A randomised controlled study of reflexology for the management of chronic low back pain
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for lower back pain, explained
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) continues to rise. However, questions regarding the efficacy of many CAM therapies for CLBP remain unresolved. The present study investigated the effectiveness of reflexology for CLBP. A pragmatic randomised controlled trial was conducted. N=243 patients were randomised to one of three groups: reflexology, relaxation, or non-intervention (usual care). All completed a questionnaire booklet before and after the treatment phase, and at six months follow up. This measured their general health status, pain, functioning, coping strategies and mood. After adjusting for pre-treatment scores repeated measures ANCOVA found no significant differences between the groups pre and post treatment on the primary outcome measures of pain and functioning. There was a main effect of pain reduction, irrespective of group. Trends in the data illustrated the pain reduction was greatest in the reflexology group. Thus, the current study does not indicate that adding reflexology to usual GP care for the management of CLBP is any more effective than usual GP care alone.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about lower back pain
- ✓The study found no significant differences in pain and functioning outcomes between reflexology, relaxation, and usual care groups in patients with chronic low back pain.
- ✓All treatment groups experienced pain reduction regardless of group assignment, suggesting a non-specific treatment effect rather than reflexology-specific benefits.
- ✓This randomized controlled trial of 243 participants provides evidence that reflexology's effectiveness for chronic low back pain is not superior to relaxation or standard care.
What This Means for You
If you're considering reflexology for chronic low back pain, this study suggests it's unlikely to be more effective than your regular doctor's care, though it may offer some benefit as a complementary approach.
What This Means for Practitioners
While this RCT found no significant advantage of reflexology over usual care for chronic low back pain, trends showed the greatest pain reduction in the reflexology group, indicating potential value that warrants further investigation with larger or more targeted studies.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Reflexology for lower back pain: common questions
Does reflexology help with lower back pain?
If you're considering reflexology for chronic low back pain, this study suggests it's unlikely to be more effective than your regular doctor's care, though it may offer some benefit as a complementary approach.
What did this study find?
The study found no significant differences in pain and functioning outcomes between reflexology, relaxation, and usual care groups in patients with chronic low back pain. All treatment groups experienced pain reduction regardless of group assignment, suggesting a non-specific treatment effect rather than reflexology-specific benefits. This randomized controlled trial of 243 participants provides evidence that reflexology's effectiveness for chronic low back pain is not superior to relaxation or standard care.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 243 participants. It was published in European journal of pain (London, England). Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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