reflexology

[captainbovine]

has anyone tried reflexology for back problems? I would be very interested to know what results they had.

I fankyou xx

[1956glyn]

Hiya.

2 years ago i had a fairly serious back injury in a supermarket where the staff member lost control of a loaded pallet  ...took me a year to get over it 😞     I ended up at the Priory Birmingham to see a Specialist.    The only thing i was recommended was lots of physio.  

I still have some problems so i too would be interested to hear about reflexology 🙂

Do you know roughly how much reflexology costs as my physio locally was £75 for 30 mins?

[john.b74]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw=ultrasound+machines&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570...  I have used these for pain relief

[aandreab1234]

...it's worth a go if you are suffering as its a non-intrusive complementary therapy.

Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving application of pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the body

There is no convincing evidence that reflexology is effective for any medical condition.

physio is the most recommended therapy, as its proven to work.

...just avoid popping pills as the mask problems and cause more long term 😞

[dark_castle1]

not me CB but I always thought reflexology was getting slapped on the face and saying "ouch".      

[1956glyn]

Thats what the Specialist told me.....do not mask pain because thats your bodies way of telling you to stop before you do further damage.

[ed_blackadder_1]

I have always found physio helps but not thought about reflexology. I was always told by physio to take anti inflammatory pils as these can help.

Have you tried a tens machine, I have one and sometimes it's a life saver.

[aandreab1234]

...that would defo take the emphasis off the back pain!!! lol

[captainbovine]

yes Ed I have one maybe I don't use it often enough.

I have been taking Zapain, but they dont' really help except when I'm doing my job as I have to walk a lot.

I know someone who has been to a reflexologist for sciatica, she said it cured her in 4 days but I'm not so sure, as she is a bit of a wuss, it could have just been a bit of a pulled muscle?

Jury is still out here, I'm not sure wether to give it a try.

Oh btw, it's about £30 for 40 mins around here....

[aandreab1234]

...anything containing codeine is very addictive and not really ideal for the long term. Physio isn't a quick fix and it takes many months, sometimes years to deal with certain complaints, obviously. Depending on the severity?

unless you give the reflexology a go...you will never know if its beneficial?? Nothing ventured, nothing gained...as they say!

The zapain is a mixture of paracetamol and codeine...by adding the recommended dose of ibuprofen might make all the difference. You can take both at the same time. The ibuprofen acts as the anti-inflammatory by reducing the hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Always read the label don't consume on an empty stomach. (Both only short term)

...book a routine appointment with your GP, they will be able to advise whether or not its something they would recommend? You could also ask about a physiotherapy referral whilst you were there as there are sometimes waiting lists! 

Disclaimer: I am not a professional nor do I claim to be (I just read lots...)

hope this helps...sort of morphed into a disjointed rant of sorts?? lol

[1956glyn]

There is an average wait of 3 to 6 months on the NHS where i live for physio  ....... and i couldnt wait that long

[aandreab1234]

...there seem to be waiting lists for the majority of services. Even if you are undecided about the physio route, getting your name on the waiting list won't hurt any...you can always cancel the appointment when it eventually arrives or go along with an open mind? 

Other things might work...however, always (where possible) keep your options open and have a plan B 🙂

The GP might be able to give you an indication on waiting times??? 

[1956glyn]

Another option is go part private and part NHS.

If you can afford it book a couple of sessions for physio privately while you are waiting for some on the NHS.

Your Dr. wont like it so dont tell them lol

[aandreab1234]

...good thinking 1956glyn, be sneaky 😉

think of it as a covert mission "operation mend-back" lol

[john.b74]

Give it a try and see what happens, hope it turns out ok for you.

[captainbovine]

I have had this sciatica for over 12yrs now. Sometimes it goes but mostly it stays!

I have tried an exercise with a tennis ball and it seems to be doing the trick...I was doubtful but it has relieved it a great deal.

I have been taking the Zapain and the anti inflammatories together but I have gastritis a lot and can't take a.i's for a long session.

today has been good, I can get up and take a first step after sitting down without looking like I'm 90 hahahaaa.

thanks for the input guys x

[soppysofty]

The jury is out on reflexology but have a long, serious look at Chinese medicine.

They use a combination of herbal remedies, acupuncture, cupping and massage.

Every town will have at least one Chinese practitioner so they are well worth checking out.

Western medicine is around 350 years old and is still learning and growing, Chinese medicine is at least 7500 years old!

If it did not work would it still be around after that long?

I have had problems with my upper back and shoulders for years now (about 10 years and counting) and traditional remedies (doctor, painkillers, physio etc) have had very little success and I was in pain and had restricted movement for nearly 9 years.

1 year of zero medical intervention and a weekly session with my local Chinese practitioner (£48.00 a time) and I am already improving and can work with very little pain.

My practitioner reckons that it takes a year to rid the body of the damage caused by medical intervention and about another year for me to be 'cured'.

So far the Chinese approach has made a significant difference and is costing less than my prescriptions etc. from the doctor.

And I feel healthier and fitter for it.

Well worth a look at in my opinion.

[wizilizi]

I find reflexology wonderfully relaxing

I haven't used it for anything specific, however - just had the odd session now & then as an alternative to massage when I'm all knotted up

For specific pain - I had a serious hamstring injury - I would always recommend Physio though

[john.b74]

.

[chickengrandma-2008]

My daughter went to a chiropractor with her sciatica.  She had two sessions about 18 months ago and she hasn't had it since. :0