Has anyone tried reflexology for their neuropathy?

Hi, @maria7521 - I thought that @margottaylor may have some input for you on reflexology for neuropathy, as may @johnbishop. @brightwings and @roch may have some general input on reflexology, as they have mentioned it before on Connect.

Have you tried reflexology to date, maria7521?

@maria7521, I haven't tried reflexology but am thinking about Myofasical Release Therapy as it has helped others that I know. @artscaping may be able to share how it's helped her. Here is some information on reflexology for neuropathy that might be helpful.

Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy - Massage for Neuropathy
-- https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/integrative-therapies/massage/

Reflexology in the management of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: A pilot randomized controlled trial
-- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462388917302405

Hello I’ve had 4 treatments of myofascial release for my neuropathy in both feet. It has helped the pain in my right leg and hip BUT not my feet. Having a reflexology session today to see if that helps.

Please keep me posted.

@geronimo1, Good evening. Just to check it out, I talked with my MFR therapist today about your feet not responding to MFR. She had a few suggestions.

1. You may have layers of fascia in your feet and it will take time to remove all of the restrictions and get everything fluid and moving again. Ask your therapist. 2. Make sure that the therapist is an Expert level and John Barnes trained. 3. She situates herself at the end of the table and places my feet on her shoulders while moving the fascia. 4. There is a foot massager that you place your feet on while sitting at a desk that I use and she finds very helpful. 5. Legs up the wall is a gentle yoga posture that helps move the fluid materials back down your leg with all of the valves open. 6. Once you have feeling in your feet again, the MFR therapist should give them some attention every week to keep the restrictions from coming back.

And from my yoga, mindfulness leader........ Take a meditation walk on grass or along a trail. Walk slowly and say to yourself Touch, Touch, Touch with every step. It is important to connect with the earth.

I hope some of these suggestions are helpful. It is only because of MFR that I am able to continue driving. It also helps your balance if you can feel your feet to the ground.

Have comfort and feel at ease today. Chris

Thank you soo much for all your suggestions I certainly will try them all out 👍👍👍

@geronimo1, ......and thanks to you for considering these responses from my MFR massage therapist. She really knows her treatment modality very well. Find joy today. Chris

Having weekly MFR sessions has given me a new outlook on life with how it’s helped with my back and nerve issues. I look forward to having them weekly.
Good luck

I have diabetic neuropathy that is beginning to affect my ability to walk, sleep, etc. I'm only 52 so I am trying get my arms (or legs 😀) around this before it's too late. Has anyone tried reflexology (foot message)? I had my first 45 minute session last week and SEEMED to get some relief the following day. My understanding is this therapy may, over time, open up the lymph system and increase blood flow.

A few months ago for vascular neuropathy, I had outpatient physical therapist who was doing some sort of (painful) massage to stimulate and open the blood vessels. I forget what he called it, unfortunately. For one maneuver, he applied physical pressure on both sides of my wrists, pulling the muscles around them apart to increase blood flow down the middle. He had similar techniques on the feet, but it was less easy to see. It's unscientific, but I found my healing improved. Who knows how much of that had to do with to the physical therapy. Later on I tried to get him back, but insurance would no longer cover the treatment. I've since been trying the same technique on my feet, but, I'm less keen on causing myself that much discomfort.

Anyway, his technique doesn't look at all like the Reflexology websites I see. What I see looks harmless. I think any stimulation you provide is likely to help somewhat, even if it's just a placebo effect. I found just massaging my own feet to provide comfort and to reduce some of the nephropathy. This has become a bit of a bedtime ritual, along with some callisthenics.