Reflexology for RA

Natalie1712

Hi everyone,

I've recently been having a bit of a flare up. I came off the methotrexate as we want to try for a baby. I've received a steroid injection from my physio which has definitely helped but my knee is still giving me a lot of bother. I go to my local hydrotherapy pool once a week too which does help too but my knee just isn't easing up. I've had a look online at different therapies to try and was wondering if anyone has ever had reflexology to help and if it worked? I've had it once before myself but that was more a relaxation session at a salon as I had a voucher to use. I'm fancying trying someone who really specialises in it and not just a normal beauty therapist but not sure if it would help? Any advice would be a appreciated

Thanks

Natalie

stickywicket

My guess would be that it's not much use but then I'm cynical about such things. If you read this report by Arthritis Research UK it deals comprehensively with complementary therapies and supplements and has a page on reflexology. file:///C:/Users/patbl/Downloads/CAT-report-2013.pdf

Natalie1712

Thank you both for your reply though stickywicket your link didn't work. I've done some research myself and I'm going to give it a bash. No harm in trying I guess and if anything it's meant to be relaxing so that will be nice. Will keep you posted

dalek

To be honest I never had much faith in alternative things. I would never take supplements or rub in potions unless GP recommended.

I did use acupuncture for persistent really bad headaches about a year ago. It took several months but did the trick. She warned me it would take several months as I had had the headaches for some time.

I had reflexology a few weeks ago. Very strange sensation tingling out of my big toes.

I don't think it will cure arthritis but because it might calm down some of 'side effects' it should make you feel a bit better, good at releasing tension.

And of course it can't do any harm and won't make anything worse.



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stickywicket

Sorry yóu couldn't access the link. If you still want it try here http://tinyurl.com/ljsbykw and scroll down to it. As I recall, the basic results of the research were that it might do something for back pain but no evidence to show it helps RA.

Sharon, could you tell me how to access that link from scratch, as it were. I tried the Managing Arthritis on the main menu then the complementary therapies page but it didn't mention reflexology. Hence my trip to ARUK

Rach101

Ive not tried reflexology but have thought about giving it a go. Ive been going for regular acupuncture which has been really good and got rid of my lower back pain 😊 Let us know how it goes xx

Rach101

Oops sorry about the huge face, not sure how I did that!

littlemimmy

I am a huge sceptic of such things, but my sister is a trained reflexologist and sometimes it really helps with a variety of complaints I've taken to her!

Also, don't forget that acupuncture was once considered a ridiculous alternative treatment but is now prescribed for some people!

However, I have a friend who is training in kinesiology, which is just beyond ridiculous to me! What a waste of time!

I'm glad you're going to give reflexology a go. Do let us know what you think.

TrishaW

I've not had reflexology for my arthritis but I did have it a few years ago as a treat to myself (along with a massage) after a car accident left me feeling very shaken up.
I had it at a clinic with a trained reflexologist (not just a beautician) and it was very carefully handled, with lots of medical questions etc first.
I must say it was rather amazing. The therapist sussed me out pretty accurately from my feet, and when she pressed certain areas were very tender...these were the hot spots that matched the issues I had at the time (many of which i hadn't mentioned)
Interestingly I was feeling very emotional and hadn't had a period for some time. The therapist detected my ovaries to be an issue and worked on them...my period started the next day! She even unblocked my nose by pressing on my feet.
So I would say, from my experience there may be something in it (and I'm a nurse and was quite sceptical). So if you are going to proceed go to a 'safe' place with properly qualified staff. And be prepared to suddenly burst into tears (as I did)...emtional reactions are apparently commonplace!
I'm not sure if it would help with your knee, but it may help your general wellbeing perhaps?

Natalie1712

Thank you all very much for your replies, some very interesting ones! I know it won't cure me but just thought it could help ease symptoms. I've managed to get an appointment tonight with a local woman who specialises in reflexology and she has very good reviews. She also says I will have to have a longer appointment to go over a questionnaire beforehand and so she can find out my problems etc. If anything I'm sure it will be relaxing so I'm looking forward to it! I will let you all know how it goes x

stickywicket

webmanager wrote:

Hi SW
you can access all our booklets and fact sheets in the publications section which is in the "do I have arthritis tab" here https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/do-i-have-arthritis/publications
let me know if you need any more informations stickywicket
Best Wishes
Sharon

Ah, that explains it. I've been looking under 'Living with arthritis' and 'Treatment, aids and equipment'.

Natalie1712

Hi everyone, so I had the reflexology last night and I have to say it was one of the most relaxing experiences I've had. She sat down with me beforehand going over a questionnaire and then got right into it.

I have to say that I feel it helped me, so much so that I'm going again next week. I'm not saying it cured me but I'm definitely less achy today than I was yesterday, and my morning stiffness wasn't as bad this morning as it has been the last couple of weeks.

Now it may or may not have been the reflexology and is just a coincidence that I'm feeling better today but I definitely feel it made a difference. I would recommend anyone to try it, and even if it doesn't help with pain, it's a nice relaxing experience and lets you forget about the pain and arthritis for an hour x

MissKat

I'm a bit late to the thread here (apologies!) but I had reflexology for a while to try and help my arthritis when I was trying to stay off the drugs between first and second baby.

As you say it was a super relaxing and lovely experience, if only to have an hour to myself! Would almost always nod off during the treatment! I have to say it didn't keep the flares away for me so I didn't continue it after a couple of months and haven't returned to it as it is rather pricey (!).

It is safe in pregnancy - they just need to know that you are / might be pregnant and they avoid the no go areas associated with pregnancy.

I also had it twice to try to induce labour with my second baby as she was 10 days late, but again, although a lovely experience it didn't help me in that regard either!

Enjoy the pampering I say, and see for yourself if it works for you. I think everyone has different experiences and outcomes from it. Good luck and enjoy [emoji5]


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[Deleted User]

Hi Natalie1712
so glad it has helped you and that you are feeling better today
Best Wishes
Sharon

18amandah

Hello I absolutely live for my session so of Reflexology
I have a failed hip replacement as well as my other hip which is bad and both knees.But I am so scared and I am a carer for my Disabled Husband.I also have crystal, healing as welRegards Amanda h