Learn Barefoot Massage has introduced new advanced courses for massage therapists, now offering specialized training for Range of Motion (ROM), Hot Ashi, and Fijian techniques in addition to the fundamentals of ashiatsu barefoot massage. These programs are intended for professionals looking for alternatives to traditional deep tissue methods, which studies show frequently cause injuries to hands, wrists, and elbows.
For more information about these courses, visit https://www.affinitymassages.com/classes
Occupational injuries present a major challenge in massage therapy practice. Research published by the American Massage Therapy Association found 83% of massage therapists reported work-related wrist or thumb pain during their careers, with 57% experiencing discomfort within the past 30 days. A separate study by the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Body Work highlights that occupational injuries were affecting the daily lives of 60.3% of respondents, with 31% of massage therapists reporting a loss in income and 30.5% considering changing their profession.
Ashiatsu addresses these issues by using the feet instead of the hands to apply pressure. Learn Barefoot Massage explains that this method combines body weight with gravity, minimizing strain on upper-body joints. Additionally, because feet are larger and have rounder surfaces, they provide a more comfortable experience for clients while applying deep pressure across a broader area, especially compared to thumbs and elbows.
As an NCBTMB-approved provider, Learn Barefoot Massage offers a number of ashiatsu barefoot massage courses to help massage therapists who want to preserve their careers and avoid workplace injury. The Fundamentals course establishes core skills and will allow students to immediately integrate barefoot techniques into their practice; graduates will also have the option to advance their knowledge with the organization’s Intermediate and Advanced Barefoot classes.
Additionally, Learn Barefoot Massage offers specialized courses for practitioners who want to diversify their services while safeguarding their physical health; ROM training incorporates stretching techniques that help clients improve flexibility and mobility, while the Hot Ashi course teaches students how to combine temperature therapy with barefoot techniques for enhanced muscle relaxation. Finally, the Fijian course introduces additional specialized strokes and approaches - these are suitable for specific treatment scenarios, enabling practitioners to address a wider variety of conditions.
Interested parties can learn more by visiting https://www.affinitymassages.com/massage_therapists