Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in pain and other symptoms which may be modified by conventional treatment, however, MS is still not curable. Several studies have reported positive effects of reflexology in the treatment of pain, however, no randomised controlled clinical trials for the treatment of pain have been conducted within this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology on pain in and MS population. We randomly allocated 73 participants to receive either precision or sham reflexology weekly for 10 weeks. Outcome measures were taken pre-and post-treatment with follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks by a researcher blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome measure recorded pain using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A significant (p < 0.0001) and clinically important decrease in pain intensity was observed in both groups compared with baseline. Median VAS scores were reduced by 50% following treatment, and maintained for up to 12 weeks. Significant decreases were also observed for fatigue, depression, disability, spasm and quality of life. In conclusion, precision reflexology was not superior to sham, however, both treatments offer clinically significant improvements for MS symptoms via a possible placebo effect or stimulation of reflex points in the feet using non-specific massage.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Both precision reflexology and sham reflexology produced significant pain reduction in MS patients, with median Visual Analogue Scale scores decreasing by 50% from baseline (p < 0.0001).
- ✓Pain reduction benefits were maintained for up to 12 weeks following the 10-week treatment period in both groups.
- ✓The study found no significant difference in pain reduction between precision reflexology and sham reflexology, suggesting a substantial placebo effect in reflexology treatment for MS-related pain.
What This Means for You
Reflexology may provide meaningful pain relief for MS symptoms, but the benefit appears to come from the treatment experience itself rather than the specific technique.
What This Means for Practitioners
This study suggests reflexology can deliver clinically significant symptom relief in MS populations, though the mechanism may involve non-specific effects like therapeutic touch and attention rather than specific reflex point stimulation.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
Reflexology may provide meaningful pain relief for MS symptoms, but the benefit appears to come from the treatment experience itself rather than the specific technique.
What did this study find?
Both precision reflexology and sham reflexology produced significant pain reduction in MS patients, with median Visual Analogue Scale scores decreasing by 50% from baseline (p < 0.0001). Pain reduction benefits were maintained for up to 12 weeks following the 10-week treatment period in both groups. The study found no significant difference in pain reduction between precision reflexology and sham reflexology, suggesting a substantial placebo effect in reflexology treatment for MS-related pain.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 73 participants. It was published in Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England). Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Looking for a reflexologist?
Find practitioners who can help with the conditions studied in this research.
Find a Reflexologist