Massaging other people's feet can be a great way to relieve leg pain, for example from overburdening. Help your patient find a comfortable position and work from the sole of the foot upward. If it still doesn't heal, it's possible that the pain is caused by a health condition. If the patient's leg pain does not go away on its own, you should see a doctor.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Building the Foundation
Step 1. Learn basic anatomy
You should know the anatomy of the foot before giving a massage. The thigh muscles are made up of 4 main groups that extend from the pelvis to the knees, in the front, sides, and back of the leg. Knowing the location of the leg bones will also help because you can understand the tissue that connects muscle to bone needs to be massaged.
- The connective tissue around joints, such as the hips, knees, ankles, and soles of the feet, can be pulled, squeezed, or compressed.
- The hamstrings and calves at the back of the foot are notoriously tight and runners are common in the outer thigh, TFL, or IT band area.
Step 2. Know how to apply pressure
Start the massage with gentle techniques and apply light pressure near the bones and sensitive areas. As blood flow increases, the intensity of the massage can also be increased. Move your fingers and hands quickly and lightly or slowly and firmly, but not quickly and strongly.
- The part of the body used for massage can affect the pressure. The elbows usually provide the strongest pressure. Pressure from the palms and fingers is usually quite light.
- Deep tissue massage can be done by pressing the base of the hand, the thumb, placing one hand on top of the other, the knuckles, the thumb, or the forearm.
- There are various types of massage, including gliding, kneading, compression, friction, percussion, vibration, jostling and range of motion.
Step 3. Choose massage oil (optional).
If you want, you can use oil to massage your feet. The oil will make it easier for you to rub your hands and fingers on the patient's feet, and will provide a sedative effect. For a foot massage, choose an oil like olive, avocado, or almond. You can also use essential oils, or scent-infused oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree for aromatherapy.
Make sure the patient is not allergic to the oil to be used
Step 4. Find a comfortable position
To begin, help the patient find a comfortable position. For foot massage, the patient should lie in bed. The patient can stretch his legs forward. If you are only massaging one leg, you can ask the patient to lie on his side with the leg to be massaged straight up. You can also have the patient lie down with the legs extended and slightly elevated. Use a pillow to elevate the patient's legs.
Step 5. Talk to the patient
Ask the patient if there is a particular area that would like special attention. For example, if the patient feels discomfort in the thigh area, you can focus on the massage in the thigh area. You can spend more time in certain areas and pay extra attention there.
Part 2 of 3: Massaging Both Feet
Step 1. Start with the soles of the feet
Start with the soles of the feet and work upwards to increase blood flow, helping to relieve pain and pressure in the feet. Pinch the patient's feet between the palms of the hands. Then, pour the oil onto your palms and rub your feet vigorously for a few minutes. When you're done, give your foot a few gentle strokes from heel to ankle.
Step 2. Use long, gentle strokes on the outside of your thighs and calves
Move up from the soles of the feet towards the thighs and calves. For this area, use loose fists for long, gentle strokes. Move up from the soles of the feet as you massage. This move pushes blood toward the heart and increases blood flow.
Step 3. Massage the calves
Shift focus to the lower half of the leg. Run your hand over the shin area from the ankle to just below the knee. Then, move your hands behind your feet to the calf area and work your way down to your ankles. After doing this a few times, massage up and down along the lower leg using your thumbs to massage and scoop out the sides of the foot.
Step 4. Finish by massaging the thighs
Massage up to the thigh area. Make scooping motions with your hands on the outside and inside of the foot to stimulate the various muscles in the upper leg. Press the center of your upper thigh and gluteal area with your hands.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Precautions
Step 1. Be very careful on swollen feet
If your feet are swollen from a medical problem, work very gently. Be sure to check with the patient to make sure he is comfortable. Use as little pressure as possible when massaging swollen feet.
Step 2. Avoid massaging the inner thighs in pregnant women
If you are massaging a girl's legs, avoid massaging the inner thighs. Blood clots are common in this area during pregnancy and the veins can burst if massaged. This can cause serious problems and even be life threatening.
Step 3. See a doctor for chronic leg pain
Leg pain is an indication of a health problem such as a foot injury or a chronic condition such as arthritis. Although massage can temporarily relieve pain, it is important to have your foot checked by a doctor if foot pain occurs too frequently.
