Exploratory study on the efficacy of reflexology for pain threshold and tolerance using an ice-pain experiment and sham TENS control
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
To explore the efficacy of reflexology on acute pain induced in healthy human subjects using a sham TENS control. An ice-pain experiment was undertaken in which the volunteers (n = 15; 11 female and 4 male with a mean ± SEM age of 37.7 ± 2.6 years) were required to immerse their non-dominant hand in a container of ice-slurry whilst two indices of pain, i.e. threshold, (the time taken for subjects to experience the first pain sensation) and tolerance, (the time when the subject is unable to tolerate any further pain), were measured. Compared to control data, reflexology increased acute pain threshold (F(1,14) = 4.5958, p < 0.05) and tolerance (F(1,14) = 5.1095, p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that reflexology produces antinociceptive effects in a controlled experiment and suggest the possibility that reflexology may be useful on its own or as an adjunct to medication in the treatment of pain conditions in man.
Key Findings: what this pilot study found
- ✓Reflexology significantly increased acute pain threshold compared to control conditions (p < 0.05), as measured by the time taken for subjects to experience the first pain sensation during an ice-pain experiment.
- ✓Reflexology significantly increased acute pain tolerance compared to control conditions (p < 0.05), extending the time subjects could tolerate ice-induced pain before becoming unable to continue.
- ✓Reflexology demonstrated antinociceptive (pain-reducing) effects in this controlled experimental setting, suggesting potential utility as a standalone treatment or adjunct to medication for pain conditions.
What This Means for You
While this small study suggests reflexology may help with pain tolerance, the evidence is still preliminary and limited to a controlled ice-water test—more research is needed before relying on it as a primary pain treatment.
What This Means for Practitioners
This pilot study provides preliminary support for reflexology's antinociceptive (pain-blocking) effects in controlled settings, which could justify further research and cautious clinical exploration alongside conventional pain management.
Study Design: how this pilot study was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
While this small study suggests reflexology may help with pain tolerance, the evidence is still preliminary and limited to a controlled ice-water test—more research is needed before relying on it as a primary pain treatment.
What did this study find?
Reflexology significantly increased acute pain threshold compared to control conditions (p < 0.05), as measured by the time taken for subjects to experience the first pain sensation during an ice-pain experiment. Reflexology significantly increased acute pain tolerance compared to control conditions (p < 0.05), extending the time subjects could tolerate ice-induced pain before becoming unable to continue. Reflexology demonstrated antinociceptive (pain-reducing) effects in this controlled experimental setting, suggesting potential utility as a standalone treatment or adjunct to medication for pain conditions.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a pilot study and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 15 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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