see what Ian says 😆😆😆😆

[@morgantalewr6424]

Love the techniques, been trying to get better so I can do my boyfriends each night after work, this has been so helpful thankyou ☺️

[@ericschroeder3997]

Omg! Do you still do massage???

[@taemorrow1]

There are life savers and then there's you, a thumb saver. Technically I should say you are both because good grief I was using my thumb during foot massage way too much.

[@annasahlstrom6109]

My Mom has really ticklish feet, so having them massaged would drive her crazy. I'm a life-long dancer, so I really appreciate having them massaged, especially my ankles.

[@MassageSloth]

I'll have a video on this eventually, but some quick advice for ticklish feet (or legs, or flanks, etc): Start where the ticklishness isn't. For someone with ticklish soles, that might mean starting with a nice firm grasp of the ankles, then of the tops of the feet, then a broad grip that encircles the feet. Go slowly, no sudden movements, and just that little bit of "introduction" can turn off the tickle response for a lot of people. From there, move to one foot with broad, all-encompassing grasping of the foot (like in my thumbnail of this video), use slow but firm contacts, and eventually you should be able to work with the foot normally. Really, as long as you avoid that initial shock, you'll find that most people can enjoy foot work.

[@Boneyardbell]

I really wished she had waved with her foot. Thanks for the tips. Great video. Always learn something new. Peace x

[@OtownEman]

You're my hero. 👐🏼

[@laundrupatton208]

How long do you stay in minutes on one foot. And about how many moves do you do?

[@jazmynelane8767]

My man loved it

[@celmapereira4495]

You’re the best! Thanks for your sharing!

[@samuelp2733]

2024 still here

[@noboniakternoboniakter3398]

Hey you bludy chief busterd don't follow me 😡😡😡😡🦮🦮🦮🦮⁉️fawol commenter..

[@briandowling6663]

Then u have major issues. I suggest you go out and enjoy life.

[@gillatkinson6350]

Such a great help thank you

[@christinab6519]

This is how I was taught but the thing I don’t like about massaging the feet supine is I can’t massage the calf right before or after. Pros and cons to both!

[@Sheri-q6h]

This looks so good I think I'm gonna pass out

[@torimai1950]

This looks so Amazing, how relaxing ❤

[@jymbuss]

Where are you located or can you recommend someone in Los Angeles. This is an ideal foot massage

[@The444traveler]

Great tutorial!!!💯👍🏽Informative and soothing to even watch. 🙏🏽🔥

[@normelynquindo7512]

Amazing

[@snootyfox.indahouse]

Every Taurus in the universe should love this....

[@robcampbell1452]

My wife approves! Thank you!

[@Shareendanielle]

Hey I would love to become a client how can I because I trust you already lol 😩

[@arditarigan9795]

Shareen danielle 🐰 zzz

[@natalierich7554]

It has helped me sleep better and more open minded

[@ДмитрийР8ж]

That’s great that you stopped having racist dreams

[@VanessaNosolini200886]

Great! Love it! I will definity try this today with my client.

[@erikkillmonger5624]

The hand and knuckle pressure and the twisting that you're using looks very rough. That isn't uncomfortable for the client? Or does it look more strenuous than it is?

[@MassageSloth]

I find that most clients, even those that are more sensitive, appreciate a fair amount of direct pressure and tissue deformation in the feet and hands. This client, for instance, is one that I'd consider to have a "light-to-medium" pressure preference and this was fine for her. Definitely track the client's face and ask about the pressure the first time you try these techniques, and consider trading with another therapist. I think that my training in reflexology helped me realize just how tough the feet are!

[@judithanderson8071]

How would I find a therapist proficient in these techniques in Northern NJ and Miami? Thank you to any one who can help!

[@fatimaibrahim1185]

Magic of watching this vid: Im feeling like my own foot msg is going on...🌝😄

[@dihohentzollern3175]

i'm in physio-therapy,balneology,somatic massage,kinetotherapy bla bla school....i hate working with both feet and humans. zero tolerance for zoo too. your vids are great,your lessons even more so

[@memoryblack379]

as a child, i am my mother’s resident masseuse, and when we found this video (bc i know nothing about massages). well, i tried to switch to a different video and she HATED it. i had to switch back and redo her foot massages. so thanks, from my mom.

[@mabelbare8499]

Of all the videos i've watched, your tutorial is the best one cos its very thumb friendly. My thumb hurts a lot as much as possible i dont use it in a lot of things. But... ya see. Im typing a lot in ypur comment section right now 😭 ahahahah anyway, thank you so much for this! ♡ this'll help me from massaging my mom 🤗 love love!

[@077EJ]

Amazing and funny... I notice you massage table a tad bit low.. it that the normal height you use?

[@MassageSloth]

Thank you! And yep, I keep my table low so that gravity can do my work for me. Here's my video on the topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enisnHyLlJZ1pNU

[@mariakeenan4908]

Another great video!

[@MassageSloth]

Maria Keenan Thank you, ma'am!

[@ikmmv7551]

Can I ask about pain

[@scottr8588]

great instruction

[@khezeanicolekimlindo2302]

Very helpful!! Thanks for the tips!!

[@krisztiankovacs6377]

What if its not tendon or muscle pain more like nerves?

[@MassageSloth]

If you've got the tingly or burning pain that is characteristic of neuropathic pain, that can still be a soft tissue thing. In other words, if your muscles are clamping down on nerves anywhere up your leg (or higher), that can feel like nerve pain in your feet. You might try new activities such as yoga or resistance training (preferably overseen by a skilled trainer), or if your pain is persistent and interferes with your life, do go see your doctor. No matter what treatments they offer, you can also ask to be referred to a physical therapist for a customized regimen of stretching and strengthening. Oh, and if soft tissue is involved, massage can likely help.

[@eric18993]

1:28 Why did you only strip up and not down? Does it make a difference whether you strip up or down?

[@MassageSloth]

That's a good question. I strip up because it's easiest for my body and hands: dragging toward my body is easy, while angling a tool to travel from toe to heel would take some reconfiguring of my tools, and I'd have to stabilize the foot with one of my hands. Dragging toward me includes some free stabilization on the dorsal surface of the foot, it feels easy, and it feels satisfying to the client rather than fiddly or shaky. That said! If you've got some good solid stuff that heads in the other direction (maybe a fist on the plantar surface and a cradling palm on the dorsum), I got nothing against that at all.

[@eric18993]

@MassageSloth Thank you, your video is the best foot massage tutorial

[@dianacomerford9839]

Do you offer in person classes?

[@MassageSloth]

I do! massagesloth.com/myofascialswedish

[@Ictrocklive]

I l love your videos 😊

[@jamesfowler206]

Rachel west from Montrose, MI?

[@woman4163]

Thank you

[@joyb5525]

Great advanced technique. From retired Reflexologist in Ireland 🇮🇪

[@Flynn-Lives]

im just here learning how to give my missus a foot rub properly lol  grate advise thank you