Contraindications

[Katie11]

Hello, I'm looking for some advice. I'm studying reflexology and have just started my case studies. One of the contras on our consultation sheet is metal implants. I've just found out, however, that one of my case studies has 2 titanium screws in her knee. My tutor feels that this may count as a contraindication to treatment. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? My tutor would also be interested to know the significance of metal implants as a contraindication. Thanks in advance

[paulakemp]

I have not had a client present this situation to me so far, but my opinion would be that it wouldn't be a contra-indication, as in I wouldn't not treat just because of that, it would be just something that I would need to know about, and I would find out how long ago they had the operation, and why they had to have them in the first place, unless there is other problems, I can't think why they couldn't have a treatment.

[Katie11]

Thanks Paula, the knee surgery was 3 years ago and the screws were put in then. Would like to continue using this client as a case study so it's good to get your opinion on whether you view this as a contra. Thanks again!

Katie

[Fudge]

I would ask your lecturer to justify in writing 'why' in their opinion this is a 'contraindication'?

In your clients history I would note the operation, find out when, why it was done, has it helped, etc, and note what your client says.

When you do reflexology, note what 'feels' different in and around the knee reflex area, maybe compare it to someone around the same age group, similar lifestyle. Whilst undertaking the treatment, I would be gentle, but firm, ask the client to say if something hurts or is uncomfortable and listen to what they say and 'read' their body language if they are not talkative.

There may be nothing significant but then again there may be a noticable difference. You may have to reposition your hand when rotating the foot. It is an ideal chance to explore someone who has had prior medical intervention - all of course with your clients agreement.

As for your lecturer, ask would he/she also consider someone having one leg or one arm a contraindication. What about if that person was born that way and wanted to experience reflexology?

Alternativly a trauma of some kind which led to medical intervention/s, loss of limbs, pins/plates, will all these clients have contraindications? If they do, refelexology would be a very restrictive practice.

I recall a few lively conversations, which went on in the pub after class.

Fudge

[Katie11]

Thanks for your advice Fudge. Think you're right and it would be interesting to see what, if any, differences could be noted. The client is eager to go ahead as a case study so planning on speaking with my tutor next week. I've been through various reflexology websites searching for contraindications regarding metal implants and have found nothing. It's very confusing though as the different schools have varying lists of when not to use treatment. I think my tutor is following the list she was taught but maybe it's time to review it. She does say though that you should follow your gut instinct and that sometimes it is best to err on the side of caution. Hopefully we can have a good discussion about it in class - although i think in the pub conversation might flow a little easier! Thanks again!

[Reikiman]

There are very few actual contraindications to giving reflexology although extra are must be shown to those who have had recent foot and/or lower leg surgery. In these cases give reflexology to their hands.

Care should also be shown to those with varicose veins, pregnant (unless you have taken a pregnancy and labour post grad course) and arthritic conditions of the feet.

In 16 years as a practising (and qualified, in case of any doubt) reflexologist I have never refused treatment to any client whatever their condition.

If you have any doubts about giving treatment to a client then obtian their written permission to write to their medical practitioner for advice and/or permission to give them reflexology. In instances like these, again, I have never been refused.

In this age of over caution and excessive health and safety too many people try to impose needless restrictions onthis non-invasive and excellent therapy.

Best of luck, Katie11, go forth and treat using your intuition.

[SoleRelax]

Hi Katie,

I had a case study who had a pin through his ankle and his feet were pretty much a mess as part of it had snapped and he has to at some point go for another op. The origial op was carried out 12 yrs ago.

I still continued to treat his feet but I just made sure I went very lightly over the afected areas.

Trust me the light treatments still work and I have had some really amazing rsults from it and in the case of above case study, he as fine and enjoyed the treatments with no side effects

[Patchouli]

Haven't ever refused to do a client due to "contra-indications".

I think it is time for students to question why something is a contra-indication and the justification behind this.

It is my opinion that reflexology helps to balance the body and is not in any way negative to the client.

If the tutor can't answer....why are they spouting the nonsense of contra-indications?

Research.......doesnt exist and anything else is heresay!!!!!

Time therapists started to think.

[gaiaholistix]

Here is a link to a thread from the student forum which was also about contraindications Could i have a little help here

I too treat knee and hip replacements and a pinned ankle happily and I have 2 titanium plates in my upper jaw and have never had any adverse reactions after a treatment.

[Urban_Hippy]

I've given refelxology to a client who had two metal toes. I've never heard of it being a contra-indication before.

It is odd to think your teacher is unsure of what they are teaching you.

[pinga]

The only immediate contraindications I can think of when giving reflexology are:

• contagious skin conditions, such as athletes foot, fungal nails, verrucas, etc (although, if you cover a verruca with a plaster, I consider you can carry on with treatment and going lightly in the effected area so not to cause any discomfort/pain)
  
• acute or severe attacks of arthritic pain or flare ups, only offering treatment to the effected areas in times when the arthritis is in remission. gout would also fall into this category.
  
• open wounds or broken skin still healing.

And even then, you can also offer reflexology on the hands, if the feet are contraindicated.

There are others that I can't think of off the top of my head, but generally common sense is what prevails when considering what a contraindication is in a reflexology context in my opinion. As well as what you feel comfortable to treat; if you're unhappy treating something, then don't - though I advise that you can explain your reasons to your client.

In the case of metal plates/pins - ask yourself what possible problems could occur from you giving someone reflexology who has them? What could reflexology do anatomically, physiologically or emotionally/mentally do to a body holding a metal plate/pin? If you can see a valid reason not to give a treatment, then obviously listen to that reasoning. Otherwise, do as mentioned before in this thread; note everything down when taking a full medical history from your client and go gently in the presenting area, etc.

Also, if in doubt, always ask the client to fill in a disclaimer or ask them to seek advice/permission from their doctor - as then you have covered your bases. Your tutor should have mentioned this to you, as well as showing you example documentation.

The fact that your tutor doesn't know, or certainly can't advise you any better does strike me as odd and concerning... Who is the awarding body for your reflexology qualification? Why not give them a call or pop them an email - after all, they're accrediting you and your case studies. If they believe metal plates/pins contraindicate, then ask them their reasons - as you need to know, so you explain to your client why it is not possible to treat them.

I'd be intrigued to know what the Insurance bodies think about this? And whether or not they have protocol or documentation as to what they deem a 'contraindication' as with regards to each discipline...? If they do, so far they certainly haven't offered it...