So you’ve seen the pics of me doing ashiatsu on my website, you’re curious and want the scoop. When I was in massage therapy school in Kalispell, each student had to do a final thesis on a modality that was not taught in school. One of my teachers mentioned Ashi, and also said there was no one in the Flathead Valley practicing this type of massage therapy. I googled it and upon seeing the bars KNEW this was for me. I loved the monkey bars on the playground as a kid, I am very athletic, agile, and have a keen sense of balance. I began researching my paper for school and planning how to implement this into my practice upon graduation. I spent a week in Portland, OR in May 2012 going through very intensive, all day classes. I have spent a lot of time and research in setting up my bars in a safe manner, and purchased a electric lift table that is a must for this form of massage.
There are benefits for me, Johnny Cochrane LMT, to practicing ashiatsu. Massage therapists often suffer from carpal-tunnel syndrome and a variety of repetitive stress injuries. Using my feet, in addition to my hands allows me to prolong my career. It also sets me apart from almost every other massage therapist in Kalispell, as I am one of only 2 people currently offering ashi here In the valley. It allows me to offer the deep tissue work that many people crave. Is it hard to do ashi? Yes, it can be physically challenging. Do I sweat when I’m up there? Sometimes. Do I get blisters on my hands? Not yet. So what is an ashi session like for the client?
I wash my hands before and after every massage appointment, and this form of massage is no different. My feet are cleaned and sanitized before the work begins. Due to the nature of some of the complete-length body strokes, clients undress completely and oil or creme is applied before the massage begins. Proper draping with the blanket and sheet are of course employed throughout the massage, but understand: there are portions of this massage where 3/4 of your body is undraped at one time. I work the entire posterier side of the body, including glutes, before the client is turned over on their back. Then the anterior side of the body is addressed, and I usually incorporate a lot of hand work during this portion. And as with any of my work, it is completely tailored to a clients specific needs. Ashi is simply one more of my tools, traditional massage work using hands, forearms and thumbs are incorporated in almost every session I do.
So now you know where to find the best result-oriented luxurious massage in Kalispell. Don’t settle for the same old massage work you’ve been experiencing here in this area. Step out of your comfort zone. You deserve it. See ya on the table,
JOHNNY C.