Venues offering Foot and Leg Massage

Foot and leg massage is a localised massage that works the muscles of the sole of the foot, the ankle, the calf and the thigh. It is offered as a short session to ease the tiredness and heaviness that come from standing, walking or sitting still for long periods. The movements start at the foot and travel towards the heart, that is, from the bottom upwards.

How is foot and leg massage done?

Foot and leg massage is mostly done lying face up, with a support placed under the knees. The therapist works the sole of the foot by pressing and rubbing with the thumbs, and gently stretches the toes and ankle. Oil or cream is then applied to the calf and thigh; long strokes are made from the ankle to the knee and from the knee to the hip. This direction matches the direction in which blood in the veins returns to the heart. No deep pressure is applied to the back of the knee or the groin area; you may turn face down briefly so that the back of the calf can be worked.

Duration

Foot and leg massage usually lasts 20-45 minutes. It can be taken on its own and is also offered as a short add-on after a hammam, sauna or pedicure. If you have tension in your back as well as your legs, a full-body massage may be more suitable; if you are looking for a short session for the hands, feet and head, hand, foot and head massage is also an option.

Who is it for, and who should avoid it?

Foot and leg massage is chosen by people who work on their feet all day, those back from a long walk or a city tour, and those who have just finished a long flight or coach journey. It may help reduce the feeling of tiredness in the muscles and temporarily increase circulation in the area. If you want more targeted work after regular sport such as running, sports massage is worth considering.

Because of vein health, the legs are one of the areas that need the most care in massage. In the following cases foot and leg massage is not given, or a doctor's approval is needed first:

• Sudden swelling, pain, warmth or redness in one leg: this may be a sign of deep vein thrombosis; do not have a massage, and see a doctor without delay.
• A history of thrombosis, use of blood thinners and advanced varicose veins
• Loss of sensation, a wound on the foot or circulation problems due to diabetes
• Fungal infection of the foot, an open wound, a recent fracture or sprain, a gout attack
• Leg oedema caused by heart or kidney problems

Because the risk of thrombosis rises in pregnancy, leg massage should only be done with a doctor's approval and by a therapist trained to work with pregnant clients; pregnancy massage is designed for this period.

How it differs from similar treatments

Foot and leg massage is most often confused with reflexology. Reflexology is based on applying systematic, steady pressure to specific points on the sole of the foot and is done clothed; foot and leg massage, by contrast, works the muscles, including the calf and thigh, with oil, stroking and kneading. If the feeling of swelling in the legs is your main concern, lymphatic drainage massage, done with very light pressure, is another option. A spa pedicure may also include a short foot massage, but its focus is care of the nails and the skin of the feet.

Questions to ask before your appointment

When making an appointment for foot and leg massage, asking the following makes it easier to choose the right session:

• Does the massage cover only the feet, or does it extend to the calves and thighs?
• How many minutes does the session last, and in what position is it done?
• What is in the oil or cream, and can it be changed if you have an allergy?
• Is there a consultation where you can mention conditions such as varicose veins, diabetes or a history of thrombosis?
• Is the session sold on its own, or as part of a package with a hammam or pedicure?