Although many people are aware of the relief massage therapy offers musculoskeletal pain, many folks are surprised to learn of the long history that reflexology enjoys in this area. Some people even think that reflexology holds an advantage over massage in addressing pain disorders, because reflexology can address both pathological and non-pathological musculoskeletal pain, while massage addresses only the latter.
In North America, reflexology’s association with pain management began in the early 1900’s, when Dr. William Fitzgerald, often referred to as the “father of modern reflexology”, introduced zone therapy into his medical practice. Dr. Fitzgerald successfully utilized reflexology techniques to anesthetize his patients for nose and throat surgeries. One of Dr. Fitzgerald’s many research findings also taught us that “when pain was relieved, the condition that produced the pain was also generally relieved”.
In my reflexology practice I can think of countless times that my services resulted in long-term relief of both somatic and visceral pain: headaches, neck and low back pain, plantar fasciitis, TMJ dysfunction, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains and menstrual cramps, to name a few.
In my own life, I can recall many occasions as well. One in particular stands out, when I had driven out-of-town to teach a weekend workshop. Rather suddenly I found myself with an excruciating toothache. During the workshop I worked constantly on the teeth reflexes on my hands, and was able to reduce my #9 pain level to a bearable #2, until such time I could get home to have it attended to. All of that without any medication!
Like massage, reflexology is divided into the relaxation model and the pain management model. Because I personally believe that relaxation is the basis of health, I choose to include instruction for both protocols in the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. In the program, students learn how to specifically address well over 50 pathological and non-pathological imbalances that cause acute and chronic discomfort and pain. When they have completed their training, these folks are well-equipped to help people seeking their assistance.
Some economists believe pain management to be recession-proof. That makes sense. People In pain will go to any length to find relief from their discomfort. They will look high and low for someone who can provide hope, answers and a plan that can restore function and ease. No matter the cost.
Those same economic researchers tell us that manual therapy is the fastest growing segment of the service industry. If you haven’t already, maybe it’s time you joined those of us who have dedicated our lives to helping others live their best life? The true reward for a reflexologist is having happy clients return to say they are living pain-free. Success like that is both gratifying and lucrative for any manual therapist.
What’s been your experience with pain management and reflexology?
Karen, way to go on the article this month about pain management and reflexology. I wholeheartedly agree that we, as professional reflexologists, have such an opportunity to stand out and stand up to share the compelling message that our services do provide solutions for pain relief often when all else has failed.
I have built my entire career of 20 yrs. in reflexology as a pain management specialist, helping people with fibromyalgia and chronic pain of all types. My entire family uses reflexology for every ache and pain that comes.
Personally, I so relate to your ‘tooth story’ as I recall being in flight on my way to lecture once when a neglected tooth began to throb. In minutes I was buckled over with pain throughout my jaw. I was to land in 30 minutes and go straight to the venue so I began reflexology on my hands. I worked my hand reflexes nonstop and right up to my taking the microphone. I breezed through the lecture pain-free!
With the concern over the ‘economic climate’ today, elevated stress levels and rampant pain in the market, I tell my students, it is a time of heightened opportunity. For those practitioners in business who are available, visible and passionate about helping others, the sky is the limit for being in this wonderful profession of ours.
Thanks for all you do and share, Karen!
Namaste!
Linda Chollar, The Reflexology Mentor
I so agree with you, Linda, that this is a time of opportunity. I recall a story I read once about Charles Revson who started his business (Revlon) during the depression of the 1930’s. He went door-to-door selling a red lipstick for 25 cents. He figured women needed some cheering up! Everyone thought he was crazy. Hah! He had the last laugh.
You will enjoy an article I will have in the online version of Massage Magazine. Check it out when it’s published.