Effects of reflexology on fibromyalgia symptoms: a multiple case study
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for fibromyalgia, explained
To explore the effects of reflexology on pain and other symptoms in women with fibromyalgia syndrome [FM]. Multiple case study method as developed by Stake was used to investigate the effects of reflexology on six cases of women with FM which were given ten sessions of weekly reflexology. Data were collected with observation, interviews and diary and then analyzed within cases and across cases. Reflexology affected the symptom of pain in multiple areas such as head, neck and arms. Pain started to isolate and decrease. Reflexology may be helpful to decrease fibromyalgia symptoms. Qualitative research methods and individually tailored interventions are important when researching complementary and alternative therapies.
Key Findings: what this case study found about fibromyalgia
- ✓Reflexology reduced pain symptoms across multiple body areas including the head, neck, and arms in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.
- ✓Ten weekly sessions of reflexology appeared to help isolate and decrease overall fibromyalgia pain in the study participants.
- ✓Qualitative research methods and individually tailored interventions are important when evaluating the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies like reflexology.
What This Means for You
While this small study suggests reflexology may help reduce fibromyalgia pain, the evidence is preliminary and based on only six women, so results may vary significantly from person to person.
What This Means for Practitioners
Individualizing reflexology treatments and using qualitative observation methods may be important for documenting client improvements with fibromyalgia, though larger controlled studies are needed to establish effectiveness.
Study Design: how this case study was run
Reflexology for fibromyalgia: common questions
Does reflexology help with fibromyalgia?
While this small study suggests reflexology may help reduce fibromyalgia pain, the evidence is preliminary and based on only six women, so results may vary significantly from person to person.
What did this study find?
Reflexology reduced pain symptoms across multiple body areas including the head, neck, and arms in women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Ten weekly sessions of reflexology appeared to help isolate and decrease overall fibromyalgia pain in the study participants. Qualitative research methods and individually tailored interventions are important when evaluating the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies like reflexology.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a case study and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 6 participants. It was published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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