A routine that is great for the massage table is a foot massage. A massage therapist would not be able to comfortably reach the client's feet if the client were in a massage chair. But if the client is lying on your table, no problem. Clients love foot massage. The foot routine is easy.

If your client is having pain in the legs, you will need to know how to soothe the leg muscles.

A soothing routine for tired, hurting legs is the calf massage below. This is also something that is suitable for a massage table.

A calf massage is a great way to soothe tired, painful legs. This is a massage routine best suited for a massage table as the client's legs cannot comfortably be reached by the massage therapist on a massage chair.

If the therapist massages the client's legs while the client is in a massage chair, the therapist will be uncomfortable at best and could possibly injure him/herself by having to bend over and stretch. This does not make for career longevity.

Begin by having the client remove both pants and socks. Have the client lie face down or prone on the massage table. Drape the client with a sheet for privacy above the upper legs. Apply lubricant to the back of the legs from the ankle to above the knee.

Perform effleurage from ankle to past knee, always moving toward the heart to keep the blood circulating properly. Effleurage can include the finger glide, palm glide, knuckle glide, and articulating knuckle glide.

Then use small-handed kneading from the ankle up to the top of the gastrocnemius, followed by large-handed kneading. Next, apply digital circular movements from the ankle up to the back of the knee.

Thumb digitals feel great on the gastrocnemius. Remember that this muscle has two heads so be sure and do both the right and left sides of the back of the leg to hit both heads for total relief.

Use articulating knuckles next up both sides.

Now use deep circular friction and then perform cross fiber friction. Finish it off with palmar glides to drain the leg, pushing the blood up the leg, toward the heart.

This calf massage is so helpful in easing pain to the gastrocnemius and soleus on clients who have been on their feet all day long. A good foot massage would also help them to feel better.

Consider offering a package deal of calf/foot massage for a low price, especially to people who stand all day long. This could include teachers, doctors, nurses, maids, janitors, and so many others who work on their feet for eight to ten hours a day. It would be so appreciated!

Foot massages will be a favorite with your clients, especially those who are on their feet all day. Teachers, nurses, and sales people, cooks, waitresses, and cashiers all love having their feet massaged. Who doesn't?

This will not be something you can do in a massage chair. You must use your massage table so that you, the massage therapist, are comfortable. Remember that the aim is to keep you healthy so that your career can last for years. Too many massage therapists do stupid things to injure themselves and have to quit after a few years in the business. Always work smart.

I have received e-mails telling me the leg and footwork can be done in a massage chair after I have written that it should not. Please do yourself a favor and do not listen to those who say it can be done in a massage chair. Yes, anything CAN be done, but why would you do it and risk injury to yourself by stretching and bending in an unsafe manner? Does this make sense to you? They will find out for themselves after a while....

You will use a lubricant with this routine. Apply cream on the top and bottom of the foot, moving towards the heart. Use a drain stroke once the cream has been applied.

Start with your digitals moving in a circle on the ankle bones, five to ten times. Then glide with the sides of your thumbs under the ankle bones.

Use small-handed kneading with one hand to the heel and then palmar glide the bottom and top of the foot.

Follow with thumb digital to the top and then the bottom of the foot.

Now for the toes. If the client is a female, start with the pinky toe and move towards the big toe. For a male, start with the big toe and move towards the little toe. I learned that order in massage school. Not exactly sure why, but that is what was taught to our class. Digital knead to each toe and then give a gentle pull with a twist all at once. Do not cause pain. Work digitally between each toe.

Apply thumbs to the ball of the foot, both up and down and side to side. This may tickle so do not do lightly. Then do the same to the middle of the foot. Do not push hard or you may cause pain to the tendons. Then lift the foot and use palmar kneading on the heel.

Step to the side of the table and grab the ankle in one hand and knuckle the bottom and top of foot with the other hand. Then place hands on both sides of the foot and roll foot with your palms. Do not roll the toes.

To end the foot massages, do a palmar drain stroke on the bottom and the top of the foot toward the heart.