Reflexology

jam338 · 11-11-2007, 12:19 AM

On another thread (that I can't remember which one now, sorry FF) someone had asked me for more information about Reflexology.

My bodywork specialist incorporates this into her weekly treatments for me, and I can tell you that when I have more body pain I can feel it not only at the location on the body but also on the corresponding points when she does the hand/feet work!! Some bodywork specialist believe you can treat body areas by exclusively doing Reflexology; others (like mine) incorporate it into a full spectrum service. I think that getting bodywork is helping me, but I have to say that at first (before I get off the table) I am stiffer from laying for so long. But, once I get up and move a bit, about an hour, I feel much better.

The history of reflexology is East Asian in origin, but was also practiced by ancient Egyptians and North American Indian tribes. Reflexology, acupressure, and acupuncture are all based on the belief that the body is mapped into certain "body zones" (feet, hands and external ears are of particular importance). The key theory is that the termination points of numerous nerves end at the ear, hands, feet and are key in transmitting signals to the brain which then sends impulses to internal organs. The process is somewhat similar to typical tissue massage, with the added benefit of the of the impulse stimulus resulting in relief to the corresponding organs---not direcly to the muscles themselves. However, it results in deep relaxation which does help reduce strained muscles. Its an intriguing modality of treatment that is becoming more popular, though there is no conclusive data in western medicine to prove/disprove its theories.

BeHappy2 · 11-11-2007, 11:13 PM

Hi Jam338, Yes i had asked about more info on reflexology. I find this interesting, thanks. I had just went to my doc this week for my painful feet and another pill prescribed for me, Lyrica. I'd like to get away from taking so many meds. I'm definately willing to try this acupressure and/or acupuncture. You mention your Bodywork Specialists, would this be like a chiropractor? I see my Rheumy again in 2 weeks, maybe Rheumy can refer me to one, but do need to know is this a chiropractor. Sorry i have no idea on all of this but sure am willing to give this a try.
Thanks for sharing the info.

BeHappy2

jam338 · 11-12-2007, 07:16 PM

hi Be2, well I am not an expert in bodywork specialist certifications, but here is what little bit that I know. Look for a good certified massage therapist (CMT). Someone who is also also certified in Myofacial Pain Therapy (CMPT) has more advanced muscle training. Try to find one by recommendation as not all are equal. My sisters DIL is a CMT and while she is a sweetheart of a person, she is not very good CMT though she has a clients who just love her, so you just have to find one that produces good results for you.

I do see a chiro, but neither of them do any massage tissue work though some do. I would say if you can find one that does both you have struck the motherlode because chiros have even more advance muscle training than either of the above. Problem is finding one that will do both muscle and skeletal work. Muscle work is physically demanding and risks carpal tunnel so many chiros protect themselves against that risk by hiring in CMTs/CMPTs to provide that service. But there are still some goldmine chiros out there who do both, and are excellent! Look in the phonebook for ads where they list services provided, and make calls to office, ask what specific muscle work services they offer and WHO on staff provides it. You may have to have disrupt their typical autopilot we do everything spiel and get them to focus on very directed questions. I would say ask specifically about myofasical trigger point therapy. If they say huh??? or ask you what that means, just tell them to have a nice day and make the next call. Once you finally reach a provider who knows what it is, then ask if they provide services in accordance with the teachings of Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons. If they don't know who you are talking about then they have not had CMPT training. There isn't any credible CMPT who doesn't know of them. They are the FOUNDERS of trigger point massage therapy, and have written the 2 volume medical journals that trains both physicians and massage therapists about treating muscles and muscle related pain. Unfortunately the 2 volume manual is $150, so not very affordable. Any provider who says yes I was trained accordingly and I own the Manuals is likely to be a very good therapist since they have invested that kind of money to have a reference for treating patients.