An Ashiatsu or back-walking massage feels like slow, heavy, warm pressure rolling along your back. It is deep, but spread out rather than pointed. At May Thai Therapy in Woolmer Green, 10–15 minutes from Stevenage, Ashiatsu (walking on the back) can be included in any massage on request, and it is one of our most popular requests.
The short answer
Back walking is Ashiatsu: your therapist uses their bare feet to massage you while you lie face down. Expect firm, broad, rhythmic pressure on the back, glutes and legs, combined with hand massage on the rest of the body. You can add it to any treatment, from Traditional Thai to deep tissue or aromatherapy.
What a session feels like, step by step
- Check-in: a quick chat about pressure, problem areas and any health conditions.
- Warm-up by hand: your therapist loosens the muscles first.
- Foot work: long gliding strokes with the sole of the foot along the back, then focused pressure with the heel on tight areas such as the lower back and glutes.
- Feedback: your therapist checks in. Say "lighter" or "firmer" at any time.
- Finish by hand: neck, shoulders, arms and head, then time to rest.
Why people love it
- Very deep pressure that still feels comfortable.
- Large areas of tension are worked quickly.
- Many clients who say other massages "aren’t strong enough" choose it.
“I really enjoyed my Deep Tissue Massage at May Thai Therapy. The treatment was excellent, and Cindy was friendly and professional throughout the visit. Cindy is a very strong lady 😉Highly recommended.”
Kev Mayger, Google review, 30 Sep 2026
Who it suits and who should skip it
Good for: people who like firm pressure, desk workers, drivers and active people. Skip it if you are pregnant, have osteoporosis, disc problems or recent back surgery, or have been told to avoid deep pressure. Tell us about health conditions when you book and your therapist will use hands instead.
Price
Ashiatsu is included in your massage: most 60-minute massages are £70 and 90 minutes £105. See the full price list.
Getting here from Stevenage
We are about 10–15 minutes’ drive from Stevenage: south on the B197 through Knebworth, or A1(M) to junction 6 then the B197 north. Details on our Thai massage near Stevenage page. New to Ashiatsu? Start with What is Ashiatsu massage?
A closer look at the session
Before you lie down
Your therapist will ask where you feel tight, whether you have had any injuries or surgery, and how firm you like your massage. This is the moment to mention bone conditions, disc problems or blood thinners, because Ashiatsu is not suitable for them. If you are unsure whether you will like foot pressure, say so. Your therapist can start with just a few minutes on the back and build from there.
The warm-up
Muscles respond better to deep pressure once they are warm, so the session usually starts by hand. For oil treatments this means long strokes along the back. For Traditional Thai it means rhythmic palm pressure through clothing. This also lets your therapist feel where the tight areas are.
The foot work
When the therapist moves to their feet, most people notice two things. The first is weight: the pressure feels heavy and slow rather than sharp. The second is coverage: a foot can sweep from the lower back to the shoulder blade in one stroke, so large areas are worked evenly. Heels can be used for more focused pressure on the glutes and thighs, and the arch of the foot can follow the curve of the back muscles. The spine itself is avoided, and pressure is applied to the muscles on either side.
The finish
Areas that need precision, such as the neck, the tops of the shoulders, the arms and the scalp, are finished by hand. Take a minute or two to sit up slowly afterwards, and have a drink of water before you drive home.
Ashiatsu for different people
- Desk workers: long foot strokes across the upper and lower back help with the all-over tightness that comes from sitting, while hand work targets the neck and shoulders.
- Drivers and commuters: lower back and glutes are often the focus. Combine with deep tissue.
- Runners and cyclists: calves, hamstrings and thighs suit broad foot pressure. Avoid booking deep work the day before a race (timing guide).
- People who "never feel it": if you usually ask for more pressure, Ashiatsu is often the answer.
- First-timers: start with a normal massage and ask to try a short section with the feet. There is no obligation to continue.
Which massage should you add back walking to?
- Deep tissue (60 min £70, 90 min £105): the most popular pairing for clients who want the strongest pressure.
- Traditional Thai: clothed, with stretches. Foot pressure fits naturally with Thai technique.
- Sports massage: good for runners’ calves and hamstrings (not on injured areas).
- Aromatherapy: for a slower, more relaxing back-walking session with your choice of oil.
- Couples massage: either person can ask for it. You do not both have to.
60 or 90 minutes?
In 60 minutes your therapist can combine foot work on the back and legs with a full-body hand massage. In 90 minutes there is time for longer foot work, extra attention on problem areas and a slower finish. If you are travelling from further away, such as Hertford or Letchworth and Baldock, many clients choose 90 minutes.
What clients say about strong pressure
“We have tried numerous massages and since we have been here we would only ever come back for this. Great strength and work in area needed”
Andrew Plant, Google review, 22 Sep 2026
“I developed a painful back over the weekend and one treatment later my back feels as good as new. Nancy was friendly, professional and gave great post-treatment advice.”
Carol Harris, Google review, 28 Sep 2026
These are real Google reviews of our massages. They do not specifically mention Ashiatsu.
Common worries, answered
- "Will the therapist’s full weight be on me?" No. Your therapist controls how much weight they use and builds up gradually.
- "What if it is too much?" Say "lighter" and they will ease off or switch to hands.
- "Is it hygienic?" Our salon is kept clean, and you can ask any questions before you start.
- "I have never had a strong massage before." Start with a normal massage and ask to try a little Ashiatsu on the back. You can stop at any time.
Travel times to Woolmer Green
| From | Distance by road | Drive time (light traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Knebworth station | 1.2 miles | about 3 min |
| Welwyn village (AL6) | 2.1 miles | about 5 min |
| Stevenage town centre | 4.3 miles | about 10 min |
| Welwyn Garden City centre | 4.8 miles | about 11 min |
| Hatfield town centre | 7.5 miles | about 13 min |
| Hertford town centre | 7.6 miles | about 16 min |
| Baldock | 11.2 miles | about 18 min |
| Letchworth Garden City | 11.2 miles | about 19 min |
Distances and times are route estimates from OpenStreetMap data (OSRM) without traffic. Allow extra time at peak hours.
From Knebworth station: the salon is about 1.2 miles by road (a 3-minute taxi or drive), or roughly 25 minutes on foot via Station Road and the B197 (London Road). Knebworth is on the Great Northern line from London King’s Cross and Moorgate.
Read next: Is Ashiatsu safe? · Ashiatsu massage in Hertfordshire
How to book and find us
May Thai Therapy is at 11 London Road, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6JE, open 7 days a week, 10am–8pm. You can book online 24/7, call or WhatsApp 07360 276999, or walk in (we welcome walk-ins, but a quick call first avoids a wait). Parking: our own car park behind the shop (6 spaces), plus free street parking in the adjacent roads.
Frequently asked questions
What is back-walking massage?
Back walking is another name for Ashiatsu: a massage where the therapist uses their bare feet to apply deep, broad pressure along your back and legs.
Can I have back walking with any massage?
Yes. At May Thai Therapy, Ashiatsu (walking on the back) can be included in any massage on request. It is very popular.
How far is May Thai Therapy from Stevenage?
About 10–15 minutes by car via the B197 through Knebworth, or the A1(M) to junction 6.
Will I be sore afterwards?
Some tenderness the next day can happen after any deep massage. Drink water and keep moving gently. Tell your therapist if you want lighter pressure.
Is back walking safe?
For most healthy adults, yes. It is not suitable during pregnancy, with osteoporosis, after recent back surgery or with disc problems. Tell us about health conditions when you book.