Effects of Reflexology on Pain in Patients With Fibromyalgia
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for fibromyalgia, explained
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reflexology on pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia, using an experimental repeated-measures design, and a convenience sample of 30 fibromyalgia inpatients. Thirty patients aged 18 to 70 years with fibromyalgia and hospitalized in the algology clinic were taken as a convenience sample. Patients received a total of 12 60-minute sessions of reflexology over a period of 6 consecutive weeks. Reflexology was carried out bilaterally on the hands and feet of patients at the reflex points relating to their pain at a suitable intensity and angle. Subjects had pain scores taken immediately before the intervention (0 minute), and at the 60th minute of the intervention. Data were collected over a 10-month period in 2012. The patients' mean pain intensity scores were reduced by reflexology, and this decrease improved progressively in the first and sixth weeks of the intervention, indicating a cumulative dose effect. The results of this study implied that the inclusion of reflexology in the routine care of patients with fibromyalgia could provide nurses with an effective practice for reducing pain intensity in these patients.
Key Findings: what this observational study found about fibromyalgia
- ✓Reflexology treatment consisting of 12 sessions over 6 weeks significantly reduced mean pain intensity scores in fibromyalgia patients.
- ✓Pain reduction from reflexology demonstrated a cumulative dose effect, with progressive improvement observed between the first and sixth weeks of treatment.
- ✓A single 60-minute reflexology session produced measurable pain reduction within the session, with pain scores decreasing from baseline to the 60-minute mark.
What This Means for You
This small study suggests reflexology may help reduce fibromyalgia pain over time, but results are based on a limited group without a comparison group, so talk with your healthcare provider before deciding if it's right for you.
What This Means for Practitioners
This research supports reflexology as a potential complementary tool for fibromyalgia pain management, with evidence of cumulative benefit from consistent, bilateral hand and foot treatments applied over weeks.
Study Design: how this observational study was run
Reflexology for fibromyalgia: common questions
Does reflexology help with fibromyalgia?
This small study suggests reflexology may help reduce fibromyalgia pain over time, but results are based on a limited group without a comparison group, so talk with your healthcare provider before deciding if it's right for you.
What did this study find?
Reflexology treatment consisting of 12 sessions over 6 weeks significantly reduced mean pain intensity scores in fibromyalgia patients. Pain reduction from reflexology demonstrated a cumulative dose effect, with progressive improvement observed between the first and sixth weeks of treatment. A single 60-minute reflexology session produced measurable pain reduction within the session, with pain scores decreasing from baseline to the 60-minute mark.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a observational study and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 30 participants. It was published in Holistic nursing practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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