reflexology

[Bluemoon2023]

is it safe to have Reflexology when undergoing treatment for GCA

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I could comment with my sceptical hat on and say since it probably doesn't do much, no reason why not! I used to be a subject for someone training, My feet quite liked it, not sure it had a lot of effect anywhere else.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

There aren’t many posts about it, so not sure it’s does a much to help, but no harm in trying.

[Blearyeyed]

A gentle foot massage or reflexology wouldn't cause an issue or flare in GCA as far as I'm aware.In fact, if you find the experience very relaxing it could help by reducing the tension in your body overall. Reducing Stress is an essential part of the Self Care that helps to prevent flares in pain.

Depending on what your other health conditions are it would be likely to help in a similar way for PMR too as long as you are sitting or lying in a way that keeps your hips and shoulders supported and relaxed.

Make sure if oils or lotions are used that they don't contain any aromatherapy or herbal ingredients that could affect your medications , a fragrance free, hypoallergenic option is preferable.

These treatments are a mindfulness therapy rather than a cure .

But it could differ if you have other issues with foot or ankle pain , or have peripheral neuropathy, or restless legs syndrome. In those cases , it might cause pain or discomfort in the extremities which could then trigger tension and pain elsewhere. It would probably be better not to have this type of therapy in those cases.

Otherwise, in the case of a pretty passive physical therapy like foot massage it is very individual.

It's probably worth giving it a trial , a shorter session than normal just to see how it suits you and letting your therapist know which conditions you have to ensure they don't do things that would affect other body parts.