I have provided a couple of possible routines how to foot massage below. They are designed around different concepts for someone with or without socks on. You may adapt your own style or method as you progress. Remember that there is no guaranteed massage stroke or move that everyone will love. Be aware of the eyes and facial reactions of the person you are giving a foot massage to so that you know if they are enjoying that specific technique. Giving a foot massage :

1. Fill a large tub with warm water; fill with Epsom salts and eucalyptus oil.

2. After soaking, dry off feet.

3. Do basic stretches with the foot; pushing the top of the foot away ( dorsiflexion) from you and pulling the top toward you ( plantarflexion ). If you need any help with definitions, you may review the foot glossary dorsiflexion plantarflexion

4. Warm up the foot by rubbing it all over and appling lotion or oil in a sweeping motion. Include the top, heel and arch. Gliding strokes work best. It is important to rub the entire foot first to warm it up. If you start to apply deep pressure to the foot before warming it up, there is a greater risk of causing injury cream on foot massage

5. Cup the foot with your hands and squeeze with the appropriate amount of pressure. You may move up and down as you are holding the foot cup hand on foot

6. Wrap your hand around the top of the foot, and then apply pressure with your fist to the underside of the foot. You can apply pressure by pushing in and out or in a circular motion.

7. Using your thumb and a moderate amount of pressure, start at the top of the foot on each side. Now glide toward the botom along the sides of the foot. There are tendons that run along each side of the foot, these can be good to stretch using thumb when giving a foot massage

8. Wrapping your hands around the foot from the front, squeeze firmly and pull upward alternating hands as you pull upward.

9. Rotate each toe starting the largest working to the smallest toes.

10. Finish giving a foot massage with a few sweeping strokes before finishing and gently resting your hands on the feet.

dorsiflexion ask the patient to pull the top of his foot up towards himself against examiner’s resistance

dorsal interossei muscles the dorsal interossei are larger than the plantar interossei. They sit in the fourth and deepest layer of muscles of the sole of the foot. The dorsal interossei of the foot are four muscles on each side which act to abduct the second to fourth toes from the axis of the second toe and assist in flexing the metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joints as well as extending the interphalangeal (ITP) joints

Dupuytren’s contracture of the foot Dupuytren’s contracture of the foot fibromatous nodules form in the plantar fascia and long plantar ligament, this condition results in a gradual tightening of the ligament and fascia. This may eventually cause marked clawing of the toes, and discomfort and mobility restrictions follow

eversion position the patient’s foot so that it is partially everted – then ask the patient to resist the examiner pushing it back to the neutral position

flat foot flat foot is a lack of the medial arch of the foot. The development of the medial arch occurs within 2-3 years of walking. In younger children the medial arch is largely obliterated by a fat pad.

flexor digitorium longus flexor digitorum longus is one of the deep muscles of the posterior lower limb. It originates from the posterior and middle third of the tibia below the soleal line, and the adjoining interosseous membrane. Its tendon passes inferiorly posterior to the medial malleolus and around the sustentaculum tali to enter the sole of the foot. In a plane more superficial to flexor hallucis, it divides into four tendons. These insert into the bases of the distal phalanges of the lateral four toes.

flexor digiti minimi brevis flexor digiti minimi brevis of the foot is one of the deep third layer of muscles on the plantar surface of the foot. Its action is to flex the metatarsophalangeal joint of the small toe. It originates from the base of the fifth metatarsal and the adjacent tendon sheath of peroneus longus. It inserts into the base of the proximal phalanx of the little toe on its lateral side.

flexor hallucis longus flexor hallucis longus is one of the deep muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg. Its actions include (but are not limited to) : flexion of all the joints of the great toe, plantarflexion of foot, supports the medial longitudinal arch

foot drop a patient with foot drop is unable to walk on his heels and cannot dorsiflex his foot.

foot gout Podagra is gout of the foot, but most specially the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. In severe cases the metatarsal-phalangeal and tarsal joints are involved. At these sites there is swelling, redness, heat and tenderness. Local treatment – not related to the systemic treatment of gout itself – involves application of anti-inflammatory drugs and resting the foot.

foot massage A broad term for applying the techniques of massage therapy to the feet. This is not to be confused with Reflexology (applying pressure to specific points)

foot warts these are deep-seated, firm, hyperkeratotic lesions on the sole of the foot. They may be single or multiple and are involuted as pressure prevents their normal outward expansion. They are painful due to pressure on nerves.

forefoot (19 bones) 5 metatarsals and 5 toes each with 3 phalanges (except the big toe with only 2)

lateral away from the midline

ligament fibrous tissue that holds organs of the body in place and fastens bones together

plantar interossei muscles the plantar interosseous muscles are part of the fourth and deepest layer of muscles in the sole of the foot. There are three plantar interossei and they are smaller than the dorsal interossei.

plantar flexion Ask the patient to push the top of his foot downwards against the examiner’s resistance

inversion position the foot as for testing eversion – this time ask the patient to resist the examiner as he tries to pull it back to the neutral position

2. Apply a moderate amount of cream or oil to hands to add to comfort and ease. Make sure hands are warm to avoid discomfort. Mineral oil is not absorbed in the skin, and it wipes off cleanly.

3. Begin by stroking top of foot, between cords located on top of foot at instep. Move in the direction toe to ankle. Then, continue by stroking sole of foot, first more gently, then increase pressure.

4.Make circular motions with your thumb and fingers over the sole of the foot, and use more pressure in areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. Start from the top and work your way down. Do not neglect the sides.

5. Hold the foot with one hand, use the other hand to rotate the foot, first at the ankle, and then near the ball of the foot. Be gentle. Repeat about 5 times in each direction.

6.Knead the sole by holding the foot with one hand and making a fist with the other, using moderate pressure into the sole. Give enough attention to the arch.

7. Begin with the big toe and working towards the pinky toe, take each toe individually. Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger as you slide your fingers down the toe to the end, applying gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.

8. Take your index finger and slide it between each toe about 5 times. To complete the massage, use your thumb and fingers to make the circular motions once again over the sole. End by stroking the sole and instep.

9. Wipe off any excess cream or oil with a soft towel. Slip into thick socks to retain moisturizing, or slippers will suffice as well.

10. Try to give equal attention to both feet, as the body abhors asymmetry.

* the tips of the toes reflect the head
* the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
* the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
* low back and intestines are towards the heel

He believed that certain areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body. This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology.

Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.

Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of “zone therapy” in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930’s into what is now knows as reflexology.

A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress. What will I feel? Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.

Reflexology shouldn’t be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.

Some areas may be tender or sore, and the reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.

If you’re ticklish, not to worry. The reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.

Why do people get reflexology?

* Stress and stress-related conditions
* Tension headaches
* Digestive disorders
* Arthritis
* Insomnia
* Hormonal imbalances
* Sports injuries
* Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
* Digestive problems, such as constipation
* Back pain

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.

Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.

Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.

What is a typical reflexology treatment like A typical treatment is 45 minutes to 60 minutes long and begins with a consultation about your health and lifestyle.

You are then asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. Otherwise you remain fully clothed.
]br] The reflexologist will assess the feet and then stimulates various points to identify areas of tenderness or tension.

The reflexologist then uses brisk movements to warm the feet up. Then pressure is applied from the toes to the heel according to your comfort.

Lotion or oil may be used.

How will I feel after? Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. They may even feel sleepy.

Occasionally, people feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process.

Precautions If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor first and let the reflexologist know.

Be sure to give the reflexologist a complete and accurate health history.

If you have foot ulcers, injury, or blood vessel disease such as blood clots, consult your doctor before having reflexology.