Is it wise to give reflexology treatment to a client on medications, if not why not? Please help im new to this and doing paper on containdications
Is it wise to give reflexology treatment to a client on medications, if not why not? Please help im new to this and doing paper on contraindications
Hi
I assume you are training?? Can you say what kind of course you are on??
You will find that so many people are on medication it would be impossible to have a career in reflexology if you couldn't treat them.
Consider this, if the medication has improved homeostasis, ie hypertensive drugs taken for high blood pressure, and normalised the condition, then it is unlikely that reflexology would cause a problem. But having said that there is a potential for hypertensive drugs to cause hypotension if the client's blood pressure dropped. But if the reflexology is conducted properly than this is as I said unlikely.
May be cautious with diabetes mellitus but you would make sure that the clients had medication, sugar snack, check their blood sugar etc etc. But many diabetics in reality receive reflexology with no side effects. Same goes for asthmatics.
Then there is the usual don't treatment a client in their 1st trimester of pregnancy due to instability with the foetus and the risk of miscarriage. (Yeah right show me the evidence.)
'Cause I did reflexology in 1997 I have developed my own opinions based on clinical experience than nonsense printed in books, so it's hard to give you the standard line about contradictions. Better to ask a recent student/graduate, they know how to jump though the hoops!! Many items in the contradiction list is to protect the student during their case studies than actual problems preventing treatment like foot ulcers, severe inflammation, recent lower limb injuries, infectious diseases and so forth.
RP
Alternatuve therapies
Thanks for your reply I'm doing assigments on contrindications and the theories
Hi cRc again. If you explained more about what course you are doing, whether it's a degree module, Level 3 professional course, distant learning course etc, you might find more people will help you. Saying I'm doing an assignment doesn't help to focus replies.
Course
I'm doing a diploma in Alternative therapies so just trying to find what information would constitute a contraindications for epileptic sufferers. I would have thought it would be a similar answer across the board but apparently not!!
It's a nine field ... But thanks for your replies
I'm doing a diploma in Alternative therapies so just trying to find what information would constitute a contraindications for epileptic sufferers. I would have thought it would be a similar answer across the board but apparently not!!
It's a nine field ... But thanks for your replies
I am NOT a reflexologist but I d other therapies and as a general rule I would be cautious with anyone who was newly diagnosed - as they may not be well controlled - or anyone who says during the intake process that they are unstable or have regular fits.
My fear would be that they would have a fit during the session.
I would happily give reiki to a stable epileptic - but would be a lot more cautious with hypnotherapy and indian head massage . But I would not see epilepsy as a total contraindication to either
If you need any help with any of the dugs they are on........feel free to pm me!!
Thank you
Thanks to everyone for taking time out to help me I'm in no doubt I will continue to ask more as my assignments come up
As T says epilepsy wouldn't necessarily be a total contraindication.
A stable epileptic shouldn't have any problems with reflexology. The theory of reflexology suggests that working the reflexes help to create/maintain homeostasis, so someone with epilepsy wouldn't necessarily be exempt from treatment. Each client has to be evaluated for suitability for treatment during the consultation on an individual basis. So it may be decided, for example, that the effect of reflexology may be too strong for an hour treatment and may be a half hour treatment is more suitable.
So what if the client may have a fit/episode/seizure (whatever the lingo is these days)? I would treat an epileptic on a mat, as I would be more concerned about their physical wellbeing falling off the couch!!
The reality for reflexologists is that we cannot predict reactions and outcomes in any treatment. All we can do is be mindful of our pressures, relate to our clients compassionately, and look out for red flag symptoms.
One other thing to mention is that even though there are potential contraindications, reflexology can be used if there is CI with other massage/bodywork/manual therapies, as reflexologists work distal points away from the site of the problem. And if there is an infection or injury, say to the foot, then the equivalent reflexes on the hands and ears can be used 🙂
RP
reflexology
I'd like to thank everyone escpecially RP